Going Dark: Brunette is the New Blonde

Posted on June 8, 2012 by admin in Hair Styles

Lindsey Lohan, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Drew Barrymore are just a few famous faces that have turned their locks from dark to light and back again over the years. Rich shades of brown can be a welcome addition to nearly any type or style of hair, and can be yours with a little planning and some simple care.

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1.) Research

It’s important to do your homework if you’re thinking of taking your light hair a few shades darker. If you’re not completely sold on the idea of a dark ‘do, try a semi-permanent formula to give the shade a test drive. They add shine and rich color without harsh peroxide so they wash out in about six weeks (bonus: they can be applied easily at home so they’re budget-friendly as well).

If you want to keep a range of your light shades along with the dark, visit your stylist for a mix of highlights and lowlights; it’s another great way to ease into a brunette color. If you need to cover gray, a permanent color is the best route for not only coverage, but a texture-changing boost, too. Keep in mind that the permanent formulations will require some maintenance, so be sure to ask your stylist about upkeep.

2.) Consider your colors

Just as with going blonde, there are many shades of brunette so consider your overall coloring when choosing your new hue. Cooler skin tones will look best with browns that have cool undertones, such as a mahogany or other purple-based colors. Those with warmer skin tones should go for warm coppers and other orange-based hues. Not sure if you have warm-toned skin or cool-toned skin? A good rule of thumb to consider: those with cool-toned skin look best in white, pinks and other jewel-toned clothing; warm-colored skin tones glow in ivory, muted greens and other yellow-based colors.

3.) Treat it

Aside from regular touch-ups, upkeep should also include treating your hair well to keep the shade rich and the condition healthy. Use shampoo and conditioner designed specifically for color-treated hair and add a deep-conditioning mask treatment to your weekly routine. Also be sure to pick up styling products that offer UV protection since hours in the sun can fade color and sap moisture from even the healthiest color-treated hair.

Guest Post by Lisa Kirchhoff

About the Author

Guest author Lisa enjoys spending her spare time writing about hair care topics, and has had her work published in Celebrity Hairstyles magazine. Her full-time job is quite the opposite: writing for US Cargo Control, a company that sells rigging supplies including lifting straps, wire rope, and snatch blocks.