Hair color frames your entire face, so getting it wrong can throw off your whole complexion — while getting it right can make your face look brighter and more alive.
How hair color affects your face
Because hair covers such a large area around your face, the light it reflects has a direct impact on how your skin tone reads. Choosing a hair color that clashes with your undertone can leave your complexion looking dull or washed out.
Recommended hair colors by season
- Spring Warm: Light brown, golden brown, honey blonde
- Summer Cool: Ash brown, grayish brown
- Autumn Warm: Dark brown, caramel, chocolate brown
- Winter Cool: True black, ash dark brown
What to check before you dye
Since hair color is hard to undo once applied, hold color swatches up to your face beforehand to preview how each shade interacts with your skin. Also keep in mind that lighter colors typically require more upkeep, from root touch-ups to damage repair.
Using highlights and face-framing pieces
If a full dye job feels like too much commitment, adding brighter highlights just around your face is a great alternative. You still get the benefit for your complexion, with far less risk and commitment than an all-over color change.