Why it works:
It is a solid strong color that works with their style, says John. The darker brown base is especially stunning because the rich brown plays off their skin tone so well, says Cunningham. "It's important not to get too close to [your] skin color, but rather find a complement that pulls the undertones of the pigment to the surface to create a nice blend," she says.
This hair color is best on someone with a darker or olive complexion. "If you're too pale, a darker brunette will wash you out and look unnatural," says Cunningham. "If you have shorter hair, a monochromatic brunette looks best; with longer hair, I suggest a rich brunette base with subtle highlights running throughout."
How to get the best brown hair:
This is probably the easiest color to do from a box, says John, but "it can be messy and stain though, so be careful. Use a rich warm color that has translucency" to assure that it won't look too flat. Try something like Clairol Natural Instincts Rich Color Cr�me in Caramel Creme, $8.99. If you don't trust a box (or yourself), go to a salon with photos of what you want -- otherwise if you wanted warm you might end up with ashy. "The best brunette color is really based on your skin tone and what color formula you and your colorist decide on," says Cunningham.
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Celebs with the best raven hair:
Salma Hayek
Vanessa Hudgens
Demi Moore
Why it works:
"It is a solid and strong hair color with a bit of a timelessness," says John.
This color typically works best on women with a naturally darker hair color and good skin, says John. "Black hair can be harsh on more mature women and will not be forgiving of wrinkles and flaws." Also, if you decide to go super dark, be careful that it doesn't look too fake and wig-like, adds Cunningham. How? Just make sure your hair stays in good condition to keep it shiny and don't run color through the ends every time to avoid build up, says John, "that tends to make the color look flat."
How to get the best black hair:
Again, it's a very easy color to do from a box, but it is very messy, says John. "It might be best to use a semi permanent color" because "if you want to go lighter in the future it can be very difficult to lighten." Try something like L'Oreal Paris Excellence Creme in Natural Black, $8.99. And if you decide not to go the box route, Cunningham says to ask your colorist to add a gloss to your hair before leaving the salon to make it look extra shiny, which enhances the color.
Let's face it, we look to the stars (not the celestial objects) to find out what the "it" haircut is, what hairstyles are in vogue and what hair colors we must try. And though we may not have the funds or the resources celebs do, we can (and do) use them as our well of hair inspiration.
So say you covet Gwyneth Paltrow's blonde lob or Kate Beckinsale's brunette waves or Julianne Moore's red, straight hair, how can you translate their gorgeous color into a hue that looks great on your head? And how do you know if you can pull off their color? Lucky for you, celebrity hair colorists David John and Tracey Cunningham are here to tell us who they think are the best blondes, brunettes, redheads and raven-haired ladies in Hollywood, why it works on them, and if their shade would look right on your skin tone. Plus, they share advice on how to ask your colorist for the celeb hair color you covet, or how you can re-create it using an at-home formula.
If you decide to get your gorgeous color from a box, check out these key at-home hair coloring tips:
Tip 1: When choosing a color from a box, go for a hue one shade lighter than you think, but don't go more than two shades lighter or darker than your current tone. Tip 2: If you still need help finding the right shade, most hair color companies offer online guides. L'Oreal Paris has a tool that walks you through the decision-making process and Clairol has a "try it on" feature that allows you to see yourself in a variety of different hair colors. Tip 3: Semi-permanent hair color is a great option for color commitment-phobes, but just know that you can only go darker or blend grays -- you can't lift or go lighter with it.
Tip 4: To keep hair healthy, apply color to unwashed hair. The natural oils work to protect your hair from any damaging product. Tip 5: There is a specified time for leaving the dye on your hair for a reason. Obey it or you could end up with two-toned strands. Tips 6: Captain obvious here: use color-safe hair care products to protect your freshly-dyed hair color. Don't have one you like? Check out these top-rated color-protecting shampoos
and color-protecting conditioners.
