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Color Matching: How to Choose the Right Color of Hair Extensions
/ JAN 10, 2020
Reading Time: 7 Minutes
Index
We have up to 60 shades in our selection, ranging from jet black to ice blonde, and from ombre shades, so we understand that color matching may sound easier said than done. There is so much to think of – you have to consider your current hair color, your skin tone, your undertone, highlights if you have any, and the shade difference between the roots of your hair and the ends.
So, to make your life a little easier and save you the expense of a mistaken purchase, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to help you choose the perfect shade.
Doing it Online – Free Color Matching Service
There is no need to think that buying hair extensions online is any more difficult than it is in person. In fact, there are plenty of tools out there that can make things easier – just look at our color chart or our easy color match service. All you need to do is send us a clear color photo of yourself (head and shoulders) taken in natural lighting to show a true representation of your hair color, and our experts will ensure you get the best match possible. You should receive a personalised color recommendation within 24 hours.
And if you’re still unsure, our team will be happy to send you a free sample, so that you can compare it to your own tresses and make an informed decision.
Finding the Right Color for Your Skin Tone
A top tip for choosing the right color of hair extensions is to match your hair to your skin tone. It is a mistake to assume that all shades will suit all skin types – for example, dramatic tones like platinum often complement paler tones, while darker tones tend to suit richer, warm colors or ombre styles, and lighter highlights.
Choosing Based on Warm or Cool Undertones
One of the easiest ways to determine your undertone is to base it on which jewellery suits your best. If you suit silver – your undertone is cool. If you suit gold – your undertone is warm. And if either, then it’s neutral. If you naturally have a very warm hair color, and a fairly warm skin tone, you are likely to suit a wide range of different colors, though this doesn’t necessarily mean that paler tones shouldn’t experiment with vibrant tones.
Going for extremely dark hair, however, may make pale skin look even paler. If you have yellowish hues to your skin, dark reds and browns are usually flattering options.
Other things to consider may be the color of clothes you wear. If you find that reds, oranges, golden yellow, olive green or rusty shades, you’ll suit warm tones such as golden blonde, golden brown, ginger blonde and auburn hair colors, while those who go for red, bright pink, royal blue, or green will suit cooler tones such as platinum, ash blonde, ash brown or jet black.
If reds, purples, charcoal greys and turquoises suit you, you’ll suit more neutral tones like sandy blonde, beige blonde, chocolate brown and mahogany.
Looking at Your Roots
It is a misconception to assume that hair extensions need to match your own roots. This is not the case, and it will only make things much more difficult – natural roots change all the time, because they make up the newest hairs on your head.
As they grow and age, they get lighter and more brittle. Plus, the best way to wear extensions is as close as possible to your scalp, and your roots, anyway. You don’t want to end up sporting clip in hair extensions that look like they are about to fall off your head at any moment.
Color Matching Hair Extensions to Your Ends
If you are looking for a color fairly close to your natural shade, the best way to locate a great color match is to compare it with the lower sections of your locks. If the roots are the worst place for a comparison, then the ends are the best. If possible, isolate several strands of your natural hair, and trace the tone down from the mid-section to the tip. It is useful to pay attention to whether it changes color a lot from root to tip.
Dyeing Your Human Hair Extensions
If you are planning to invest in top quality Remy extensions, which are made from 100% human hair, it is perfectly okay to dye the hair extensions to match your natural color or get some funky colors. This is only an option for those using Remy human hair – dye will irreparably damage all other types of extension.
Although this is quite a labour-intensive option, it can be a handy way to fix color-based blunders. While you can absolutely dye and color your human hair extensions, you should always do strand test beforehand and note that it may shorten the lifespan of the hair.
So, which hair color to go for?
Browns
Consider going brunette if your hair is currently mousy brown. This would be a minor change and would just give an extra dimension to your current hair color.
This is also a good option if you want a low maintenance hair color. Brown shades require little upkeep, and it’s an easy shade to achieve at home. If your hair is damaged, browns reflect well and hide split ends and breakages.
Red
If you have cool or pink skin you will pull off a darker cold red or purply red quite well. For anyone with golden or olive skin, a dark natural auburn or dark reddish brown would be good choice.
Bright vibrant reds and natural gingers suit pale skins, but it is important to match the shade to your undertone. A bright red can look striking on darker skins so if you have medium to dark hair, reds are an easy choice. For anyone considering going for red, it is important to remember the color may fade quickly. If your hair is damaged.
Blonde
You should consider going blonde if you were blonde when you were young. Warmer skin tones suit a golden blonde better, and cool skin tones suit cold ashy tones best. If your undertone is neutral, you can potentially get away with any shade. Blonde shades often need regular maintenance – as roots will need to be touched up every six to eight weeks depending on how fast your hair grows.
Black
If you have darker skin or olive skin, black works very well with darker tones. Black hair is the hardest shade to lift, so if you are also dying your natural hair, be certain that you want black hair.
Silver/white/ grey
Consider going silver/white if you have very pale skin with cool undertones. Silver with ashy blonde tones will neutralise the pink tones in your skin, while white, may accentuate your pinkness.
Still unsure which color is your best match? Use our color matching service and our team will do the rest.
