The Most Flattering Hair Colors For Olive Skin Tones

Experimenting with your hair color is a fun way to get creative with your look. And while there are no rules in the world of hair and makeup (that’s what makes it so fun), there are certain choices you can make that will be most flattering for your unique look. If you have olive skin and are on the hunt for a new hair color idea to try, we’re sharing a few picks for the best hues to flatter your skin tone. From shades of blonde to auburn and more, we’re providing you with plenty of ideas ahead. 

Understanding What’s Most Flattering On Olive Skin 

Olive skin is often characterized by warm or neutral undertones with strong hints of green, brown or yellow. To choose a flattering hair color that complements your skin tone, first assess whether you lean more warm or neutral, and then decide whether you want a subtle shade or something with more contrast. If you want a subtle hair color that meshes well with your complexion without being bold, you’ll want to opt for medium hair colors with neutral to warm undertones. For a more contrasting look, we recommend opting for light or dark shades with cool undertones. 

1. Honey Blonde

If you have light or medium olive skin and are looking for a subtle hair color to flatter you, you can’t go wrong with honey blonde. The warm undertones will brighten up your complexion without looking harsh. To DIY this color at home, try the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Golden Blonde. 

2. Caramel

Similar to honey blonde, the warm undertones of this rich, light brown hair color is gorgeous on people with olive skin. This golden brown hue paired with medium, olive skin creates a stunning sun-kissed look. Try it out with the L’Oréal Paris Féria Light Golden Brown. 

3. Platinum Blonde 

For a bright, icy hue that will really pop against your skin tone, give platinum blonde a go. Be aware that achieving platinum-level lightness without damaging your strands is tricky and can take several processes一 so it’s best left to a professional. 

4. Warm Balayage

A highlighting technique that adds dimension to your hair without altering your base color, balayage is a great way to opt for a subtle hair color change. Ask your color specialist to paint on balayage highlights and tone with a warm shade to achieve a delicate, sunny look that will flatter your skin tone. 

5. Chestnut 

This medium-to-deep brown shade has warm undertones with very subtle hints of orange and red that give it richness. If you’re looking for a hue that strikes the perfect balance between toned down and contrasting, this is the shade for you. Get the color at home with the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Medium Chestnut Brown. 

6. Rich Ash Brown 

The best way to choose a hair color that provides a strong contrast against your warm, olive skin is to opt for a cool toned, deep shade like rich ashy brown. Cool tones pop against olive skin rather than blend in like warm tones do. Get ashy brown hair with the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Medium Ash Brown. 

7. Auburn

It’s often recommended that people with olive skin opt for warm, golden shades when it comes to hair color and makeup, but don’t be afraid of red 一 it’s great for the contrast concept we keep referencing. Auburn hair provides an ideal balance of warm and cool tones to flatter olive skin. Get the look with the L’Oréal Paris Féria Auburn Brown.

Editor’s tip: When it’s time for a color boost, grab the L’Oréal Paris Le Color Gloss One Step In-Shower Toning Gloss in Auburn to tone your auburn color while you deep conditioner your strands 一 in just 15 minutes right at home.

8. Burgundy

If you’re inclined towards darker hair colors, burgundy is the perfect shade for you if you want to go red. This hair color has cool undertones — and you know what that means (contrast). Take it for a spin with the L’Oréal Paris Féria in Deep Burgundy.

9. Cherry red

For a red shade that demands attention, give cherry red a go. It’s vibrant and impactful with a balance of warm and cool tones, so it’s flattering on a variety of skin tones. Get this sweet shade at home with the L’Oréal Paris Féria in Power Reds - Medium Auburn/Cherry Crush.

10. Pastel Pink 

If you’re not afraid to play with color and you love the pastel hair color trend, opt for an icy pink shade to pop against your skin and brighten your complexion. If your starting shade is medium or deep, you’ll need to see a professional colorist to achieve this ultra-light hue because you’ll need to bleach your hair. But if your starting shade is light, you can DIY at home with the L’Oréal Paris Féria in Smokey Pink.

Next: 25 Stunning Shades Of Brown Hair For All Skin Tones

Edited by: Alyssa Kaplan, Photography: Matthew Kelly, Art Director: Hannah Packer, Creative Producer: Becca Solovay