How to determine your skin type

By Andy Hinton16 November 2017

Unsure how to work out your own or your clients’ skin type? As a salon staff member, you will be relied on for clear advice, especially from new clients. Below, we explain the Fitzpatrick scale and the six different skin types, along with their typical reactions to sunlight.

Knowing these differences can help you discuss a client’s skin with them. The scale describes burning and tanning tendencies; it does not give a length of time someone can tan without risk of burning.

A quick guide to skin types

The Fitzpatrick scale has six types. As a quick reference, the descriptions below are grouped as:

Fair: skin types 1–2
Medium: skin types 3–4
Dark: skin types 5–6

These are broad shorthand labels. Use the fuller descriptions and your client’s past experience of burning and tanning, rather than skin colour alone.

Sensitive skin

Sensitivity is separate from skin type. A client may have sensitive skin regardless of their skin tone. Certain conditions and medicines can also increase sensitivity to sunlight, so concerns about these should be checked with a pharmacist or healthcare professional. DermNet: skin phototype

Further detail on the six skin types

The descriptions below outline typical features and reactions. They will not fit every person exactly: hair and eye colour can be useful context, but do not determine skin type on their own. DermNet: skin phototype, British Association of Dermatologists: Dermatology Handbook, page 29

Skin Type 1

Skin description: Very fair skin, often with freckles. Red or strawberry blonde hair and blue or green eyes are common features.

Reaction to tanning: Burns very easily and does not tan. People with very fair skin or who burn easily are advised not to use sunbeds. UKHSA: sunbeds safety advice

Skin Type 2

Skin description: Fair skin, often with fair hair and light-coloured eyes.

Reaction to tanning: Burns easily. Tanning tends to be limited and gradual.

Skin Type 3

Skin description: Typically a darker fair complexion. Skin colour alone may not clearly distinguish this type from its neighbours.

Reaction to tanning: Can burn, but usually develops a tan gradually.

Skin Type 4

Skin description: Typically light brown or olive skin.

Reaction to tanning: Burns less readily and tends to develop a tan easily.

Skin Type 5

Skin description: Typically brown skin, often with dark hair and eyes.

Reaction to tanning: Rarely burns and tends to develop a tan readily.

Skin Type 6

Skin description: Typically dark brown or black skin.

Reaction to tanning: Very rarely burns and tends to develop a tan readily. This does not mean that burning is impossible.

People of every skin tone can experience UV damage. A lower tendency to burn does not make UV tanning safe; sunbed use carries risks including skin cancer and premature skin ageing. NHS: sunscreen and sun safety