Hair trends have become like global scandals nowadays - there's too many and they are too hard to keep track of. I've got a secret: I've been coloring my hair blonde for ten years. That's right, if you couldn't tell by the 2-inch dark roots on top of my head (it's surprising how many people actually don't notice), I'm a faker.
I've been loyal to the platinum cult for a decade, but lately, I've found out that brown hair is making a massive comeback. If you're a natural brunette, put the dye down. Go back to your roots. Here's how to rock light brown.
1. Light brown hair is super flattering
The main reason why I've put my hair through peroxide hell is that I thought brown made me look boring. I lusted after vibrant colors, a-la-Lauren Conrad and didn't take a moment to notice my own.Actually, light brown hair is incredibly flattering. This versatile color accentuates green and brown eyes. You can rock it with a pair of baby blues, too.
Though on the neutral side, light brown hair will make you look elegant and put together. It gives off a carefree, perfectly "undone" feel. Plus, light brown doesn't fade nearly as quickly as other colors do. When I dye my hair blonde, I run back to the salon in just four weeks because it's become brassy. My French hair stylist, Tony, always throws his hands in the air and yells at me: "What have you done!" Put an end to the struggle and go light brown.
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2. There are so many ways to wear light brown
The initial reaction to wanting a new look is to run to the colorist, but wait - how about a haircut instead? Haircuts are so underrated, it hurts. Light brown hair looks very elegant with bangs, with a deep side part or just perfectly straight. My stylist advises me to go in for a trim every six weeks or so, but sometimes I cheat and cut my own hair. A new haircut can completely transform you by boosting your self-esteem. If you keep your natural light brown hair color and spare yourself the damage of aggressive dyes, you can treat yourself to a new look every month because you'll have long, healthy locks.
3. Play with highlights for dimension
Do you ever feel like you want to add some "oomph" to your look but don't wanna go too crazy? That's when highlights come in. Adding a few streaks of chestnut brown, ash brown or going for a balayage is a very smart decision. You'll minimize damage and maximize the effect. Some time ago, I wanted to rejuvenate my boring old color, so I bought a box of those pink wash off dyes. That was a huge mistake. Not only did it wash off unevenly, but it also dried out my hair. Go for a classic light brown with honey blonde highlights. You'll be in season all year round.
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4. What shade of light brown should you choose?
That's a tough one. There are so many options out there - butterscotch, light cool brown, light golden brown, light auburn, etc. Ideally, that decision will be based on your wildest dreamsskin tone. Don't go too dark if your skin is pale (unless you're back to your Goth stage). Shades can change with seasons as well. I'd go for a darker brown in August when my skin is perfectly tanned. In winter, on the other hand, I'd go light brown to match up the tones. Take your eye color in consideration as well. Though light brown is flattering for all types of eye color, hazel eyes would go better with a richer, more chocolatey tone, while green would go well with an ash brown.
Get creative with light brown. Go back to your roots and embrace this hot, new trend.