Changing your hair color is such a fun and creative way to refresh your look, but picking the right dye—especially when you want to change your base tone—can feel a bit overwhelming. 

Whether you have luscious long hairstyles or trendy short hairstyles, choosing the perfect dye means understanding your hair’s starting point and where you want to go with it.

Don’t worry! I’m here to guide you through all the tips and tricks for choosing the best hair dye to give your base tone a fabulous makeover.

Understanding What “Base Tone” Means

Before we jump in, let’s get clear on what base tone means. Your hair’s base tone is its natural underlying color — the foundational hue that influences how any new color will look once applied.

• If your base tone is warm (think golden blondes, auburn, or reddish brown)
• Or cool (ashy blondes, cool browns, or jet black)
• Or neutral (a balanced tone that’s neither warm nor cool)

This base will affect the final color after dyeing. So, knowing your base tone is step one!

Step 1: Identify Your Natural Base Tone

To start, take a close look at your hair in natural light. Ask yourself:

• Is my hair more golden, yellowish, or reddish? (That’s warm.)
• Is it more ash, silver, or has a bluish tint? (That’s cool.)
• Or is it a balanced mix? (Neutral!)

If you’re not sure, you can also check the roots and the strands near your scalp — the natural color is usually clearest there.

Step 2: Decide How Dramatic You Want the Change to Be

Changing your hair color’s base tone can be subtle or bold.

• Are you thinking about warming up your cool ash blonde to a honey blonde?
• Or going from warm brown to a cooler chestnut?

Your answer here determines what kind of dye you’ll need.

If it’s a small shift, a toner or semi-permanent dye might do the trick.

For big changes (like from dark brown to platinum blonde), you may need to bleach first to lift your base tone before applying the new color.

Step 3: Choose the Best Hair Dye

Hair dye types vary, and picking the right one is essential.

1. Semi-Permanent Dye

Great for a gentle tone shift or refreshing your current color. These don’t contain bleach and wash out over time, so they’re perfect if you’re nervous about long-term commitment.

2. Permanent Dye

If you want a lasting change and are shifting your base tone significantly, permanent dye is the way to go. It penetrates the hair shaft and lasts until your hair grows out or is cut off.

3. Bleach or Lightener

This isn’t a dye per se but is used to strip your current base tone, especially if you’re going lighter or want to remove warm tones before applying cool colors.

Step 4: Pick a Color That Compliments Your Skin Tone and Style

Changing your hair’s base tone isn’t just about the dye — your skin tone and personal style play big roles.

Warm Skin Tones

Look fabulous with warm hair colors like golden blondes, rich auburns, and warm browns.

Cool Skin Tones

Are best complemented by ashy blondes, cool browns, and jet blacks.

Neutral Skin Tones

Lucky you! You can experiment with both warm and cool hair colors.

Step 5: Consider Your Hairstyle Type

Whether you have long hairstyles or short hairstyles, the dye’s impact varies:

• Long hairstyles showcase the color more dramatically over length, so any unevenness or tones show more. You might want to go for a professional dye job or high-quality products to ensure an even tone.
• Short hairstyles can be a fun way to experiment with bold base tone changes because the color change is quicker and easier to maintain.

Step 6: Test Before You Commit

Always do a strand test before dyeing your entire head! Pick a small section of hair and apply your chosen dye to see how the color comes out on your base tone.

This step helps you:

• Avoid surprises
• Check for allergic reactions
• See if the color complements your overall look

Step 7: Take Care of Your Hair Before and After Dyeing

Dyeing your hair, especially when changing the base tone, can be a bit drying or damaging. Healthy hair holds color better and looks shinier.

Before Dyeing:

• Use deep conditioning treatments to strengthen your hair.
• Avoid washing your hair the day of dyeing; natural oils protect your scalp.
  

After Dyeing:

• Use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners designed for color-treated hair.
• Apply hair masks regularly to keep hair hydrated.
• Avoid excessive heat styling.

Bonus Tips for Different Hair Colors

If You’re Going Lighter

Lightening your base tone is tricky and usually requires bleaching. It’s best to consult a professional unless you’re experienced. Remember, lifting tones can reveal underlying warm colors like orange or yellow, so toners may be needed afterward.

If You’re Going Darker

Darker dyes generally deposit color and can cover grays well. But if you’re shifting from a very light base, the color may appear richer or deeper than expected.

If You Want a Cool Base Tone

Look for dyes labeled “ash,” “cool,” or “blue-based.” These tones neutralize warm undertones and give you that trendy, cool finish.

How to Maintain Your New Base Tone

Changing your base tone is exciting, but maintaining it can be a bit of a job. Here are some quick tips:

• Wash your hair with cool or lukewarm water to prevent color fading.
• Use color-protecting shampoos and conditioners.
• Minimize sun exposure or wear hats to protect color from UV damage.
• Schedule regular touch-ups, especially if your new base tone contrasts with your natural color.

When to See a Professional

If you’re making a drastic base tone change, like going from very dark to very light or vice versa, it’s usually safer and better for your hair’s health to see a professional stylist.

They have the right products, skills, and experience to deliver the best results with minimal damage.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best dye to change the base tone of your hair doesn’t have to be intimidating! By understanding your natural base tone, knowing how dramatic you want the change, selecting the right dye type, and caring for your hair before and after, you’ll be rocking your new look in no time.

Remember, your hairstyle—whether long or short—is the perfect canvas for your new color adventure. So have fun, experiment, and don’t be afraid to shine!

Here are some brilliant young looking hairstyles for women.