Which hair color is good for brown skin?

If you are looking for the best hair color for dark skin, you’ve come to the right place. Before anything else, we’d like to get one thing clear: At All Things Hair HQ, we’d never tell you to forego any hair color (or, for that matter, anything—full stop) solely on the basis of skin color. We admit however that there are certain shades that bring out the best in certain complexions, depending on your specific undertone.

For darker skintones, these include intense, rich shades that either provide a gorgeous contrast against a deeper complexion or enhance the overall look with something that provides a lot of shine and dimension. Just as those with super pale complexions tend to look washed out with an unflattering shade of blonde, so it is with black and dark brown shades; the best hair color for dark skin has to match your undertones for a look that isn’t flat.

To better illustrate, we put together a shortlist of hair colors we think would look absolutely stunning on darker complexions for both warm and cool undertones. See which category you fall under and which shade you feel has your name written all over it for the coming season. Scroll on:

Warm Hair Color for Dark Skin

Warm undertones, regardless of how light or dark your complexion is, generally fare better with gold jewelry and earthier shades. This means bronze makeup is a natural fit, you tan more evenly and should be on the lookout for the golden caramels and honeys whenever you go for highlights.

1. Bleached Yellow Blonde

An unapologetically yellow blonde hair color for dark skin brightens and flatters a warmer dark skin tone without washing it out.

2. Caramel Ombré

Flattering, expensive-looking and super sexy, medium brown ombre hair for dark skin is also really easy to maintain. Plus, adding a hair accessory to your look is a great way to make it send out.

3. Dip-Dyed Hair Color for Dark Skin

Higher contrast than an ombré, a grown-out chestnut brown with lighter highlights is edgy yet sensual at the same time. This hair color for brown skin adds a glow to dark skin tones.

4. Golden Ash Blonde

Golden blonde is a popular choice for warm undertones due to its dimension and natural sheen. The gold tone will be very flattering against your skin.

5. Caramel Ombré, pt. 2

For colored hair

SheaMoisture Purple Rice Water Strength & Color Care Shampoo

For Curly Hair

SheaMoisture Purple Rice Water Strength & Color Care Conditioner

Wear your ombré tighter to the root and with an afro for an even more on-trend twist. Keep your color vibrant by switching to Shea Moisture Purple Rice Water Strength & Color Care Shampoo and Conditioner.

6. Caramel and Honey Highlights for Dark Skin

Multi-dimensional warm brown highlights for dark skin work seamlessly on a dark, nut-brown base. This is a great way to brighten your look!

7. Bright Honey

For Dull Hair

Love Beauty and Planet Blooming Color Murumuru Butter & Rose 2-Minute Magic Masque

There’s nothing sunnier and more cheerful than a full head of bright honey-yellow curls! Keep your colors hydrated and your color happy by regularly using Love Beauty and Planet Blooming Color Murumuru Butter & Rose 2-Minute Magic Masque.

8. Jet Black

Traditionally used on cooler complexions, jet black actually works across the board and flatters even warm undertones. This is the perfect color for someone who doesn’t want the upkeep of a highlighted look.

9. Graphic Red + Black

A synthetic red shade picks up but doesn’t wash out the natural warmth in your complexion. If you want to test out the waters in bold hair color, this is a great way to do that.

10. Chestnut

A crisp, clean medium brown shade is a great canvas for fall’s darker palette. Chestnut is a great way to brighten your look without gong very light.

Neutral to Cool Hair Color for Dark Skin

Pinkish, purplish or bluish undertones characterize those under the neutral-to-cool family. You love the contrast of a bright white T-shirt, silver jewelry and pinkish makeup hues. As for hair color for dark skin under this family, choose shades tempered by some ashy tones and violet-reds.

11. Ash Blonde Highlight Color for Dark Skin

Light beige-blonde highlights complement an ash brown base. These highlights for brown skin are the perfect way to change up your look without doing anything super dramatic.

12. Bubblegum Blue + Pink Hair Colors

Want to experiment with color on dark skin? Choose shades in the cooler spectrum, such as blues and cotton-candy pinks, and you’ll never go wrong.

13. Burgundy Hair Color for Dark Skin

A subtle wash of burgundy gives a touch of sophisticated dimension to black hair. This adds a subtle pop of color without opting for a drastic change in your color.

14. Deep Burgundy on Dark Skin

Go for the full-on burgundy hue if you want a darker, more intense shot of violet-red on your mane.

15. Fuchsia

Reddish violet hues are also a great alternative color on those with cool undertones, as they warm up your complexion without making you look too flushed.

16. Rooty Ash Blonde

A looser, smudgier ash blonde is a low-maintenance option for those who want to go lighter but also want to minimize the salon trips.

17. Rust Color for Dark Skin

ReddIsh hair colors such as rust balance out the blue in cooler dark skin tones. We love how this color instantly brightens the overall complexion.

18. Soft Black

The most neutral shade of black we’ve seen so far, and it’s especially soft and flattering against peach- and pink-undertoned gals.

19. Ash Brown

Don’t let the glint fool you; this sandy/ashy brown plays off a neutral-brown skin complexion and gives it a healthier-looking glow.

20. Silvery White Hair Color for Dark Skin

Whether natural or bottle-made, grays, whites and silvers look the most exceptional and seamless on those with cooler undertones.

Are you thinking about trying one of these hair colors? Be sure to snap a picture and tag us @AllThingsHairUS!