Getting your shade right is the difference between extensions that disappear and ones that stand out. Follow these steps from the SOS Hair colour team.
Quick answer
Match your extensions to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair, not your roots — that's where extensions sit and blend.
Step 1: Match to your ends
Your roots are usually darker than the rest of your hair. Since extensions attach below the root, hold shade swatches against your mid-lengths and ends in natural daylight to find the closest match.
Step 2: Rooted vs solid
If you have darker roots that fade into lighter ends (balayage or lived-in colour), choose a rooted shade like our Root Replica tape-ins. If your colour is even from root to tip, a solid shade blends best.
Step 3: Warm vs cool
Warm shades have golden, caramel, or red undertones; cool shades read ashy or beige. Match your undertone — a cool blonde over warm hair (or vice versa) is the most common mismatch.
Step 4: When to blend two shades
Multi-tonal or highlighted hair often blends best with two shades mixed together — for example a base brown plus a lighter blonde. Ordering both and alternating wefts creates a natural, dimensional finish.
Still unsure? Send a photo
Message SOS Hair on WhatsApp at +1 (562) 852-3809 with a photo of your hair in natural daylight (no filters) and we'll recommend a shade. We also customise colour on bulk and one-off orders.
Browse all 15 shades across our extensions.