Show Your True Colours: Tips for Picking Your New Hair Shade

Choosing an entirely new hair shade is something that people do all the time, but it is a decision that you will want to think about carefully. Many of us know from experience how bad a colouring disaster can look! Essentially, you want to select a colour that is right for your skin tone.

You may be looking to have the job done professionally or you may be going for the DIY option. If you are going to try the latter, it is worth reading up on some more information about balayage, ombre and sombre hair colouring. So, here are a few tips for picking your new hair colour based on your skin tone.

Image credit: @niecey.ford Hairstylist: Denise Nicole Artistry

Start with a Deep Face Wash

To properly determine the undertones of your skin, you need to have a completely clear canvas to look at. You are aiming to remove all traces of makeup that may be affecting the natural colour of your skin.

Pick a Well-Lit Room

How your skin looks is changed drastically by the type of lighting that you are under, so you will want to go for a place that provides as much natural light as possible. You will already know only too well how much changing room fluorescent lighting can alter your appearance, so you want to pick a place where you can view your skin in the most natural environment.

Perform a Colour Test

Once you have properly washed your face and you have chosen the best place to fully examine your skin, the time has come to do a colour test. First of all, you will need two brightly coloured items of clothing – one in a warming tone like red or yellow and another in a cooling shade like blue or beige. You then want to hold each item against your face to determine which one looks better. Depending on which one you decide will help you determine whether you have warm or cool toned skin. If you are still a little unsure, look closer at your veins. People with cooler tones tend to have blue or purple veins whereas green veins indicate warmer tones.

Choose a Hair Shade to Complement Your Skin Tone

Now it is time for the fun part; actually choosing your new hair tone! If you have a warm skin tone and you are looking for a light hair colour, try pale blonde or platinum. On the other hand, if you would prefer a darker option, amber or auburn shades work very nicely. Essentially, you don’t want to choose a colour which is the same as your own skin. If you have a cool skin tone, you want to choose a vibrant shade that will keep your face from looking ‘washed out’. Even if you want to go for a light option, try a beachy golden blonde look. If you are looking to go darker, try something rich and chocolatey.

Hopefully, you now have a bit of a better idea of what you are looking for when it comes to choosing your next hair shade!