Choosing the perfect hair color can be daunting, especially if you’re unsure which shade will complement your skin tone. This guide will help you determine what hair color would suit you best based on your skin’s undertones and characteristics.
Determining Your Skin Undertone
1. The Vein Test:
- Look at the veins on the underside of your wrist in natural light.
- If they appear blue or purple, you have cool undertones.
- If they appear green or olive, you have warm undertones.
- If they appear both blue and green, you have neutral undertones.
2. The Jewelry Test:
- Hold gold and silver jewelry against your skin.
- If gold looks better, you have warm undertones.
- If silver looks better, you have cool undertones.
- If both look good, you have neutral undertones.
Hair Color Recommendations
1. Cool Undertones:
- Ash blonde: Pale blonde with gray undertones, suitable for fair skin with pink or blue undertones.
- Platinum blonde: Very light blonde with silvery undertones, suitable for fair skin with cool undertones.
- Cool brunette: Dark brown with blue or purple undertones, suitable for medium to dark skin with olive or cool undertones.
- Burgundy: Deep red with cool undertones, suitable for medium to dark skin with cool undertones.
2. Warm Undertones:
- Honey blonde: Warm blonde with golden or reddish undertones, suitable for fair to medium skin with yellow or peachy undertones.
- Caramel blonde: Medium blonde with caramel or copper undertones, suitable for medium to darker skin with warm undertones.
- Warm brunette: Medium or dark brown with reddish or orange undertones, suitable for medium to dark skin with warm undertones.
- Auburn: Reddish-brown with warm undertones, suitable for medium to dark skin with warm undertones.
3. Neutral Undertones:
- Any blonde: Blonde shades with both cool and warm undertones work well for neutral skin tones.
- Brunette: Any shade of brunette from cool to warm complements neutral skin tones.
- Red: Red hair with both cool and warm undertones is suitable for neutral skin tones.
Considerations for Skin Color
1. Fair Skin:
- Light blonde shades, such as ash blonde and platinum blonde, can enhance fair skin’s delicate features.
- Darker shades, such as burgundy and cool brunette, can add depth and warmth to fair skin.
2. Medium Skin:
- Warm blonde shades, such as honey blonde and caramel blonde, complement medium skin tones with yellow or peachy undertones.
- Cool brunette and warm brunette shades suit medium skin tones with olive or warm undertones.
3. Dark Skin:
- Warm brunette shades, such as reddish-brown and auburn, enhance the richness of dark skin.
- Cool brunette shades with purple undertones can add depth and warmth to dark skin.
Tables for Quick Reference
| Skin Undertone | Recommended Hair Colors |
|---|---|
| Cool | Ash blonde, platinum blonde, cool brunette, burgundy |
| Warm | Honey blonde, caramel blonde, warm brunette, auburn |
| Neutral | Any blonde, any brunette, any red |
| Skin Color | Suitable Hair Shades |
|---|---|
| Fair | Light blonde, ash blonde, burgundy, cool brunette |
| Medium | Warm blonde, caramel blonde, cool brunette, warm brunette |
| Dark | Warm brunette, reddish-brown, auburn, cool brunette with purple undertones |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I change my hair color if I don’t like what I choose?
Yes, most hair colors can be changed or reversed with professional hair styling services.
2. How often should I touch up my hair color?
The frequency of touch-ups depends on the technique used and the rate of hair growth. Consult your hairstylist for personalized recommendations.
3. How can I maintain my hair color?
Use color-protecting shampoos and conditioners, avoid heat styling as much as possible, and visit your hairstylist for regular trims.
4. What are the best at-home hair color products?
There are many reputable at-home hair color products available. Research the brands and consult reviews before selecting one.
5. Is it possible to find my skin’s undertone if I have acne or blemishes?
Yes, look at the skin around the perimeters of your face, where blemishes are less prominent.
6. What if I can’t decide between two hair colors?
Consider a temporary solution, such as clip-in extensions or a hair chalk spray, to test out different shades before committing.