The Essentials: Choosing a Hair Color

Which shade is best for my skin tone?

Whether you are embarking on a new color to give your hair a bit of pizzazz or to cover up the gray, finding the perfect shade is primordial.
Although there are no hard and fast rules, these pointers will safeguard you from making a big color mistake.

First off, determine if your skin tone is warm (yellow, golden) or cool (blue or pink).
“Warm” skin tones will suit golden or reddish tones.




• “Cool” skin tones demand equally “cool” colors—platinum blonde or bluish black, for example.
• If you have a cool skin tone and you want to go red, try mahogany or burgundy shades, while warm tones can take the orange or vibrant red route.
• If being blonde is your goal and you have warm skin tones, opt for a honey blonde or gold shade. Cool tones call for ash or Nordic blonde.
• Take into account your eye color as well; dark eyes and skin look great with dark hair, while light eyes really stand out with lighter-colored hair.
• Don’t color your hair with harsh shades as it will only accentuate any imperfections, especially if you don’t have flawless skin, and let’s face it, most of us don’t!
• Keep your personality in mind and go for a color that you feel is harmonious and complementary. Extreme changes can be small disasters.
• Before making a final decision, select a few shades you’re considering and try on some wigs—this is the best way to really see how a color will look. (Holding up little color swatches to your face can’t give you the whole picture!)
• Talk to your stylist about the color you are aiming for. She or he will give the green light if indeed it’s a good choice for you.