Understanding undertones is essential when choosing a new hair colour. With summer influencing people to change up their hair, experts weigh in on the top things to consider when picking the right shade. Expert Stylist Laura Elliott, Head of Education at Neäl & Wølf, has highlighted the three key things to consider when creating the ultimate hair transformation – it all comes down to skin undertones, eye colour, and the time of year to find the perfect hair colour for your client's skin tone.
“Understanding the variety of tones that sit within the hues of blonde, brown, and red and how they work with clients’ skin tone is important and can be the difference between the most flattering hair colour or a colour that washes them out. There are some clients who have a neutral skin tone and suit both warm and cool tones. When it comes to these skin tones, mixing colours that are both cool and warm whether it’s brunette, red, copper, or blonde really works,” says Laura.
Strawberry Blonde for Lighter Skin
When looking to warm up their hair colour, red tones such as strawberry blonde are becoming increasingly popular with celebrities such as Khloe Kardashian, recently debuting her new fiery red look. Strawberry blonde is an ideal shade that flatters light skin tones as the light, warm red hues counteract the cooler tones found in pale skin creating a warmer look.
“Strawberry blonde works especially well if your client already has light blonde hair. Adding a tint of strawberry will help to switch up your client’s style and isn’t a huge commitment for those not sure about the full red look,” Laura tells us. “This is the perfect shade for a rosy complexion as it brings out a youthful pink shine.”
Honey Blonde for Medium Skin Tones
Honey blonde is a perfect combination of a warm, golden shade with hints of amber, blonde, chestnut, light brown and even a little bit of red which work together to create a warm and shiny blonde colour, most suited to those with medium skin tones and darker eyes as the lighter tones of honey brings out a healthy glow.
“Generally speaking, if your client has medium toned skin with olive undertones, try opting for warm hues like honey blonde – the golf will bring out the warmth they already have,” says Laura. “Those with cool undertones will suit more cool toned shades such as an ash-based brunette. Too dark of a shade risks washing them out.”
Caramel Brown for Dark Complexions
Caramel brown is a colour that complements deep complexions. For those with warm undertones including golden, yellow, peachy, or honey, this shade works well by bringing out the undertones creating a youthful look. There are many variations to consider from beachy and sun kissed to deep brown with hues of chestnut giving it warmth for a spring look.
“Caramel brown is a really flattering colour for dark complexions as the golden undertones work with the toasty caramel colour for a brighter look,” says Laura. “Adding caramel highlights to the hair will also create the illusion of shine, making the hair look healthier.”
Speaking of skin tone, have you read our Bespoke Blondes for Your Client's Skin Tone article?
