All hair (whether natural or extensions) can fade a little over time when exposed to sunlight, heat styling or harsh treatments.

However, because Phoenix Crown extensions are made from 100% Virgin human hair (never chemically processed before collection), they retain their natural cuticle and behave just like your own hair. As a result, they stay strong and luminous far longer than treated alternatives.

To keep colour true, use gentle, sulphate-free hair care, wash in cool or lukewarm water, limit high-heat styling, and protect your hair extensions from direct sun or chlorine when possible.

To get the best colour match, look at the mid-lengths and ends of your natural hair, not the roots, as this is where the shades will meet. Stand in natural daylight when you check, as indoor lighting can distort tone.

If you’re unsure between two shades, choose the slightly darker one, as it tends to blend more seamlessly underneath your own hair.

A top tip: look closely at undertones too. Ash or cool browns and blondes have grey or beige reflections, while warmer tones carry hints of gold, caramel or red. If your hair has multiple tones, you could opt for a multi-dimensional blend. These subtle variations mirror natural light through the hair, creating a softer, realistic finish.

Adding depth to black hair is about creating light movement rather than strong contrast.

Very dark tones can appear flat under certain lighting, so layering two near-matching shades (such as our Midnight Crown and Winter Dusk) can introduce subtle texture and definition. Styling with gentle waves or a bend at the ends helps catch light across different sections of the hair.

You can also use placement to create visual lift. A crown-area piece adds gentle height and breaks up solid colour, while side or temple pieces introduce understated warmth near the face.

For most people, slightly darker extensions blend more naturally than lighter ones. A deeper shade sits discreetly beneath your own hair and creates shadow, while lighter pieces can appear too distinct, especially in straight styles or finer hair.

Matching the mid-lengths and ends of your hair, rather than the roots, usually produces the most seamless result.

If you’re hoping to brighten your overall colour, try adding lightness subtly - through the mid-lengths or face-framing strands, or with an ombré or highlighted blend. This keeps the look natural and avoids the sharp contrast that comes from going too light overall.