Finding Your Perfect Hair Colour: Why One Shade Doesn’t Fit All

Despite endless inspiration, many people still fall into predictable traps when choosing a hair color.

"One of the most common mistakes is selecting a hair colour purely based on trends, without considering one's skin tone, undertones, or natural base. What looks stunning on a celebrity or on social media may not necessarily translate the same way in real life," says National Creative Director – Hair at Lakmé Salon, Audrey Dsouza.

Another frequent mistake is ignoring how hair color for Indian skin tone needs to be approached differently from global trends. The same shade that looks soft on lighter bases can appear significantly darker or warmer on Indian hair.

There's also a growing gap between inspiration and execution—people attempt dramatic transformations without professional consultation, often underestimating maintenance or long-term hair health.

"Aftercare is often ignored—hair colour is an investment, and without the right care routine, even the best colour can lose its vibrancy and shine prematurely," adds Dsouza.

When it comes to hair color for brown skin, hair color for dusky skin, or hair color for dark skin, the underlying hair structure plays a defining role in how colour develops.

"Indian hair typically has a darker natural base, higher density, and a unique mix of straight to wavy textures. This means that achieving lighter or fashion shades requires specialised formulations to lift colour while preventing brassiness and maintaining hair integrity," explains Dsouza.

This is why understanding compatibility is key—especially for those experimenting with lighter hair color shades or first-time colour users.

Without the right formulation and technique, even the most desirable brown hair color can appear flat or uneven.

If there's one rule in modern colouring, it's this: work with your undertones, not against them.

Indian skin tones are incredibly diverse, making hair color for Indian skin tone a highly personalised decision.

• Warm undertones pair beautifully with caramel browns, honey blondes, warm chestnuts, and soft copper tones—enhancing natural glow.

• Cool undertones work best with ash browns, mocha shades, cool burgundies, and blue-toned blacks for a more refined finish.

• Neutral undertones can explore both ends of the spectrum, from chocolate browns to muted reds and blended balayage looks.

"The key is always to enhance the skin's natural undertone rather than creating an overly stark contrast," adds the expert.

As demand rises for more customised colour experiences, ranges like Lakmē Salon Indigene are redefining what modern hair color shades should look and feel like.

"Lakmē Salon Indigene is rooted in a deep understanding of Indian beauty, especially the diversity of Indian hair textures, tones, and lifestyles. The range has been thoughtfully developed to complement Indian skin undertones, offering shades that feel refined, natural, and modern—never flat or overpowering," shares Audrey Dsouza.

Unlike generic global palettes, the range is built specifically for hair color for brown skin, hair color for dark skin, and deeper natural bases—ensuring better payoff and longevity. The different colors in this range are:

Warm, balanced tones of everyone's favourite beverage, chai, somewhere between blonde and brown.

Want to stay between brown and red? This one with warm shades of spiced cinnamon is just the right choice for you.

For coffee lovers, this one is brewed to perfection.

Red hair never goes out of style and this one is inspired from the radiant petals of hibiscus.

Earthy brown that will pull all the focus on you.

"It's not just about colour—it's about confidence, individuality, and effortless elegance," she adds.

The creation of the range was rooted in deep research across Indian hair types and pigmentation patterns.

"The journey began with extensive studies on Indian hair types, textures, and natural pigment levels across regions," says Dsouza.

From there, formulations were tested repeatedly to ensure performance on naturally darker bases—where most hair color for Indian skin tone challenges occur.

Stylists refined each shade through real-world application, while consumer insights ensured the final results aligned with everyday maintenance expectations.

The outcome is a range of hair color shades designed not just for aesthetic appeal, but for long-term wearability.

Choosing the right hair color is only the beginning—the process matters just as much.

"The foundation of great hair colour always starts with a professional consultation—it helps identify shades that complement your skin tone, hair condition, and lifestyle," she adds.

A strand test is essential, especially for those trying new hair color for women transformations or experimenting with deeper brown hair color tones.

Post-colour care is equally important. Colour-safe shampoos help maintain vibrancy, while limiting heat styling preserves texture and tone. Regular masks and serums help combat dryness—especially for Indian hair textures that tend to lose moisture post-treatment.

"Regular gloss services or touch-ups can also keep the colour looking fresh and salon-finished for longer," adds Audrey.