When looking for a change – subtle or obvious – many people turn to changing their hair color. As exciting as this prospect can be, one should follow a few guidelines so that their new color not only compliments their skin tone but also looks natural.

STEP # 1 KNOW YOUR TONE:
ARE YOU WARM OR ARE YOU COOL?

When picking out your new color, take into account your eye color and skin tone. Don’t know your skin tone? Easy! A lot of people don’t know this but the quickest way to work out if you’re warm or cool is to take a look at the veins in your arms while in natural light:

If your veins appear to be green then you are warm, and if they appear blue, you are cool.

STEP #2: KNOW YOUR COLOURS

WARM

• Gold
• Honey
• Caramel
• Copper
• Red
• Mahogany
• Strawberry blonde
• Chocolate
• Ginger
• Orange-based reds
• Dark browns
• Rust

COOL

• Platinum
• Ash-blonde
• Cream
• Sandy
• Coffee
• Jet black
• Fawn
• Mid-level blondes
• Flat browns
• Wine
• Mahogany
• Burgundy

STEP #3: COMPLIMENT YOUR EYES

Now that you know what skin tone you are and have an idea of what colors will suit you, your next step will be to cross match them with your eye color. Not only will this further ensure that you’re picking the right color – but if matched correctly, it will make your eyes standout!

• Pale skin and blue eyes will naturally suit blonde tones.
• A medium skin tone with hazel eyes will look great with dark blonde and copper colors.
• Darker skin with any eye color is perfect for pulling off dramatic shades of purple and mahogany.

The science behind all of this is that when you pick a color that belongs to the same tone as your skin, you avoid looking washed out because the tone of your hair and complexion don’t clash. The whole idea is to further compliment your natural skin tone and not go against it!

TIP: If you’re looking for a subtle change always remember to stay within two shades of your natural hair color.