Hair color can be one of the most fun things about getting ready in the morning. But it can also be confusing, especially when you’re trying to choose a color that will look good with your skin tone.
Do you want to go with something bright and bold, or something more natural? Keep reading for tips on how to find the perfect hair color for you.
What are your skin tone undertones?
Before you can choose the right hair color for yourself, you first need to determine what skin tones look best on you.
The easiest way to do this is by looking at your veins. If they appear blue or purple, then you have cool skin undertones. If they appear more greenish, then you have warm skin undertones.
When choosing a hair color that will look good with your skin tone, keep in mind that cool tones tend to be easier than warm tones.
Cool colors will usually look better if your veins appear blue or purple. Warm colors are usually better if your veins appear greenish.
If the appearance of your veins changes based on the temperature (for example, you notice that they appear greenish in the summer and blue or purple in the winter), then this is a classic tell-tale sign of cool undertones.
If your veins look more consistent regardless of the season, then you probably have warm undertones.
Below is an example of what different skin tones may look best with:
- Cool Undertoned Skin Tones
People with cool skin undertones will be able to pull off bright colors, like blue or purple
They will look best in cool colors that are lighter than their skin color (for example, they could wear a medium lavender tone with their fair skin).
- Warm Undertoned Skin Tones
People with warm undertones will be able to pull off warmer colors, like yellow or orange
They will look best in warm colors that are darker than their skin tone (for example, they could wear an espresso shade if their skin is fair).
Tips for choosing the right hair color for you
Once you know what your skin tone is and whether you have warm or cool undertones, it’s time to move on to the fun part! Choosing the right hair color for you
We’ll start with the easiest hair colors, which are ones that will work for most people. Then we’ll get into more advanced or personalized hair color choices, like ombre and highlights.
With these tips in mind, you should be able to find a color that is easy to pull off and looks perfect on you.
Gold/Yellow Hair Color = Warm undertones
Light blonde – People with fair skin who have neutral or warm undertones will look best with light blonde hair colors, especially if they want to go golden blonde
Medium golden brown – People who have medium skin tones and warm undertones usually look good in this shade of blonde. They can also try light ash brown shades with golden highlights.
Gold Blonde – If you have darker skin, you can try this color. It works well with medium to dark brown hair that’s naturally wavy or curly. However, if your skin tone is very deep, then it may be better for you to go with a red-based blonde instead of a golden blonde.
Brown Hair Color = Warm undertones
Light Ash Brown – This color looks best on people with warm undertones and light complexions.
Medium Toffee Brown – Since this shade is closer to being an ashy brown than an orangey-colored brown, it should look good on most people with dark hair who have warm undertones.
Dark Hazelnut Brown – For people who have medium skin tones that have warm undertones, this is a good color that won’t look too dark on them.
Golden Brown – For people who have darker skin with neutral to cool undertones, the golden brown shade is the best option. People with very dark skin can try using chocolate brown hair.
Light Blonde Hair Colors = Cool undertones
Platinum blonde – People who have ash blonde or light ash brown hair are perfect candidates for platinum blonde hair colors.
Cool tan blonde – This color works well on people with very fair complexions and naturally warm undertones (hazel eyes). If you’re someone who has dyed your fair hair some shade of red or brunette in the past, then it’s also possible to pull off this color. However, people who have naturally dark hair will not be able to achieve this look without the help of dye.
Medium Ash Blonde – If you have medium skin with neutral or cool undertones, then this color should work for you.
Medium ash brown – It’s one step darker than the light ash brown shade, but it’s still considered an ash blonde. Therefore, it will look good on most people who are looking for cool colors that are lighter than their natural hair tone.
Light Brown Hair Color = Warm undertones
Light Caramel Blonde – This is a shade that works well on people who have warm undertones and very light complexions.
Light Golden Brown – People with warm undertones and darker skin tones will look best in this color. It will provide more warmth than lighter shades of blonde.
Warm Dark Brown – This is the best shade for people with medium complexions who have warm undertones. People with very dark skin can also try it, but they should make sure that it blends well into their natural hair.
Medium Golden Brown – If you have fair to medium skin and cool undertones, this color could work for you. However, if you have cool or neutral-colored eyes, then it may be better to choose another option.
Cool eye colors don’t look good with warm hues like honey, golden brown, and caramel blonde colors. They’re much better suited for cooler tones like olive green and grey-blue.
Does skin tone matter when dying hair?
It’s no secret that hair color can drastically change your appearance. While there are many factors to consider when dying your hair, such as what color to choose and how to maintain it, one of the most important is skin tone.
For example, dark skin tones look great with red hair color. On the other hand, many lighter-skinned women may find that they are better off sticking to browns and gold colors.
Also, keep in mind that cool colors tend to be easier than warm tones; therefore, if you have naturally warm undertones, it may be best to stick to cooler hues.
Final Thoughts
If you’re unsure about which shade is right for you, it’s advisable to consult with a stylist. He or she will be able to help you choose the best color and explain how to maintain your new hue.
You may also want to consider what colors look good on your skin tone and face shape.
If you’ve never colored your hair before, keep in mind that it will be pretty much permanent for a while. You will have to wait at least six weeks before recoloring your hair if you don’t like the results.
So make sure that you select a color you’re sure about beforehand.
