Filed under: How-To
With spring and summer right around the corner, it's time for us brown beauties to update and refresh our looks.
Whether you're a scoop of caramel cone or a swirl of chocolate, we've found a color for you to dye for!
DROP-DEAD RED
Lovely caramel latte Rihanna has taken a true hair-or-dare risk with these ultra-bright red locks. The color brings our her amazing bone structure and brightens up her skin tone. If you're a caramel diva ready to take a chance, put on your dancing shoes and head straight to the salon to try this out. If you want to achieve this color at home, try Sebastian's Hot Red Cellophane semi-permanent hair color ($39.99, probeautywarehouse.com)
Who says chocolate bunnies can't pull off red? Well, whoever said it clearly hasn't checked the hair credits lately. We're not buying it, and clearly, neither is Estelle. This color works for her complexion because it's deep. The hues are a blue base versus an orange base like Rihanna's, which plays off the deep browns in Estelle's skin tone. DIY this look or have a girlfriend help out. A similar at-home color is Clairol Pro Creme, $5.99, sallybeauty.com.
GOLDEN HORIZONS
We all love Beyonce's color. Whether she has a full head of blonde or sections of hair that frame her face, this diva knows exactly which color works best for her tone. The blonde brings out her olive-y yellow skin base and makes her features pop. To all you light-skinned sisters out there thinking you can't pull this look off in fear of being 'too bright,' we say shine on! Get this look at home with L'Oreal Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Color in 73 Golden Sunset, $9.99, lorealparisusa.com
A deeper yellow base than Beyonce, Chrisette Michelle pulls off this blonde look with a natural twist. Short- and natural-haired chicks get to have more fun with color - not too much worry about damage or breakage. Since the hair is already close to the shaft, it leaves you with more room to play. This color brightens Ms. Michelle's face and makes her look about five years younger... and who wouldn't want that? Try this on your own with Fekkai Salon Color Brush-On Permanent Hair Color in Very Light Blonde, $30, ulta.com.
BROWN BEAUTY
Always one to make a subtle statement, we love the deep brown/red/blonde hair Alicia Keys has going on. The lowlights and highlights give her hair dimension and play well with her undertones. If you want to go all out, do the color and the style all at once. You'll turn plenty of heads your way. For a color like Ms. Keys, try Garnier HerbaShine Color Creme in Mahogany Dark Brown, $8.49, cvs.com.
Meagan Good wears this deep-brown hue well. It gives her a spark of Hollywood glam, makes her features profound and, of course, draws more attention to those luscious kissers. Though Brown might appear to be a 'safe' color, be careful as to the type of brown you choose. This particular color is universal and can play off most complexions, which is why we love it! For a similar color, try Clairol Pro Creme in Rich Neutral Brown, $5.99, sallybeauty.com.
BLACK STALLION
Black is usually the last thing you would think about when it comes to fresh hair color for spring and summer, or a color that works well with brownies. However, black will always be a classic - no matter the season or the complexion. Brandy's jet-black hair palette leaves room to play with makeup, fashion and even jewels, so you can have your bright colors interjected in other ways for the season.
Basketball Wife Jennifer Williams is always primped, and her beautiful black locks never fall flat. Like Brandy, this color works with Jen's complexion and provides her with dimension and flavor. Whether stick-straight or bouncy curls, this budding entrepreneur's hair looks healthy and totally gorg!
You can achieve both of these looks with Dark and Lovely Conditioning Hair Color in Jet Black, $4.49, drugstore.com.
THE RISK TAKER
Now ladies, for kicks and giggles and, of course, a little harmless fun this season, do a Nicki Minaj: throw on a hot-pink, lime green, purple or even two-toned wig and hit the town! But if you're going to go extreme, leave the coloring up to the professionals.
Star Wig, $39.99, rickysnyc.com.
What color do you think looks best on you? Tell us!