When it comes to choosing a new hair color, it's important to consider your skin tone. The right hair color can enhance your natural beauty, while the wrong one can make you look washed out or even sickly. In this guide, we'll help you determine what hair color goes with your skin tone, and give you tips on how to care for your newly colored locks.
Table of Contents
- How to Determine Your Skin Tone
- Hair Colors for Cool Skin Tones
- Hair Colors for Warm Skin Tones
- Hair Colors for Neutral Skin Tones
- Tips for Maintaining Your New Hair Color
- FAQs
How to Determine Your Skin Tone
The first step in determining what hair color goes with your skin tone is to figure out what your skin tone actually is. There are three main categories: cool, warm, and neutral. Here's how to tell which one you fall into:
Cool Skin Tones
If you have cool skin tones, your skin will have pink or bluish undertones. You may also have a rosy complexion. Here are some hair colors that will complement your skin tone:
Blonde
Platinum blonde, ash blonde, and champagne blonde are all great options for cool skin tones. Just be sure to avoid yellow or golden blondes, as these can clash with your skin and make you look sallow.
Brown
Light or medium ash brown shades are ideal for cool skin tones. Avoid warmer browns, like caramel or chestnut, as they can make your skin look red or irritated.
Black
If you have cool skin tones, you can pull off a dramatic black hair color. Just be sure to choose a shade that has cool undertones, rather than warm ones.
Warm Skin Tones
If you have warm skin tones, your skin will have yellow or golden undertones. You may also have a peachy or golden complexion. Here are some hair colors that will look great on you:
Blonde
Golden blonde, honey blonde, and caramel blonde all work well with warm skin tones. Avoid ashy or cool blondes, as these can clash with your skin and make you look washed out.
Brown
Warm browns, like chestnut or caramel, are perfect for warm skin tones. Avoid ashy or cool browns, as these can make your skin look gray or dull.
Red
Warm reds, like copper or auburn, look stunning on warm skin tones. Avoid cool reds, like burgundy or cherry, as these can clash with your skin and make you look sickly.
Neutral Skin Tones
If you have neutral skin tones, your skin will have a balance of both warm and cool undertones. You may also have a beige or olive complexion. Here are some hair colors that will flatter your skin tone:
Blonde
Neutral blonde shades, like beige or wheat, are perfect for neutral skin tones. Avoid extremely cool or warm blondes, as these can clash with your skin and make you look unbalanced.
Brown
Neutral browns, like taupe or mushroom, are great for neutral skin tones. Avoid extremely warm or cool browns, as these can make you look washed out or unbalanced.
Red
Neutral reds, like strawberry blonde or cinnamon, look beautiful on neutral skin tones. Avoid extremely cool or warm reds, as these can clash with your skin and make you look unbalanced.
Tips for Maintaining Your New Hair Color
Once you've chosen the perfect hair color for your skin tone, it's important to take good care of your locks to keep the color looking fresh and vibrant. Here are some tips to help you maintain your new hair color:
- Use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner to prevent fading.
- Avoid washing your hair too frequently, as this can strip the color.
- Protect your hair from the sun by wearing a hat or using a UV-protective spray.
- Avoid using hot tools, like flat irons or curling irons, too often, as this can damage your hair and cause the color to fade.
- Get regular trims to keep your ends healthy and prevent split ends, which can make your hair look dull and lifeless.
FAQs
Can I dye my hair a different color if it doesn't match my skin tone?
Of course! At the end of the day, your hair color should make you feel happy and confident. If you love a certain hair color, go for it! Just be aware that some colors may clash with your skin tone and make you look less vibrant.
How often should I touch up my hair color?
This will depend on the type of hair color you choose and how quickly your hair grows. Generally, permanent hair colors will need to be touched up every 4-6 weeks, while semi-permanent colors can last up to 8 weeks or longer.
Can I dye my hair at home, or should I go to a salon?
If you're a beginner, it's probably best to go to a salon for your first hair color. A professional stylist can help you choose the right shade for your skin tone and ensure that the color is applied evenly. However, if you're confident in your skills, you can try dyeing your hair at home. Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully and do a patch test first to avoid any allergic reactions.