Whether you already have the color of your dreams and need a new style, or simply want to spice up the cute bob you have fallen in love with, matching your cut and color into perfect harmony doesn’t need to be difficult.
Put your mind to rest as there are no steadfast rules. Much of the match is based on intuition and a little personal flair.
As I said, there are no rules; however there are a few ways to enhance your color in tandem with the style you wear. So do not feel that you have to lop off your locks to flatter your color or that you have to bleach your hair because you have long layers. Taste and personality still take the reins.
Before you we start, some considerations…
Here are some things to consider. There are certain shapes and textures that will allow the nature of the hair color to best present itself. Sometimes it is also the ‘techniques’ that can turn up the volume so-to-speak.
From subtle to shocking, tossing in a new color technique such as highlights or dimensional color techniques can bring out the elements of the cut you wish to spotlight.
The best color for long hair
Long, one-length hair can always show off the luster and richness of any color. Whether it is brunette, blonde, or red – a long flowing veil of color is always eye-popping. The downside is if your color is faded, uneven, or dull, this will also stand out for the world to see.
Long hair is also older hair so there are varying levels of porosity which makes evenness and shine more difficult to maintain. So if you are good at keeping your hair healthy, trimmed, and protected this option is always a trophy in my book.
The best color for medium length hair
Medium to long hair styles with layers are always a great way to show off a great head of highlights. The flowing nature of the layers with the added textural movement really showcases what highlights can do.
Adding a few lighter pieces around the face and crown give a vibrant, refreshing halo which add the appearance of youth, vitality, and just looks plain sexy. To give the illusion of bulk (as well as adding volume through the chemical processes themselves), adding highlights and lowlights together can add more support to the hair.
The best color for cropped and short hair
The shorter looks and crops give a whole new realm of options to creative color. Not only do you have more flexibility for change since you have to cut it more often, you can add bits and pieces of color techniques and take your color on a journey.
Maybe one time you can put a couple foils in your bangs (or “fringe” for my British brethren), maybe next time tint the nape a touch darker for some depth and dimension. Maybe you can Balayage the tips in one visit to look as if you have spent time on vacation (even if you haven’t left your cubicle.) Be playful and be expressive! Short hair plays nicely with a large variety of colors and the more vibrant the better!
The beauty is you can wear virtually any style with any color and make it work. To make adjustments without sacrificing either your hair or your favorite shade, consider tweaking the technique. Little playful punctuations can tailor the color to work and fit you and your personality. With some creativity, and a bottle or brush, your cut and color can be a match made in heaven!
My hair is a light ashe blond/gray. I would like to add a medium to light ash color to give me some depth with the color. What can I do? I use the Clariol soy 4plex liquicolor 9A/26D to even out my color and gray. Need suggestions on how to add some depth and to keep from looking so old. I am 61 years old and tired of the white/ash color.
Hi Betty,
I’d recommend trying Clariol’s ‘Color Blend Form’. It really adds tone and highlights, so it will give you the extra depth you are looking for. Plus, it’s got 100% grey coverage so no one will know you are covering up 🙂
They have a medium ash shade, so should be just what you are looking for.
Good luck, let me know how you get on.
Susie x
color my hair Black .I want to go back light brown again
Its only been 24 hours .I cannot stant it .what can i do .i dont want to go to the hair dresse to bleach it .
Thanksd
Hi Maggie,
Really sorry to hear you’re not happy with your new hair color. Unfortunately, if you’ve gone black there is very little you can safely do in your own home without potentially making the problem worse.
Firstly, I would say give it another week or so. Hair color takes some time to settle, and often the look you see the day of the application is much different than the final outcome. Hopefully your color will settle to something more pleasing for you.
One of our Writers who has over 25 years experience has written this article on the subject, but basically the advice can be summed up with: don’t try to fix it at home.
I’m sorry I can’t be more positive, but I really don’t want to give you any advice that can potentially permanently damage your hair. I will have my fingers crossed that the color settles to something you’re happy with.
Susie x
i have natural or nonrelaxed hair. its 6 inches ling but it looks shorter. my natural hair color is deep brown. what highlights should i get
Hey Aminah,
First of all have you decided on how light you want your highlights to be?
For darker highlights you could opt for caramel and honey shades. They can look nice and subtle in darker hair.
Susie x
I have light brown eyes,oval face. What colour can i use and what shape of hair i can fit