Here's a breakdown of good and bad choices:
Good Choices:
* Cool Tones:
* Ash Brown/Cool Brown: These tones counteract redness by introducing cool, neutral shades.
* Ash Blonde/Cool Blonde: Same principle as ash brown. Avoid yellow or gold-toned blondes.
* Black: A stark contrast can make the skin appear less red. Just be sure your skin can handle the intensity of black.
* Dark Chocolate Brown: A rich, dark brown that isn't too warm can also work well.
* Neutral Tones:
* Neutral Brown: A balanced brown color can be a safe and flattering option.
* Neutral Blonde: Similar to neutral brown, ensuring it's neither too warm nor too ashy.
Choices to Avoid (or use with caution):
* Warm Tones:
* Red: Red hair will amplify the redness in your skin.
* Auburn/Copper: Similar to red, these shades will bring out the red undertones in your complexion.
* Golden Blonde/Honey Blonde: Warm blondes can make the skin look even more flushed.
* Caramel/Butterscotch: While beautiful colors, they might emphasize redness.
Important Considerations:
* Eye Color: Your eye color also plays a role. Cool-toned hair colors often look great with cool-toned eyes (blue, gray, green).
* Undertones within the Ruddy Complexion: Even with a ruddy complexion, there can be subtle undertones (e.g., pinkish-red, purplish-red). A professional colorist can analyze this to recommend the most flattering shades.
* Skincare: Address the redness directly with proper skincare. Using gentle cleansers, avoiding harsh exfoliants, and incorporating soothing ingredients like aloe vera, green tea, or niacinamide can help reduce redness.
Recommendation:
Consult with a professional hair colorist. They can assess your specific skin tone, undertones, and eye color to create a customized hair color that best complements your ruddy complexion. They can also do a strand test to see how the color will look on your hair. Bring pictures of hair colors you like (knowing they may need to be adjusted to suit your complexion).