November 5, 2025
Top Hair Trends From Our Students in 2025
The world of beauty is always evolving, and at Summit Salon Academy in Tacoma, our students are right at the heart of what’s next. Each year, we see creative minds experiment with color, texture, and shape—setting the stage for what becomes the next big trend.
This year is no exception. From bold reds to sunlit blondes and effortlessly cool short cuts, 2025’s hair trends are all about self-expression, confidence, and movement. Whether you’re looking to change up your own look or draw inspiration for your beauty career, these top student-created trends showcase why Summit Salon Academy in Tacoma continues to be a hub for innovation and artistry.
Let’s take a look at the top hair trends our students are bringing to life in 2025.
1. Cherry Cola: A Rich, Romantic Revival
Move over espresso brown—cherry cola hair is taking the spotlight this year. Inspired by the nostalgic soda shade, this deep brunette base with cherry red undertones offers a multidimensional warmth that’s perfect for anyone who wants a subtle yet striking change.
Our students love creating this color because it’s versatile and wearable, complementing both fair and deeper skin tones. Depending on how the light hits, cherry cola hair shifts from dark and sultry to radiant and red-hot.
Why it’s trending:
- Adds depth and richness without being overly dramatic
- Looks glossy and healthy with minimal upkeep
- Perfect transition shade for those nervous about going full red
Stylist tip: Pair this hue with soft waves or a sleek blowout to enhance the dimension and shine. For extra drama, add a few brighter red ribbons around the face for a subtle money-piece effect.
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2. Short Red Layered Cut: The Confident Statement Look
If 2024 was all about long, lived-in layers, 2025 is bringing the chop back—and with a fiery twist. The short red layered cut is one of our students’ favorite transformations this year. It’s bold, fearless, and full of personality.
This look pairs the confidence of a cropped style with the vibrancy of red tones, creating a showstopping finish. Students love customizing shades—from copper and scarlet to auburn and strawberry—to match each client’s skin tone and vibe.
Why it’s trending:
- Layers add natural movement and texture
- Short cuts require less styling time but deliver maximum impact
- Red hues are universally flattering when toned correctly
Want to make it more modern? Pair the cut with soft curtain bangs or a micro-fringe for that editorial edge.
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3. Sunkissed Bronde: The Effortless Glow
Nothing says “natural beauty” quite like sunkissed bronde—a dreamy blend of blonde and brown tones that gives off a radiant, lived-in warmth. Think soft highlights placed strategically to mimic how the sun would naturally lighten your hair.
Our students have mastered this look using balayage and foilayage techniques taught in our cosmetology program. The result? A sunlit finish that looks effortless and low-maintenance.
Why it’s trending:
- Ideal for those who want dimension without harsh contrast
- Works year-round and flatters a wide range of skin tones
- Pairs perfectly with soft waves or textured curls
Stylist tip: Ask for face-framing highlights and lighter ends for that “just-back-from-vacation” glow. Students often use toners with golden or beige undertones to keep the color warm and natural, rather than overly cool or ashy.
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4. Mushroom Brown: Cool, Chic, and Understated
For those who prefer earthy neutrals, mushroom brown continues to reign as one of the most sought-after colors of 2025. This ashy brown shade blends taupe, beige, and gray undertones to create a cool, dimensional finish that’s both sophisticated and low-key.
At Summit Salon Academy in Tacoma, students love creating this tone for clients looking to embrace a more natural, effortless look—but with an elevated twist.
Why it’s trending:
- Offers a soft contrast that works on brunettes and blondes alike
- Blends beautifully as it grows out, making maintenance easy
- Matches the current fashion trend toward neutral, minimalist aesthetics
For an added edge, some students incorporate “smoky lights”—cool-toned highlights that enhance the depth and sheen of the mushroom base.
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5. Dimensional Blonde: Bright, Bold, and Balanced
Gone are the days of flat, single-tone blondes. In 2025, it’s all about dimensional blonde—a layered, multi-tone approach that brings brightness and depth together seamlessly.
Our students have been experimenting with everything from buttery blondes to icy silvers, always ensuring that the final result looks healthy, luminous, and natural. The technique often includes root smudging, babylights, and lowlights to achieve that blended, sun-drenched effect.
Why it’s trending:
- Creates a more natural and low-maintenance blonde
- Adds movement and shine, even to finer hair types
- Complements every skin tone when customized correctly
Stylist tip: Keep your dimensional blonde looking fresh with a purple shampoo and regular gloss treatments. Students recommend a toning refresh every 6–8 weeks to maintain brightness without over-processing.
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6. The Bob: Classic Cut, Modern Energy
If there’s one haircut that never goes out of style, it’s the bob. But in 2025, our students are reinventing it with modern twists—think soft layers, textured ends, and asymmetric angles.
The beauty of the bob lies in its versatility. Whether it’s a chin-length French bob, a blunt-cut power bob, or a shaggy layered version, this timeless style continues to dominate the salon floor at Summit Salon Academy Tacoma.
Why it’s trending:
- Universally flattering across face shapes and hair textures
- Easy to style for both professional and casual settings
- Can be customized with bangs, color accents, or curls
Looking for a 2025 upgrade? Try pairing your bob with dimensional highlights or a wet-look finish for that editorial, runway-ready feel.
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7. Male Highlights: Subtle Detail, Major Impact
Men’s hair trends are evolving fast, and 2025 is seeing a huge rise in male highlights—from soft, sunlit streaks to bold, high-contrast color pops. Students at Summit Salon Academy Tacoma are leading the way, bringing artistry and precision to men’s coloring techniques.
This trend is all about enhancing natural texture and giving hair movement without looking overdone. Whether it’s soft caramel tones through dark brown hair or platinum pieces for a more fashion-forward look, highlights are helping men express their style with confidence.
Why it’s trending:
- Adds depth and contrast to natural hair color
- Complements short fades, long layers, and everything in between
- Reflects the growing popularity of gender-inclusive beauty trends
Stylist tip: For a subtle finish, students recommend balayage highlights that grow out naturally. For a bolder take, pair highlights with a tapered fade or textured crop to emphasize contrast.
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Where Trend Meets Training: Inside Summit Salon Academy Tacoma
Every one of these trends is more than just a style—it’s a reflection of the creativity, technical skill, and passion our students develop every day at Summit Salon Academy in Tacoma.
Our Cosmetology Program provides hands-on education in hair design, coloring, cutting, and styling techniques, all guided by experienced instructors who’ve built successful careers in the beauty industry. Students don’t just learn how to replicate trends—they learn how to create them.
At Summit Salon Academy in Tacoma, every haircut, color, and creative project helps prepare students for success—so when they graduate, they can be ready to bring the next generation of trends to life.
Be Part of the Next Big Hair Moment
From cherry cola hues to short red layered cuts, sunkissed brondes, mushroom browns, and dimensional blondes, our students are shaping the hair trends of 2025 with artistry and flair. Whether you’re a client looking for a fresh look or a future stylist ready to make your mark, Summit Salon Academy in Tacoma is where creativity, education, and opportunity come together.
Ready to start your beauty journey? Contact us today to learn more about our programs and book your tour.
