Undertones

In addition to skin tones, understanding the different undertones will allow you to know which pigments to choose for your clients and which pigments to avoid to prevent residual color. Undertones, unlike skin tones, never change and they are based on your skin’s underlying hue. There are 3 major undertones: warm, cool and neutral.

Warm

You have warm undertones if the tone of your skin has hints of yellow or gold. Those with warm undertones typically tan easily.

Cool

You have cool undertones if the tone of your skin has hints of blue, pink and red. Those with cool undertones typically burn rather than tan.  

Neutral

You have neutral undertones if the tone of your skin has both a mix of warm and cool tones. Clients with neutral undertones usually have more difficulty in identifying their undertone. Those with neutral undertones typically burn and then tan.

If your client’s undertone is warm, you should avoid pigments with too much warmth. You should typically choose a pigment color that is slightly more cool-neutral. This will prevent your client’s brows from fading to red. If your client’s undertone is cool, you should avoid pigments that are too cool. You should typically choose a pigment that is slightly more warm-neutral. This will prevent your client’s brows from fading to grey. For neutral undertones, you should avoid choosing pigments that are both too warm or cool.