How to Pick a Hair Color That Is Right for You

So, you've chosen to switch your hair color, but aren't sure what tones will look best on you?

This appears to be the situation with many things these days — there are too many options, making it difficult for individuals to do something as simple as choosing.

If you merely go to the supermarket, you will see that there are dozens (dare we say hundreds?) of possibilities staring at you, tempting you to choose.

If you're changing your hair color for the first time, there are a few things you should know before making your decision.

Hair color selection, like so many other aspects of life, can be a long procedure. That is, it might not be as simple as you believe.

That should not, however, stop you from going ahead but doing it. Remember that in the end, you'll have the right tone, something unique to you. Yes, it's not easy, and there are many aspects to consider while making a decision. But believe us when we say it's worth it.

The best thing you should do to get to a well-rounded decision is think this through.

There are several stages to this process.That also means you'll have to answer a few questions before you go ahead and dye your hair a different color.

1) How drastic will the changes be?

Measure the degree of the transformation. Are you just "mixing it up" by going a shade lighter or darker, or are you contemplating a more severe change?

Another factor to consider when choosing a hair color is the professional atmosphere in which you will be working. In an ideal world, no one would give a second thought to a person's hair color.

However, as we all know, this is not the case in many institutions and places of work. So, if you go to a school where this is against the rules, or if you work in a professional atmosphere where a bold hue is frowned upon, think twice. To make your option more acceptable, soften it down a few shades. Why not create your own work environment where this is a common occurrence in the future?

2)   Will you also get a haircut while you’re at it?

The best piece of advice we can give you if you’re planning to dye your hair and cut it is – get your hair cut first!

If you’re already planning to cut your hair, it’s best to do that first, before you color your hair. This will save you money and time. Maybe try some short hairstyles that are becoming increasingly popular.

Frankly, it’s economically wise.

3)   How often are you willing to dye it?

Again, this may be something you’re not even thinking about. But, if you want to do it right, this is another question that needs to be answered.

If you decide to make a more drastic change to your hair color, that means you will have to dye it regularly every four weeks or so. This will cost more and it will take more of your time, whether you decide to dye your hair by yourself or have a professional do it.

Not too economically wise, is it?

However, if the color you chose is not too far from your natural color, then there’s no need to do it as often. Just make sure not to leave it for too long, then you might as well stop dyeing it altogether.

This is a matter of deciding whether you’re willing to invest money and time into maintaining your color. If you are, that’s great! If not, choose a color that is closer to your natural shade.

4)   How will the color affect your hair and appearance?

First of all, when choosing a hair color, make sure to learn what darker shades and lighter shades do to it. Your hair will feel heavier and thicker if you decide to dye it in a darker shade. 

On the other hand, lighter shades usually emphasize layers and textures. When you choose lighter shades, also, your hair will feel less heavy.

Another thing you should take into account is that hair color has meaning. Even the color of flowers has meaning, so why not people’s hair? So, at least try to learn about various meanings hair color can have before you take this leap.

It is really true that our hair can be a statement. So choose yours well.

How to Pick the Best Hair Color for Your Skin Tone

Many hairstylists will tell you that the most important element to consider is your skin tone. They wouldn't be mistaken.

You must match the tones of your hair and complexion, just as you must match the colors of your entire wardrobe. Choosing the proper hair color can only add to your attractiveness. On the other side, if you choose a hue that contrasts with your skin tone, any flaws in your complexion will be highlighted.

And that is not something you want to happen.

1)   Learning about your skin tone

One of the things you have to do before dyeing your hair is see what the tone of your skin is.

Luckily, this is not particularly difficult.

First, make sure that you wash your face completely of makeup (and the grime of the city). Also, go to a room with good natural lighting to do the test (don’t worry, it’s not difficult; you certainly won’t fail).

You should know that there are four basic tones to one’s skin:

• Fair/light
• Medium
• Olive
• Dark

Of course, in each of these groups, there are further subdivisions. However, these four are all you need to choose a hair color later.

Then, you need to check for undertones.

Basically, there are three main undertones – warm, cool and neutral. And, there’s an easy test to conduct to see which one you are.

Simply turn your wrist and take a look at the color of the veins there. If your veins seem green, then you have a warm undertone. If, on the other hand, they are blue or purple, you have a cool undertone.

Of course, there are those whose skin undertone is somewhere in between. If you really can’t tell under natural light whether your veins are green or blue, you probably have a neutral skin tone.

Also, take a look into your eyes. With warm undertones, your eye color will most likely be green, hazel with gold flecks or a warm blue. With a cool undertone, your eye color will most likely be black, dark brown, hazel with blue or gray flecks or steely blue.

2)   Choosing the right color

This comes as no surprise, but if you have a fair skin tone, you can generally match it with lighter shades.

If you have a warm undertone, then you can choose some of the following hair colors: copper red, caramel, strawberry and golden blonde, rust and butterscotch. On the other hand, you should avoid black and colors with blue or violet tints. Those would clash incredibly.

If you have a cool undertone, basically, blonde, blonde, blonde is the way to go. However, make sure that you get a blonde dye with a bluish tint to it, to truly complement your tone. You can also try dark brown, blue-hued black and a rich red. You should generally try to avoid those colors that look good on fair skin tone with a warm undertone.

• Medium skin tone

A medium skin tone is quite versatile, so to speak. Unlike with the fair skin tone, with medium, you’re able to choose truly a lot of shades.

If you have a warm undertone, a mix between blonde and brown will work perfectly. Also, you can dye your hair copper, or any golden hue – golden caramel, golden red, etc. On the other hand, if you choose cool hues with your skin tone, you will simply appear older.

If you have a cool undertone, ashy blonde or sand blonde will suit you exceptionally well. You can also try beige tones and get a good result. Try auburn, cinnamon or a walnut brown, which can complement your skin tone rather well.

• Olive skin tone

In general, all shades of brunette should work perfectly on a person with an olive skin tone.

If you have a warm undertone, go for caramel and deep golden shades, that is, for warm shades that will suit the tone of your skin and the color of your eyes. Honey-blonde is another great choice, as well as mocha. Rich warm colors like violet red and violet black would also most likely look quite good. If you’re thinking about getting highlights, also get them in honey or gold, as you need a warm hue.

If you have a cool undertone, cinnamon and chestnut will work splendidly with your skin tone. If you dye your hair in a mocha color, your skin will look clearer and smoother. If you’re getting highlights, go for caramel ones. However, always be mindful that, if you decide to dye your hair blonde, don’t go too blonde, as this can wash your skin tone out.

A great majority of people with a dark skin tone have warm undertones. However, make sure to take the test just to be on the safe side. After all, everyone’s skin is a bit different.

If you have a warm undertone, you should highlight the richness and depth of it by dyeing your hair into maple, caramel, toffee or a warm black color. If you have your eye set on becoming a redhead (after all, we all know it’s redheads who have more fun), dye your hair blue-red, which will enhance the warm undertone. But that is as far as you can go with a blue tint, since normally you should avoid it. Also, avoid colors with a green tint and ashy blonde or ashy brown colors.

If you have a cool undertone, a deep black will definitely suit you well. You can also go for espresso, blue-black or a deep violet. When it comes to highlights, cool hues will add to perfection.

So, how do you choose?

In the end, you can’t know until you try a particular color. However, you can definitely narrow down your selection further with a few simple steps.

• Try on wigs. Yes, wigs are not perfect and they can look somewhat artificial. However, there are so many beautiful ones and you’re bound to find one that is the same shade as your future hair color. Try it on and see if it fits. If it doesn’t look right, chances are that it won’t look right either when you dye it.
• Take a look at your old photos. Perhaps you tried a hair color that suited you perfectly when you were a teenager? Perhaps your hair color changed, but you want to turn back time, so to speak? Look to your old self for inspiration. Or, you can look to your family members, as well. Take a look at your mom’s or your aunt’s old photos. Maybe they had that glorious color you’ve been looking all along, hidden among family photos!
• Try some of the hair color apps that are now available. They may not be perfect, but they may offer you a glimpse into what you could look like after you dye your hair.

At the end of the day, you get to choose what hair color you want. It’s a trial and error process and you should do whatever makes you comfortable.

Don’t be afraid to test out a few different shades before you get to your perfect one. It can definitely be a fun journey!

Also, don’t forget to preserve your hair color for as long as possible with shampoos and conditioners for dyed hair. Make sure not to expose your hair to too much heat (yes, this does include hot water and the sun!). If you have to use curling irons or flat irons, apply a heat protective cream or a hair serum.