Tips for Matching Hair Color with Your Skin Tone
When perusing the hair color aisle of your local drugstore and looking for something new, the possibilities seem endless. In theory, they are. But by the precepts of color theory, you have quite a few limitations to work within if you want your hair to look its best with your natural skin color. Consider these tips for matching hair color with your skin tone to ensure all your colors stay in sync.
Warm Colors for Warm Undertones
Determining the temperature of your undertones begins with a quick glance at your veins—particularly those on the underside of your wrist. If your veins appear to have a greenish cast to them, your skin has warm undertones. Your tanning tendency also indicates your skin color’s temperature—warm-toned skin will tan well rather than burn, though you should still be sure to use sunscreen responsibly. When it comes to hair color compared to skin tone, don’t seek balance—warm matches with warm, and contrast counts. The shade you choose for your hair should be markedly lighter or darker than your skin color so it doesn’t blend in. Match the yellows, oranges, and olive tones in your skin with bronzes, coppers, and warm browns, which will excellently complement your natural undertones.
Cool Colors for Cool Undertones
“Cool undertones” may not mean quite what you think it does. While traditional color theory understands reds and pinks to be warm colors, a reddish or pinkish tint to your skin falls under the umbrella of cool undertones alongside any hints of blue. You can identify cool undertones by examining those same veins in your wrist, which appear bluish or purplish in this instance, or by recognizing that you’re quick to get a sunburn. Cool skin calls for cool hair colors, like ash, platinum, and champagne tones. A cool hair color should detract from any excess redness in your face.
How To Get Out of a Mismatch
If you find that your hair color and skin tone clash after applying hair color yourself, fret not—all is not lost. Having read some tips for matching hair color with your skin tone, you’re sure to get it right next time. In the meantime, however, pay a visit to your stylist for a corrective color treatment that will get you back on the right track. Professional products and expertise will get your skin tone and hair color back into perfect harmony.
