Choosing a human hair wig can feel overwhelming, especially when navigating the vast array of colors available. Understanding what constitutes a "natural" hair color is crucial for achieving a realistic and flattering look. This guide will delve into the nuances of natural hair colors, helping you select the perfect shade for your needs.
What are considered natural human hair colors?
Natural human hair colors encompass a broad spectrum, ranging from the lightest blonde to the darkest black, and everything in between. These shades are typically found in nature and don't involve artificial coloring processes like those used to create vibrant or fantasy hues. Think of the colors you'd see on the heads of people without any hair dye – that's the essence of natural hair colors. This includes variations within each shade family, such as:
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Blondes: From pale, almost white blonde (often referred to as platinum blonde), to honey blonde, golden blonde, and light brown blonde. The variety here is extensive, with subtle differences in undertones.
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Browns: Ranging from light brown, almost bordering blonde, to medium brown, dark brown, and even bordering on black. Auburn and chestnut are also considered natural brown variations. Again, the undertones play a significant role in determining the overall appearance.
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Blacks: From jet black to slightly softer, bluish-black shades. The depth and intensity can vary, even within what's considered a "natural black."
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Reds: While less common, natural red hair colors exist, ranging from light auburn to deep, coppery red. These colors are often characterized by warm, vibrant tones.
Are there different levels of natural hair color?
Yes, absolutely! Hair color charts, often used by hair stylists, typically categorize natural hair colors using a numbering system. This system takes into account the level of lightness or darkness (e.g., level 1 being the darkest black, and level 10 being the lightest blonde), as well as the undertones (e.g., warm, cool, or neutral). Understanding these levels can help you find a wig that closely matches your natural hair color or desired shade. The presence of gray or white hairs further complicates the matter, introducing yet another level of complexity.
What about colors with highlights or lowlights? Are they still natural?
Naturally occurring highlights and lowlights are absolutely considered natural. Sunlight often bleaches hair, creating subtle highlights, particularly in lighter shades. Similarly, variations in pigmentation can result in naturally occurring lowlights. However, the key difference is subtlety. Intense, heavily contrasted highlights and lowlights are generally not considered natural.
How do I find a human hair wig in a natural color that matches me?
Matching your natural hair color perfectly can be tricky. Here are some tips:
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Use color charts: Look for wig companies that provide detailed color charts, often with multiple images illustrating each shade under different lighting conditions.
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Compare to your own hair: Hold color swatches or images of wigs up against your hair in various lighting situations (natural daylight is best) to see how well they match.
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Consider your undertones: Determine whether your skin tone is cool, warm, or neutral, and choose a wig color that complements these undertones. A cool-toned skin might look better with cool-toned blonde or brown, whereas a warm-toned skin might suit warmer shades like honey blonde or auburn.
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Consult a professional: If you're unsure, seek the advice of a hair stylist or wig specialist. They can provide expert guidance in selecting the perfect natural-looking shade.
By understanding the nuances of natural hair colors and utilizing available resources, you can confidently choose a human hair wig that creates a seamless and realistic look. Remember to consider the level, tone, and presence of any highlights or lowlights to achieve the most natural and flattering result.
