While it’s tempting to simply scroll through Instagram in search of a hair color you think is perfect for you, there are plenty of factors to consider before fully committing to a change. Things like the cost of maintenance, additional products you need to buy, and seasonality should all be considerations. But, perhaps most important is whether your desired hue will actually flatter your skin tone. Too often, the beauty industry thinks only of the dichotomy between fair skin tones and dark skin tones, with no mention of those of us who fall somewhere in the middle. But not us. Olive-skinned girls, this one’s for you!
If you’re wondering about the best hair color for olive skin tones, we’ve talked to some of the country’s top hair stylists to get their expertise on this topic. Ahead, these experts weigh in, breaking down dos and don’ts for choosing the best hair color for olive skin. We’re also sharing plenty of hair color inspiration.
As you contemplate your options, remember that at the end of the day, picking a hair color for your olive skin tone is a decision that’s completely up to you and what makes you feel the most confident.
Is Olive Skin Warm or Cool?
In your hunt for the best hair color for olive skin tones, the first thing you’ll need to determine is whether or not your complexion has a warm or a cool undertone. Amber Malone, a L’Oréal Professionnel artist and master colorist, says olive skin can actually look like a range of tones, but as a general guideline, it incorporates both cool and warm tones—although some olive-skinned people lean strongly in one direction or the other. Having a little of both is actually a blessing. It means there are more colors that will play nicely with your complexion.
“If you’re wondering how to determine whether you’re cool or warm, take a look at the inside of your wrist and inspect the color of your veins,” Malone says. “If they’re blue or purple, you have cool undertones; if they’re green, you have warm undertones.”
What Hair Colors Go With Olive Skin?
For the best hair color for olive skin, use your undertone as a guide. If you have olive skin that leans cooler, choose cool-toned hair colors like platinum blonde, ash brown, and cool-toned pastels like blue and purple. For those with warmer complexions, shades like honey blonde, chocolate brown, and fantasy shades like pink and orange will be the most flattering.
“Olive skin tones look great with warm brown hair colors,” says Dani Everson, hairstylist and owner of Clementine's Salon.
Tranese Lewis at Sunstone Spa in Southern California also recommends warm browns like chocolate and caramel, as well as platinum blonde and rich ash brown shades.
What Colors Are Less Flattering for Olive Skin?
Thanks to their knowledge and skill level, a professional colorist can make most hair colors work for olive skin. However, there are some hues that may not be less flattering than others.
Lewis recommends you “avoid neutral colors like beige because they wash out the complexion, making olive skin tones appear dull.”
It’s also generally considered wise not to pick super ashy shades. Everson notes, “They tend to look sallow and tone out the skin.”
Does Gray Look Good on Olive Skin?
You might think that the moody undertones in gray hair would wash out olive skin tones. A talented colorist, however, can create a customized shade that’s a good fit for olive complexions.
The Best Hair Colors for Olive Skin To Try Now
Now that you know more about hair colors for olive skin, we’ve curated a list of hair color ideas that you may want to consider for your next salon appointment.
Good hair day by @wezcolour.
Platinum Blonde
Platinum blonde is often considered one of the best hair colors for olive skin and brown eyes. With its slight warmth, this off-white hue complements darker complexions and features. After your stylist transforms your hair, opt for a shampoo like Redken All Soft Argan-Oil Enriched Shampoo for Dry Hair, which adds moisture to dry, brittle hair.
Good hair day by @softihair.
Pink
Channel your inner mermaid with a pink mane that’ll look like you just stepped out of a movie. When heat styling your new hair, make sure to use the lowest temperature setting and a heat protectant like Redken Extreme Play Safe Heat Protection And Damage Repair Hair Treatment to help prevent damage.
Good hair day by @bymadisonfrances.
Orange
Add a pop of color to your mane with a bright fiery orange. You can keep the styling simple (we love air-dried waves) since this color makes such a statement on its own.
Good hair day by @iamsiannarenee.
Black
Black hair colors are a commitment, so if you opt for this dark hue, keep in mind that you’ll need to be diligent with maintenance. Treat your newly-dyed mane to the Redken All Soft Heavy Cream Moisturizing Treatment Mask, which provides maximum moisture replenishment.
Good hair day by @shannablonding.
Sterling Silver
Gray hair is trending now more than ever and is a great hair color for olive skin. One might think gray would wash you out, but in this case, it does the opposite—it allows for your eyes and facial features to really pop.
Good hair day by @krazy4hair.
Merlot
This deep, bluish-toned red color is a staple for those with olive skin—just think of some of your favorite aughts-era reality stars. To keep your hair shiny in between appointments, use a finishing spray such as Redken Shine Flash Hair Spray for a glass-like shine.
Good hair day by @hair.by.jessv.
Auburn
This reddish-brown hue is traditional and practical yet whimsical at the same time. If you need any more convincing, it’s also one of the hues most often recommended as the best hair color for olive skin.
Good hair day by @b_hairretreat.
Honey Blonde
Add a touch of warmth to your mane with a honey blonde color. This hair color for olive skin tones can be achieved with the help of your hairstylist—ask for a warm, golden blonde shade with subtle hints of amber or caramel tones.
Good hair day by @hairbymandypavia.
Neon Green
This show-stopping neon green is perfect for summer music festivals and raves. Help improve the look and feel of your strands with the Matrix Food for Soft Rich Hydrating Treatment Mask, which replenishes hydration even in the driest and most porous hair.
Good hair day by @hair.by.jessv.
Caramel Highlights
Caramel highlights are a staple, no matter what skin tone you have. Ask your colorist for caramel highlights to add brightness and dimension to your mane while illuminating your complexion.
Good hair day by @definedbyliz.
Red Velvet
This rich red velvet hue has a velvety, soft finish, offering a luxurious and bold look. It's perfect for those who want to make a vibrant and elegant statement with their hair color.
Good hair day by @wavehairstudio_.
Cream Blonde
Cream blonde is the perfect blend of warm and cool, which makes it particularly flattering for medium olive skin tones. Be sure to add a purple shampoo and conditioner system like Pureology Strength Cure Best Blonde Purple Shampoo and Conditioner to your routine to keep your blonde shade brass-free between salon appointments.
Good hair day by @hairby_gloria.
Chocolate Brown
When in doubt, go dark! Chocolate brown hair is a deliciously sweet shade for olive skin tones.
Good hair day by @morellosalvatore.
Milk Chocolate
Milk chocolate hair color is the ideal choice if you want a little cocoa in your life without going too dark. This lighter brown color has golden undertones that can complement the warmth of olive skin.
Good hair day by @lorenhairstylist.
Espresso
Glass hair—otherwise known as a shiny, swingy lob—and espresso hair color are a match made in salon heaven. Try them both and watch your skin tone take center stage. Use a shine-boosting product like the aforementioned Redken Shine Flash Hair Spray to smooth frizz and give your look a glass-like finish.
Good hair day by @jessicascotthair.
Chestnut
Fall is the perfect time to try warm, earthy shades like chestnut. This light brown hue with a hint of red allows you to experiment with your color, yet it will look as if it grew right out of your scalp. Use a leave-in treatment like the Redken Acidic Gloss Heat Protection to extend your color and protect against heat damage.
Good hair day by @lindseymariehair.
Copper
Copper may be one of fall’s hottest hair color trends, but this warm ginger-inspired shade is wearable all year round (and looks stunning paired with olive skin). If you have olive skin with blue eyes, this shade is a no-brainer!
Good hair day by @francescaverteramolab.
Bright Red
Don’t shy away from bright colors! If you’re looking to go red, this fiery and vibrant crimson shade will perfectly complement the green undertones in olive skin.
Good hair day by @hairbyamybee.
Honey Highlights
Warm-up your look with the addition of subtle honey highlights. On cool olive skin, honey will illuminate all your best features.
Good hair day by @krazy4hair.
Navy
Keep your look fresh with navy hair, a blue that’s totally fashion-forward and fades beautifully. You can also blend a navy base with brighter blue and purple highlights for a truly standout look. As for haircare, dramatic color changes call for intense moisturizing. Reach for Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate 5-Min Liquid Mask for deep hydration and repair.
Good hair day by @live_love_dohair.
Ginger Brown
An intense, all-over ginger may not be for everyone, but that doesn’t mean you should rule it out as a hair color for olive skin. Have your colorist softly blend a ginger shade with your brunette roots using a balayage technique to ease yourself into the warm, spicy hue.
Good hair day by @hellocindeee.
Black and Silver Balayage
A dyed gray mane is gorgeous on its own, but you can also pair it with a rich jet-black hue for a truly winning combination. Opting for a black and silver balayage will also be lower maintenance, allowing you to stretch your time between root touch-ups.
Good hair day by @haircolorkilla.
Mulled Wine
A number of our favorite hair colors are inspired by drinks (pumpkin spice hair, champagne blonde, etc.), and this shade is no exception. Keep the spicy burgundy color bright between appointments by adding a shampoo and conditioner system like Matrix Keep Me Vivid Shampoo and Conditioner to your routine. Used together, this duo helps maintain the vibrancy of fast-fading hair colors.
Good hair day by @makeupbyfrances.
Ultra-Violet
Ultra-violet is the opposite of subtle. Instead, it’s a vivid, cool-toned purple that commands attention when worn on olive skin tones. Be sure to use a hair oil like Kérastase’s Elixir Ultime L’Huile Original Hair Oil when styling to add shine and reduce static or flyaways.
Good hair day by @aaashleee.
Bronde
Bronde hair color offers the best of both worlds for people torn between brunette and blonde hair colors. The in-between hue is easily customizable and can be made warmer or cooler to flatter your skin’s undertones.
Good hair day by @ohlucyy.
Copper and Amber Highlights
Take natural brunette hair to the next level with dimensional copper and amber highlights. This killer combo illuminates olive skin tones for an eye-catching look.
Good hair day by @uggoff.
Blue Black
Subtly incorporate blue into your existing hue by asking your colorist to weave blue-black lowlights throughout your base color. The rich duo offers a twist on the more traditional deep shades for olive skin tones.
Good hair day by @allureaestheticsmiami.
Cherry Cola
Cherry cola color beautifully accentuates natural brunette hair, but it's also adaptable for those wanting to make a bold transition from other shades. This burgundy hue easily takes to virgin dark hair without bleach.
Good hair day by @studiolioness.
Golden Blonde
If you have warm brown eyes and olive skin, play up the full spectrum of colors in your eyes by choosing an all-overgolden blonde shade.
Good hair day by @studiolioness.
Money Piece
A money piece (a chunky, face-framing highlight) can give your look the oomph you crave. The pop of color around your face helps accentuate your eye color and facial features without the need for a complete hair transformation.
Good hair day by @shesthebrunette + @tbtbsalon.
Amber Honey Brown
Dial up the warmth just a notch higher with an amber honey brown color. It has a slightly redder tone that will flatter and enhance glowing olive skin.
Good hair day by @mashytaters.
Red Balayage
Ready to get in touch with your inner vixen? Red hair balayage is the perfect way to do just that. With so many shades of red to choose from, you’ll never get bored experimenting with this trending hue.
Good hair day by @_claudiacruz_.
Rose Gold
If there’s one hair color that works for every season, it’s rose gold. We can’t say we’re surprised, seeing as this color is utterly dreamy and romantic.
Good hair day by @konstantinos_hair.
Greige
There are so many shades of blonde out there, and this variation lies smack in the middle. The greige blonde trend blends warm and cool blonde tones, creating a neutral, best-of-both-worlds hue.
Good hair day by @jesseniapallet.
Golden Brunette
Just as golden blonde is a great shade for olive tones, the same is true of golden brunette hair. Use a color-toning system like Matrix Brass Off Shampoo and Conditioner to help keep your golden hue brass-free.
Good hair day by @jessicascotthair.
Caramel Brown
The warm, rich tones in a caramel brown hair color are perfect for complementing a warmer olive skin tone. This shade can enhance your complexion, helping it appear radiant and sun-kissed.
Next Up: 20 of the Most Flattering Hair Colors for Blue Eyes
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Header photo credits (left to right): @hair.by.jessv and @allureaestheticsmiami
