Observe the good:

Now, observe the bad:

If you are going to lighten up, there is a technique called the balayage technique.  It’s a different way to put highlights into the hair, and less damaging than the traditional foils that are used.  It’s more of painting in the color on smaller pieces than sectioning off chunks of hair which can sometimes leave you looking overdone because too much was highlighted.  Balayage is a more ‘natural’ looking method, since apparently hair and hair color au natural is all the rage lately.

Image Source:elle.com, people.com

Many women choose to go lighter for summertime which is usually complimentary to sun-kissed skin, but beware of frosty looking highlights.  Here, Roberts has a honey-colored base with golden highlights.  A lot of celebs go back and forth between colors, it works on some of them, but on others, highlights just make them look older.

Kate Hudson recently made the switch to dark brunette which looks very beautiful on her here at the Veuve Clicquot Manhattan Polo Classic.  The brown suits her although I can’t help but think her trademark blonde locks keep her looking younger.

Fergie looks better with lighter hair also.  Her look below at the MTV Video Music Awards in Japan is so hard looking, whereas the blonde softens the curves on her face a bit more.

Whether you decide to go darker or lighter for summer, my best advice would be to ask your stylist to use a really conditioning formula on your hair.  Maintenance is also really important so the color doesn’t fade or get brassy.  Shopping around for good color-saving products wouldn’t hurt either.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for deep conditioning treatments.
Discounts on color protecting shampoo and hair dye.

Image Source: extratv.warnerbros.com, glamour.com, people.com

John Frieda Luminous Color Glaze is the perfect hair fix for ” in-between” coloring. Well you know how we have done some posts in the past about retaining “red hair color” or any color - not to mention SHINE!!

Well look no further ladies, try John Friedas Luminous Color Glaze! It’s super easy to use and designed for use in the shower so this simple glazing creme boosts lackluster locks (real or dyed) imparting a hint of color and lots of sexy shine. Frieda’s formulation works as well as salon glaze, and you can repeat it more often. It is available in five hair colors, plus a “clear shine”, which works to get any hair hue glowing!!

Best part is unlike expensive glaze procedures at the salon this stuff only costs $8 bucks - woot, woot!!

If you want to shop for John Frieda Luminous Color Glaze - Click here!

I can’t recall when or where I heard it but someone once told me that; in the summer you highlight or dye your hair lighter shades whilst in the fall and winter seasons most women go deeper and darker.

Makes sense the funny thing is that ever since I heard that rule of thumb, the rebel in me tends to lean the other way and I often do the reverse. I often dye my hair lighter in the winter and dark in summer and spring. Kooky, huh?

Well I have been feeling that itch again, I am thoroughly sick of my current shade. I want to go red! Only drawback is red is notorious for fading and I am not a big fan of the “Oompa Loompa” orange shade Asian hair tends to turn when you attempt to go red. I am a fan of the deep plum tones and I think I look best in Burgundy wine shades. Goes well with my skin tone and what not.

So here’s a little hair color secret from me to you!

My favorite shade and at home color result is - Feria by Loreal hair color in Burgundy! 

Every time I crave a reddish change, I go to my local Target and pick up two boxes. Turns out nice every time. The shade varies based on how light my hair was prior to application but in every case the shade is rich and I am often complimented.Of course, the shade like all reds needs some pampering but what are you gonna do?!

If you are interested in shopping online for discount assorted hair colors, click here.

What affordable over the counter color have you tried and become a fan of?