Changing your hair color used to be synonymous with "let's see if it works." Not anymore!
You don't need to take risks!
By combining selfies, artificial intelligence, and hairstylist tips, it's possible to find the perfect shade without using hydrogen peroxide.
Augmented reality tools show the result in real time, cross-reference data from your skin undertone, and even generate a report with the exact dye number.
Professionals take advantage of these previews before applying chemical treatments, saving on expensive touch-ups. The following article teaches you step-by-step how to discover your ideal shade, suggests three free simulators, and explains how to involve a colorist in this process — all tested on Android and iOS devices!
Apps with integrated AI
Today, your cell phone camera can anticipate the effect of a hazelnut brown or a coppery red, displaying reflections as you move your head.
Retail studies show that this virtual experimentation increased consumer confidence and boosted paint sales during the pandemic.
At the same time, apps gained 3D filters and direct integration with salons, making the decision much faster.
How do you know which hair color suits you best?
First, analyze the skin's undertone : Dermatologists use the Fitzpatrick scale to classify skin tones from I to VI; each group reacts differently to light and, consequently, to hair colors. Warm tones—types III and IV, for example—come to life with golds and coppers, while cool skin tones (type II) are enhanced by platinum or iced chocolate.
In addition, schedule a virtual consultation : Colorists recommend a quick video call before any chemical treatment: they check texture, porosity, and process history, preventing surprises.
The practice gained momentum in 2020 and continues strong thanks to its convenience — Savannah Guthrie, from NBC, dyed her hair this way and showed the result on Instagram.
Furthermore, test before dyeing : Simulators overlay the color in real time, allow you to save side-by-side comparisons, and even simulate outdoor lighting, a useful feature for delicate shades like "mushroom brown".
Share the screenshots with your stylist: this speeds up formula preparation, saves product, and protects the hair fiber.
✅ 3 hair color simulators to try at home (for Android and iOS)
1. Youcam Makeup
The Perfect Corp app delivers over 150 shades and ombré effects. AI monitors each strand, ensuring 360 degrees of realism, and generates a report with dye codes to take to the drugstore.
2. Style My Hair (L'Oréal Professionnel)
The platform maps your face in 3D and indicates partner salons. After choosing the color, you schedule the application within the app itself, shortening the consultation step.
3. Garnier Virtual Try-On
Without needing to install anything, the tool unlocks over 100 shades of Nutrisse and Olia. Just take a selfie to switch between cool browns, pearly blondes, or vibrant reds and save your favorites.
Bonus tip : The Hair Color Dye app (iOS) only changes specific strands of hair — great for testing highlights!
✅ Before you go ...
Finding the right color has become as simple as changing your phone's wallpaper. Use a simulator, assess your skin's undertone, and, if possible, share the preview with a colorist.
In less than ten minutes, you'll leave with a personalized color plan, preserved strands, and zero regrets—ready to rock your next photo! 😉
