21 Top Unnatural Hair Colors For Every Skin Tone

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Gone are the days when funky, unnatural hair colors are sported by only the rebels and punk rock fans.

A close up image of colorful hair.

Purple, blue, green, and pink are becoming more popular as hair colors; you can see them all over your Instagram feed. Unnatural colors are now a trend, and they don’t plan on leaving soon. 

And the good news is, you don’t have to be crazy to have crazy-colored hair! You can show off your unique personality and definitely make a statement with each fantasy color you go for.

You won’t have to worry whether the shade will look good on you because we have looked for colors that flatter each skin tone.

Plus, we have product suggestions that offer unnatural colors to dye your hair with.

What are you waiting for? Scroll through the top unnatural hair dye colors and join the rainbow fun!

What Are Unnatural Hair Colors?

An unnatural hair color isn’t something you can only find in the fantasy world, though fantasy color is what it’s called sometimes. Some people want to see changes in their looks, so they style and color their hair. 

We could say that a hair color is unnatural when it was acquired through chemical processes like bleaching and hair coloring. That means the color isn’t what they’re born with.

But the unnatural hair colors we are referring to are shades that don’t naturally occur in human hair pigmentation.

The natural pigments in our hair are

  • yellow,
  • red,
  • brown, and
  • black.

Natural hair shades come from pigments called melanin. There are only two types of them in our hair and skin, and they are

  • eumelanin which is brown-black and
  • pheomelanin which is reddish-yellow.

Since we don’t have blue pigments in our hair, colors that need this hue can’t be naturally produced. Hence, pink, purple, and green are unnatural colors.

What Unnatural Color Should I Dye My Hair?

An infographic featuring unnatural hair colors under the skin, fair, light, medium, dark, cool, neutral, and warm categories.

In choosing your hair color, you have to first determine if it will suit you. While we may want to try every color there is, and we may say you just need to be confident, certain shades do complement specific skin tones and eye colors.

But before we look at a skin tone unnatural hair color chart, let’s first identify skin complexions and undertones.

Skin Tone

Skin complexion or tone is actually different from undertones.

Skin tone is the color of the surface of your skin, so it’s easy to identify. These colors change from time to time, depending on a person’s sun exposure and skincare products.

The following are the different skin tones that people have:

  • Fair
  • Light
  • Medium
  • Deep/dark

Within these categories, there are different shades. To identify your skin tone, you can compare it with a chart or with cosmetic products.

Skin Undertone

The skin undertone, as the name implies, is the tone under your skin. This is equally important when you’re choosing a hair color, makeup, or even clothes.

Unlike skin tone, your skin undertone is permanent, which means it doesn’t change even if you spend too much time under the sun.

The following are the undertones observed in human skin:

  • Cool
  • Warm
  • Neutral

Look at this chart to identify the undertone you have.

CoolWarmNeutral
Veins Test (color of the veins on your wrist)Blue or purpleGreenBlue and green, colorless, brown, or uncertain
Jewelry Test (which best suits you)SilverGoldBoth silver and gold
White Shirt Test (how does your skin appear)You look pinkish.Your skin appears more yellow.There’s no prominent tone.
Sun Test (your skin after too much sun exposure)Skin turns red and burns fast.Skin tans easily.Skin tans but can also burn.

Hair Colors for Your Skin

Now that you’re aware of your skin tone and undertone, let’s find out which unnatural hair color will flatter you.

Here’s a chart for a quick look.

SkinFairLightMediumDark
CoolAsh blonde
Teal
Purple
Pastel blue
Platinum blonde
Silver
Ice blonde
Pastel blue
Emerald green
Teal
Mint green
Platinum blonde
Burgundy
Mocha chocolate
Beige blonde
Blue-black
Blackberry
Chocolate cherry
Ash blonde
NeutralEspresso
Pastel pink
Teal
Purple
Strawberry blonde
Creamy blonde
Rose gold
Mushroom blonde
Pastel blue
Ash blonde
Rose gold
Burgundy
Mocha
Blue-black
Emerald green
Dark chocolate
Blackberry
Mahogany
Blue-black
WarmScarlet red
Orange
Rose gold
Strawberry blonde
Auburn
Lime green
Orange
Mahogany
Coral
Chocolate brown
Rose gold
Mahogany
Chocolate cherry

Continue reading to know more shades for your skin undertone and personality.

21 Top Unnatural Hair Color Ideas

Unusual hair colors may be chosen according to your personality.

Those who want something subtle may pick dark or muted shades, while someone who wants to stand out may go all out with a bright, full color.

We’ve categorized unnatural hair colors according to your needs.

Dark Unnatural Hair Colors

Darker colors ooze mysterious vibes. And they’re not limited to black and brown. Take a look at how you can get an unnatural hair color without going to the bright side.

1. Blackberry

woman with a curled long hair colored with blackberry at the end

Black roots with blackberry balayage or highlights are a subtle way to add an interesting color to your naturally black hair.

Think of a freshly squished blackberry. That’s what this color is all about.

Our recommended product: L’Oreal Paris Feria Power Violet Hair Colour Gel in V28 Midnight Violet

2. Chocolate

fashionable woman with short brown hair

However natural this may sound, chocolate is not a simple brown color. Like the many variations of chocolate bars, the chocolate hair dye also comes in different shades.

Chocolate hair shades are perfect for changing your natural brown hair into a more jazzed-up look. 

It will make people wonder if you’ve got your hair colored but they won’t really dare ask because the shade doesn’t go too far from your naturally dark hair.

Our recommended product: Schwarzkopf Simply Color Permanent Color in 3.65 Dark Chocolate

3. Burgundy

streetstyle photo of a woman with short, burgundy-colored hair

Get a rich, deep color that’s a beautiful blend of red, brown, purple, and black. Burgundy will remind you of age-old wine.

Like blackberry, this shade is for those who want change but not at a drastic level.

Our recommended product: Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Color Creme in Raspberry Jam 362 Darkest Berry Burgundy

4. Mahogany

smiling girl wearing a red jacket and has a long hair colored with mahogany

This color is a darker shade of red. Similar to mahogany wood, the shade is reddish brown.

Your brown won’t be looking plain anymore when you give it this chic color.

Our recommended product: Clairol Nice’n Easy in 5M Medium Mahogany Brown

5. Blue Black

photo of a woman looking down with a blue black hair

Add dimension to your black hair in the most unnatural way. Blue-black, as the name suggests, is a combination of black and blue shades. It’s similar to midnight blue or navy, but darker.

Our recommended product: Kiss Colors Tintation Semi-Permanent in Blue Black

6. Emerald Green

photo of a woman's facing back holding her green hair

Green is the color of life. If you want to exude this vibe without looking too bright, you can go for the charming and rich dark shade of emerald green.

Our recommended product: Manic Panic Semi-Permanent Hair Color Cream in Green Envy

Bright Unnatural Hair Colors

Light colors are best for already blonde hair that doesn’t need much bleaching. Remember that dark hair needs a more intense bleaching process to sport light colors, and this can damage your hair.

But if you’re willing to take the risk and take your hair game to a lighter level, then go ahead and be inspired by these light colors.

7. Teal

side view photo of a girl with beautiful long curled hair colored with teal and lime green highlights in front

Teal is a revitalizing color that’s a mix of blue and green, making it close to the color of the ocean. Compared to turquoise, teal has more green than blue.

This shade will absolutely make a statement whether as a full-color or peekaboo highlights.

Our recommended product: ‘N Rage Demi Permanent Hair Color in Twisted Teal

8. Purple

photo of a woman looking down showing her short hair colored with purple hair isolated on a white background

This color is a mixture of blue and red shades but leans on the cooler side because it has more blue.

Purple can be used on blonde to neutralize yellow tones and can also be sported as a beautiful cool color.

Our recommended product: Xmondo Color in Super Purple

9. Scarlet Red

photo of a woman with red hair isolated on a green background

For a bold color change, get scarlet red hair. The vibrant color looks great on warm medium skin. It can also complement pale skin, but with warm skin undertones.

Our recommended product: Kiss Express Semi-Permanent in Scarlet

10. Lime Green

woman wearing a lime green long sleeves and with a lime green hair

Do you want Billie Eilish’s hair? Try lime green hair! This neon green shade is not for the faint of heart though. 

It’s one of the unique unnatural hair colors that you can sport if you have a warm undertone.

Our recommended product: Lunar Tides Hair Color in Aurora Green

11. Orange

photo of a woman's hair colored with orange

We’re not talking about ginger, the natural hair color. We mean the bright orange shade that’s an amazing fashion color.

With orange hair, you will surely glow under the sun.

Our recommended product: Lime Crime Unicorn Hair in Cutie (Bright Orange)

Pastel Unnatural Hair Colors 

This set is a list of soft, light unnatural hair colors. Achieving and maintaining pastel colors, however, are no easy feat.

Hair has to bleached to a level 9 or 10 blonde for the dye to truly look pastel, or else you’ll end up combining the pastel dye with unwanted brassy shades.

Pastel-dyed hair also has to be constantly toned or maintained using a color-depositing shampoo. 

Nevertheless, many people find these pale, delicate shades worth the risk and effort!

12. Lilac

woman with with a long curly hair colored with lilac

Just like the flower, lilac hair is a light, pastel shade of purple with pinkish tones.

This charming shade is best worn with dark clothes and make-up to create a nice contrast.

Our recommended product: Arctic Fox Semi-Permanent Hair Color in Girls Night

13. Rose Gold

close up photo of a woman with glasses and rose gold colored-hair

This sheer color is glamorous and sophisticated. Rose gold is a blend of pink, red, and golden blonde.

Our recommended product: Overtone Coloring Conditioner in Rose Gold

14. Pastel Pink

smiling photo of a girl wearing a pink shades flipping her long pastel pink hair

The most common unnatural shade of hair is pink.

If you don’t want to have hot pink hair, you can get a pastel pink hair color. It’s perfect for unicorn hair or as your unnatural hair color highlights. The shade will keep you looking young and vibrant.

Our recommended product: Punky Color Semi-Permanent Conditioning Hair Color in Cotton Candy

15. Coral

close up photo of a beautiful woman with side bangs styled hair colored with coral

If you’re not brave enough for bright orange hair, you can go for its softer version instead.

The coral shade is an orangey pink hair color that’s great for light to medium skin tones.

Our recommended product: Wella ColorCharm Paints Semi-Permanent Hair Color in Coral

16. Pastel Blue

summer themed photo of a blue-haired smiling woman holding a candy

If you don’t want the blue too loud like midnight blue or too subtle like blue-black, you can go for a muted, lighter shade of blue. Pastel blue works well with all skin tones.

It’s a chill color that’s easy to style and match with clothing and makeup.

Our recommended product: Celeb Luxury Viral Colorwash in Pastel Baby Blue

17. Mint Green

outdoor photo of a beautiful woman with mint green hair

Freshen up your locks with a mint green shade. It’s a soft pastel green with hints of blue. 

Don’t be fooled by this color’s modest look. Mint green hair will surely not go unnoticed.

Our recommended product: Keracolor Color + Conditioner in Mint

Neutral Unnatural Colors

If you’re looking for an unnatural hair color that fall right in the middle of warm and cool, the following neutral yet unnatural shades are for you.

18. Mushroom Blonde

woman's mid-length hair colored with mushroom blonde

This trendy unnatural hair shade is an in-between color. It’s between blonde and brunette, and it’s not ash and not golden either.

However, it leans toward the cooler side as there are more smokey tones than golden ones.

Our recommended product: Ion Color Brilliance Permanent Creme Hair Color in 7MB Medium Mushroom Blonde

19. Platinum Blonde

smiling woman with a curled long hair colored with platinum blonde

Can’t let go of winter yet? You don’t have to! Try this pale blonde shade that’s so light, it’s almost as white as snow.

Platinum is a great unnatural hair color for pale skin because it will complement a porcelain complexion.

Our recommended product: Revlon Color Effects in Platinum

20. Ash Blonde

close up photo of a woman's long straight hair colored with ash blonde

Ash blonde is a smokey shade of blonde that is usually applied using the balayage technique to give dimension and coolness to the tresses.

Our recommended product: Wella ColorCharm Permanent Liquid Haircolor in Palest Ash Blonde

21. Silver

close up photo of a woman's beautiful hair styled with loose curls and silver color

Silver hair isn’t just for the elderly anymore. This metallic shade became the most coveted hair color a few years back.

Unfortunately, it seems to be the hardest to achieve and maintain. To get silver hair, your locks need to be almost white. To maintain it, you have to keep toning it with purple toners or purple shampoos.

Take a look at Tasha Leelyn transforming her hair to silver gray.

Our recommended product: L’Oreal Paris Feria in Smokey Silver

Dyeing Your Hair With Unnatural Colors

Be it warm or cool, getting the unnatural color you want can be expensive when you have it done at the salon. It’s a good thing that it’s possible to do this at home.

But of course, you have to be prepared and knowledgeable because these unusual colors are not as easy to apply to your hair as traditional hair shades.

Preparing Your Locks

If you’re not naturally blonde, you need to bleach your hair for light unnatural colors to show up. Dark colors may show on dark blonde hair, but pastel shades will only work on the lightest blondes.

In addition, if you’re aiming for a cool shade, make sure to neutralize the warm orange and yellow tones first so they won’t mess up with the color payoff.

Furthermore, most dyes that offer unnatural shades are semi-permanent. These dyes are messy. They can stain your hands and your tubs when coloring. They can even stain your pillows and towels every time you wash.

That said, you have to be fully determined before getting unnatural hair colors on your own.

Dyeing Your Hair

Once your hair is ready, you’ve researched enough, and you’ve chosen your hair color, you’re good to go.

Materials Needed

  • Hair dye
  • Gloves
  • Old towel or cape
  • Bowl and applicator brush

Steps

  1. Divide your hair into four to six sections.
  2. Cover yourself with an old towel or a coloring cape.
  3. Put on your gloves.
  4. If you’re not using a direct dye, follow the directions to mix the dye and developer.
  5. Apply the dye starting from the roots, making sure that the strands are evenly saturated.
  6. Cover your hair with a shower cap and wait for 30 to 45 minutes.
  7. Rinse your hair well with cold water.

Maintaining Unnatural Hair Colors

After getting your locks bleached and colored, it’s highly likely that your hair has become porous and will require restoration.

Additionally, unnatural hair colors tend to wash out fast. To prevent your color from fading easily, follow these tips.

  • Use cool water when washing your hair.
  • Wash your hair less often.
  • If you do wash it, use sulfate-free shampoo and rinse with cold water.
  • Use hair masks and treatments once or twice a month.
  • Skip using heat styling tools if you can.
  • Avoid sun and chlorine exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does Unnatural Hair Color Last?

The longevity of your color depends on the type of dye you used. For permanent hair dyes, the color typically lasts four to eight weeks. As for semi-permanent dyes, they can usually last anywhere from four to six weeks.

Can Unnatural Hair Colors Damage My Hair?

Asian woman with long hair covering her mouth with her hand.

It’s not actually the hair dye that damages your hair. It’s the bleaching you have to go through before you get the unnatural hair color.

Bleach gets inside the hair shaft and removes the natural pigments. As it does, it also removes moisture and protein, making the hair dry and brittle.

Thankfully, many unnatural hair dyes today are conditioner-based, which can actually make your strands better after you bleach them.

Go for Hair With an Unnatural Color

Get a new hair color that will make you stand out from the crowd!

Choose the top unnatural hair colors for warm and cool skin tones and don’t forget to take good care of your crazy color to make it last longer.

Want to Know More About Hair Color?

Look at these informative hair dye articles:

Author

  • Rachelle Velasco

    Rachelle, is a sought-after freelance hair and makeup artist, shines particularly in the world of hair color. From subtle ombres and balayages to vibrant hues and intricate root work, she crafts unique styles tailored to individual preferences. Beyond her artistic talents, Rachelle also holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, showcasing her diverse skill set and dedication to learning.

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