How to Switch From Blonde to Brunette Hair

Celebrities, such as Ashlee Simpson and Nicole Richie, are suddenly hopping off the blonde bandwagon and opting to ride the brunette train. This is causing a trickle down effect to the rest of us who suddenly look at our blonde locks and wonder if we too should go brunette. As you'll see, it's not hard to make the switch.

Things You'll Need

• Box of hair dye
• Rubber gloves
• An old towel
• Plastic bag
• Timer

Instructions

1. Decide what kind of color treatment you want to perform. Choosing a semi-permanent brunette color lets you test out a shade since it only lasts for 6 to 12 washes. Demi-permanent brunette colors last longer, up to 24 to 26 shampoos. Permanent brunette color gives you the least wiggle room, since if you don't like the color, you must either dye over it or let the color grow out. If you aren't sure, go for the color with the least commitment.

2. Evaluate your skin tones. Are you a warm or a cool? Warm people tend to have golden or red tones, and cool people have bluish tones. If you are warm, you should look for a brunette color that has a bit of red in it. If you are cool, you need to stick to the darker browns, like a nice chocolate brown.

3. Select the brand of hair color. There are many brands out there and some are more well-known than others. If you have friends or family who dye their hair on a regular basis, ask them what brand they recommend.

4. Decide if you are going to use some highlights with your brunette color. Golden highlights or copper highlights are the most popular. If you aren't sure about them, look through a magazine to get some ideas.

5. Perform an allergy and strand test before you dye your hair. Mix up the hair dye and put a bit on your skin. If you don't have a reaction within two days, you are not allergic to the dye. Also, put a bit of the color on a strand of your hair. If the color goes wacky or you just do not like the brunette shade you selected, all you have lost is a strand of hair instead of having all of your hair a color you hate.

6. Mix the hair dye according to the directions on the package. Apply it to your entire head, working from the roots to the ends. Put the plastic bag over your head and set the timer. When the timer goes off, jump into a nice warm shower and wash your hair. Be sure to use the conditioner that comes with the hair dye.

7. Dry your hair and make sure that all the blonde has been covered by the gorgeous brunette shade that you selected. You may be shocked at how different you look, but give it a day or two.

Tips & Warnings

• Examine your hair. If it is damaged, fragile or you have done some other color treatments to it lately, you should make an appointment with a salon professional. They can give you advice as to if your hair is in good enough condition to handle a dye job or suggest that a professional job is what you need.