“Choosing the best shade for your skin tone depends on several factors,” Abby Haliti, owner of NYC’s Abby Haliti Color Studio, tells Glamour, adding that much of it comes down to finding your skin’s undertone and knowing whether it’s warm or cool. “Generally, people with warm undertone in their skin look best with warm brunette shades like caramel or chestnut,” Haliti says, noting that warm undertones are usually yellow, peachy, or golden. “Those with cool undertones, such as pink or blue, tend to suit cooler brunette shades like ash brown or espresso.”
Nicole Lucero, a colorist at NYC’s Mahogany Grace Salon, agrees, pointing to base shades of caramel and honey brown as ideal for warm undertones. “If you have cool undertones, a base shade of ash brown or dark brown would be the best choice,” she says. “If you have neutral undertones, you can do like a rich chestnut brown or dark cherry brown.”
Haliti also notes that it’s important to consider your eye color and natural hair color when selecting a shade. “For personalized advice, it’s best to consult a professional hairstylist who can assess your skin tone and help you choose the most flattering brunette shade,” she says.