Hair colors for tan skin by undertone

The right hair color for tan skin can make your face look brighter and more alive. The key is not the lightest shade, but a color that matches your undertone. A clashing color can make skin look dull.

Hair colors by undertone

Table of hair colors for tan skin by warm, neutral and cool undertone and the look they give

Warm: chestnut, golden brown and caramel add a warm glow that blends with golden skin.
Neutral: mocha, soft brown and dark caramel look natural and are safe for beginners.
Cool: ash brown, dark chocolate and burgundy look calm and elegant.

For a brighter look without a drastic change, choose one or two levels lighter than your natural hair. Colors far from your natural shade usually need bleaching and extra care.

Example: hair color advice from Kira

Before you dye: safety steps

Safety steps before dyeing hair: patch test every time, never on brows or lashes, wear gloves, preview the color first

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises doing a patch test on your skin every time before dyeing your hair, following all label directions, wearing gloves and not leaving the product on longer than directed. The FDA also warns to keep hair dye away from your eyes and never dye eyebrows or eyelashes, as it can hurt your eyes and may even cause blindness.

After dyeing, protect the color. We cover the steps in hair care after coloring.

Pair it with the right cut

Color and cut work together. Face-framing layers make color look dimensional. For a round face, see haircuts for a round face.

See the color on your photo first

Before the salon, send a selfie to Kira on WhatsApp. Kira recommends colors for your undertone with a color palette and previews of three hair colors on your photo. See the hair color example.

Frequently asked questions

Which hair colors make tan skin look brighter?

For warm undertones, try chestnut, golden brown or caramel. For neutral, mocha or soft brown. For cool, ash brown, dark chocolate or burgundy. Going one or two levels lighter than your natural hair gives a natural result.

Do I need a patch test before dyeing my hair?

Yes. The FDA advises a skin patch test every time before dyeing your hair, even if you have used the same product before. Follow the package directions and never use hair dye on eyebrows or eyelashes.

Does burgundy suit tan skin?

Burgundy usually suits cool or neutral undertones best. For warm undertones, a brownish burgundy or mahogany often blends better. A preview on your photo helps you see the result before dyeing.