How to be a BRUNETTE

“Anyone can pull off brown,” Macal says. Whether caramel, chocolate or anything in between, there’s a brunette tone that will look beautiful on you. A colorist can help you make the perfect match, suggesting a warmer brown if your skin has yellow or gold in it, or a cooler brown if you have pink or blue undertones. Dark hair tends to look healthier and shinier than lighter hair, and a solid, all-over brown is the perfect backdrop for a daring one-length cut, like an angled bob. If you want highlights, skip the stark blond-on-brown look, which can be harsh. The newest trend is to mix a number of shades: lighter browns plus richer browns. Maintaining brown is relatively easy, especially if it’s close to your natural color. Unless you have lots of gray, you can wait longer between touch-ups.

How to be a BLONDE

You don’t have to be a bronzed beach bunny to rock light hair. From champagne to butter to honey, there’s a blond to complement anyone’s skin and eyes. Your best shade may be darker than the one you’d imagined, so keep an open mind when you consult your colorist—and a salon colorist is a must. “It’s very important to let a professional help you choose your blond,” Macal says, so the results look healthy and elegant. At home, keep your new color vibrant with regular conditioning treatments. But do consider how much maintenance you’re willing to put up with before diving in. The lighter you go, the more time the process takes and the more often you’ll need your roots done. If you’re a low-fuss girl, skip the platinum blond and opt for few highlights around your face.

How to be a REDHEAD

Coloring your hair red is a great way to make a bold and confident statement. the best shade for you depends on your natural hair color. if it’s brown or black, choose a deeper red that will show up against the dark background. Women with lighter hair can try strawberry blond or copper. reds with a purplish tinge tend to look less natural and are best for cool complexions, while coppery shades are ideal for warm skin tones. The thing about red: It’s very high-commitment. You should consider it only if you’re ready to return to the salon every four to six weeks for touch-ups. if you wait too long between visits, the color will fade, lose luster and dull to brown. Sun exposure speeds the process, so look for shampoos, conditioners and styling products formulated to block UV rays.