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How Do I Choose the Best Hair Colors for Cool Skin Tones?

By Christina Edwards
Updated: May 21, 2024

Some of the best hair colors for cool skin tones are those that do not include warm tones. People with cool skin tones should usually avoid hair color with yellowish undertones, choosing colors with cool undertones instead. Asking the advice of a professional stylist can also help determine the best hair color for any person. Drastic hair color changes should also be left to the professionals.

Some of the best blonde hair colors for cool skin tones include ash and platinum blondes. A few people with cool skin may also look good with honey blonde hues. Blonde hair colors with yellowish undertones, however, should be avoided. This includes bronze or golden blonde.

Browns typically offer the most versatility for people with cool skin tones, although ash browns and light browns are typically considered to be the best. Golden browns should be avoided.

Black is another hair color that may look good on people with cool skin tones. Some black hair colors even have hints of cool blue in them, especially in the sunlight. Very dark hair like black, however, typically looks best on people with darker skin. Black hair often contrasts sharply on people with fair skin, and it can make them appear washed out.

When deciding on the best hair colors for cool skin tones, extra caution should be taken when looking at red hair colors. Most reds work well for people with warm skin tones, due to their yellowish undertones. Cool reds with a hint of blue, however, may be suitable for some people with cool skin. Hair dyes with burgundy or ruby in the name usually have cool undertones.

When choosing at-home hair coloring kits, keep in mind that the color of your hair after you dye it may not be the same as the color indicated on the box. Also, it is typically advised to only dye your hair a color that is no more than two or three shades different than your natural hair color. For a more drastic change, like dying black hair blonde, most experts advise that you visit a professional stylist.

Drastic hair color changes also typically require more upkeep. Dark roots need to be retouched every few weeks, for instance. To keep your hair color longer, many experts typically recommend using a shampoo and conditioner formulated for colored hair. These hair products are usually gentle on hair, and will prevent the color from fading too quickly.

BeautyAnswered is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By anon290095 — On Sep 07, 2012

I have black hair. My dad is super pale and has super intense black hair with grey eyes. Is that normal? He is of Russian descent and he never can get tan. Would it look weird if I tried a blonde color or keep my hair dark?

By wavy58 — On May 23, 2012

@orangey03 – I've seen some purplish reds out there that didn't look outlandish. They were actually flattering to the skin tone of the people wearing them.

What you can do is go to a beauty supply store and look at a hair dye color chart. Some of these have locks of actual hair that has been dyed the color that is sold there, so you can really get a good idea of how it will look.

That should be a good way for you to tell if a color will look too unnatural. I think that burgundy red is one of the prettiest colors out there, and as long as you don't get one that is overly saturated, you should be fine.

By orangey03 — On May 22, 2012

@Oceana – You must be one of the exceptions to the rule! I agree that if a hair color occurs naturally, it is often the best one for your skin tone, though.

I am always puzzled by people who are extremely white and dye their hair jet black. This would almost never happen naturally. The effect is striking, but it makes them look like vampires or ghosts. In some cases, this is probably the effect they are hoping to achieve.

I am not pale, but my skin does have cool undertones. I have been thinking of dying my hair a burgundy red, but I don't want it to look too fake. Are there shades of red out there that look fairly natural but are great for cool skin tones?

By kylee07drg — On May 21, 2012

I tried to bleach my brown hair blonde, and I had no idea what the best hair color for my skin tone was. I just went to the pharmacy and picked out what I thought was the prettiest shade of blonde.

I have a cool skin tone, and I picked a color that was sort of strawberry blonde. It wound up looking yellow instead, and it made me look really horrible. I had to visit a salon just to have the color corrected.

Because of all the processing, I ended up with damaged hair. Several pieces looked fried and broke off, and I regretted ever trying to dye my hair on my own. Now, I leave that to the professionals.

By Oceana — On May 21, 2012

I find it funny that I have a cool skin tone, yet I have a natural hair color recommended for warm skin tones. I have fair skin with pink undertones, and my hair is golden brown with hints of red mixed into it.

I have never colored my hair, so all the shades in it are natural. I think that it looks good with my skin.

I can see why experts wouldn't recommend a manufactured golden brown for a person with a fair, cool skin tone, though. The kind of colors that don't occur naturally often contain exaggerated golden tones, and that could clash with a pink undertone.

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