The Best Hair Colors for Olive Skin

It’s no secret that hair color is anything but a one-size-fits-all deal. If you have olive skin and are on the hunt for a new hair color idea to try, you’re likely wondering what shades will flatter your complexion most. Here are the best hair colors—from blonde to red to brown—for olive skin.

THE BEST HAIR COLORS FOR OLIVE SKIN

You may feel as though you have to stay boxed into brown hues when it comes to your hair color. While you can totally rock brunette shades, your olive complexion can actually complement a range of colors besides brown. The first thing to consider is whether you have warm or cool undertones. When it comes to hair color, you want to go with a shade that has undertones that are the opposite of your skin’s undertones. Not sure if you have warm or cool undertones? Take a look at the inside of your wrist and inspect the color of your veins. If they’re blue or purple, you have cool undertones; if they’re green, you have warm undertones.

THE BEST BLONDE HAIR COLORS FOR OLIVE SKIN

What to go blonde? People with olive skin often think they can’t rock a blonde hair color—but that’s not true! While it may be best if you leave platinum blonde shades to someone else, there are a variety of blonde hues that will look beautiful with your complexion.

Blonde hair color #1: Honey Blonde

This hair color is ideal for those with cool undertones. The richness of this blonde will provide a soft contrast against your deep skin tone.

Product pick: L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference in Medium Blonde

Blonde hair color #2: Golden Blonde

This hair color is also best suited for those with cool undertones. You’ll get the lightness you crave from a blonde hair color without being too harsh against your olive skin.

Product pick: L’Oréal Paris Féria Dark Gold Blonde

Blonde hair color #3: Balayage

If you don’t want to dye your entire head blonde and have to deal with the maintenance and upkeep, or simply want a subtler change, balayage is the way to go. You can choose the shade of blonde, whether cool or warm, that you want your highlights to be.

Editor’s note: Don’t know what balayage hair color is? Check out our article, Balayage 101: Everything You Need to Know About This Highlighting Technique.

THE BEST BROWN HAIR COLORS FOR OLIVE SKIN

Want to stick with a brown hue? Brunette doesn’t have to be boring! Here are some fun shades to set against your olive skin.

Brown hair color #1: Bronze

You can opt for a cool or warm version of this stunning shade. Bronze hair can be achieved in many ways, whether you want to do a highlighted version or a full head of bronze.

Product pick: L’Oréal Paris Féria in Bronzed Brown

Brown hair color #2: Caramel

Similar to honey blonde, the warm undertones of this brown hair color will complement those who have cool undertones.

Product pick: L’Oréal Paris Féria Light Golden Brown

Brown hair color #3: Mocha

Of course, we can’t forget about how great olive skin looks with a deep, dark brown hue. Mocha brown is beautiful on those with warm undertones.

Product pick: L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference in Cool Medium Brown

THE BEST RED HAIR COLORS FOR OLIVE SKIN

Want something bolder and more out-of-the-box than blonde or brown hair? You can totally pull off red hair! Here are the best red shades for your skin tone:

Red hair color #1: Auburn

Auburn hair looks stunning on olive skin. The subtle red hue is eye-catching yet wearable.

Product pick: L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Chic Auburn Brown

Red hair color #2: Burgundy

If you normally lean towards darker hair colors, burgundy is the perfect red shade for you. This hair color has cool undertones—and you know what that means.

Product pick: L’Oréal Paris Féria in Deep Burgundy

Red hair color #3: Cherry red

Want a red that demands attention? Cherry red is the red hair color for you! This vibrant red is sure to leave an impression.

Product pick: L’Oréal Paris Féria in Power Reds - Medium Auburn / Cherry Crush

Want more beauty tips for olive skin? Read our article, The Prettiest Makeup Ideas for Olive Skin.