Why Hair Colour Looks Different in Natural Light vs. Indoors (And What to Do About It)

You’ve just left the salon with a fresh new colour, excited about the transformation. Then you catch a glimpse of your hair in your car mirror, and it looks warmer, cooler, darker, or more golden than it did in the salon. Later, you check your hair in your bathroom mirror and it looks different again. Sound familiar? At Hair By GV in Etobicoke, this is one of the most common experiences our clients share after a colouring appointment. The truth is, your hair colour doesn’t actually change—it’s the lighting that changes how it’s perceived. From salon lights to daylight, to indoor bulbs and phone camera filters, a variety of factors influence how your colour appears. In this blog, we’ll explore why your hair colour can look different in various lighting environments, and more importantly, what you can do to make sure you get the results you truly want.

Let’s start with natural light, which is the most honest lighting source you can use when evaluating your hair colour. Natural daylight contains the full spectrum of light wavelengths, which means it reveals all the tones—warm, cool, neutral, and everything in between—in your hair. That’s why you might notice more golden or red undertones outdoors, even if your hair looked ashier or more subdued inside the salon. This can be both a good and bad thing. On one hand, it allows you to see the full complexity and depth of your colour. On the other hand, if you weren’t expecting those undertones to show through, it might take you by surprise.

At Hair By GV, we always do a natural light check with our Etobicoke clients during or after their service, especially for blondes, brunettes, and redheads. We want you to see what your hair will look like out in the real world—not just under salon lighting. Speaking of which, let’s talk about salon lighting. Most salons, including ours, use bright, balanced lighting that mimics daylight as much as possible. However, depending on the bulbs and fixtures, you may still notice a slight cool or warm cast. Cool-toned lighting may make your hair appear ashier or more neutral than it really is. Warm-toned lighting may bring out golden hues or make darker shades look richer. That’s why we work with colour-correct bulbs in our Etobicoke salon and offer our clients the opportunity to check their hair in both direct and ambient lighting before finalizing any colour decisions.

Indoor lighting in your home or office tends to be the most unpredictable. Standard bulbs, especially older incandescent ones, often cast a warm yellowish light that can make cool colours look muddier or warm tones appear brassier. Fluorescent lighting, which is common in commercial buildings, can wash out hair colour or even make it look slightly greenish, especially on ash blondes or silvery tones. LED lights vary widely depending on their colour temperature—some are warm, some are cool, and some are neutral. If your home has a mix of light sources, your hair might look different from room to room, which can be confusing if you’re trying to assess whether you like your new colour. We always remind our Etobicoke clients to view their hair in a few different settings before forming a strong opinion. Give your eyes—and your brain—a chance to adjust.

Photography adds another layer of complexity. Your phone camera doesn’t see colour the same way your eyes do. It interprets lighting, exposure, and even skin tone to determine how to balance the overall image. Sometimes, this can make your hair appear warmer, cooler, brighter, or darker than it actually is. Filters and editing apps further distort colour perception, which is why it’s not uncommon for clients to love their hair in person but question it after seeing a photo. At Hair By GV, we understand this frustration and often offer tips on how to capture your colour accurately in photos. We suggest taking pictures in soft, natural light without direct sunlight, avoiding filters, and comparing photos in different settings to get a true sense of your shade.

So what can you do to ensure your colour looks consistent and flattering across all lighting situations? The first step is communication. When you come into our Etobicoke salon for a colour service, bring inspiration photos and be clear about what you like and what you want to avoid. But more importantly, tell us how you want your hair to look in natural light, under office lighting, or in photos. If you know that your daily environment includes harsh overhead lights or cool-toned LEDs, we’ll take that into consideration when formulating your colour. We may adjust the toner slightly to help counteract unwanted warmth or coolness in those environments.

Second, choose colour tones that complement your skin tone and undertones, not just what’s trending. At Hair By GV, we help Etobicoke clients select shades that work harmoniously with their natural features, which improves the likelihood that your hair colour will look flattering in all lighting. For example, someone with warm skin tones may look best with golden or caramel highlights, while someone with cool undertones may prefer ashy or platinum tones. When your hair colour complements your complexion, even lighting changes won’t make it look “off”—just different variations of beautiful.

Third, consider gloss or toner treatments as part of your ongoing colour maintenance. These help keep your colour balanced and neutralize any unwanted tones that may show up over time or in certain lighting conditions. Many clients in Etobicoke return to Hair By GV every 4–6 weeks for toning services to keep their colour looking its best between major appointments. We also provide custom product recommendations, such as purple shampoo for blondes or blue shampoo for brunettes, to help maintain the vibrancy and tone of your hair at home.

Another tip is to be patient. Your hair colour may oxidize slightly in the first few days after your appointment as it settles and is exposed to light, water, and air. That’s normal and expected. If you’re ever unsure about your colour after a few days, we’re always here to consult and make small adjustments if needed. Our goal at Hair By GV is to make sure you feel confident in your colour no matter where you are—whether it’s under the sun, in your living room, or in your next Instagram selfie.

Lighting changes are a reality, but they don’t have to be a mystery. With the right colour formulation, proper maintenance, and open communication with your stylist, you can achieve beautiful, consistent results that hold up in every environment. At Hair By GV, we combine colour science, technical skill, and real-world experience to help Etobicoke clients love their hair in any light. We don’t just paint hair—we craft colour with precision and intention.

If you're ready to find the hair colour that looks great wherever life takes you, book your consultation with Hair By GV today at hairbygv.com or call 647-390-1254. Let us help you achieve stunning, versatile colour results that turn heads in every room and every selfie.