What's Your Ideal Hair Color?

Does the thought of coloring your own hair make you nervous? With vast color ranges and a wide spectrum of finishes, the idea of lightening or changing your locks can seem more stressful and overwhelming than exciting. Fortunately, with so many virtual makeover sites such as Clairol’s Try It On Studio, it’s easier to visualize yourself with new tresses. We sat down with Clairol’s color director Marie Robinson (who’s responsible for Anne Hathaway’s and Kristen Stewart’s rich brunettes) to learn how to find your ideal hair color—from the box or at the salon.

1. How do you find your hair color undertone?

Every head of hair has an undertone that influences your overall coloring. Since there are so many nuances to hair color—red, golden, ashy, dark—it’s hard to distinguish subtle tonal differences that can help you choose more flattering makeup and clothing. The easiest and most popular solution is to look at what kind of metal jewelry flatters you most. Gold tones tend to pair well with warmer hair, while silver and platinum look best on ashy, cooler tones. Rose gold and white gold flatter neutral coloring best. “Remember that skin tone plays a factor as well,” explains Marie. “For instance, someone with an olive complexion and warm-toned hair might not look right in yellow or gold jewelry because of the verdant cast on the skin. Try wearing different jewelry pieces with a neutral outfit, then evaluate which palette enhances your hair most.”

2. How do you know what your true hair color is?

Many people forget that sun exposure and hormonal shifts constantly alter their perception of their natural hair color—ever see those gray strands pop out from stress? So how do you know what your natural shade really is? “Look to the color you had before sun and stress—your childhood hue,” says Marie. “If you’re thinking about a color change but you’re not sure where to start, browse photos of yourself as a toddler for highlight inspiration.”

3. Should you dye your eyebrows to match your hair?

“Unless your color job is very dramatic, I would leave your brows alone,” advises Marie. If you’re still frustrated by the color difference, use liner or shadow to complement your new color and hide the gray if necessary. “Bleaching your brows is too big of a commitment and can easily go amiss."

4. Which color trends should we look out for next spring?

“I’m seeing a lot of deep shades for spring,” says Marie. “Clients are requesting gorgeous violet browns and ash browns, and dark auburn tints similar to Julianne Moore’s rich scarlet shade. It’s a contrast to lighter, warm-weather hair trends—brilliant brunettes are back.”

5. What about the rainbow color trend we’re seeing a lot?

“It’s a fun trend, but I think it’s going to die down by the beginning of next summer,” says Marie. “Teenagers and young women want to do something fun on their ombré strands, so they go color-crazy on their already-bleached tips a few months before a dramatic haircut.”

 

Marie Robinson is one of the most influential colorists in the industry and Clairol's color director. Her loyal list of celebrity clients includes Anne Hathaway, Natalie Portman, Rachel Weisz, Scarlett Johansson, Liv Tyler, Naomi Watts, Kristen Stewart, and Michelle Williams. She opened her eponymous salon in 2010, located in Manhattan's Flatiron District.