Understanding Undertones to Choose the Right Colour for Your Skin

Choosing the right hair colour isn’t just about chasing the latest trend – it’s about finding a shade that compliments you. And that all starts with knowing your undertone. Whether you’re going for a bold blonde moment or soft brown dimension, this guide will help you choose tones that enhance your skin tone, especially if you have melanin-rich skin.

Cool vs. Warm: What’s the Difference?

Cool tones include shades with blue, violet, or silver undertones. Think:

• Ash brown
• Mocha
• Jet or blue-black
• Icy blonde
• Cool burgundy

Warm tones feature golden, copper, or red undertones. Think:

• Chestnut
• Honey blonde
• Auburn
• Chocolate brown
• Copper

If you’ve ever tried a colour and thought “this is washing me out” or “this is glowing on me” that’s the tone at play.

🔍 How to Find Your Undertone

It’s not always obvious, but here are a few clues:

• Vein Test: Look at the veins on your wrist.

Blue/purple? You likely have cool undertones.

Green? You probably have warm undertones.

A mix? You could be neutral—lucky you, most tones will suit you.

• Jewellery Test:

Silver flatters cool undertones.

Gold complements warm tones.

• Foundation Match:

If you tend to wear foundations with “golden” or “warm” labels, you’re likely warm-toned.

If “neutral” or “cool” works better, you might be on the cooler side.

Elite Tip: Always Book a Colour Consultation

Undertone is just one piece of the puzzle. Your stylist will also consider:

• Your natural hair colour
• Your curl pattern and texture
• How much maintenance you want
• Previous colour or chemical history

A professional colour consultation ensures you don’t end up with tones that clash—or worse, with brassy or uneven results. This is especially important if you’re lifting darker hair.

Product Picks We Recommend at Elite

To keep your tone fresh and salon-perfect:

• Bumble and Bumble Colour Illuminated Shampoo – Protects your investment by sealing in colour.
• Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Primer – Heat protectant + hydration = essential for colour-treated hair.

Ready to Try a New Tone?

Whether you’re dreaming of caramel ribbons or ice-cool mocha, our team at Elite Hair Lounge will help you find the perfect shade and routine to match. Book your free colour consultation at our Lewisham, Stockwell, or Archway locations.

P.S. Colour consultations are required for all first-time clients – and trust us, your hair will thank you. Book Your patch test here