1. Rainbow hues aren’t just for kids anymore.
Neon brights are still best left to punk rockers and pop stars. But “unnatural” colors (say, eggplant or blue-black) can be elegant on adults. Just keep your cut classic and your clothes and accessories simple, as Rihanna does here.

2. Your brows and hair don’t have to match.
Blonded hair and blonded brows scream “fake!” If you’re tempted to lighten your brows at home, don’t do it—it can be dangerous and the results can be tacky. Instead, keep brows dark and dramatic, like Kate Winslet does.

3. Go darker to look younger.
The old-school rule says light hair is always the more flattering choice for mature women. But doesn’t Brooke Shields look older as a blond? Light locks that too closely match your face can leave you looking washed-out, so a richer hue may be better. While very dark hair can make over-40 skin look haggard, your colorist can soften the effect with highlights near your face.

4. Gray hair can be gorgeous.
Are you going gray? If you’re lucky and it’s growing in dramatic streaks—think Stacy London—there’s no need to cover it up. Your colorist can separate the areas you’d like to keep gray and color the rest for a look as unique as you are.

5. Mother Nature doesn’t always know best.
Just because you were born with a rare, coveted hair color doesn’t mean you have to keep it. Case in point: Sofia Vergara. A natural blond, she actually chose to be a brunette. We say, “Beautiful!”

6. Yes, redheads can wear red.
Red clothing or lipstick clashes with fiery locks? So not true! If your hair is on the coppery side, try tomato or orange-red hues and brown-based red lip color. If your skin has pink undertones, à la Christina Hendricks, and/or your locks are more cherry or maroon, blue-red may be your best bet for lips and clothes. Not sure what shades look best? Your colorist can advise you.