How to Determine Hair Color

Understanding your hair color can be more complex than you might think. Hair color is not just about black, brown, blonde, or red; there are numerous shades and tones that can make one person’s blonde look completely different from another's. Whether you’re looking to dye your hair, or you're just curious about what exactly your natural shade is, here’s a simple guide to help you determine your hair color.

Natural Hair Color

Your natural hair color is determined by the pigment called melanin, which is produced by cells in the hair follicles. There are two types of melanin: eumelanin (which dictates shades of brown and black) and pheomelanin (which influences red tones). The combination and amount of these pigments influence the wide range of hair colors humans have.

Identifying Your Hair Color

The first step in determining your hair color is to look at your hair in natural sunlight. Room lighting can distort the appearance of your hair color. Step outside on a sunny day, and use a handheld mirror to inspect your hair’s color in natural light. If possible, compare it to a hair color chart which you can find at most beauty supplies or search online.

Keep in mind the three main aspects of hair color:

Hue: This is the color itself—blonde, brown, black, red, etc.
Saturation: This refers to the intensity of the color. Is it a soft blonde or a vibrant, golden blonde?
Value: This refers to how light or dark the color is. For example, light brown versus dark brown.

Differences Due to Lighting

Remember that hair color can look different depending on the lighting. Natural daylight provides the most accurate reflection of your natural hair color. Fluorescent lighting can add a bluish tone to the hair, and incandescent lighting can make it appear redder. Be sure to check your hair color under various light sources if you're considering coloring it to understand how it might look in different environments.

Graying and Hair Color

As you age, your hair follicles produce less pigment, leading to gray or white hair. The process of graying often starts with strands that appear lighter than the rest of your hair, and these gray strands can complicate identifying your true hair color. If you are going silver, it’s best to consult with a professional colorist to understand how this could affect dyeing processes.

Professional Help

If you're having difficulty determining your hair color, or if you want to change it, consider visiting a professional hair stylist or colorist. They have extensive training in understanding hair hues, saturation, values, and how hair color interacts with various types of light. A professional can provide you with more precise information about your hair color and how to achieve the look you want while maintaining hair health.