How to Know If Your Hair Colour Is Wrong

By Imogenl @ImogenLamport

One question that comes up with my clients and also on my 7 Steps to Style program forums is that of hair colouring and what works best.

Skin Undertone and Hair Colour

First consideration is always your skin. You want to find a hair colour that flatters your complexion. In fact hair, as it's so close to the face, really will reflect onto the face and can make you look washed out or well (and I know which option I'd prefer!).

  • A colour that is too warm will often make your skin appear more ruddy (pink/red) and less even in tone. If you read up my Not Going Grey posts you will see in the images just how as I went through the 'warm' phase of removing the colour, my skin was unflatteringly pink.
  • A colour that is too dark will look harsh and wash you out.
  • A colour that is too cool (if you're warm) will make you look washed out and tired.

Tips on Knowing When Your Hair Colour is Wrong

If you feel the need to either have a tan (either out of a bottle or from the sun) to make your hair colour work - then your hair is the wrong colour for your complexion.

If you wear a foundation colour that doesn't blend with your skin (a whole lot darker), or feel you need to wear lots of bronzer - then your hair is the wrong colour for your complexion.

If you need a 'brighter lippy to make your hair colour work. Then it's the wrong colour (and if anyone ever tells you that "if you just pop on a bright lippy it'll look great" then, don't buy it! It's the wrong colour and is washing you out!).

Further Reading:

How to choose a flattering hair colourGoing blonde - choosing the right shade