Millennials have long been criticized for their devotion to neutral aesthetics across interior design, fashion and more. The term “boring beige” is often used to mock their plain color palette. However, we think there is a place for beige, just maybe not floor-to-ceiling and head-to-toe. Beige hair and nails, for example, offer a chic, luxe vibe that goes well with everything.
“The nude beige tone is often mistakenly labeled as basic, plain and lacking character, but nothing could be further from the truth,” says colorist Dariusz Wojcik. “Beige has countless dimensions. It's a color with many faces, and when matched to someone’s personality and features, it becomes unique and tailor-made.” Colorist Andrew Jones says beige hair is the perfect hue for someone who “doesn’t want to be too bright, too warm or too cool, and it can flatter a variety of skin tones.”
Featured experts
- Dariusz Wojcik is a professional colorist
- Andrew Jones is a professional colorist
The boring beige hair color
“I love a beige tone,” says Jones. “These shades are anything but boring—they’re subtle, elegant and absolutely eye-catching," says Wojick. He notes that while the neutrality of beige shades often complements many skin tones, that doesn’t mean they will look the same on everyone. You’ll want to work with your colorist to find the right mix for you.
“Some of our favorites include beige nude melt—a soft blend of a deeper root shade melting into beige-toned blonde, which brightens the complexion and adds depth—and mocha nude beige, a milky coffee-toned beige that can be adjusted to be more pastel or more intense, depending on personal preference," says Wojick.
What to ask for in the salon to get boring beige hair
Jones recommends bringing a visual reference of what you’re going for to show your colorist and asking for a more biscuity or sandy blonde or bronde. He suggests saying, “You’re wanting a softer, more neutral tone that flatters your skin tone. This allows your colorist to create a beige tone that may be a little cooler or warmer depending on your natural hair color and skin tone.” Wojick notes that “Achieving the perfect beige tone always depends on the starting color and often requires a multi-step process,” he notes.
Consider adding a money piece
Wojick says nude beige shades are easily enhanced with a money piece. “The brightened face-framing strands add a touch of character and freshness to the entire look, highlighting facial features and giving the hairstyle a modern edge.”
