How to Choose Glasses for Your Hair Colour and Face Shape

Choosing glasses isn’t just about face shape — your hair colour and the undertones in your complexion play a big role in how a frame reads. Whether you’re a platinum blonde, a raven-haired brunette, boldly dyed or embracing silver, simple adjustments to frame colour, finish and contrast can make your whole look feel more cohesive and intentional. This guide explains how to match frames to hair colour, balance contrast, and select shapes that flatter your face.

Match frames to your hair’s tone and undertone

Start by identifying the overall tone of your hair: warm (golden, honey, auburn), cool (ash, platinum, blue-black) or neutral. Then consider the undertone — warm, cool or neutral — and choose frame colours that harmonise rather than fight with it. Matching undertones creates a polished effect; contrasting them can make glasses a deliberate statement piece.

• Warm hair (golden blonde, copper, warm brunette): think tortoiseshell, warm browns, amber, olive green and gold metal frames.
• Cool hair (ash blonde, platinum, blue-black): opt for black, gunmetal, silver, translucent greys, or cool-toned blues and purples.
• Neutral or multi-tonal hair (bronde, balayage): try frames in muted neutrals — beige, soft tortoiseshell or matte finishes — to complement the variation.
• Brightly dyed hair (pink, teal, purple): use either a matching saturated frame for a playful look, or a neutral matte frame to let the hair remain the focus.
• Grey and silver hair: contrast with warm frames like tortoise or gold for a warmer effect, or choose sleek silver/grey frames for a minimalist look.

How contrast affects your overall appearance

The contrast between your hair, skin and frames alters how prominent your features look. Low contrast (similar tones across hair, skin and frames) softens the face and creates an elegant, understated look. High contrast (dark frames against light hair and skin, or vice versa) draws attention to the eyes and frames, adding drama.

Consider these quick rules when deciding contrast:

• If you want glasses to be a focal point, increase contrast: dark frames with light hair or pale frames with dark hair.
• If you prefer glasses to blend, choose frames closer to your hair colour or skin tone.
• For clients whose hair colour changes seasonally, keep one neutral pair for everyday wear and one expressive pair for special occasions.

Frame finishes and materials: the small details that matter

Finish and material affect how a colour reads. Glossy finishes intensify colour and catch light; matte finishes soften it. Transparent acetate lets hair or skin tones show through slightly, creating a subtle, modern look.

Consider the following:

• Gold or rose-gold metals feel warm and flattering against golden or auburn hair; silver and chrome suit cooler tones.
• Tortoiseshell is versatile: warmer tortoiseshell leans amber, while cooler tortoiseshell has smoky browns and greys — pick according to your undertone.
• Translucent frames are especially flattering on youthful or modern cuts, as they appear lighter and less heavy on the face.

Picking shapes for your face — with your hair in mind

Face shape remains the most practical guide to frame choice, but hair length and style influence perception. A voluminous hairstyle can balance larger frames; a sleek bob may benefit from softer shapes to avoid harsh angles.

• Round faces: angular or rectangular frames add structure. Darker frames can elongate the face when paired with light hair; if hair is dark, try mid-tone frames for balance.
• Oval faces: most shapes work. Use hair colour to guide whether you go bold (high contrast) or subtle (low contrast).
• Square faces: rounded or oval frames soften strong jawlines. Warm-toned frames with warm hair can create harmony; cooler frames work with ash tones.
• Heart-shaped faces: bottom-heavy frames or cat-eye shapes balance a narrower chin. Lighter or translucent frames can work well with lighter hair tones.
• Long faces: taller frames or frames with decorative temples add width. If you have light hair, choose a darker bridge or browline to break vertical lines.

Practical fitting and styling tips

Beyond colour and shape, fit makes glasses flattering. A correctly fitting pair sits comfortably on your nose, aligns with your brow, and doesn’t slide. Hair can affect how glasses sit — long hair tucked behind the ears helps frames sit closer to the face; voluminous styles may push temples outwards.

• Check bridge fit: a narrow bridge suits petite noses, while a broader bridge prevents pinching for wider noses.
• Temple length and arm curve should allow hair to sit naturally without bending the temples outward.
• Consider adjustable nose pads on metal frames if your hairstyle alters how the frame rests on your face.
• When changing hair colour dramatically, reassess your staple pair; a neutral frame is a reliable default.

Key Takeaways

• Identify your hair’s tone and undertone (warm, cool or neutral) before choosing frame colours — matching undertones creates cohesion.
• Use contrast strategically: high contrast makes glasses a focal point; low contrast lets them blend with your overall look.
• Frame finish matters: glossy intensifies colour, matte softens it, and translucent frames feel lighter and modern.
• Let face shape guide the frame silhouette, but adjust choices based on hair length and volume for balance.
• Always prioritise fit — bridge, temple length and nosepads affect comfort and how frames sit with different hairstyles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I wear any frame colour with dyed hair?
A: Yes. Dyed hair gives you freedom — choose matching bright frames for a coordinated look, or neutral frames to let the hair stand out. Consider undertone: warm-dyed shades pair best with warm-toned frames.

Q: My hair is greying. Should I avoid black frames?
A: Not necessarily. Black frames offer a strong, modern contrast with silver hair. If you want a softer effect, warm tortoiseshell or mid-toned metals like gold will warm your complexion.

Q: How do I decide between statement frames and a subtle pair?
A: Think about how often you want glasses to be the centre of attention. If glasses are an accessory, pick one high-contrast or colourful pair plus a neutral everyday pair for versatility.

Q: Does hair length change the best frame shape?
A: Hair length affects perceived balance. Short, neat hair often benefits from softer or rounded shapes; longer, voluminous hair can carry larger or more angular frames easily.

Q: Should I change frames when I change hair colour?
A: If a colour change is dramatic, it’s worth reassessing your go-to frames. Many people keep a reliable neutral pair and add a complementary pair to suit their new tone.