Should You Go Lighter Or Darker When Coloring Your Hair?

It’s fun to change your hair color, and there are many choices out there.  You might see a brave teenager with bright pink or blue hair, intent on self-expression.  But most women choose more natural looking highlights, lowlights, or allover hair color, to add dimension to their natural color or to change it altogether.

Determining whether to go lighter or darker when choosing a color should be influenced by several factors.  According to www.beautyblitz.com, Kyle White, lead colorist at Oscar Blandi Salon in New York, says the most important factor to consider when choosing any hair color is skin tone.  The second factor is eye color, then time of year and lifestyle.  White's rule of thumb is that light skinned, light eyed girls will look more natural with lighter shades, while dark skin and dark eyes work better with darker shades.

Your colorist should be able to help you determine your skin tone.  If you have a lot of pink undertones in your skin, according to White, you should avoid warmth in your color.  Cool hues like sandy blonde and coffee brown will work best.  Olive skin pairs best with golden blonde tones that bring warmth to the skin and help it appear less green; White recommends buttery blondes and chestnut browns.  Neutral skin tones can go with either warm or cool hues.

The time of year can also influence your choice.  Women tend to want lighter hues in the summer, which works well with suntanned skin that emanates a healthy glow.  In the winter,

it’s more necessary to add warmth and depth in your hair color to make up for skin that is more pale.

It’s recommended that you stay within a couple of shades of your natural hair color, whether you decide to go lighter or darker.  You will avoid looking washed out, and a mixture of highlights and lowlights can help soften the face.  White suggests looking at your baby photos for inspiration.

For more information, please contact: | The Salon Professional Academy  

335 Vertin Blvd. Shorewood, IL 60404 | 815.609.6880

www.tspashorewood.com

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