Fact: You can rock whatever hair color you desire, regardless of your skin color. However, some hair shades may complement your complexion more than others. And for those with medium skin tones, suffice it to say you have options. While hues ranging from pale blonde to deep indigo (and honestly, just about everything in between) will look amazing on you, there are two determining factors when it comes to picking that perfect shade: The vibe aesthetic you’re after and your skin’s undertones.
Meet the Experts
- Jamie Wiley is a hair colorist and the founder of the industry platform Hair Boss.
- Michelle O’Connor is a hairstylist and global artistic director for Matrix.
- Rachel Bodt is a hair colorist and Matrix brand ambassador.
“When choosing a color, considering your undertone is important because it will either complement or clash with your skin tone,” says hair colorist Jamie Wiley. “You want to make sure that the tone you choose will complement the underlying pigment in the skin.” Generally speaking, Wiley notes that complexions with warm undertones will have hints of peach, yellow, or gold, while pink or blue hues indicate cool undertones.
To show off your complexion’s full range, we’ve rounded up 15 hair colors that look stunning on medium skin tones. Read on to find your new shade and for expert tips from Wiley, O’Connor, and hair colorist Rachel Bodt.
Hair Colors for Medium Skin
Choosing a Shade: Make sure to pick a color that matches your complexion’s undertones versus your skin tone. “Skin tone can change depending on whether it’s winter or summer and if you have a tan, but your undertone will never change,” says O’Connor. “We all lean a little more one way—whether warm or cool—than the other.”
Maintenance Level: Maintenance varies depending on whether you’re doing a single-process hue, highlights, or a complete shift in your shade. Certain color techniques can be low-maintenance and require less frequent salon visits. If that’s what you’re after, opt for styles that feature your natural color at the root so that it looks good while growing out.
Price: Varies depending on the color, salon, and technique you choose. Generally speaking, a single-process color can range between $50 and $100, whereas ombré, balayage, and highlights can start at around $150.