How to Choose the Perfect Colour for Your Skin Tone

Choosing the right hair colour can completely transform your look. When it suits your natural features, it enhances your complexion, brightens your eyes and helps you feel effortlessly confident every day.

Yet many people struggle to identify which shades will suit them best, often relying on guesswork or pictures found online that may not reflect their own skin tone or undertone.

At Matthew Clulee Hair Spa in the heart of Oxford, we believe hair colour should feel personal and refined. A truly beautiful result comes from balancing artistry with an understanding of how colour interacts with your natural complexion. This guide will help you understand why skin tone matters and how to choose a colour that brings out your very best features.

Understanding Your Skin’s Undertone

Skin tone is more than simply fair, medium or deep. The undertone beneath your complexion determines how colours appear against your skin. There are three main undertones:

Warm undertones:
Skin has a golden or peachy quality. Veins may appear greenish, and gold jewellery tends to look especially flattering.

Cool undertones:
Skin appears rosy or has a hint of blue. Veins may look blue or purple, and silver jewellery often enhances the complexion.

Neutral undertones:
A balanced mix of warm and cool tones. Both silver and gold jewellery suit you.

Identifying your undertone helps narrow down shades that naturally complement your features. If you are unsure, our specialists can determine this during your consultation with complete ease.

Colour Recommendations for Warm Undertones

Warm undertones shine when paired with colours rich in warmth and depth.

Beautiful options include:

• Honey blonde
• Warm caramel
• Toffee
• Golden brunette
• Soft copper

These shades reflect light in a flattering way and create a soft glow across the complexion. For clients who prefer subtle colour, warm lowlights or a golden balayage can provide gentle dimension without overwhelming the face.

Colour Recommendations for Cool Undertones

Cool undertones are enhanced by shades with ash, pearl or espresso qualities.

Flattering options include:

• Ash blonde
• Champagne blonde
• Cool brunette
• Espresso brown
• Soft smoky blacks

These tones balance the natural coolness of the skin, bringing a refined and sophisticated finish. If you prefer a natural look, cool highlights or an icy toner can elevate your existing shade without dramatic change.

Colour Options for Neutral Undertones

Neutral undertones enjoy remarkable versatility. Most shades blend beautifully with your complexion, allowing you to experiment with a wide range of colours.

Balanced options include:

• Soft beige blonde
• Neutral chocolate
• Mushroom brown
• Muted copper
• Multi toned balayage

With neutral undertones, the artistry lies in placement and blending. Our team can create dimension that highlights your favourite features while keeping everything soft and harmonious.

Why Professional Colour Makes All the Difference

Hair colour is more than choosing a shade. It requires a professional eye to evaluate your undertone, your natural depth, your hair condition and your personal style. At Matthew Clulee Hair Spa, every colour begins with a thoughtful consultation, allowing us to tailor your shade precisely to your complexion and lifestyle.

Professional colour:

• Enhances your natural colouring
• Brightens your skin tone
• Creates harmony between your hair and facial features
• Protects your hair’s strength and condition
• Avoids flat or brassy results
• Ensures longevity and shine

Our colour specialists also take into account Oxford’s natural lighting throughout the seasons. Cooler winter light and brighter summer sunshine can influence how colour appears, and we adjust formulas accordingly to ensure your colour remains beautifully balanced all year round.

Ready for a Colour Transformation in Oxford

If you are thinking about a new hair colour but unsure where to begin, we would be delighted to guide you. With expert knowledge, refined technique and a personalised approach, we will help you discover a shade that feels elegant, natural and completely right for you.