Ever left the salon with freshly coloured hair, only to feel like it just doesn’t look right? The shade looked perfect in the bottle (and on that Instagram influencer you stalk), but somehow, it falls flat on you. Don’t worry – it’s probably not the colour, but how it plays with your skin undertone.
When your hair colour complements your undertone, it brightens your complexion, makes your eyes pop, and gives you that effortless holiday glow vibe.
If you’ve got a neutral undertone, lucky you – you can wear both warm and cool shades, though some will flatter more than others. Here’s what undertones actually mean, how to figure out yours, and the best colours to try if you’re blessed with a neutral base.
What Is A Skin Undertone?
Your skin tone refers to the outer colour (such as fair, medium, deep, etc.), while your undertone is the underlying hue that remains constant regardless of how tanned, pale, or sun-kissed you may become. There are three primary categories of undertones:
- Warm – golden, yellow, or peachy
- Cool – pink, red, or bluish
- Olive – a mix of neutral and green/grey tones
- Neutral – a mix of both
How to Find Your Skin Undertone
Unsure about your position on the undertone spectrum? No need to be concerned – determining it is simpler than it may seem, and you do not require any elaborate tools. A straightforward method is to examine the veins on the inner part of your wrist.
If they appear predominantly blue or purple, it is likely that you possess a cool undertone. Conversely, if they appear greenish, you are probably warm-toned.
If they appear teal or if your skin exhibits a slight green-grey hue, you may belong to the olive category. And if they seem to fall somewhere in between – or if you truly cannot discern – you are most likely neutral.
You can also look at jewellery for hints. If gold seems to suit your skin the best, you might be warm-toned. On the other hand, if silver shines brighter on you, you’re probably cool-toned.
And if both gold and silver look good on you – or if you’ve never really seen a difference – that’s a solid indication that you have a neutral undertone.
Finally, consider how your skin behaves in the sun. If you tan easily without burning too fast, and your skin tone remains pretty consistent throughout the year, it’s likely that you’re in that neutral zone.
Best Hair Colours for Neutral Undertones
Soft Chocolate Brown
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This deep, medium brown is perfectly positioned in the colour spectrum – it’s neither too warm nor too cool. It’s a shade that flatters everyone, but on neutral undertones, it really shines – enhancing the gentle warmth of your skin without making it appear too golden.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, natural vibe that still feels refined, this is a fantastic option. Chocolate brown brings depth and richness to your hair while ensuring your complexion stays bright and balanced.
Plus, it works wonderfully with both warm and cool makeup tones, giving your overall look amazing versatility.
Creamy Blonde
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If you’re curious about going blonde but don’t know where to begin, creamy blonde is the perfect choice. This soft, buttery shade finds a beautiful balance between warm honey hues and cooler beige or ash undertones.
It blends effortlessly with neutral skin tones, providing a healthy, radiant appearance without making you look washed out.
In contrast to ultra-icy platinum, which can sometimes appear too harsh, or golden blonde, which can be overly warm, creamy blonde is flattering because it sits right in the middle. It’s a great look for any season and looks particularly gorgeous when styled with soft waves or a sleek bob.
Rose Gold
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If you’re looking to add a bit of edge while keeping it classy, rose gold is a fun and stylish choice. This mix of soft pink and warm gold looks great on neutral skin, as it enhances both aspects of your undertone – the pink shades highlight any natural flush, while the golden sparkle adds warmth and radiance to your skin.
Rose gold hair can appear dreamy and romantic or striking and contemporary, based on your styling choices. It’s ideal for those who want to inject some playfulness into their colour while still ensuring it complements their skin tone.
Soft Black
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Going dark doesn’t necessarily mean you have to go all gothic.
Soft black is a more versatile option compared to jet black, making it perfect for neutral skin as it enhances depth and intensity without overpowering your natural hues. This color strikes a balance between boldness and subtlety – it’s the ideal way to embrace darker shades without going too far.
Additionally, it’s a fantastic pick for those looking to inject some drama into their appearance without stepping into high-maintenance territory – it fades nicely and doesn’t leave a stark line at the roots.
Mushroom Brown
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If you dig cooler, ashy shades but are looking for something a little different, mushroom brown is a stylish and appealing choice.
This earthy hue combines taupe, beige, and smoky brown tones, all of which complement neutral skin beautifully. It’s a colour that exudes sophistication and a lived-in vibe, with a subtle depth that brings texture and volume to your hair.
Mushroom brown is particularly flattering if you enjoy mixing warm and cool tones in your outfits, as it seamlessly connects the two. Consider it the “cool girl” take on brunette.
Strawberry Blonde
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Soft, romantic, and effortlessly fresh, strawberry blonde is a stunning mix of warm red and golden blonde shades.
On neutral skin, it adds a natural warmth to your complexion without being too yellow or too pink. This colour provides just the right amount of brightness to your face while staying soft and easy to wear – never too intense.
It’s particularly flattering for those with light to medium skin who desire a subtle, sun-kissed glow that feels stylish and low-maintenance. Whether you choose it as an all-over colour or as delicate highlights, strawberry blonde strikes a perfect balance that complements your undertones.
