The 10 Best Hair Colors For Cool Skin Tones Right Now.

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Cool, warm, neutral…finding that gorgeous new hair color that makes your eyes pop, your hair shine and your skin sparkle means getting to know your undertones.

If you’re a cool cucumber looking for a new do, here’s everything you need to know about the best hair colors for your cool skin tones.

10 Best hair colors for cool skin tones.

Dark ash brown. 

Solid, jet black.

Ash blonde.

Midnight Blue.

Burgundy.

Beige Blonde.

Platinum blonde.

Lilac.

Cool rose.

Pastel blue.

What hair colors suit cool skin tones?

Cool skin tones typically fair or pale skin with pink or blue undertones, so it’s important to choose hair colors that complement these cool hues.

Some of our favorites for you cool-toned gals include icy blondes, ashy browns, and vivid purples. These colors will make your skin pop and give you an edgy and modern look.

Here are the most on-trend, lush cool colors that will look best on you right now.

#1. Dark ash brown balayage

Dark ash brown balayage is perfect for brunettes who love to keep it natural yet trendy. It’s a rich, dark brown shade that brings out the cool tones in your skin.

If you’re not a fan of going too dark, then try adding some ash-toned highlights for a dimensional, natural hair color look. You can also warm it up with some dark chocolate brown lowlights for added depth.

#2. Solid, jet-black

Jet black hair color is a dramatic, bold color that looks stunning on cool skin tones. We love this classic look the most because it makes you hair look super thick and glossy.

It enhances the contrast between your skin and hair, making you stand out in the crowd.

#3. Ash blonde balayage

Ash blonde balayage is the cool blonde of the moment.

This cool-toned blonde shade gives off a flattering, edgy vibe that suits all hair lengths. Cool blondes also pair well with some darker lowlights for a multidimensional look.

#4. Midnight blue

Are you looking for something edgy yet sophisticated?

Try out dark blue tones – like this soft black shade with a hint of blue. It works best if you already have a dark hair black color like black or dark brown. We love it because it adds a cool blue shine that glints in the sunlight.

#5. Violet and burgundy balayage

Burgundy is another rich color that looks good on cool skin tones.

It has cool undertones that give off a bold yet warm vibe. Try adding some violet and burgundy balayage highlights to spice up your dark, rich locks.

#6. Beige blonde babylights.

Beige blonde is a fresh take on a classic blonde look. It’s a cooler-toned blonde hair color with brunette hues that looks stunning on people with cool complexions.

Pair it with some ashy light blonde or pink highlights for a multidimensional look.

#7. Icy white Platinum blonde

Platinum blonde is a shade that has been on-trend like, forever!

It’s a cool-toned blonde that’s perfect for people with cool skin tones. This color is super high maintenance and not for the faint of heart. But it’s a surefire way to make heads turn and your skin glow.

Just make sure you invest in some purple shampoo to keep that color cool.

#8. Lilac pink ombre

If you’re looking for something outside the box, then try lilac pink ombre. It’s a soft, cool-toned color that transitions from dark to light in a blended effect.

Its sister shade lavender is also a cool pastel shade for light skin tones. Mix these two together for a unique and unforgettable hue.

#9. Cool rosé

Cool rosé is another shade that’s storming up the hair trend charts. Red hair color is usually warm but this is a blonde and pink-toned color that’s cool and edgy.

It pairs well with some darker, contrasting tones to give off a multidimensional look.

#10. Pastel blue

Another shade that’s best for light hair color bases, pastel blue hair dyes are a soft, cool-toned color that looks stunning on cool skin tones.

It’s an edgy, alternative hair color that’s perfect for people looking to switch things up. Add some pastel pink highlights to make it your own.

What are skin tones?

Skin tones and undertones are actually two different things, even though they are both often referred to as ‘skin tones’.

Your skin tone – is the surface color of your skin coloring which can change with sun exposure, reactions to medication, or medical conditions like rosacea.

Your undertones – are your complexion and color from underneath the surface of your skin that affects your overall hue.

There are three undertones – cool, warm, and neutral.

If you have warm skin tones, you want to pick warmer hair colors like copper, golden brown, strawberry blonde, honey blonde, chocolate brown or caramel blonde.

For cooler skin tones, icy blonde or ashy brown shades will do the trick.

For neutral undertones, the sky’s the limit—anything from honey-toned highlights to rich chestnut hues, auburn or mahogany balayage looks will look phenomenal on you.

Finding out which one you are is the key unlocking the right make-up and the right hair colors to suit you.

How do I find out my undertones?

Use our checklist below to find out your undertones. This will help you to double check that cool colors are for you.

If you have cool undertones:

  • Your skin tone is pink or you have pale skin.
  • You blush easily!
  • Jewel and pastel colors are so your thing.
  • The color yellow washes you out and does not look good on you.
  • You have blue not green veins in your wrist.
  • Pearls and silver jewellery look awesome on you.

If you have warm undertones:

  • You have red or golden tones in your natural hair.
  • Your skin tone is golden, tan skin or you have olive skin tone.
  • You might have freckles!
  • You have green not blue veins in your wrist.
  • You suit bright or rich shades better.
  • Gold jewelry looks awesome on you.
DO you have warm or cool undertones small

Which Hair Color Suits Me?

What do cool skin tones look like?

If you have cool undertones, your skin will be slightly pink, red, or blue. You’ll probably burn easily or don’t tan very well. This is because your cool skin contains less less pigment.

A pink skin reddens quickly and you will blush easily!

Neutral skin tones can also fall under the cool category. It’s more common to have light colored eyes like green eyes or hazel eyes if you you have cool undertones, but not always.

Warm skin tones are darker skin tones with yellow undertones that tan easily. If you have dark skin tones, you have warm undertones.

If you’re sure what skin undertones you have, you can always ask a colorist. They’ll be happy to help find the perfect hair color for you.

What hair colors should cool skin tones avoid?

If you have cool skin tones, certain hair colors can wash you out and make you look tired. Here are the ones you should avoid…

1. Stay Away from Warm Reds and Oranges

If you have cool skin tones, it’s best to avoid warm reds and oranges.

These hues add warmth to your skin, making you look sallow and tired.

Instead, go for cooler shades like burgundy, cherry red, and dark auburn that complement your pinkish undertones. These colors will make your complexion glow, leaving you looking fresh and rejuvenated.

2. Steer Clear of Yellow-Toned Blondes

Yellow-toned blondes may look gorgeous on warm skin tones, but they can clash with cool skin.

Rather than going for the sunny yellow blonde, consider cooler shades like ash blonde, platinum blonde, or silver blonde.

These shades complement cool skin tones and bring out the pink undertones in your complexion, making you look brighter and more radiant.

3. Avoid Brassy Browns

If your cool skin tone has pink or red undertones, steer clear of brassy browns like chestnut brown, auburn or copper.

These warm shades can make your skin look ruddy and highlight any redness or blotchiness.

Instead, go for cooler shades like ash brown, chestnut, or espresso. These colors will help neutralize any redness and bring out your skin’s natural radiance.

4. Say No to Neon Colors

While bright neon hair colors are trendy, they don’t look great on cool skin tones.

Neon colors are too vibrant and can make your skin look sallow and pale.

Instead, opt for pastel hues or muted shades like rose gold, lavender, or dusty blue. These colors will add warmth and depth to your skin, making you look soft and glowy.

5. Avoid Top-Heavy Highlights

If you’re considering highlights, avoid top-heavy highlights that sit too close to your face.

These highlights can make your skin look washed out and highlight any redness or blotchiness. Instead, try lowlights or highlights that frame your face and add depth to your hair while complementing your cool skin’s undertones.

Parting words.

You see, there are plenty of hair color options out there for cool people with cool skin tones.

Whether you’re looking to add some drama to your look or keep it natural yet sophisticated, the options are endless.

All you have to do is choose a color that complements your skin tone and brings out the best in your features.

You can always experiment with different options to find the look that suits you best. So, which color are you going to try first? Good luck!

This article was written by:

  • Nicola Freeman, Creative Director & Content Lead
    Creative Director & Content Lead

    With over two decades of passionate hair dyeing experience, I've experimented with nearly every shade imaginable. My journey began long before blogging; as an award-winning copywriter in London and New York, I shaped narratives for iconic brands. However, when friends sought advice during lockdown for at-home hair dyeing, I realized my true calling. Beyond being your hair color expert, I'm a mom of two girls, wife to artist Tony, and an avid soccer player!