Ever left the salon with a gorgeous new shade that somehow didn’t feel quite right? The issue might not be the colour itself, but how it works with your undertone.
When your hair shade complements your skin, it brightens your complexion, makes your eyes pop, and gives you a natural glow.
If you’ve got a neutral undertone, you’re in luck – you can pull off both warm and cool shades. Still, some colours will flatter you more than others. Here’s how to identify your undertone and the best hair colours for a neutral base.
What Is A Skin Undertone?
Your skin tone is the surface colour (fair, medium, deep, etc), but your undertone is the subtle hue underneath that stays consistent no matter how tanned, pale, or sun-kissed you get. It comes in three main categories:
- Warm – golden, yellow, or peachy
- Cool – pink, red, or bluish
- Olive – a mix of neutral and green/grey tones
- Neutral – a mix of both
How to Find Your Skin Undertone
Not sure where you fall on the undertone spectrum? It’s simpler than you think. Start by checking the veins on your wrist: blue or purple means cool, greenish points to warm, teal or green-grey hints at olive, and if you can’t quite tell, you’re probably neutral.
Jewellery offers another clue – gold flatters warm tones, silver suits cool, while both looking good suggests neutral. Lastly, consider how your skin reacts to the sun: if you tan easily without burning much and your tone stays balanced, you likely have a neutral undertone.
Best Hair Colours for Neutral Undertones
Having a neutral undertone means you’re in the hair colour sweet spot. You can play with both warm and cool shades, but the key is balance. Let’s spill the (hair colour) tea.
Soft Chocolate Brown
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This rich, medium brown sits beautifully in the middle of the colour spectrum – not too warm, not too cool. It’s a universally flattering shade, but on neutral undertones, it does something special – it brings out the subtle warmth in your skin without making it look overly golden.
It’s also a great choice if you’re after a low-maintenance, natural look that still feels polished. Chocolate brown adds depth and richness to your hair while keeping your complexion bright and balanced. It pairs beautifully with both warm-toned and cool-toned makeup too, making your overall look super versatile.
Creamy Blonde
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If you’re blonde-curious but unsure where to start, creamy blonde is your sweet spot.
This soft, buttery hue strikes a gorgeous balance between warm honey tones and cooler beige or ash notes. On neutral undertones, it blends seamlessly with your skin, giving you that healthy, glowing look without washing you out.
Unlike ultra-icy platinum, which can sometimes feel stark, or golden blonde, which can lean too warm, creamy blonde flatters you by sitting right in the middle. It’s flattering in every season and looks especially stunning when paired with soft waves or a sleek bob.
Rose Gold
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If you want a touch of edge with elegance, rose gold is a playful yet wearable option.
This blend of blush pink and warm gold is flattering on neutral skin because it complements both sides of your undertone – the pink tones echo any natural rosiness, while the golden shimmer brings warmth and brightness to your complexion.
Rose gold hair can look whimsical and romantic or bold and modern, depending on how you style it. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a bit of fun with their colour while still keeping it flattering and cohesive with their skin tone.
Related read: 13 Best Hair Colouring Salons in Singapore for Beautiful Brown, Burgundy, and Even Rose Gold Hair
Soft Black
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Going dark doesn’t have to mean going full gothic. Soft black is a more wearable alternative to jet black, and it’s ideal for neutral skin because it adds depth and intensity without overwhelming your natural tones. This shade is bold yet balanced – the perfect way to go dark without going overboard.
It’s also a great choice for anyone who wants to add drama to their look without crossing into high-maintenance territory – it grows out well and doesn’t create a harsh line at the roots.
Mushroom Brown
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If you’re into cooler, ashy tones but want something a bit more unique, mushroom brown is a trendy and flattering pick.
This earthy shade blends taupe, beige, and smoky brown tones – all of which sit beautifully against neutral skin. It’s the kind of colour that looks sophisticated and lived-in, with a subtle dimension that adds texture and volume to your hair.
Mushroom brown is especially flattering if you love wearing both warm and cool tones in your wardrobe, as it bridges the gap effortlessly. Think of it as the “cool girl” version of brunette.
Strawberry Blonde
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Soft, romantic, and effortlessly fresh, strawberry blonde is a beautiful blend of warm red and golden blonde tones.
On neutral skin, it brings a natural warmth to the complexion without leaning too yellow or too pink. This shade adds just enough colour to brighten your face, but remains soft and wearable – never overpowering.
It’s especially flattering if you have light to medium skin and want a subtle, sun-kissed glow that still feels chic and low-maintenance. Whether worn as an all-over hue or through delicate highlights, strawberry blonde is a flattering middle ground that plays perfectly with your balanced undertone.
