Deciding on a new hair color can be daunting—there are so many to choose from—but the answer may be right in front of you. James Corbett, Clairol color director, says skin tones can be broken down into three basic categories (cool, warm and neutral). To determine yours, look at the inner part of your wrist and note the color of your veins. Got it? Now, check out our picks for the best hair colors for your skin tone.
The best hair color for your skin tone depends on your skin’s undertones, which can be cool, warm, or neutral. Here are some general guidelines to help you choose the right hair color for your skin tone:
- Fair skin with cool undertones: Suitable hair colors include strawberry blonde, copper, honey, and gold. Golden copper, rich red mahogany, mocha brown, and golden blonde are also recommended.
- Fair skin with warm undertones: Warm shades like ashy blonde, blue-black, and true red can complement this skin tone.
- Neutral undertones: Those with neutral undertones can pull off a wide range of hair colors, but it’s essential to choose a shade that contrasts with your skin tone to avoid washing out or overwhelming your features.
- Dark skin tones: For dark skin tones, it’s essential to strike a contrast between your complexion and hair color. Cool shades like ash and taupe pair well with cool undertones, while warm shades like golden brown or blonde, bronze, and copper-red hair dyes complement warm undertones.
When choosing a hair color, it’s crucial to consider both your natural skin tone and your undertones to ensure the best complement for your full complexion. Remember that different skin colors favor different hair colors, so it’s essential to find a shade that suits your skin’s undertones
Medium with Cool Undertones
Cameron Diaz always looks perfectly bronzed, but at the base of her complexion are cool undertones. Golden blonde and auburn colors best complement this skin tone.
Medium with Warm Undertones
Envied for her glowing skin, Jessica Alba is a prime example of a medium skin tone with warm undertones. We weren’t crazy about her golden blonde hair but think she looks great with a deep mocha brown.
Medium with Neutral Undertones
Demi Lovato is a chameleon who can pull off almost any hair color. For medium skin tones with neutral undertones, stick to darker hair colors that enhance your tanned skin.
Dark with Warm Undertones
We love how Gabrielle Union’s subtle ruby highlights bring out her skin’s blue undertones. Stick with hair colors and highlights that sway more toward the warm end of the color spectrum for a pretty contrast between your skin and your hair.
Dark with Neutral Undertones
We’ve seen Rihanna go crimson red and bluish black, and we have loved it all. For darker skin with neutral undertones, feel free to experiment with a variety of colors, but lean toward darker shades for a natural look.
Dark with Cool Undertones
If your veins look blue or purple, you have a cooler skin tone with blue or pink undertones like Anne Hathaway. “If you have a cool skin tone, you may burn easily in the sun or blush easily,” Corbett says, “and you look better in black and white and jewel-tone colors, such as blue, pink and purple.”
When looking for a hair-color hue, pick a warm shade to complement your skin. Corbett recommends trying golden or warm colors.
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This story first appeared on More by Jessi Wilson.
About the Author: Jessi Wilson
Jessi Wilson is a journalist and social media enthusiast who lives for sharing affordable fashion, beauty and wedding advice. Along with More.com, her work has been featured on BHG.com and in Seventeen magazine.
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