It’s an exciting idea, trying something new with your hair, but when faced with all the options available, it’s very easy to get lost. There are so many things to consider- do you want to go lighter, darker, ombre or change the color entirely? Do you wish to stick to your natural hair but add some highlights? It’s okay to get overwhelmed. We all want a professional hair color.
Before making a decision, be sure to consider these factors: your natural hair color pigmentation, your skin color, your eye color and your age. Whether you notice it or not, your natural hair color and skin tone are perfectly compatible. It is important that we don’t go a shade or color that contrasts with our skin color.
About Hair Color
Hair color is usually measured in two ways: level and tone.
The color level is measured on a scale of 1 to 10. With professional hair color, 1 is usually the darkest color (which could be jet-black) and ten would be the lightest color. Each level is about shade, and this is what determines how the hair would pull off the dyed look. Dark hair, for example, within level 1-4 can contain red pigments (which is why if you have dark hair, and you stand in the sun, you can pick out red strands). If you are in between, say 5-6, you would have a combination of red and yellow pigments.
Skin tone
Your skin tone as stated earlier has to complement your hair color. Your skin tone is the framework to your hair.
If your natural hair color is dark, you would most likely have a warm, earthy tone. If your natural hair is light, you would have cooler skin undertones. It is better to stick to these rules as that is what your skin is best compatible with.
A simple way to figure out your skin tone: look for a vein in your arm or at the back of your hand. If it appears green, then you have a warm tone. If it seems blue, you have a cool tone.
Eye color
If your eyes are deep brown, black-brown, gray-blue, dark blue or hazel with light flecks in them, it would be better to go with cool tones in your hair.
However, if your eyes are light or golden brown, green, turquoise or hazel with light flecks in them, go with warmer tones in your hair.
Note: as you age, you should go softer with the tones. Sharp tones can be harsh and set out the wrinkles and blemishes on the skin.
Have fun trying out something new!