The Best Hair Color Brands for Brown Skin Tones in India
Written by: Zahabiya Ali
Your Ultimate Hair Color Guide.
The beauty trends making rounds on social media are seasoned with fall-colours. Be it Rhode’s Toasted Teddy blush, burgundy nails or classic layers with a chocolate brunette dye job. However, when it comes to decoding the perfect hair colour for Indian skin, the western trends will have to make way for colours that suit a range of melanin-rich complexions.
Even if you wish to revamp your look and embrace a new style for the festive season, deviating from your skin’s tone might not be a good idea. “India’s spectrum of melanin-rich skin tones, ranging from deep brown to wheatish complexions, opens up a world of possibilities for hair colouring. The key to a flattering look is selecting shades that enhance natural beauty while complementing your unique undertones”, says Nidhi Agarwal, the hair expert at Milk_Shake India.
So before you head on to lather your strands in creamy concoctions and wrapped in foils, read our experts-backed mini guide on the best hair colour for Indian skin.
The Experts
Nidhi Agarwal has over 10 years of experience in the haircare industry, she has risen through the ranks with hard work and dedication.
Starting her journey from foundational roles working in top salons, mastering her craft and refining her expertise in professional haircare techniques. Now, as a Senior Educator at Milk_Shake, she has been using her experience to empower stylists with her passion by elevating the art of hair care with Milk_Shake’s innovative products.
Vaishakhi Haria is Meister at Hair Artist Kollektive by Schwarzkopf Professional & and founder of Splash Salon in Mumbai.
Renowned for her expertise in avant-garde styling, hair coloration and celebrity photoshoots, she has also trained 5000+ hairdressers across India.
Annette Syiemiong is a seasoned Creative Stylist and Educator at Looks Salon, with over 25 years of experience in the hair industry.
She has been a part of Looks Salon for 8 years, where she combines her expertise in styling with a passion for education. Annette is known for her innovative approach and dedication to empowering others in the hair profession.
Understanding Your Skin Tone
“When it comes to choosing hair colour for Indian skin tones, there are a few factors that a hair artist should consider. Generally, Indian skin tends to have warmer undertones. I personally love using tones that are on the warmer side because they brighten up the face and don’t overpower the natural skin tone.
Darker Skin Tones
To create a Pinterest-y hair dye moodboard for deeper brown skin tones, Agarwal suggests shades like chocolate brown, caramel, and burgundy. “ These shades work wonders, adding warmth and depth to the complexion. These rich hues highlight the skin’s radiance and bring out its natural glow”, she adds.
Wheatish Skin Tones
Moving on to wheatish skin tones, Syiemiong prefers opting for colours like honey blonde, chestnut, or mahogany. “And for lighter, fairer skin, shades like ash blonde, light brown, or even bold colours like burgundy or platinum can be striking”, she continues.
“If you’re unsure, opt for timeless options like mahogany, plum, or espresso. These shades are universally flattering, suiting a range of Indian skin tones while adding elegance and vibrancy to your look”, says Agarwal.
Fairer Skin Tones
7 Hair Color Brands for Indian Skin
We asked our experts about their favourite brands, shades and formulas to know what works best for Indian hair.
Schwarzkopf Professional
Speaking to Haria about sharing her most picked shades from Schwarzkopf Professional, she opened her treasure trove to drop those much needed numbers. “My go-to shades for Indian skin tones include IGORA Royal 7-4 and IGORA Royal Highlifts 12-1. The IGORA Royal 7-4 provides balanced warmth without looking too yellow and adds a glossy finish, while the IGORA Royal Highlifts 12-1 offers a neutral effect that works well with both warm and cool-toned skin. These shades are my top choices for achieving a natural look that works seamlessly with Indian skin tones”.
Milk_Shake
The quality and ingredients play an essential role in protecting the hair and ensuring minimal damage.
If you are someone who is looking for a temporary dye or wish to experiment with shades and styles before going full board, Agarwal sheds light on Milk_Shake’s Conditioning Direct Colours. “It’s an innovative gel-based-formula, free of ammonia- and peroxide which ensures a gentle application that respects the hair’s structure. You can apply the product for creative colour effects or enhance your natural tones. It can also be used to correct colours, or revive certain shades. It is ideal for toning bleached or highlighted hair and adding vibrancy to dull locks. The results last for 8–10 washes, making it perfect for those looking to experiment without the commitment of permanent dye”.
Cold Brown and Brown: for deeper brown skin tones
Warm Brown: for wheatish skin tones
Eggplant or Deep Red: for all Indian skin tones
L'Oréal Paris Excellence Crème
Syiemiong, has hands-on experience with various brands and an insightful list of shades and colours that match every Indian skin tone. From browns to reds and goldens, Syiemiong has curated a bespoke catalogue that you can use as a reference for your next salon visit.
Dark Brown (5.0) – A deep, rich brown for a natural look.
Medium Auburn (5.5) – A warm auburn with a reddish undertone.
Burgundy (3.16)– A rich brown with reddish purple and merlot hints.
Wella Koleston Perfect
Dark Brown (4/0) – A deep, cool brown for a sophisticated look.
Copper Blonde (8/43) – A fiery, vibrant copper blonde.
Platinum Blonde (10/0) – A pale, icy blonde for a striking, light result. For fairer skin tones and popping highlights.
Garnier Nutrisse
Medium Golden Brown (53) – A warm brown with golden undertones.
Dark Burgundy (42) – A deep, rich burgundy with a hint of purple.
Dark Golden Blonde (73) – A dark blonde with golden tones
Aveda Full Spectrum Permanent Hair Color
6N Dark Blonde – A neutral dark blonde with natural undertones.
7R Copper Blonde – A vibrant copper blonde that adds richness and warmth.
4RV Burgundy – A deep, rich burgundy for a bold, cool-toned finish.
Redken Chromatics
6N Dark Blonde – A rich, neutral dark blonde for a classic look.
7RB Copper Red – A striking copper-red shade that brings warmth and vibrancy.
9N Platinum Blonde – A light, cool platinum blonde for an edgy, bright style.
Maintaining Your Hair Colour
Depositing those dyes on your hair might get a little uneasy for your mane. The strands can get brittle and dehydrated, which requires a hair care routine in action. Taking proper care will also retain your colour’s freshness for a long time. Ask your hair colourist for colour protection shampoos, deep conditioning products like conditioners and hair masks. It’s best to avoid heat styling, however if needed, use protective serums or sprays to minimise damage and breakage.
