What hair color suits me comes down to your skin undertone, how dark your skin is, your eye color and how much upkeep you want. This guide walks you through each step, then gives a decision table of shades. If you are asking what color hair should I have after a long time with the same shade, this is a good place to start.
Step 1: Start from your natural level
Hair color is measured on a scale from 1 (black) to 10 (lightest blonde). Staying within two levels of your natural color looks the most natural and is the cheapest to maintain. Bigger jumps work, but they take more appointments and more care. Check the hair color chart to find your level.
Step 2: Match your skin undertone
- Warm undertone: golden blonde, honey, caramel, copper, auburn, golden brown and chestnut.
- Cool undertone: ash blonde, beige, ash brown, mushroom brown, burgundy, plum and blue-black.
- Neutral undertone: most shades. Bronde, milk chocolate and soft black are safe.
- Olive: chocolate, espresso, caramel and mahogany. Be careful with yellow blonde and very ashy tones.
For more, read best hair color for your skin tone and how to find your undertone.
Step 3: Think about skin depth and eye color
Very fair skin looks washed out with very pale hair unless the tone is chosen carefully, and very dark hair makes high contrast. Deeper skin looks great with rich browns, copper and burgundy, and with highlights two or three shades above the base. Eye color is a tiebreaker: caramel and honey bring out brown eyes, copper and auburn bring out green, and ash tones suit blue eyes with cool skin.
Step 4: Be honest about upkeep
| Choice | Roots show | Salon visits |
|---|---|---|
| Within two levels of natural | slowly | every 3 to 4 months |
| Lighter blonde from dark | fast | every 4 to 8 weeks |
| Balayage | softly | every 3 to 4 months |
| Vivid shades | fast | every 4 to 6 weeks for toning |
If you do not want regular touch-ups, pick balayage, a gloss or a shade close to your natural color. See hair gloss and balayage.
What color hair should I have? A short list
- For warm skin: honey blonde, golden brown or copper.
- For cool skin: ash brown, mushroom brown or burgundy.
- For neutral skin: bronde or chocolate brown.
- For a bold change: rose gold or dark red.
For an overview of the possibilities, see hair color ideas.
Mistakes to avoid when choosing a color
- Picking a photo color without checking your undertone. The same shade looks different on different skin.
- Going too dark or too light all at once. Move in steps and let the stylist check how your hair takes the color.
- Ignoring your eyebrows. Very different hair and brow colors look harsh. Ask for a brow tint or a brow pencil one shade lighter than your hair.
- Forgetting maintenance. Warm tones fade and cool blondes turn brassy. Ask what to use at home, such as color-safe shampoo and a toning mask.
- Skipping a consultation. A stylist can check your starting color, past dye and hair health before you commit.
Make a change gradually
If you are nervous, start with a gloss or a few face-framing highlights. A money piece is a low-risk way to try lighter hair, and lowlights add depth without a full color. If you like the result, go further at the next appointment. If you do not, the change is easy to blend out.
Use your color season
Your season already gives you a list of hair colors that suit you. See color analysis seasons, or find yours with the color analysis quiz.
Try the color first
The safest way to answer the question is to see the color on your own face. Upload a selfie to the hair color changer and compare up to four shades side by side.
Related reading: best hair color for your skin tone, hair color ideas and hair color chart.
FAQ
How do I choose a hair color that suits me?
Match your skin undertone and depth, stay within two levels of your natural color for an easy change, and preview the shade first.
What hair color suits warm skin?
Golden blonde, honey, caramel, copper, auburn and golden brown.
What hair color suits cool skin?
Ash blonde, beige, ash brown, mushroom brown, burgundy and plum.
What color hair should I have if I want low maintenance?
A shade within two levels of your natural color, or balayage with a soft root.
