Got Warm Skin Undertones? These Hair Colours Will Look Best On You

If you’ve ever found yourself looking at a hair colour swatch at the salon and felt a bit uncertain about whether it would actually look good on you, you’re definitely not alone. Figuring out a shade that really complements your skin’s undertone can seem like cracking a secret beauty code, and one wrong choice can mean the difference between a stunning glow-up and a look that just feels slightly off.

When you pick a colour that genuinely flatters your skin undertone, everything just clicks. Your complexion appears brighter, your features pop in the best way, and your overall vibe feels more effortless – like your natural glow has just been dialed up a notch.

In this guide, we’re diving into warm undertones – what undertones are, how to figure out if you have one, and the best hair colours to boost that golden warm undertone. From auburn to honey blonde, here’s your ultimate guide to shades that highlight your natural radiance.

What Is A Skin Undertone?

Your skin tone refers to the outer colour of your skin – whether it’s fair, medium, tan, or deep – and it can shift depending on sun exposure or your skincare habits. Your undertone, however, is the subtle shade that lies beneath your skin and remains constant regardless of how dark or light you become.

Think of it as the natural “temperature” of your skin. Some have a warm, golden glow, while others sport a cool, rosy hue, and some are right in the middle. Understanding your undertone is like having a personal colour guide – it assists you in choosing the most flattering shades for everything from makeup to clothes, and yes, even hair colour. There are four main categories:

• Warm – golden, yellow, or peachy
• Cool – pink, red, or bluish
• Olive – a mix of neutral and green/grey tones
• Neutral – a mix of warm and cool

How To Find Your Skin Undertone

You don’t need any fancy tools to determine your undertone – just some careful observation and good lighting.

Begin by examining your veins – if they appear greenish, you probably have a warm undertone. If they look blue or purple, you’re likely cool. And if you’re unsure, you’re most likely neutral. Jewellery can also provide hints – gold usually enhances warm undertones, while silver is more flattering for cool ones.

You might also want to try the white shirt test – if your skin looks golden or sun-kissed against white, you have a warm undertone. If it appears rosy or pink, you’re cool. And if your skin has a slight greenish tint that doesn’t strongly lean in either direction, you could have an olive undertone, which is a blend of warm and neutral.

Once you’ve identified your undertone, you’ll begin to see how certain colours can really brighten your complexion – that’s the magic of aligning with your undertone.

Best Hair Colours For Warm Undertones

If your skin has a naturally golden, peachy, or yellow base, congratulations – you’ve got a warm undertone. This means your complexion looks amazing with rich, sunlit shades. Think golden browns, coppers, and honey hues that make your skin glow instead of looking washed out.

Cool or ashy tones can sometimes take away from your warmth, so it’s better to go for colours with golden or red bases that boost your natural radiance. Here are some shades that are always a hit.

Auburn

This vibrant blend of red and brown shades highlights the golden undertones in your skin, giving you that sun-kissed glow as if you just returned from a vacation, even if your last vacation was just a screensaver.

It’s striking yet still easy to wear – ideal for those who enjoy a touch of drama without fully committing to being a redhead.

Chocolate

Smooth, rich, and universally appealing, chocolate brown is like the hair version of a perfectly fitted blazer – it simply works. The warm, golden undertones in this colour give a gentle radiance to warm skin, while the depth maintains a natural and elegant vibe.

It’s ideal if you’re after something that’s easy to maintain yet feels luxurious, as if you just rolled out of bed with that “expensive brunette” vibe. Plus, it shines beautifully in both sunlight and café lighting (great for your Instagram selfies).

Honey Blonde

If you’re looking to lighten up your hair, honey blonde is definitely the way to go. The warm, buttery hues in this colour match your skin’s warmth just right, giving you a soft and effortless glow – kind of like having perfect lighting, but it’s here to stay.

Plus, it’s super versatile – whether you’re after some subtle highlights that shimmer in the sun or a full head of bright blonde, honey blonde works its magic without making you look washed out.

For those with warm undertones, it brings out that natural golden glow, making your skin appear radiant and healthy. It goes perfectly with everything from comfy autumn sweaters to striking lipstick colours, giving you a polished look that never feels too much.

Warm Espresso

Warm espresso is a deep, rich, and sophisticated dark shade that’s perfect for those with warm undertones looking for a polished look without being flat. Unlike jet black or cool-toned browns, warm espresso features subtle golden or reddish undertones that blend beautifully with your skin’s natural warmth.

This means it enhances your complexion instead of creating a harsh contrast that can dull warm skin. The end result is hair that appears glossy, dimensional, and vibrant – a shade that feels effortlessly elegant while still highlighting your natural glow.

It’s ideal for anyone who enjoys a darker style but wants to maintain their warmth front and centre.

Caramel

Caramel tones sit perfectly between blonde and brunette, making them the ultimate sunlit shade. The blend of golden and toffee colours boosts your skin’s natural warmth, giving your complexion a radiant and healthy glow.

For those with warm undertones, caramel acts like a gentle spotlight, enhancing your features without appearing harsh or fake. Whether you’re after soft balayage highlights, bold face-framing pieces, or a full, rich caramel look, this colour brings depth and dimension to your hair while keeping it soft and shiny.

The overall vibe is an effortless, sun-kissed warmth that feels natural, polished, and totally flattering – the kind of glow that catches eyes without any effort.

Golden Copper

For those who are bold and daring, golden copper merges the deep richness of red with the shiny brightness of gold, resulting in a shade that truly shines. On warm undertones, the golden sparkles boost your skin’s natural warmth, while the red hues contribute depth and liveliness, giving your complexion a vibrant, glowing lift.

It’s a colour that grabs attention without being too much, ideal for anyone looking to make a statement with their hair while still complementing their natural tones. Golden copper brings instant dimension and movement to your hair, reflecting light with every turn.

From a full head of this glowing shade to a few delicate highlights, it injects warmth, vibrancy, and a hint of fun into your look.