If you’re thinking about switching up your hair color — go lighter for summer, perhaps? — but aren’t quite sure what shade to choose, this guide is for you. After all, there are multiple factors to consider before you make a decision that could drastically affect your appearance.
Factors to consider
There are nuances to finding the right hair color for you. Take the following factors into consideration before committing.
Current hair color
The hair color you have now plays a role in what shades you might be able to achieve next. If you’re starting with dark hair, for example, it will take multiple sessions to get to blonde.
Hair texture
Your hair texture can determine how well your hair can take in color. Thicker hair usually takes longer to dye, for example, and highly porous hair can quickly absorb moisture but may not retain it.
Hair health
The current condition of your hair can also impact potential color options. This includes your hair type, level of damage, past hair coloring, and past chemical processing. Damaged hair is more at risk of further damage after coloring.
Skin tone
Both your undertone and skin tone can help determine hair colors that might look best on you. The three main categories of skin tones include:
- Light: Skin is pale and easily sunburns.
- Medium: Skin has an olive tone and tans more easily.
- Deep: Skin is darker and least vulnerable to sunburns.
Skin undertone
Determine your skin undertone by examining your vein color or by how your skin looks against a white shirt. The three main categories of skin undertones include:
Color of your eyes
You might also want to take your eye color into consideration, as certain hair colors can affect the way your eyes appear.
- Warm: Your veins look green and your skin looks slightly yellow against a white shirt.
- Cool: Your veins are blue or purple in color and your skin looks slightly pink against a white shirt.
- Neutral: Your veins are a mix of the colors above and your skin doesn’t look any different against a white shirt.
Commitment level
Think about how much effort, money, and time you’re willing to invest in your hair. More dramatic changes will take time to accomplish and will require regular upkeep.
Hair color inspiration
We’ve rounded up some examples of hair colors that best fit each undertone.
Warm undertones
Warm undertones look best with rich hair colors that bring out the warmth in your skin.
Cool undertones
Those with cool undertones look best with hair colors that complement the blue and purple tones in your skin.
Neutral undertones
Since neutral undertones are a mix of warm and cool elements, you can rock most hair colors.
None of these factors are set rules that you have to follow. There are truly no limits to your hair color — it all depends on your individual hair goals.
