Choosing a new hair color can be exciting but also nerve-wracking. With so many options from boldbrights to subtle highlights, how do you know which shade will lookbest on you? The right hair color can enhance your natural beauty, bring out your bestfeatures, and give you an instant confidence boost. But the wrong color can wash youout or look jarring. Don’t worry – there are some simple tips you can follow to find yourmost flattering hue.
The most important factors to consider are your natural hair color, eye color, skin tone, and personal style. Together, these elements create your overall look and should guide you in selecting shades that will complement your complexion. It’s also key to find a knowledgeable colorist who can listen to your hair goals and expectations while assessing your natural canvas to come up with a customized color plan. With some expert advice and a little preparation, you’ll be rocking gorgeous locks in no time.
Determine Your Skin’s Undertone
The first step is determining your skin’s undertones. Undertones are the hues that comethrough from underneath your skin’s surface. Knowing whether your complexion is warm, cool, or neutral will help narrow down hair colors that will work best for you.
Here’s how to figure out your skin undertone:
| Warm Undertones | Cool Undertones | Neutral Undertones |
|---|---|---|
| Golden, yellow, or olive skin | Rosy or pink skin | No obvious warm or cool tones |
| Green, hazel, or brown eyes | Blue or grey eyes | Eye color changes with makeup |
| Silver jewelry looks dull against skin | Gold jewelry looks wrong against skin | Can wear both silver and gold jewelry |
| Veins appear greenish | Veins appear blue or purple | Veins are difficult to discern |
If your characteristics line up on the warm side, you’ll look best in warmer golden blonde, auburn, or copper hair colors. Cool undertones match up well with ash and platinum blonde and cool chocolate browns. Neutral skin provides the most flexibility for any shade but should still avoid extreme warm and cool tones.
While undertones are a key factor, your natural hair color is also important to consider when coloring. Staying in the same color family as your natural hair will typically produce the most natural-looking results. Drastic color changes can sometimes appear jarring.
Determine Your Color Season
Another way to select shades that complement your complexion is to determine your color season. Color analysis categorizes people into color palettes based on their skin tone, eye color, and hair color. The four seasons are:
| Season | Characteristics | Best Hair Colors |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Warm or neutral skin, blue or green eyes, golden or ash blonde to dark brown hair | Warm shades like honey, strawberry, copper blonde |
| Summer | Cool undertones, blue or grey eyes, ash blonde to dark brown or black hair | Cool shades like platinum, ash brown, deep espresso |
| Autumn | Warm undertones, hazel or brown eyes, strawberry blonde to dark brown hair | Warm browns, auburns, rich golds, cinnamon |
| Winter | Cool undertones, blue eyes, dark hair | Intense shades like jet black, true red, icy platinum |
Finding your color season can make picking a shade simple by pointing you to hues predetermined to be harmonious. But don’t feel limited to the recommendations if you want to experiment outside your palette. Use your season as a guide, not a rule, when selecting a color.
Consider Your Eye Color
Your natural eye color is another physical trait to factor when choosing a hair color. The right tones can make eye colors dazzle, while the wrong shades can make them fall flat. Here are some flattering hair color choices for different eye pigments:
| Eye Color | Most Flattering Hair Colors |
|---|---|
| Blue | Platinum blonde, ash brown, black, strawberry blonde |
| Green | Auburn, mahogany, chestnut brown, bold red |
| Brown | Golden blonde, caramel, honey brown, espresso |
| Hazel | Golden brown, dark chestnut, red |
| Grey | Ash blonde, platinum, dark chocolate brown, black cherry |
Hair colors that have similar cool or warm undertones as your eyes will make them stand out. Contrasting shades can also accentuate eye pigment. Stay away from selecting a hair color identical to your eyes, as this can make them fade into the background.
Consider Your Personal Style
In addition to your physical characteristics, think about your personal style, preferences and lifestyle when choosing a new hair color. Factors like your wardrobe palette, profession, and desired maintenance level should all come into play. Ask yourself:
– What colors do I gravitate towards in my clothing and makeup? Your new hair should coordinate with the rest of your look.
– How much time do I spend styling my hair? High maintenance colors like bright fashion shades or heavy highlights require frequent touch-ups. More natural hues are better for a wash and wear routine.
– Does my job or lifestyle restrict hair colors? Conservative workplaces or activities may prohibit fun colors.
– Do I want subtle enhancements or a major change? Think about your comfort level making a bold or soft statement.
Your hair color sends a message about your style. Pick shades that align with the image you want to present to the world. Don’t be afraid to show off your personality!
Trust Your Colorist
An experienced stylist should guide you to colors that will complement your features, including some you may not have considered. Come to your appointment with an open mind and collaborative spirit. Describe the look you’re hoping to achieve and provide inspiration photos if possible. But also listen to your pro’s trained eye about shades that will work with your canvas. Trust their expertise about current trends and application techniques. They should also advise about hair health, realistic expectations, and maintenance needs. With a spirit of partnership, your colorist can give you gorgeous, confidence-boosting results.
Go Gradually
For major color transitions, go gradually over multiple sessions. This gives your hair time to adjust to the new pigments while allowing you to perfect the shades. Starting with highlights or lowlights will soften the grow-out period too. Keep notes about the formulas you use so adjustments can be made until the color is perfect. Be patient! Good things are worth waiting for.
Do a Strand Test
Before committing to a new all-over color, do a strand test of the formula first. Your colorist can isolate a few strands in an inconspicuous spot, prep them, and apply the prospective shade. This gives you a preview of how the color will develop on your hair. Look at the strand test in different lighting to see all its dimensionalities. Check it over the next couple days as the tone oxidizes. A strand test reduces surprises and protects against disasters.
Consider Maintenance
Think about the necessary maintenance before settling on your color. Permanent dyes require less frequent touch-ups than semi-permanent options. All-over color needs less upkeep than highlights or fashion tones. Bleached hair demands more conditioning treatment than deposit-only pigments. Look at your calendar and budget to ensure you can keep up with your new hair’s needs. Communicate these factors with your colorist. Together you can find the right balance of gorgeous color with realistic maintenance.
Enhance Your Cut
A flattering haircut boosts the effect of any new tresses. Layers, face-framing, and strategic parting add dimension that shows off color. The right cut also boosts natural movement to allow hues to catch the light. Your colorist and stylist should collaborate to determine a cut that maximizes the vibrancy of your new shade. Share photos of any preferred styles. An updated cut completes your new look.
Conclusion
With some planning and expert help, you can discover the perfect hair color to make you look and feel your best. Consider your complexion, eye color, style and lifestyle to pick shades that enhance your natural beauty. Trust your colorist’s trained eye for hues that complement you. Go gradually, do a strand test, and consider maintenance needs. Complete the look with a cut that shows off your new shade. With the right color choice, you’ll be looking gorgeous and confident in no time!
