I used to think hair color was just about picking whatever shade looked cute on Pinterest. Flash forward to my first platinum attempt where i looked more washed out than a white tee on its tenth spin cycle… and let’s just say, lesson learned. Turns out, your skin tone is kinda everything when it comes to choosing a flattering hair color. And if you’ve got cool undertones (think pink, red, or blue hues in your skin), then you’ve officially landed in the right place.
Whether you’re going blonde, brunette, or bold, these ten shades will make your cool-toned skin glow—like, compliments-in-the-wild level glow.
What hair colors suit cool skin tones?
Cool skin tones typically fair or pale skin with pink or blue undertones, so it’s important to choose hair colors that complement these cool hues.
Some of our favorites for you cool-toned gals include icy blondes, ashy browns, and vivid purples. These colors will make your skin pop and give you an edgy and modern look.
Here are the most on-trend, lush cool colors that will look best on you right now.
#1. Ash Brown
The Effortlessly Chic Brunette
Ash brown is basically the no-makeup makeup of hair colors. It’s cool-toned, subtle, and super flattering—especially if you’ve got pink or rosy undertones in your skin. Ash brown reads sophisticated without trying too hard (aka she’s that girl).
Do: Ask your colorist for a neutral-to-cool gloss every few months to keep that smoky richness fresh. Don’t: Try to DIY this one with box dye—ash tones can get murky real fast without a pro eye.
Expert Insights
“Ash brown shades neutralize pink and red tones in the skin, making it a perfect match for cool complexions.” — L’Oréal Paris
Maintenance Tip: Ash tones can fade warm, so a purple or blue shampoo once a week is your secret weapon to keep brass at bay.
#2. Cool Black
Think Raven, Not Licorice
A true cool black is inky and glossy without veering into warm brown territory. It’s super striking on cool skin tones, especially if you’re into high contrast. (And yes, it can totally be your signature shade.)
Do: Play with shine sprays or oil mists to amp up that mirror finish. Don’t: Confuse this with soft black or brown-black—they can lean warm and throw off the whole vibe.
Expert Insights
“Cool, inky blacks are best for cool skin tones—they amplify the skin’s clarity without adding warmth.” — Mane Addicts
Maintenance Tip: This color fades slower than lighter tones, but keep it vibrant with color-safe, sulfate-free shampoo.
#3. Ash Blonde
The Cooler-Than-Cool Blonde
Ash blonde is the ultimate soft-focus filter in hair color form. It’s a little smoky, a little silvery, and totally flattering on cool skin. Unlike platinum, it’s more low-key but still gives that clean, modern edge.
Do: Choose a multi-dimensional ash blonde with lowlights to keep it natural. Don’t: Let it drift too beige—ask your stylist to stay on the icy side of blonde.
Expert Insights
“Ash blondes are perfect for cool skin tones—the grey undertones help cancel out any redness in the complexion.” — George Papanikolas, Celebrity Colorist
Maintenance Tip: Ash tones love to go warm when you’re not looking. Keep yours in check with regular toning shampoos and cool-tone glosses.
#4. Espresso Brown
The Rich Girl Brunette
Deep, dark, and ultra-refined—espresso brown is that luxe brunette shade that works hard for cool skin tones.
It’s got cool, almost bluish undertones that neutralize redness and give you a polished, high-contrast look without being harsh.
Do: Pair with a sleek cut or long layers for that glossy finish. Don’t: Let it go dull—glossing treatments are your friend!
Expert Insights
“Cool tones like espresso balance the natural redness in the skin, making it a go-to for cooler complexions.” — Josh Wood, Color Expert
Maintenance Tip: It’s low-drama, but a color-depositing conditioner will help you keep that richness between salon visits.
#5. Silver
The Statement Maker That Somehow Feels Timeless
Silver hair used to be bold, now it’s downright iconic. This cool metallic tone enhances cool skin like a spotlight on your best features.
It’s edgy but still elegant—kind of like if Storm from X-Men was also a fashion editor.
Do: Embrace the metallic finish—ask for violet or steel undertones. Don’t: Skip the glossing appointments—silver fades quickly and needs TLC.
Maintenance Tip: Toner is your BFF. You’ll also want hydrating masks and heat protectants to keep it shiny and soft.
#6. Mushroom Brown
Earthy, But Make It Editorial
This ashy, taupe-toned brunette is the secret weapon for anyone who wants something understated but stunning.
Mushroom brown lives right in the middle—cool, soft, and dimensional—which makes it perfect for fair, cool-toned skin.
Do: Add in soft highlights for extra texture and depth. Don’t: Let warmth creep in—ask your stylist to avoid golden or caramel tones.
Expert Insights
“Mushroom brown is a great option for people with cooler undertones looking for a more natural, lived-in look.” — George Papanikolas, Celebrity Colorist
Maintenance Tip: A toning gloss every couple of months keeps those cool tones intact and the ‘mushroom’ vibe from turning murky.
#7. Icy white Platinum blonde
For The Drama, Darling
It’s bold. It’s icy. It’s the kind of color that says “I didn’t come here to blend in.” Platinum works so well on cool skin because it mirrors those undertones and makes them pop.
Do: Prep your hair with bond-building treatments before and after bleaching. Don’t: Try to stretch your root touch-ups too long—this color thrives with consistent upkeep.
Expert Insights
“Platinum blonde enhances the skin’s natural coolness and adds a bold yet elegant effect.” — Jenna Perry, Celebrity Colorist
Maintenance Tip: This shade is high-maintenance city, no sugar-coating it. Deep condition like your life depends on it and invest in a toning purple shampoo to stay icy.
#8. Lavender
The Whisper of Whimsy
It’s playful, but not loud. This pastel purple lavender shade works surprisingly well on cool-toned skin because it’s muted and leans into blue-based tones. It adds a little edge without being overwhelming—aka the ultimate cool-girl shade.
Do: Use color-depositing masks to revive faded lavender. Don’t: Overdo it with heat styling—it’ll strip the color in a flash.
Expert Insights
“Lavender tones are dreamy on cool skin—they mimic your natural undertones and enhance brightness.” — L’Oréal Paris
Maintenance Tip: Pastels fade fast, so use a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo and limit washes when you can.
#9. Burgundy
The Rich Wine Tone That’s Always In Season
Cool-toned reds like burgundy are the ultimate power move for cool skin tones.
It adds contrast without clashing, and makes green or blue eyes absolutely pop. Think deep, berry tones with major dimension.
Do: Go for a multidimensional burgundy with hints of violet. Don’t:Wash your hair daily—every rinse steals a little vibrance.
Expert Insights
“Berry reds and burgundy tones are perfect for cool complexions—they complement the skin without overpowering it.” — Josh Wood, Colorist
Maintenance Tip: Red fades the fastest—use color-safe shampoo and try a color-refresh gloss between appointments.
#10. Cool Strawberry
The Surprising Sweetheart
People always think strawberry blonde is only for warm skin tones—but give it a cooler spin, and it’s a whole new story.
A cool strawberry blonde (think more rose than copper) adds a soft blush of color that works beautifully with fair, cool complexions.
Do: Ask for a mix of rose-gold and champagne hues for a cooler finish. Don’t: Let it veer too orange—steer clear of golden or peachy toners.
Expert Insights
“With cooler pink tones, strawberry blonde can absolutely work for cool undertones—it adds warmth without clashing.” — L’Oréal Paris
Maintenance Tip: It’s a delicate balance—use a sulfate-free shampoo to protect the pinky undertones and tone as needed to prevent it from turning brassy.
What are skin tones?
Skin tones and undertones are actually two different things, even though they are both often referred to as ‘skin tones’.
Your skin tone – is the surface color of your skin coloring which can change with sun exposure, reactions to medication, or medical conditions like rosacea.
Your undertones – are your complexion and color from underneath the surface of your skin that affects your overall hue.
There are three undertones – cool, warm, and neutral.
If you have warm skintones, you want to pick warmer hair colors like copper, golden brown, strawberry blonde, honey blonde, chocolate brown or caramel blonde.
For cooler skin tones, icy blonde or ashy brown shades will do the trick.
For neutral undertones, the sky’s the limit—anything from honey-toned highlights to rich chestnut hues, auburn or mahogany balayage looks will look phenomenal on you.
Finding out which one you are is the key unlocking the right make-up and the right hair colors to suit you.
Cool brunette hair colors
Best Hair Colors For Cool Skin Tones
Espresso Brown
Mushroom brown
Mocha
Ash brown
Natural brown
Cool blonde hair colors
Best Hair Colors For Cool Skin Tones
Dirty blonde
Silver-blonde
Sandy Blonde
Cool Strawberry Blonde
Pearl Blonde
How do I find out my undertones?
Use our checklist below to find out your undertones. This will help you to double check that cool colors are for you.
If you have cool undertones:
Your skin tone is pink or you have pale skin.
You blush easily!
Jewel and pastel colors are so your thing.
The color yellow washes you out and does not look good on you.
You have blue not green veins in your wrist.
Pearls and silver jewellery look awesome on you.
If you have warm undertones:
You have red or golden tones in your natural hair.
Your skin tone is golden, tan skin or you have olive skin tone.
You might have freckles!
You have green not blue veins in your wrist.
You suit bright or rich shades better.
Gold jewelry looks awesome on you.
What do cool skin tones look like?
If you have cool undertones, your skin will be slightly pink, red, or blue. You’ll probably burn easily or don’t tan very well. This is because your cool skin contains less less pigment.
A pink skin reddens quickly and you will blush easily!
Neutral skin tones can also fall under the cool category. It’s more common to have light colored eyes like green eyes or hazel eyes if you you have cool undertones, but not always.
Warm skin tones are darker skin tones with yellow undertones that tan easily. If you have dark skin tones, you have warm undertones.
If you’re sure what skin undertones you have, you can always ask a colorist. They’ll be happy to help find the perfect hair color for you.
What hair colors should cool skin tones avoid?
If you have cool skin tones, certain hair colors can wash you out and make you look tired. Here are the ones you should avoid…
1. Stay Away from Warm Reds and Oranges
If you have cool skin tones, it’s best to avoid warm reds and oranges.
These hues add warmth to your skin, making you look sallow and tired.
Instead, go for cooler shades like burgundy, cherry red, and dark auburn that complement your pinkish undertones. These colors will make your complexion glow, leaving you looking fresh and rejuvenated.
2. Steer Clear of Yellow-Toned Blondes
Yellow-toned blondes may look gorgeous on warm skin tones, but they can clash with cool skin.
Rather than going for the sunny yellow blonde, consider cooler shades like ash blonde, platinum blonde, or silver blonde.
These shades complement cool skin tones and bring out the pink undertones in your complexion, making you look brighter and more radiant.
3. Avoid Brassy Browns
If your cool skin tone has pink or red undertones, steer clear of brassy browns like chestnut brown, auburn or copper.
These warm shades can make your skin look ruddy and highlight any redness or blotchiness.
Instead, go for cooler shades like ash brown, chestnut, or espresso. These colors will help neutralize any redness and bring out your skin’s natural radiance.
4. Say No to Neon Colors
While bright neon hair colors are trendy, they don’t look great on cool skin tones.
Neon colors are too vibrant and can make your skin look sallow and pale.
Instead, opt for pastel hues or muted shades like rose gold, lavender, or dusty blue. These colors will add warmth and depth to your skin, making you look soft and glowy.
5. Avoid Top-Heavy Highlights
If you’re considering highlights, avoid top-heavy highlights that sit too close to your face.
These highlights can make your skin look washed out and highlight any redness or blotchiness. Instead, try lowlights or highlights that frame your face and add depth to your hair while complementing your cool skin’s undertones.
Parting words.
You see, there are plenty of hair color options out there for cool people with cool skin tones.
Whether you’re looking to add some drama to your look or keep it natural yet sophisticated, the options are endless.
All you have to do is choose a color that complements your skin tone and brings out the best in your features.
You can always experiment with different options to find the look that suits you best. So, which color are you going to try first? Good luck!
To ensure our recommendations are as comprehensive and reliable as possible, we’ve undertaken an extensive research effort.
We cite scientific evidence and journals, collect real user reviews and gather impartial perspectives from hair stylists, users, and experts in the field.
Additionally, we conduct hands-on testing by using products and applying hair dyes not only on our own locks but also on real human hair extensions and hair pieces of different hair type, textures and lengths.
This rigorous approach allows us to provide you with insights into which products genuinely live up to their promises.
As always – please consult with a professional hair colorist or stylist for advice on how to color your own hair at home. It’s different for everyone!
With over two decades of passionate hair dyeing experience, I’ve experimented with nearly every shade imaginable. My journey began long before blogging; as an award-winning copywriter in London and New York, I shaped narratives for iconic brands. However, when friends sought advice during lockdown for at-home hair dyeing, I realized my true calling. Beyond being your hair color expert, I’m a mom of two girls, wife to artist Tony, and an avid soccer player!
I’m Enza Piazza, your go-to hair stylist and color consultant with over 23 years of professional salon experience bringing vibrancy and life to hair of all hues. My Italian roots from sunny Sicily infuse passion into every snip and color, a passion that’s been recognized with top honor awards including bridal and party hair at the National Hairdressers Federation’s Championships.
After training in Surrey, UK’s most prestigious salons including Head Master Academy, I embraced the entrepreneurial spirit and set up Enza Hair Styling, offering tailored hair care for 13 years, and treating each client like family. Away from the salon, I cherish moments as a proud Nonna to grandson Joseph and as a playful companion to my Jack Russell, Bo.
