Skin tone plays a big role in what color of hair looks best. If you’re looking to enhance what you already have or you want something completely new and different, it pays to consider your skin as you choose what color to dye your strands. That’s easier said than done, which is why I gathered these tips to help you figure out your most outstanding look. If you’re planning to color your own hair, make sure you do a strand test first. Good luck!
1 Light Skin Tone = Lighter Hair Colors
Really light hair colors don’t look great on everyone, myself included. If you have very fair skin, however, you can easily pull off a platinum blonde look. Darker skin can look washed out if you go too light on your strands. Fair skin is enhanced with a lighter hair color, so you should definitely go for it if you have a light skin tone.
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When considering a new hair color, it is important to take into account your skin tone. For those with fair skin, lighter colors such as platinum blonde or strawberry blonde will enhance the complexion. Darker skin tones may be washed out by very light colors, so it is best to stick with colors that are a few shades darker.
Those with medium skin tones can pull off a variety of hair colors, from light blonde to deep brown. Red hair can also look great on those with medium skin, as the reddish hue will contrast with the complexion.
Those with olive skin should opt for darker colors, such as dark brown, black, or even auburn. These colors will bring out the natural glow of the skin. Blondes with olive skin may find that the contrast between the hair and the complexion is too stark, so it is best to avoid lighter colors.
Dark skin tones can look stunning with any hair color, from deep brown or black to bright blonde. However, it is important to choose a color that will complement the complexion. For example, those with dark skin may want to avoid colors that are too light, such as platinum blonde, as this can make the skin appear washed out.
Frequently asked questions
2 Medium Skin Tones Give You Tons of Freedom
If you have a medium skin tone, you have a lot more options than a lot of people. You can pull off a darker blonde shade or a wheat brown color, but you’ll also look great with a coppery shade of hair. Medium skin tones are also great if you want to try highlights that are super contrasted. Bottom line – if you have a medium skin tone, don’t be afraid to experiment with hair colors.
3 An Olive Skin Tone is Perfect for Dark Shades of Hair Color
If you prefer deep, dark shades of brown with lighter highlights, you will look wonderful if you also have an olive skin tone. You can totally pull off auburn, chestnut or cinnamon hair colors. Ask your stylist to add some highlights in gold or honey to give you an even better look. Olive skin tones are lucky ladies, that’s for sure! I totally wish I could rock this look.
4 Warm, Darker Skin Tones Means You Look Best with Dark Brown Hair
The trick with darker skin, according to experts at In Style magazine, is to create contrast between your hair and skin tone. If you have dark skin in warm colors, you want to go with something darker on your hair. That includes things like mahogany, toffee and maple. These colors ensure that your features are able to shine and that your hair looks fabulous at the same time.
5 Really Dark Skin Requires Contrast Too
If you have really dark skin, you don’t want to go too light, but if you go with a color that matches your skin tone, your face gets swallowed up by your hair color, making it hard to let your eyes and other facial features shine. You want to choose colors like espresso or black because they won’t wash out your skin, but there’s enough contrast to separate your skin from your hair.
6 You Want to Stay within Two Shades of Your Natural Color
No matter your skin tone, most hair color experts say to choose a color that’s within two shades of your current color. You can gradually go darker or lighter to bring out your skin tone, but a really drastic change might not be the look you’re after. Your stylist will help you choose the right color, but if you plan to color your own hair, use this rule to get the right look for your skin tone.
7 Try a Semi-Permanent Color to Determine if It’s Right for You
If you go with a semi-permanent color that washes out pretty easily, you can decide which color works best with your skin tone without making a huge commitment. If you like the color, you can easily go with something that will last longer when it’s time to touch up.
What skin tone do you have? What hair color do you like best with it?
