Choosing a new hair color is exciting. It can also feel risky. Will it suit your skin? Will it fade fast? How much upkeep will it need? The good news is that a few simple checks can take most of the guesswork out of it.
Here is how our colorists at Capelli Salon help clients pick a shade they’ll love.
Step 1: Find Your Skin’s Undertone
Your undertone matters more than your skin’s lightness or depth. It’s the subtle color under the surface, and it doesn’t change with a tan.
- Warm: Veins on your wrist look greenish, and gold jewelry flatters you. Try honey, caramel, copper and golden brown.
- Cool: Veins look bluish or purple, and silver looks best. Try ash blonde, cool brown, espresso and icy tones.
- Neutral: You can’t tell, and both gold and silver work. Lucky you: most shades suit you, from beige blonde to soft chestnut.
Step 2: Think About Your Eyes
The right shade can make your eyes stand out. Warm tones bring out green and hazel eyes. Cool tones make blue eyes pop. Rich browns and soft highlights add depth to brown eyes.
Step 3: Be Honest About Upkeep
Some colors are easy to live with. Others need more visits. Ask yourself how often you want to be in the salon.
- Low upkeep: Shades close to your natural color, soft balayage and a lived-in root.
- Medium upkeep: Highlights and all-over color that covers grays.
- Higher upkeep: Platinum, very bright reds and big changes from dark to light.
Not sure which technique fits your routine? Read balayage vs highlights.
Step 4: Consider Your Hair’s History
Past color affects what’s possible today. Box dye, old bleach or a recent keratin treatment can change how new color takes. Going lighter on top of dark dye often needs more than one visit.
Tell your colorist everything, even color from a year ago. It helps them plan a result that’s even and healthy. If you’re aiming for a big lift, a blonde specialist can map out the safest path.
Step 5: Start With Photos
Words like “caramel” or “ash” mean different things to different people. Photos make it clear. Bring two or three pictures of color you love, and one you don’t. Try to find photos taken in daylight, without heavy filters.
Popular Color Ideas Right Now
- Warm caramel and honey: Brightens the face and grows out softly.
- Root smudge: A soft, blended root that makes regrowth less obvious.
- Rich brunette: Glossy browns with subtle dimension.
- Color melt: Two or more shades blended with no hard lines.
How to Keep Your New Color Looking Fresh
- Use a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo and conditioner.
- Wash with cool water and skip a wash day when you can.
- Use heat protectant before styling.
- Shield your hair from strong sun and pool chlorine.
- Book a gloss between visits to refresh tone and shine.
Coloring at home in between? Always do a patch test first. The FDA’s hair dye safety guide has a simple checklist to follow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hair color makes you look younger?
Soft, warm shades a little lighter than your natural color often brighten the face. Very dark or very flat colors can look harsh. Face-framing highlights are a gentle way to add light.
Should I go lighter or darker?
Staying within two shades of your natural color is the easiest to maintain. Bigger changes are possible, but plan for more upkeep.
How much does salon hair color cost?
It depends on your length, the technique and your starting color. Our guide on how much it costs to color your hair explains what shapes the price.
Find Your Perfect Shade
The easiest way to choose is to sit down with a colorist. We’ll look at your skin, eyes and hair, then suggest shades that fit your style and routine. Explore our hair color services and visit us in Dallas, Frisco or Austin.
