How to choose hair color. As some of you know, I love to experiment with my hair colour. My natural color (I believe) is a dark brown with red undertones. When I was younger I gravitated to red, a very deep vibrant red hue. Then during film school, it was between black and blue and even a combination of the two. Later, I went back to a chocolate brown. Then I got bored and dyed the whole underside of my hair a gorgeous fuchsia. Unfortunately this hair color tends to fade rather quickly, so I decided to go back to a more uniform brown-black. I’ve had this shade for many years now and I find that it works best for me because it complements my skin tone.
That is, I believe, the key to finding the right shade for you. I don’t think that you need to accept the hair color you were born with. Whether it was always your dream to be a fiery red head, a sultry brunette or a fun-loving blonde, there is a shade that is just right for you. The beauty is that because there are so many different shades of each color, you will always find the ideal tone.
The first step is to figure out if you have a cool, a warm or a neutral skin tone. Once you have done this, it will be much easier to pick the shade that suits you best.
HOW TO CHOOSE HAIR COLOR
BROWN. Brown colors reflect the light best. If you have damaged hair, consider going dark as it will hide the damage and give your strands a chance to heal. A lighter shade of brown can be absolutely beautiful as well, if you have healthy hair. Personally, I lean towards dramatic shades which lend themselves to mystery and are also low maintenance. Just remember that there needs to be a contrast with your skin tone otherwise you will disappear.
BLACK. Yes, you can go black and not look goth. Once again it all comes down to the shade you choose. With very pale skin, stick to a softer black-brown. Of course, this is a hair color that will look more natural on dark and olive skinned individuals. Remember, however, that black is the hardest colour to lift, so make sure that you love it because it is a big commitment.
RED. Anything from a light ginger to a bright purple-ish, is a striking colour suited for everyone. Just remember to pay attention to your skin tone, as there are some very bold shades in this category. Red is known for fading, so you will need to take care of it. A weekly mask and protective shampoos and conditioners with UV protection will be your best friends.
BLONDE. Blonde is a hard colour to attain, however you can consider this family if you had blonde hair as a child. Ash tones are best suited to those with cool undertones and those with warm skin tones can opt for warm golden tones. Be prepared, however, that this colour will take quite a bit of maintenance. I remember my stylist always prided himself on being the go to guy for blondes in Vancouver.
SILVER. While I’m not quite ready to accept grey in my life it can look absolutely stunning on many people. If you are looking to experiment with these shades opt for slightly purple or pink variants to start.
So whether you choose your hair colour from a box or have it done at the salon, remember that a shiny, healthy head of hair will always look best!
Do you love to play with your hair color?
For more on hair color visit me on instagram and twitter
IF YOU ENJOYED THIS ARTICLE PLEASE SHARE IT AND SIGN UP FOR REGULAR UPDATES
32 Comments
I haven’t dyed my hair for over 10 years. Adore people who are brave to experminent. 🙂
Wow! I dye my hair because I get bored….
xo
I was planning to have a new haircut and for the 3rd time have my hair dyed 🙂 Thanks for this post Caroline! This will definitely help me decide on which color should I choose 🙂
Hugs and kisses from ♥ missJHENZ
Oh I can’t wait to see your new do! I hope you post about it.
xo
I LOVE playing with my hair color! I’m going back blonde for Miss Florida in the summer, and I’m ecstatic… however, my hair is naturally dark brown, so it’s NOT an easy or fast transition. Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend 🙂
xo,
Stephanie
Diary of a Debutante
http://www.thediaryofadebutante.com
Oh wow that sounds so fantastic! I’ve been thinking about going blonde but I’m black now sooooo……
xo
You know already that I love to experiment with hair color 🙂
Believe or not, I was born with black hair :)! Then it turned blond. Black is something I cannot pull off tho, no shade of black :/
Yes! I was thinking of you when I was writing this. Wow, I can’t picture you with black, I love the blonde/pink on you!
xo
I definitely love to change my color. I’ve been blonde only once and quickly changed it for a darker color ńot because it didn’t suite me but I just didn’t feel like myself at all! Now I kinda want to try out blonde again but my husband doesn’t like lighter hair one bit 😀
I think you would look lovely as a blonde ^_^
Awe thanks! My sister is a blonde and what made us different is that I was dark she was light, now that she’s gone dark….who knows!
xo
Great post! In all honesty, I haven’t seen my natural hair colour (other than roots) since the 8th grade… I’ve been every shade of red ranging from strawberry to fire engine, to purple so dark it was nearly black, to rich brown and now back to blonde (super close to my natural hair colour). I feel like every time I colour my hair it changes a little, whether I intend to or not, its just the nature of doing the whole highlight/lowlight thing. That and I refuse to let anyone in Saskatchewan touch my hair so I drive 7 hours to Calgary for appointments…
I understand you perfectly! To be honest I’m debating flying 15 hours back to Vancouver ’cause I can’t seem to find a good stylist here….ahhhh!
xo
I have natural brown hair, when I was 16 I got blonde hair and then red, but now I don’t want to change my hair color anymore! 🙂 Btw great post!!
Kisses,
Babi
http://www.voguebuster.net
Thanks so much! I’m slowly going back to a more natural shade as well.
xo
Great post, I love chocolate brown 🙂
Thanks! I’m loving the pink and blonde combo but chocolate brown is always near and dear to my heart!
xo
Your posts are always interesting, full of great tips!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kisses honey!
Thanks so much!!!
xo
When I was younger I played more with different shades, any shade would do. Dark, blonde, red….yes as long as it was some sort of color.
Currently, have not colored my hair for over a year. If I do, I might go a little darker…not dramatic darker, just a tad darker.
I find I like my hair so much better when I put some colour in it. It just seems to get so much fuller!
xo
Very ineresno post! lovely pictures! Thanks for your comments on my blog!
Thank you and of course!
xo
I’m pretty classic but have been thinking about going lighter for some time – who knows!
http://www.mressentialist.com
Ha! I keep thinking about that too….
xo
Oh What a great post ! I’m a stylist, and you refers to every details of each family colors. It’s really nice. And Madams, blonde is a hard suitable color! Treat it carefully 🙂
I think I might accept the grey for my part haha , although It has shown up yet !!
Xoxo,
Love from Paris,
Lorna.
http://lornasharp.blogspot.com
Oh thanks so much, I really appreciate you stopping by!!!
xo
Red is a versatile colour and there’s usually a shade to suit anyone.
Agreed!
xo
Helpful post. I’m thinking about doing my hair dark purple, I’m not sure. I have dark skin tone. What do you think?
xo Stéph
http://www.sgturningpoint.com
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/blog.turningpoint
Go for it! I’m loving purple hair right now and then I think it will fade beautifully! Let me know if you decide to do it!
xo