Choosing the right shade is the single biggest factor in getting a natural-looking result with hair fibres. A good match disappears into your hair. A poor one stands out, however carefully you apply it. This guide shows you how to pick the right colour, what to do if you fall between two shades, and how to handle greying hair.
Why shade matching matters
Hair fibres blend with your own hair, so they work best when they match the colour at the roots and the surface of your hair, not the colour you remember having years ago. Hair also looks different under different lights, so it is worth taking a little care before you buy.
The daylight test
Bathroom and bedroom lighting can make colours look warmer, cooler, lighter or darker than they really are. Natural daylight gives you the most honest view.
- Stand by a window in natural light, not direct harsh sun. A bright, overcast day is ideal.
- Look at your roots. Part your hair and check the colour near the scalp, since this is where fibres sit.
- Compare with the shade chart or product photos while holding them next to your hair. Don't judge from a screen alone, as screens vary in brightness and colour.
- Check the top layer too. Sun-lightened or dyed lengths can be a different colour from your roots.
- Take a photo of your hair in daylight and look at it again later with fresh eyes.
What to do if you're between two shades
It is very common to sit between two colours. Here are some ways to deal with that:
- Go for the slightly lighter shade. A touch lighter usually looks softer and more natural than a touch darker, which can look like a dark patch.
- Mix two shades. Shake a little of each into your palm and blend them before applying. This lets you create a custom colour.
- Choose by your hairline. The front hairline is the most visible area, so pick the shade that looks best there.
- Build in thin layers. A lighter layer is easier to adjust than one heavy layer of the wrong colour.
- Test on a small area first. Apply a little to one section and check it in daylight before doing your whole head.
Colour tips for greying hair
Grey and salt-and-pepper hair is made up of several colours, so a single shade can look flat. Here is what tends to work:
- Match the dominant colour. If your hair is mostly dark with some grey, choose the darker shade. If it is mostly grey, a lighter shade will look more natural.
- Blend two shades for salt and pepper. Mixing a darker and a lighter shade can reproduce that mixed look.
- Check the temple and the hairline. Greying often starts there, so these areas may need a different shade from the crown.
- Apply lightly. Over-applying a dark shade onto grey hair can look heavy and obvious.
- Re-check as your hair changes. Greying is gradual, so you may want to adjust your shade every few months.
If you colour your hair
Match the fibres to your current colour, not your natural one. If you have a visible regrowth line, choose the shade that suits the area where you are applying the fibres, which is usually the roots.
Common shade-matching mistakes
- Going too dark. This is the most common error, and the one that looks least natural.
- Judging by one light source. Always check in daylight.
- Ignoring the roots. The roots are where your fibres will sit, so they are the colour that matters most.
- Not allowing for change. Your hair colour shifts with the seasons, sun exposure and age.
Frequently asked questions
What if my shade isn't available?
Choose the closest one and use the blending tips above. Blending two shades can cover almost any colour.
Can I use fibres on grey hair?
Yes. Pick a shade that matches the overall tone of your hair and apply lightly, building up in thin layers.
How can I tell if I picked the wrong shade?
Check your hair in daylight with a mirror. If the fibres look noticeably darker, lighter or more obvious than the surrounding hair, the shade is probably off. A thin layer of a different shade over the top can often help.
Will the colour look different on my scalp?
Fibres sit on your hair, not on your scalp, but a visible scalp can still change how the colour looks. Applying lightly and blending the edges helps.
Find your shade
Our Instant Volume Hair Fiber Kit is available in a range of shades. Take the daylight test, then pick the one that suits your hair best. If you are in between two shades, try mixing them for a more natural result.