How to Choose the Right Hair Extension Shade | BRUSH Amsterdam

Matching your hair extensions to your natural color or desired result is crucial for a seamless, natural-looking finish. At BRUSH Amsterdam, we make color matching a science — and an art. With over 35+ blendable shades in balayage, highlights, and all-over tones, our color experts help you find your perfect match using professional techniques and personalized consultations.

Why Shade Matching Is So Important

The key to undetectable extensions is how well they match your hair color — not only at the ends, but also through the mids and roots. A perfect match adds depth, dimension, and realism.

What to Consider When Choosing a Shade

• Your root color — helps guide natural blend if you're wearing your hair down
• Your mid-lengths and ends — especially important for clip-ins and tape-ins
• Your undertone — warm, cool, or neutral
• Your skin tone and eye color — shades should flatter both
• Whether your hair is natural or colored

How to Analyze and Match Your Hair Shade

1. Check your hair in natural daylight and indoor light to assess undertones accurately.
2. Focus on the mid-lengths and ends for better blendability with extensions.
3. If unsure, go slightly lighter — it's easier to tone down extensions than lighten them.
4. Use color rings or swatches in real light to compare against your hair.
5. Texture match is just as important: match straight, wavy, or curly hair accurately.

Types of Hair Colors in Extensions

• All-over solid tones — like warm blonde, rich brown, jet black
• Balayage blends — soft natural fades for multidimensional tones
• Highlight blends — more contrast and brightness
• Multi-tonal mixes — add depth with a combination of shades

Virtual Tools & Professional Advice

Online color-matching tools can be helpful, but filtered photos and lighting inconsistencies often distort results. If you must match online, take 2–3 unfiltered photos in natural lighting, showing your full length. Or better yet, book a consultation with our BRUSH specialists for professional color matching.

Our Color Matching Process at BRUSH

1. We start with a consultation in natural lighting.
2. We analyze your undertone, mid-lengths, and ends.
3. We compare shades using our 35+ blendable tones.
4. If needed, we tone or mix custom combinations for a perfect blend.

Colored or Treated Hair? Here's What to Know

If your hair is dyed or highlighted, we match to the most visible shade — often the mid-lengths or ends. We can also tone extensions using Schwarzkopf Professional or TBH color for custom blends, especially for ash blondes, warm caramels, or vibrant reds.

Tips for Highlighted, Balayage & Ombre Hair

Choose extensions that mimic your lightest shades. Multi-tonal or balayage extensions work best for this. We can even add subtle lowlights or shadow roots to blend seamlessly with ombre or dimensional looks.

Matching Texture

At BRUSH, we offer extensions in straight, wavy, and soft curl textures to match your natural hair movement. A texture mismatch can make even the perfect color look off — we ensure your match works in tone and feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I dye or tone my extensions?

Yes, but only if they are 100% Remy human hair like those used at BRUSH. Toning is safe under supervision. Avoid bleaching to prevent damage.

Should I match to my roots or ends?

We recommend matching to the mid-lengths and ends, especially for clip-ins or balayage looks. These areas are more visible and give the most natural result.

Do extensions work for highlighted or balayaged hair?

Absolutely. We offer custom-blended balayage and highlight extensions for natural, dimensional blends without additional coloring.

Can I get custom shades mixed?

Yes. We frequently mix multiple wefts or tone extensions during appointments to get a precise match.

How does skin tone affect my extension choice?

Cool tones match best with ashy or neutral shades, while warm tones shine with honey, caramel, or golden tones. We guide you based on your complexion and eye color.

Book your color matching consultation and let our BRUSH experts guide you to your perfect shade!