How to Choose Your Hair Extension Colour: Colour Match FAQs

Written by: Hayley Hanlon

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Time to read 6 min

Hair extensions can transform your look and give you confidence to the nines. But if you're a hair extension newbie, it can be tricky to know how to choose your hair extension colour. Well, it was before you found our guide!


You, of course, want your hair extensions to be fully undetectable , and having a dodgy colour match can be a total nightmare! Nobody wants the hassle of returning your hair extensions because of a colour mismatch.

Our Quick Colour Match Tips


  • Use a colour match service
  • Match the colour to the shade of the middle and ends of your hair 
  • If in doubt, choose a lighter over a darker shade
  • Consider your skin’s undertone
  • Look at your hair in natural light ONLY

We have a completely free colour-match service for all our customers ! Whether you're a first-time buyer or returning after a recent transformation (have you gone to the light or dark side?), we'll help you blend your extensions seamlessly.

If you want more tips and tricks on how to choose the best hair extensions colours, keep scrolling for the lowdown.

How to Choose Hair Extensions Colours Online

Sometimes, the colour of extensions shown online can be a tad different to how the extensions look IRL.


You've got to take pixels, lighting, studios, and all sorts into consideration. So it can slightly skewiff the true colour of the hair extensions.


But to help you figure out whether a shade is right for you, we've got some tips and tricks to share.

Tip 1) Use a Colour Match Service Online

First and absolutely top of our tip list is to use a colour match service online. Rather than struggling and squinting at a screen, you can just take a picture of your hair, send it to them, and let their clever team do the rest.


At RiRi, even though we do our absolute best to accurately represent our extensions in photos, we offer personalised colour matching to ensure you get the perfect shade for your hair.

How Colour Matching Works


You'll need to snap a photo of your natural hair . Please, please make sure it's in natural light – with no flash or filters – so our expert team can accurately assess the colour of your natural hair.


Once you've taken the piccie, send it to us on  Insta or  Facebook Messenger . Just pop a little message in there requesting a colour match, and one of the RiRi team will get back to you ASAP!


We're active between 10 am and 10 pm and aim to respond quickly.Don't worry, you will get a response!

Tip 2) Match Extensions to the Middle & Ends of Natural Hair

Most people think it's the root that matters most when matching hair extensions to your natural hair. But it's actually not true, and you should try to match the colour of your extensions to the middle and ends of your natural hair.


Your hair extensions will be most visible in the lower part of your hair, so this is where they need to blend in the most.


You'll achieve the most even look if you follow this rule of thumb.


And don't fret if you have darker roots and lighter ends. Your hair extensions will sit underneath your own hair, so a subtle gradient is fine, if not perfect.

Tip 3) If In Doubt, Choose the Lighter Extension Shade

If you're ever in doubt about how to match hair extensions to your natural hair, it's always best to choose a lighter colour . Obviously, don't pick a shade that's way too light – but a shade or two lighter than your natural colour is usually the safest bet.


Blending lighter shades of extensions into your natural hair is easier than blending darker ones, so you can avoid any harsh lines if you take this approach.

Tip 4) Consider Your Skin’s Tone & Undertone

If you're hoping for a natural look, matching your hair extension to your skin tone is one of the most important things . Hair that's too light or too dark for your complexion can make you look washed out or too severe.


For the most flattering, natural results, try to choose a shade between your natural hair colour and skin tone.


Consider your undertone, too. Warm undertones tend to look best with warm colours, while cool looks best with cool.See? It's not rocket science!


Bearing in mind your skin tone will allow you to find an extension that will truly compliment your look.


But absolutely go for an aqua and neon pink if that's your vibe, though. We love a vibrant look!

@ririhairextensions_uk Hair and sweets on point! 🍭✨ Check out these stunning extensions! #RiriHairExtensions #HairGoals ♬ Da Girls - Ciara

Tip 5) Look at Your Hair in Natural Light ONLY

One of the biggest problems we find when gals choose the wrong extension shade themselves is they’re looking at their hair in the wrong lighting.


Artificial lighting can tinge our hair with different tones, often making it look warmer or cooler than it actually is.


For the most accurate assessment of your hair’s natural colour, step outside and check it out in natural light. Or, stand in front of a window with natural light shining through. 

Why is it Important to Colour Match Hair Extensions?

When you get your hair extensions right , they can make a world of difference to your look. But if you get them wrong, it can end up looking like a total mess.


Having the wrong colour of hair extensions can be one of the biggest giveaways that you're wearing them, and youobviouslydon't want that. Never reveal your beauty secrets, besties.


It's important your hair extensions blend beautifully with your natural hair, so getting a professional colour match is paramount if you want undetectable extensions. 

My Hair Extensions are the Wrong Shade – What Can I Do?

If you've already purchased your extensions and they happen to be the wrong shade, don't worry, girls – all is not lost!


Depending on the colour difference between your natural hair and the extensions, you might be able to blend them in with clever styling techniques.


If the extensions are human hair, try using a curling wand to add some waves. If they're synthetic, try some heatless curls . This can help blur the lines and create a more natural look.

 Top Tip: Our RiRi hair extensions come pre-styled, so you don’t need to worry about styling your hair when the time comes!

Braiding is also a great way to  blend darker extensions  into lighter hair. A few strategically placed braids can help create a natural gradient, making your hair look stunningly blended.


That being said, you can always return your RiRi's as long as they're unused with the tags attached within 14 days of receiving your package . Just exchange them for another shade! And use our colour-match service this time, ladies.


If you need further advice, get in touch with our team , and we'll be more than happy to help you out!

Final Thoughts: Getting the Perfect Hair Extensions Colour Match

Choosing the right colour of hair extensions doesn't have to be a hassle. With a smidge of know-how and a sprinkle of careful consideration, you'll soon find the perfect extension shade for your locks.


Our RiRi teams are always on hand to help you out, so don't be afraid of reaching out if you need a little bit of extra help.


Our free colour-matching service will save you. Every. Single. Time. And it'll be everything you need to find the perfect shade of RiRi's! Shop our trending products below. 

Nancy Pinder

Nancy is our resident hair and beauty specialist at RiRi Hair Extensions. She advises customers daily in our Lakeside and Bluewater stores, helping them find the perfect look, length, and shade of hair extensions. 


Nancy also presents our TikTok live to thousands of viewers across the world. You can catch her on our TikTok every week!

Find Nancy on TikTok!