The Best Color for You

Sometimes a hair colorist's advice is based on sound color theory, but too often the colorist dissuades the client from attempting their chosen hue out of fear and inexperience.

uring a hair color consultation, I love it when a prospective client says, "I've always wanted to be (insert dream color), but my colorist always told me that (insert negative, dream-destroying sentence)."

Sometimes the colorist’s advice is based on sound color theory, but too often the colorist dissuades the client from attempting their chosen hue out of fear and inexperience. With your input, an experienced colorist can help you choose a hair color that will complement and enhance your skin tone, eye color, and personal style while giving you the look you desire.

Coordinating Hair Color and Skin Tone

Skin tone is the first thing I consider when selecting a hair color. Typically, skin with pink tones coordinates with cool, pearl-based lighter blond shades, especially if the client tans well. Clients with extremely fair skin with creamy undertones and hints of pink and orange look spicier with a warmer color—amber, apricot, ginger blond, and copper-auburn shades. If the skin tone is sallow, blue-green ash based, deeper tones like toffee, tawny caramels, and chocolates will add a little warmth.

	Do you want the color to whisper, talk, or scream?

Those with darker complexions, should stay on the cooler side of the spectrum. This can be tricky to achieve because these clients typically have very dark hair, which means lots of warmth (red and orange) when it is lightened. A green-based gold looks wonderful and will help neutralize any unwanted warmth.

Coordinating Hair Color and Eye Color

A simple way to refine your color choices is to examine your eyes. Look at the colors in the iris, including the minute flecks of color within it, and decide what effect you want your new hair color to have. Are your eyes blue with slivers of silver and white? Try a pale blonde dye with cooler golden mid-lights to make your blue eyes pop even more. To add a buttery dimension and to enlarge hazel eyes with warm golden glints, contrast them against a slightly warmer blond. Artistically scattered chestnut highlights can add an illusion of depth and shine to a mysterious brunette with hints of pumpkin in her brown eyes. Those with dark brown eyes and almost jet-black hair can have some fun with a few Merlot streaks that will make the eyes and base hair color even more dramatic.

Coordinating Hair Color with Personal Style

Once the color path has been determined, the real fun begins. You get to decide who you want to be and what you want your hair color to say. Communicating your decision to the colorist is fundamental. Do you want the color to whisper, talk, or scream? A businesswoman or entrepreneur may want a touch of excitement, but not nearly as much as that tattoo parlor owner in the Che Guevara tank top. Whatever the case may be, there is an appropriate level at which your desired color can work for you.

Communicating with a Colorist

Since trust and communication are such an important part of determining your approach to hair color, only work with a qualified professional with whom you feel comfortable. A strong client/colorist relationship can lead to greater success in planning, executing, maintaining, and, most importantly, enjoying your new look.