We all know that when it comes to hair extensions, there’s more to them than the length and volume they give you. It’s all about how natural they look and how well they blend in with your natural hair, so no one can tell where your hair stops and your extensions begin. That’s where the magic is, and here at SWAY Hair Extensions, the colour you choose to match your natural hair colour is the key!
Whether it be clip-ins, tape extensions, or a professional fitting of wefts, knowing how to match your extensions to your natural shade is the first step to looking and feeling like a million dollars.
"The secret to truly flawless hair extensions lies in the colour match. At SWAY, we’ve seen time and time again how the right shade can transform not just a hairstyle, but someone’s confidence. That’s why we’ve developed an extensive range of multi-tonal shades and expert colour-matching services, to ensure your extensions look and feel like your own hair, in every light, every season, and every style."
- Tom Clark, CEO & Founder at SWAY
From picking up on your undertones, to working with highlights, or even how to match your extensions if your natural shade changes with the seasons, we’re going to help you select your perfect match like a pro!
Why Colour Matching Matters
Extensions can dramatically change your look, but if they’re the wrong colour, they’ll be more noticeable than you want. A bad colour match highlights the join between your hair and your extensions, distracting from the natural result. The closer the colour and undertone of your extensions are to your natural hair, the easier they’ll be to blend.
Colour matching your extensions properly also means they’ll stay flexible. You’ll be able to wear your hair up, down, braided, or curled without worrying about your extensions showing. Extensions that are colour-matched correctly will just look like healthy, glossy hair that’s all yours!
Finding Natural Hair Extension Shades
Identifying Your Base Colour
Your base colour is the dominant shade of your hair, whether that’s blonde, brunette, black, or red. Extensions need to complement this base, especially around the areas where they are most visible. Most people fall into natural shades like ash, warm, or neutral, which all influence how the extensions will blend.
Recognising Undertones
Beyond the surface shade, undertones play a huge role in colour matching. A brunette with cool ash undertones will not blend well with extensions that carry warm, golden hues.
Similarly, a platinum blonde needs extensions with icy undertones rather than yellowish shades. Identifying whether your natural undertone is cool, warm, or neutral will make all the difference.
Matching Extensions to Different Hair Types
Blondes
Blonde shades can be tricky because they range from buttery and golden to platinum and icy. If your blonde has multi-tonal highlights, extensions with a blend of lighter and darker strands will usually give the most natural result. At SWAY, we offer an extensive blonde selection so you can find the perfect match.
Brown
Brown shades can be rich and glossy, but undertones are key. From warm chestnut to cooler ash browns, the right match is about more than just “dark brown.” A precise shade will make sure your extensions won’t appear flat or mismatched in different lighting.
Ginger
Ginger hair is uncommon and comes with specific challenges as colours vary from auburn to strawberry blonde. Matching tones with extensions typically involves considering depth and vibrancy to enhance the richness of your natural shade.
Black Hair
While black may seem simple, it too has different shades. Blues-black have cooler and more dramatic undertones. Natural black tones have softer undertones. Selecting the correct shade will make sure that your extensions don't pop or seem too harsh.
The Function of Multi-Tonal Extensions
One of the best-kept secrets in the hair extension world is that the most natural results often come from using multi-tonal extensions. Natural hair rarely exists in a single flat shade.
Sunlight, highlights, and regrowth all create natural variations. SWAY extensions are designed with subtle multi-tonal blends that reflect the way real hair looks, making sure they merge beautifully into your own strands.
Seasonal Changes With Hair Extension Shades
Many people notice their hair changes with the seasons. Blonde shades may lighten in the summer and take on cooler tones in winter. Brunettes often find their hair grows richer and deeper in the colder months.
If your hair shifts noticeably, you may need two different extension shades throughout the year to maintain the best blend. Another option is to select a shade that sits comfortably between your seasonal changes for a year-round match.
Working With Highlights and Balayage
Matching Highlighted Hair
If you have highlights, balayage, or ombre colour, you'll want extensions that match the dimension of your hair. Blended tone extensions can mimic your highlights without all the trips to the salon. For example, balayage hair looks stunning with extensions that feature a natural fade or multi-tonal blend.
Extending Your Colour
Extensions can also be used to enhance your highlights or balayage. You can have lighter or darker strands to make your hair appear more dimensional and glossy without having to apply any new colour directly to your own hair.
Professional Colour Matching Services
At SWAY, we offer expert colour matching services to make the process stress-free. Simply provide clear photos of your hair in natural daylight, and our specialists can recommend the perfect match from our range.
Alternatively, if you visit a salon professional, they can use colour rings and samples to ensure precision. Taking advantage of professional guidance guarantees you’ll avoid mismatches and achieve the most natural look.
Choosing the Right Type of Extension
Clip-In Extensions
Clip-ins are a great option if you want flexibility. Because you can remove them daily, you may even experiment with slightly different shades for different occasions. For example, a warmer blonde clip-in set might look stunning on holiday, while a cooler blonde may be better suited for winter.
Tape Extensions
Tape extensions require an accurate shade match because they stay in place for weeks. The adhesive bonds sit flat against your hair, so a natural blend is essential. Choosing the exact tone will make sure they are invisible once applied.
Weft Extensions
Wefts provide volume and length with a professional fitting. Because they are installed row by row, the shade needs to blend across the full width of your hair. Many clients benefit from multi-tonal wefts that mirror natural light reflections.
What to Do if You Can’t Find the Right Hair Extension Shades
Occasionally, your hair will be between two shades. In this instance, your stylist may advise you to blend extensions in multiple colours.
Mixing shades is often the secret to a truly amazing result. For example, a dark blonde and light brown can imitate the subtle variations in natural hair.
How to Maintain Colour-Matched Extensions
Taking care of your colour match is as important as finding the right one. Hair extensions can become dry and dull over time with heat styling, washing, and UV exposure.
Applying SWAY’s Hydrate System will make sure your extensions stay nourished and shiny, resisting dullness or colour fade. Properly caring for your extensions will help you enjoy a perfect match with your natural shade for weeks.
Mistakes to Avoid When Matching Hair Extension Shades
A frequent mistake is trying to match extensions to dyed hair when the roots are growing out. It’s always best to match the extensions to the mid-lengths and ends, as these are the most visible sections. Another error is choosing a shade under artificial lighting.
Always check your hair colour in natural daylight when colour matching, as indoor lighting can distort tones. Finally, avoid assuming that one size fits all. Your hair is unique, so the right extensions for you may not be the same as someone else’s.
Hair Extension Shades Made Easy With SWAY!
Matching your hair extensions to your natural hair colour can be tricky, but we have some tips to help. Whether you’re browsing SWAY’s carefully designed shades, using our professional colour match service, or consulting your stylist, you’ll find the perfect blend with a little guidance.
The trick is to get the shade just right. When you do, your extensions will not only add volume and length, but also complement your natural beauty naturally and effortlessly. With a perfect match, your extensions will always look and feel like they’re yours, giving you confidence day after day!
Hair Extension Shades: FAQs
1. How do I know if I have warm or cool undertones in my hair?
Cool undertones tend to have more ash, silver, or blue elements. Warm undertones tend to be golden, caramel, or copper-based. If you are still not sure, our professional colour match service is available.
2. Can hair extensions be dyed to match my hair?
At SWAY, we recommend NOT dyeing your hair extensions. We have an extensive shade collection to suit all natural hair colours.
3. Should I match my extensions to my roots or my ends?
Always try to match your extensions to your mid-lengths and ends of your hair. These are the areas of your hair that blend with your extensions and need to be as close a match as possible. Roots are often a different shade to the rest of the hair due to natural regrowth.
4. What if my hair colour changes after I get extensions?
If your hair colour changes after getting extensions, for example, through seasonal changes or at a salon, you may need a second set of extensions to blend in or two shades of extensions to blend together.
5. How do I take care of my extensions so the shade stays perfect?
Always use products specifically designed for hair extensions such as our SWAY Hydrate System, which is designed to protect your hair from drying out and becoming dull and lifeless. Try to stay away from products with harsh chemicals such as sulphates and alcohol, and make sure you always protect your hair from too much sun exposure.
