How to Choose the Right Hair Colour for Your Skin Tone
Expert Colour Advice from Ellen Conlin Hair & Beauty, West End Glasgow
Choosing a new hair colour should feel exciting not overwhelming. The secret to a flattering transformation? Matching your shade to your skin tone. Whether you're craving a bold change or a subtle refresh, knowing your undertones helps ensure your new look enhances your natural beauty.
At Ellen Conlin Hair & Beauty in Glasgow's West End, our expert colourists are here to guide you every step of the way with our expert colour advice . From balayage and blonde transformations to warm brunettes and precision colour correction, we’ll help you find a shade that suits your tone, lifestyle and goals.
Step One: Know Your Skin Tone
Your skin tone isn’t just light, medium or deep it’s about your undertone. That’s what determines which hair colours will look natural, fresh and radiant on you.
Cool Undertones
Your skin has pink, red or blue hints. You may burn easily in the sun and suit silver jewellery best.
Warm Undertones
Your skin leans golden, peachy or yellow. You tend to tan easily and look great in gold jewellery.
Neutral Undertones
Lucky you! You sit somewhere in between and can usually pull off a wider range of colours.
Quick tip: Look at the veins on your wrist.
Blue or purple? You’re cool.
Green? You’re warm.
A mix? You’re likely neutral.
Step Two: Match Your Colour to Your Undertones
Now for the fun part choosing a colour! Here’s what works best for each undertone:
For Cool Undertones
Stick to icy, ashy, or blue-based shades. These tones balance pink or red skin tones beautifully.
Try:
Ash blonde
Platinum
Cool brunette
Jet black
Burgundy
Avoid:
Golden blondes or copper tones—they can clash with cooler skin.
For Warm Undertones
Go for rich, warm tones that bring out your skin’s natural glow.
Try:
Golden blonde
Caramel
Copper
Honey brown
Chocolate brunette
Avoid:
Ashy tones or very cool shades—they may make your complexion look dull.
For Neutral Undertones
You’ve got the best of both worlds—just avoid anything too extreme.
Try:
Beige blonde
Mushroom brown
Rose gold
Soft black
Bronde
Don’t Forget Your Eye Colour & Natural Shade
Eye colour also plays a role in your perfect match.
Green or hazel eyes pop with warm reds and coppers.
Blue eyes shine with cool blondes or deep browns.
Brown eyes are beautifully versatile—warm or cool tones work.
And if your natural shade is close to what you’re aiming for, maintenance will be much easier too.
Lifestyle Matters Choose Something You Can Maintain
Some colours fade fast or need regular salon visits.
Platinum blonde? Stunning, but high maintenance.
Balayage or soft highlights? A lower-commitment option that still adds gorgeous depth and movement.
Your stylist will help you decide what suits your schedule and routine.
Trust the Pros with Expert Colour Advice – No Box Dyes Here
Choosing colour isn’t just about what’s trendy it’s about what works for you.
That’s why we always recommend a professional colour consultation before making any big changes. At Ellen Conlin Hair & Beauty, our colour specialists take the time to understand your goals, assess your hair health, and design a bespoke colour plan.
And yes please step away from the chemist’s box dye. We’re here to save you from orange roots and DIY disasters.
Ready for a Colour You’ll Love?
Whether you want a full transformation, a seasonal refresh, or expert colour correction, our award-winning team is here to help.