In this article
You have lots of choice when it comes to hair color for men. From subtle gray hair color for men to black hair color for men, there are lots of products and dyes to choose from to achieve the look you desire.
In this article, we look at some of the things you should think about before adding color to your hair. We then reveal a simple step-by-step process to help you dye your hair like a pro, so you can add color to your hair at home with minimal fuss.
Should men use hair colors?
Some people think that hair color is only a good option for women, but they are mistaken. Lots of guys use hair colors to completely change their look or to highlight sections of their hair.
No matter your motivation, you can opt for hair coloring for men with relative ease. You might opt for bright blonde highlights or you may opt to change your hair color entirely.
Choosing hair dye colors for men should start with the look you want to achieve, followed by the steps you need to take to achieve your preferred style.
Let’s look at some hair color ideas for men that you could try this year for something a little different.
Hair color ideas for men – what to think about
When choosing a good hair color for men, you need to think about the following:
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Skin tone: Your skin tone will impact the hair color that you go for. For instance, the ideal hair color for men with brown skin will be different to those with a lighter skin tone. You can consult your stylist to decide on the best style for your tone.
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Hair type: Whether you have wavy, curly, straight, or shaggy hair, you need to think about the impact of coloring it. Browns and blondes are simpler hair colors for men and easy for most hair types to achieve. But if you want a daring color like blue, green, or red, you need to think carefully about whether it’s suited to your hair type.
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Type of color: Are you planning to color your entire hair or do you want to go for highlights? Both can work, but the type of coloration you go for will affect your decision.
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Styling goals: We also recommend thinking about how you plan on styling your hair after coloring it. You need to maintain your colored hair with color-treated products and shampoos to prevent your hair from drying out, so bear this in mind before dyeing your hair.
Top 10 best men's hair colors
Men’s hair color trends this year balance confidence and natural appeal. Choosing the right shade can elevate your personal expression.
1. Natural ash brown
Natural ash brown is a top choice for men who want a refined look. Its cool undertones reduce unwanted redness or brassiness, and ideal for professional and casual settings. This color works especially well on fair to medium skin tones and helps hair appear thicker and healthier. It requires moderate upkeep, mainly toning and color-safe shampoo, and grows out subtly.
2. Soft charcoal black
Soft charcoal black modernizes traditional black hair by adding depth and dimension. Unlike jet black, it avoids a harsh or artificial look, which many men worry about. This shade complements most skin tones and enhances facial features, especially eyebrows and beard lines.
It’s a popular choice for men seeking a youthful appearance. Maintenance is simple, but using sulfate-free products is important to prevent fading and maintain the natural finish.
3. Warm chestnut brown
Warm chestnut brown blends rich brown with subtle red undertones, creating a healthy, vibrant appearance. Men choose this color to add warmth and life to dull or thinning hair. It flatters medium to deeper skin tones and pairs well with textured or wavy hairstyles. Chestnut brown is versatile enough for office environments while still feeling stylish.
4. Dark ash blonde
Dark ash blonde is trending among men who want a lighter color without going overly bright. Its muted tone looks masculine, avoiding yellow or golden hues. This color suits men with fair or neutral skin tones and works well with fades and short cuts. While it requires initial toning and occasional touch-ups, the result is a fashion-forward look that stands out subtly rather than loudly.
5. Smoky silver gray
Smoky silver gray is a bold yet elegant choice that embraces modern masculinity. Popular among both younger men and those covering natural grays, it delivers a high-fashion appearance. The smoky undertone keeps the color from looking too white or washed out. This shade requires commitment but rewards with a distinctive style that signals individuality.
6. Cool espresso brown
Cool espresso brown is a deep, rich shade that offers intensity without looking flat. Men like this color because it adds shine and depth while keeping a natural appearance. The cool undertone helps neutralize orange or red hues. It suits most skin tones and works well with short, structured cuts.
7. Sandy blonde
Sandy blonde blends soft beige and light brown tones, creating a sun-kissed look. This color is popular among men who want a lighter shade without high contrast or extreme brightness. It complements fair to medium skin tones and unites well with medium-length or textured hairstyles. While it appears natural, it does require toning to avoid brassiness.
8. Dark chocolate brown
Dark chocolate brown is a timeless, universally flattering shade that emphasizes thickness and shine. Men choose this color for its healthy appearance and professional appeal. It enhances facial features without overpowering them and suits nearly all skin tones. This color is ideal for men concerned about grays, as it provides strong coverage.
9. Subtle copper brown
Subtle copper brown adds warmth and personality without being overly bold. It combines brown with soft copper undertones and gives hair dimension and movement. Men like this shade because it looks natural in sunlight and adds vibrancy to otherwise flat hair. It works best on medium to warm skin tones. Since copper pigments fade faster, using color-protecting products and limiting heat styling is important to maintain its fresh appearance.
10. Muted platinum blonde
Muted platinum blonde offers a fashion-forward look with a softer edge than traditional platinum. The toned-down finish reduces harsh brightness and more wearable for everyday life. This color suits fair and neutral skin tones. It requires commitment, including frequent toning and deep conditioning, but men choose it for its bold style statement and ability to instantly elevate personal image.
Hair coloring for men – how to do it
As so many guys color their hair, the process is really straightforward. You can ask your stylist to do it for you, but this can be expensive. Here are the steps you can follow to add hair color at home:
Step 1. Wash your hair
The first thing to do before coloring your hair is wash it. Using your normal shampoo, wash your hair thoroughly with warm water to remove any dirt, debris, and excess oil.
Step 2. Dry your hair
Next, dry your hair with the Laifen Swift Special dryer. It’s the best ionic hair dryer available on the market, with adjustable heat settings to protect your hair from overheating and drying out. You can also use the Swift Special to dry your hair after coloring it.
Step 3. Protect the skin around your hairline
Hair dye can run all over your face if you don’t take steps to protect your skin. Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to your hairline, which forms a protective barrier to prevent the dye from running wild as you apply it to your hair.
Step 4. Apply your hair dye
You must read the instructions supplied by the hair dye of your choice. You should wear protective gloves and mix the dye correctly with water. Then, apply the dye evenly to your hair with the application tool provided. It’s best to do this in front of a mirror so you can monitor your progress.
Step 5. Be patient and monitor the results
Most hair dye products take at least 30 minutes to work, but some take longer than this. Again, refer to the instructions so you know how long to leave the dye on. If you take the dye off too early, it won’t have the desired effect. And if you leave it on for too long, you risk damaging your hair.
Step 6. Wash your hair to remove the dye
When you have left the dye in your hair for the required time, you need to wash your hair to remove it. Rinse your hair thoroughly and make sure all of the dye has been removed before drying your hair.
The last words
As you can see, there are lots of ways to add color to your hair and you can opt for a color that is well suited to your skin tone, hair type, and preferred style.
You can follow our step-by-step guide below to color your hair like a pro at home, or you can ask your stylist to do it for you. Be sure to also check out our FAQs below for more details on how to add hair color to your hair.
FAQ
Q1: Is there a hair color shampoo for men?
Yes. If you color your hair, you should invest in a shampoo that is specifically designed to wash and nourish color-treated hair. A great option is Pantene’s color shampoo and conditioner set, which is ideal for both men and women and widely available online and in drug stores.
Q2: What is the best hair color for men?
This completely depends on your preferences and the look you want to achieve. We think that silver color hair for men looks great, particularly when streaked as highlights on dark hair. Still, you can ask your stylist and create a look that is unique to you.
Q3: Is hair coloring for men permanent?
Not usually. Most hair color products that you can buy offer temporary hair color for men. The color can last for several weeks or several months, but it is not usually permanent and it can be washed out with the right products.
