Choosing the wrong shade is one of the most common, and most avoidable, mistakes when buying hair extensions. Getting the color right is the difference between extensions that blend seamlessly and ones that stand out for the wrong reasons. Here’s how to get it right the first time.
Match to the ends and mid-length, not the roots
Most hair naturally lightens from root to tip through sun exposure. Extensions sit underneath your root, so match the swatch to your mid-length and ends, not your new growth.
Check the color in natural light
Artificial light, from warm bulbs to LED, can make hair appear warmer or cooler than it actually is. Hold your swatch near a window in natural light and compare it to an actual hair strand before you buy.
Are you wearing ombré, balayage, or highlights?
If your hair has multi-tonal hues, a single color won’t look natural on its own. Our ombré and balayage extensions blend two or more shades, and multi-tonal wefts, like our Volume Weft and Tape-In lines, are made to mimic natural highlights and lowlights. If your natural color has variation, choose a two-tone set.
Between two shades? Go darker
If you’re on the fence between two neighboring shades, choose the one that’s slightly warmer or darker. Extensions typically appear one shade lighter once installed and in the light.
Still unsure? Ask before you buy
We’re happy to help you choose the right shade: send us a clear photo in natural light before you order and we’ll recommend the closest match, or a custom blend, within our range of 20+ shades. It’s much easier to get it right once than to return and reorder.
100% Remy human hair takes color beautifully and blends with almost any natural shade when chosen right. Take an extra five minutes at the start, and your extensions will do the rest.