Choosing the right hair colour is more than just picking a shade you love—it’s about finding the tone that enhances your natural features. The biggest factor? Your skin undertone. Some people glow in warm golden hues, while others look best in cool, ashy shades. But how do you know which one suits you best?
Warm @quecolour Cool @elliotcaffreyhair
This guide will help you determine whether you should go for warm or cool hair colours and show you the best shades for your undertone.
What Are Warm and Cool Hair Colours?
Hair colours are divided into three categories:
1.1 Warm Hair Colours
These warm hair colours have golden, red, orange, or copper undertones. Example shades: Golden blonde, caramel brown, warm auburn, copper red.
Here is the Warm Hair Colour Palette, featuring rich, glowing shades like golden blonde, caramel brown, copper red, warm auburn, chestnut brown, and dark chocolate. These colours are perfect for those with warm undertones, as they enhance golden, peachy, or olive skin beautifully.
1.2 Cool Hair Colours
These have blue, violet, or ashy undertones. Example shades: Ash blonde, Ash Brown, Blue-Black, Cool Auburn, Deep Burgundy, Espresso Brown, Icy Platinum Blonde, Mushroom Brown, Silver Blonde, Smoky brunette, Violet-Red.
The palette below includes the best cool shades like icy platinum blonde, ash brown, espresso brown, jet black, blue-black, cool auburn, and deep burgundy—perfect for those with cool undertones.
1.3 Neutral Hair Colours
These balance warm and cool tones for a more versatile look. Example shades: Mushroom brown, beige blonde, neutral brunette.
This neutral palette below includes beige blonde, honey beige, taupe brown, soft chestnut, neutral auburn, dark mocha, soft black, and neutral grey, making it perfect for neutral undertones or those looking for a versatile, balanced hair colour.
How to Tell If You Suit Warm or Cool Hair Colours
Not sure whether warm or cool hair colours suit you best? Try these simple tests!
Check Your Skin Undertone
Your skin’s undertone is the colour beneath your skin’s surface. Here’s how to identify yours:
-
Vein Test:
- If your veins look blue or purple, you have a cool undertone.
- If your veins look green, you have a warm undertone.
- If it’s hard to tell, you may be neutral.
-
Jewellery Test:
- If silver jewellery looks better on you, you likely suit cool tones.
- If gold jewellery flatters you more, warm tones will complement you.
- White vs. Cream Test:
- If pure white looks better on your skin, you likely suit cool tones.
- If cream/beige looks better, warm hair colours will work best.
Eye & Natural Hair Colour Influence
- Cool-toned eyes (blue, grey, green): Look great with cool hair shades.
- Warm-toned eyes (hazel, amber, warm brown): Suit warm-toned hair colours best.
- Neutral eyes (mixed tones): Can work with both warm and cool shades.
Best Warm & Cool Hair Colours for Your Skin Tone
Once you know your undertone, here are the best hair colours to suit you:
Best Warm Hair Colours (For warm or neutral undertones)
- Warm Blonde: Golden blonde, honey blonde, butter blonde.
- Warm Brown: Caramel brown, chestnut brown, chocolate brown.
- Warm Red: Copper, warm auburn, strawberry blonde.
- Warm Black: Natural black, soft black with warm brown hints.
Strawberry Blonde @aal1y5h, Golden Strawberry Blonde @nicole_saavedra_colorist, Chestnut Brown @studio29hairandbeauty.
Best Warm Hair Colours (For cool undertones)
Love warm shades but have cool skin? Go for warmer colours that aren’t overly golden:
- Soft Chestnut – A neutral-warm brown with flattering red tones
- Warm Auburn – Works beautifully with pink or porcelain skin
- Rose Gold Blonde – A trendy mix of warm and cool pinks
- Honey Beige Blonde – A more muted warm tone that won’t overwhelm cool skin
- Copper Highlights on Ash Base – A warm touch that adds vibrance without overpowering
Use peachy makeup and gold jewellery to complement warm tones with cool skin!
Warm Auburn @hairby_teee, Soft Chestnut @kotdaria. Rose Gold Blonde @tee.snips,
Best Cool Hair Colours (For cool or neutral undertones)
- Cool Blonde: Platinum blonde, ash blonde, silver blonde.
- Cool Brown: Mushroom brown, espresso brown, smoky brunette.
- Cool Red: Deep burgundy, violet-red, cool auburn.
- Cool Black: Jet black, blue-black.
Tip: Neutral undertones can often wear both warm and cool shades, depending on the intensity!
Best Cool Hair Colours (For warm undertones)
Want to try a cool hair colour but have warm-toned skin? Choose softer, blended shades:
- Espresso Brown – A rich, deep shade that adds depth without looking too ashy
- Toffee Ash Blend – A warm base with subtle ashy highlights
- Cool Auburn – A reddish hue with cool undertones that still flatters warm skin
- Blue-Black (for deeper skin tones) – Offers contrast without clashing
- Smoky Brunette with golden face-framing pieces – Keeps harmony with warm skin
Pair with neutral or cool-toned makeup to balance the look!
Can You Wear a Hair Colour That Doesn’t Match Your Undertone?
Yes! If you love cool hair colours but have warm skin (or vice versa), here’s how to make it work:
Tips to Balance Warm Skin with Cool Hair Colours
Choose neutral-cool shades (e.g., mushroom brown, espresso, cool auburn). Add warm highlights or balayage to soften the contrast. Adjust your makeup (use cool-toned blush, lipstick, and foundation).
Tips to Balance Cool Skin with Warm Hair Colours
Go for neutral-warm shades (e.g., chestnut brown, caramel brunette). Add ashy or cool highlights to prevent too much warmth. Use gold-toned jewellery and peachy makeup to blend the look.
By mixing warm and cool elements, you can create a custom look that flatters you!
How to Transition to the Right Hair Colour for You
If you want to switch between warm and cool shades, follow these steps:
Use a toner first – If your current colour is too warm, try a cool-toned gloss.
Try highlights or balayage – Mix cool and warm tones for a seamless transition.
Consult a colourist – Going from warm to cool (or vice versa) may require multiple sessions.
Use colour-protecting shampoos – Cool tones need purple shampoo, while warm tones need gold-enhancing treatments.
Finding the perfect hair colour is about enhancing your natural features.
If you have warm undertones, golden blondes, caramel brunettes, and warm auburns will flatter you. If you have cool undertones, platinum blondes, ash browns, and cool burgundies will complement your skin.
But remember—hair colour is personal! You can mix warm and cool elements to create a unique, flattering look.
