21 of the Most Flattering Hair Colors for Tan Skin

Although you are entitled to wear any hair color your heart desires, it’s always helpful having the best hair color for tan skin guide to use as a jumping-off point for either inspiration or to mimic completely. Below, you’ll uncover all you need to know about the best hair colors for tan skin, plus 21 different colors that will work great with your complexion. Happy hunting for hair colors for tan skin!

Does Black Hair Look Good on Tan Skin?

So, does black fall into the list of hair colors for tan skin? Short answer: yes. Tan skin looks great with any iteration of black as it makes the overall look glow and shine. But we encourage you to step out of the box and try one of the fun shades below.

Does Blonde Hair Suit Tan Skin?

Because tan skin tends to have yellow or golden undertones, blonde (think: beige blonde, golden blonde, strawberry blonde, and honey blonde) is another excellent hair color idea for tan skin.

What Hair Color Is Best for Tan Skin?

While finding the perfect hair color might come with some trial and error, if you have tan skin, you are in luck because most colors will look amazing. However, if you are interested in seeing 21 of the best hair colors for tan skin that will really shine, keep reading.

The Best Hair Colors for Tan Skin

Good hair day by @jennikaskikallio

Sunkissed Red

If you’ve indulged in summer beach days, you might notice that your blonde hair has started to turn brunette. Sunkissed red is great for those that enjoy strawberry blonde or light copper. And if your hair tends to be on the thinner side or you’re just looking for more volume, Matrix Total Results High Amplify Wonder Boost Root Lift will aid in your volume journey.

Good hair day by @nurzh8n

Dark Ash Blonde

Good news, if you're looking for an ash hair color for tan skin, the search is over. Just because your skin is tan does not mean you have to stick to warm-toned shades. Opt for a dark ash blonde to perfectly balance your skin tone.

Good hair day by @marissaxbeauty

Rose Gold

Rose gold hair color, the pink and gold hue, has been making its way to the top of many inspo lists. The pink and gold hues bring out the rosy tones in tan skin.

Good hair day by @hairbycasondra

Cinnamon

A great warmer red, cinnamon hair will excel on tan skin, making it look brighter than ever. It has swirls of brown, red, and orange that will compliment golden skin perfectly.

Good hair day by @darshana_iamme

Golden Brown

Golden brown has flashes of blonde and copper in it for a long-lasting sunkissed look. Opt for Matrix Total Results Color Obsessed Volumizing Shampoo to maintain moisture and color retention.

Good hair day by @krazy4hair

Midnight Blue

Midnight blue, or royal blue is a brilliant way to experiment with color while still looking sophisticated. Depending on the light it could also pass for black, making it great for all seasons.

Good hair day by @krazy4hair

Mauve

Mauve, a muted pink hue is a great color to try for the low commitment people as it’s not quite hot pink but still shows an edge. Pureology Color Fanatic Multi-Tasking Leave-In Spray is a great addition to a mauve hair routine as the sulfate-free formula will help detangle and preserve color vibrancy.

Good hair day by @lisafarrall

Pumpkin Spice

Why not channel the drink of the season with pumpkin spice hair. The shade that blends in orange, copper, and warm brown will look flawless on tan skin.

Good hair day by @m.wroblewska.hairsalon

Bubblegum Pink

Go for playful vibrancy with bubblegum pink hair. This hot Barbie pink hair has a nostalgic look and will remind you not to take life so seriously.

Good hair day by @rachellezard

Peach

Peach looks great on multiple textures and skin tones, including tan skin. Plus, it doesn’t require a silver or bleach base so it is a lot less damaging on your strands as well. And since color-treated hair is more prone to damage, if you manipulate your strands with heat, don’t forget to work in L'Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Pro Longer Leave-In Cream preheat to maintain the integrity of your color and hair.

Good hair day by @enchantedhairbyrum

Magenta

If you stuck to watercolor washes and pastels when you were feeling particularly pasty, it’s time to switch up your hair color routine with vivid magenta. Not quite blue, red, or purple, this jewel-toned shade reads as more of a neutral look on tan skin.

Good hair day by @robina_oscaroscarsalons

Cream Soda

Orange shades are often overlooked in the hair world, but ladies with tan skin can benefit the most from their glowy presence. If you’re a newbie to the world of orange, start with a cream soda hair color. This trendy shade incorporates blonde notes, so you don’t feel too far out of your comfort zone.

Good hair day by @samihairmagic

Icy Lavender

Depending on how dark your tanned skin is, it might behoove you to choose a cool shade like icy lavender for your summer aesthetic. If you’re really down for an artistic look, talk to your stylist about painting different sections of silver and light purple throughout your mane. And when you do land on this hue, Kérastase Blond Absolu Masque Ultra-Violet Purple Hair Mask will be essential for your routine in strengthening and nourishing hair.

Good hair day by @rondah.shaskey.hair

Copper

Of all the colors to pair with a tan, copper hair is one of our very favorite shades. The bright gold and orange notes echo the deep bronze of your skin, making you appear more like a goddess than you ever thought possible. If you have a naturally fair complexion but have gotten a little sun, copper is a great pick.

Good hair day by @michelleoconnorbeauty

Acid Yellow

Starting with a naturally dark skin tone allows you the freedom to experiment with vibrant hair colors that make a statement. We’ve been obsessed with acid hair colors since the spring, but a beachy tan enables us to finally take them for a spin.

Good hair day by @mzolotarev

Honey Beige

Beige hair colors are still very much en vogue, so take this opportunity to finally try one out. The honey tones play beautifully off caramel skin. With a shade this flattering, we wouldn’t be surprised if you pack up your makeup bag and don’t touch it all summer.

Good hair day by @colorbyjacob

Cool Pink

Repeat after us: Cool pink is the new pastel pink. This dreamy shade is bold enough to make a statement and is less of a blonde shade than we’ve seen in past years. When in doubt, ask your stylist to leave some shadowy roots visible.

Good hair day by @anhcotran

Surfer Blonde

Surfers spend countless hours floating in the water, which often results in bright blonde highlights at their roots and around their faces. Luckily, you don’t have to be athletic to try a shade this good. Today’s stylists are adept at creating natural-looking accent pieces to play off your summer tan. Remember to work in a hair mask like Matrix Total Results Brass Off Custom Neutralization Hair Mask for total restoration and brassy-free texture.

Good hair day by @chelseahaircutters

Chestnut Blonde

If you’re a natural brunette, it’s normal to balk at the idea of trading in your dark base for a blonde shade. Don’t worry about it—there’s no reason to! A shade like chestnut blonde involves blonde highlights throughout the ends to give the overall impression of lighter hair.

Good hair day by @bulli_e_pupe_2004

Sunkissed Auburn

Transition into the warm weather by adding hints of bright blonde to your auburn ‘do. Against tan skin, this shade is a totally summer-appropriate red that won’t wash you out. If you’re not so sure about a brilliant ginger shade, ask your stylist to add more brown base notes to the look.

Good hair day by @klausmuellerfriseur

Nut Brown

If a very light brunette is your goal, choose a brown shade that winks at dark blonde. The darker your tan gets, the more the sun will lighten your hair. The result will be a creamy, dreamy combination of browns and golds that will last you far into the fall. For day-to-day maintenance, don’t forget to wash with Shu Uemura Art of Hair Color Lustre Sulfate-Free Shampoo. This shampoo will gently and effectively cleanse hair while maintaining moisture.

Good hair day by @chelseahaircutters

Dark Silver

Silver may seem like it’s best suited for winter, but people who think that have never seen it against tan skin. When in doubt, ask your stylist for a moody shade that falls closer to charcoal.

For all your hair care needs to upkeep your new hair color, shop Hair.com. You’ll find these and more to make sure your shade stays fresh and vibrant.

Photo Header Credit: @dezidoesit and @nurzh8n