How to Choose Your Best Hair Color Based on Skin Undertones

When it comes to choosing the perfect hair color, it’s not just about picking a shade that looks pretty in the box. The secret to finding a hair color that flatters your natural beauty is understanding your skin’s undertones. It’s like unlocking a cheat code to better hair days!

In this guide, we’ll walk you through identifying your skin undertone and matching it with the right hair color. Whether you’re aiming for a subtle enhancement or a bold new look, we’ve got tips that will help you shine!

Table of Contents

What Are Skin Undertones?

Before diving into hair color, let’s talk about skin undertones. Your skin tone might change throughout the year (thanks to tanning and sun exposure), but your undertone stays consistent. It’s the color beneath your skin’s surface that affects how shades look against your skin. The three main undertones are:

Warm: Yellow, golden, or peachy undertones
Cool: Pink, red, or blue undertones
Neutral: A mix of both warm and cool tones

Still unsure of your undertone? Here’s a quick tip: Look at the veins on your wrist. If they appear greenish, you likely have warm undertones; if they’re blue or purple, you’re cool-toned. If it’s hard to tell, you might be neutral.

Choosing the Right Hair Color for Warm Undertones

If you have warm undertones, you’ll want to choose colors that bring out your skin’s natural warmth. Think of shades that complement those golden or peachy tones.

Best Hair Colors: Golden blondes, honey browns, caramel, and chestnut. Even warm, coppery reds can be stunning!
Hair Colors to Avoid: Ashy blondes or anything too icy—these shades can wash you out and make your skin look dull.

Tip: If you’re opting for at-home hair coloring, look for products with “warm” in their name or description. (Check out this affiliate link for the best at-home warm-toned hair dyes)

Best Hair Colors for Cool Undertones

For those with cool undertones, you’ll want to focus on shades that contrast with your skin’s pink or blue undertones. The goal here is to bring out brightness and balance the coolness in your complexion.

Best Hair Colors: Platinum blonde, ashy browns, burgundy, and black can look striking. Cool-toned highlights (like ash blonde or silver) also work beautifully.
Hair Colors to Avoid: Stay away from overly warm tones, like gold and copper. These can clash with your undertone and create an unflattering look.

For a chic, cool-toned look, you might want to try this affiliate link to an ash blonde hair dye that’s ideal for cool undertones.

Hair Colors for Neutral Undertones

If you have neutral undertones, congrats! You can pull off a wide variety of shades. You have the flexibility to experiment with both warm and cool colors.

Best Hair Colors: Neutral undertones look great with soft, natural shades like sandy blonde, mocha brown, or a light auburn. You can also play around with more dramatic hues, like blue-black or platinum!
Hair Colors to Avoid: You’re pretty safe across the board, but avoid anything too extreme on either end of the spectrum—like overly warm yellows or icy whites—unless you’re going for a bold contrast.

Tip: Not ready for full-on color? Try balayage or subtle highlights to add dimension without committing to a complete change.

Matching Hair Color with Eye Color

Your eye color can also play a role in finding the most flattering hair shade. Here are some quick suggestions based on eye color:

Blue or Gray Eyes: Cool tones like platinum, ash blonde, and icy brown will make your eyes pop.
Brown Eyes: Rich chocolate, chestnut, and warm caramel tones can add depth to brown eyes.
Green or Hazel Eyes: Shades of auburn, copper, and golden blonde bring out the warmth in green and hazel eyes.

Matching hair color to your skin undertone and eye color can create a balanced, harmonious look. Not sure where to start? Visit your local salon for a professional color consultation. Most stylists are trained in color theory and can help you find the perfect match.

Quick Recap: Your Cheat Sheet to Hair Color & Undertones

Warm Undertones: Golden blonde, honey, caramel, and copper.
Cool Undertones: Platinum, ash blonde, burgundy, and black.
Neutral Undertones: Mocha, sandy blonde, light auburn, or try highlights.

Final Thoughts: Your Best Hair Color Awaits!

Choosing a hair color based on your skin’s undertone will not only enhance your natural beauty but also make your hair and complexion look harmonious. Whether you’re changing things up with a bold new color or just adding subtle highlights, understanding your skin undertone is the key to unlocking that perfect shade.

Remember, if you’re unsure or want to avoid hair dye disasters, always consult with a professional stylist! They can guide you to the best hair color choices for your unique skin and eye color.

Ready to take the plunge? Check out some of our favorite at-home hair color kits here for easy, salon-quality results.

Bonus Tip: Need more hair care inspiration? Check out our guide on how to maintain vibrant hair color between salon visits. Keeping your color fresh doesn’t have to be hard!