Do you dare to darken your hair?

I’ve had fair hair for as long as I can remember. I’m quite partial to getting my colour from a bottle, but rarely do I dare to go darker than a light caramel brown.

I’m naturally a little bit mousey-coloured, and I find it a bit of a non-colour to be honest, but at least it allows me to experiment with my look a little.

Lately there seems to be lots of ladies who are taking the plunge and darkening their hair. It seems quite scary but it’s certainly a dramatic look and great if you want to make a real statement.

Mary-Kate Olsen recently went from a dark blonde shade to chocolate brown and I personally think it looks fab! But how did her hair stylist get it just right?

Colourist to the stars, and also Ms Olsen, Harry Josh revealed to Elle that he was keen to find a “beautiful, warm brunette shade”.

Mr Josh recommended “when making a drastic colour change, it’s always best to seek out the help of a professional. Going from blonde to brunette is less harsh on your hair than going from dark to light, but you still need a pro”.

To successfully make the transition it’s important you understand what shade suits you.

You should examine your skin and eye colour, to determine whether you should opt for cool or warm hues.

Those with darker eyes and skin that’s either pale with pink undertones, dark or olive will generally suit cool undertones, and are advised to try dark chocolate or dark champagne shades.

Meanwhile he suggests “if your skin has golden undertones and you have golden brown, green, or hazel eyes, you’re probably warm. You look good with golden brown or honey hair, as well as brunettes with copper undertones”.

Remember that if you do dramatically darken your hair, you might have to change your wardrobe a little, as well as your make up colours – so be prepared to adapt!
Are you ready to darken your locks?
Posted by Elsa Pienaar