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13 Hair Color Picks That Feel Like a Total Glow-Up (And 6 That Don’t Quite Glow)

13 Hair Color Picks That Feel Like a Total Glow-Up (And 6 That Don’t Quite Glow)

Changing your hair color can transform your entire look and boost your confidence in amazing ways. The right shade complements your skin tone, brings out your eyes, and can literally make you look years younger. But not all color trends deliver that promised glow-up—some might actually work against your natural beauty.

1. Balayage blond miel

© Fab Mood

Sun-kissed dimension that brightens any complexion! Hand-painted honey tones create the most natural-looking blonde that grows out beautifully without harsh lines.

Perfect for brunettes wanting to go lighter without the commitment of all-over color.

2. Brun chocolat riche

© fabmoodmag

Nothing beats the sophisticated elegance of deep chocolate brown! This universally flattering shade adds incredible shine and dimension that makes hair look healthier instantly.

Low-maintenance luxury that works on virtually every skin tone.

3. Copper Penny

© Gusto Hair Salon

Fiery copper tones instantly wake up your complexion! This vibrant redhead shade adds warmth that makes pale skin glow and brings out golden flecks in brown eyes.

The perfect statement color that still looks believably natural.

4. Caramel Highlights

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Strategic caramel pieces create instant face-framing magic! These warm, buttery highlights brighten dark hair without looking stripy or fake.

The subtle contrast adds incredible movement and makes hair look thicker and more voluminous.

5. Champignon brun

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Cool-toned sophistication that’s unexpectedly flattering! This ashy brown shade with subtle violet undertones creates depth without harshness.

Perfect for clients wanting dimension without warmth, and it pairs beautifully with cool skin tones.

6. Cinnamon Balayage

© AZ Hair Vietnam

Spicy warmth that enlivens dark bases! These rich auburn-cinnamon tones create dimension that catches light beautifully and adds vibrance to olive complexions.

Low-commitment color that grows out seamlessly and requires minimal touch-ups.

7. Champagne Blonde

Dernières-coiffures.com

Elegant, neutral blonde that avoids brassiness! This sophisticated shade sits perfectly between warm and cool, creating brightness without yellow or ashy tones.

Incredibly flattering on fair to medium skin with neutral undertones.

8. Burgundy Brown

© Fab Mood

Subtle berry tones that add unexpected richness! This deep brown base with burgundy reflects creates dimension that changes beautifully in different lighting.

Dramatic enough to notice, but subdued enough for professional settings.

9. Bronde Melt

© Live True London

The perfect balance between blonde and brunette! This seamless blend creates a gradient effect that brightens your face without harsh lines.

Incredibly low-maintenance with grow-out that looks intentional rather than neglected.

10. Renard argenté

Dernières-coiffures.com

Embracing gray with modern style! This intentional silver shade transforms natural graying into a fashion statement with depth and shine.

Stunning on mature clients wanting to enhance rather than cover their natural transition.

11. Mahogany Gloss

© jocilainegaldino

Deep, rich red-brown that creates incredible shine! This dimensional shade catches light beautifully while adding warmth that complements deeper skin tones.

The subtle red undertones bring life to naturally dark hair without looking unnatural.

12. Rooted Platinum

Dernières-coiffures.com

Modern platinum that’s actually wearable! The intentional shadow root creates dimension while the icy blonde ends brighten your complexion.

Much more flattering and lower-maintenance than traditional all-over platinum.

13. Toffee Highlights

Les bonnes coiffures

Warm, golden pieces that instantly illuminate your face! These delicious caramel-honey tones add sunshine to medium brown bases.

The subtle contrast creates beautiful dimension that makes hair look thicker and healthier.

14. Blue-Black

Dernières-coiffures.com

Harsh, flat color that can drain your complexion! This intense shade often looks artificial and can create stark contrast against lighter skin tones.

The cool undertones tend to emphasize skin imperfections rather than creating a healthy glow.

15. Chunky Highlights

Les bonnes coiffures

This dated 90s technique creates zebra-like stripes rather than natural dimension. The stark contrast between colors looks artificial and ages your style significantly.

Modern techniques like balayage create much more flattering, natural-looking results.

16. One-Dimensional Platinum

© kacidoesmyhair

All-over bleaching creates a harsh, flat look that emphasizes every flaw. This high-maintenance shade damages hair texture and often turns brassy or yellow between appointments.

The stark whiteness typically washes out complexions rather than enhancing them.

17. Fiery Orange-Red

© braecarnes

Unnaturally bright copper tones often clash with skin undertones. This intense shade fades quickly to brassy orange and requires constant maintenance to prevent fading.

Too vibrant to look natural on most people.

18. Ash Blonde on Warm Skin

© Glaminati

Cool, ashy tones often create a sickly appearance on warm-toned skin. This mismatch can make olive or golden complexions look jaundiced or washed out.

The gray undertones emphasize rather than minimize redness in the skin.

19. Jet Black Box Dye

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Flat, inky coverage that looks obviously artificial! One-dimensional black from a box typically looks harsh and wig-like rather than naturally rich.

The severe contrast often ages faces by emphasizing fine lines and shadows.