Back to school and work is prime makeover season. You're revamping your closet, focusing on your beach body, and vowing to get better skin. So go ahead and add a hair remix to this month's to-do list. Now, we're not talking about going under the shears for a hefty chop — a new color can actually create a splash without the massive commitment. But how do you know which shade to choose? We can't tell you how many times we've been to the salon and wondered: what is auburn really going to look like? Sometimes those little hair swatches just don't communicate how the hue will look on a human head. That's why we've rounded up a full-spectrum hair-color cheat sheet to guide your next salon appointment, featuring celebrity examples (because goodness knows they love to change their hair up). From the brightest of blonds to midnight black, everyone can find an exciting new shade on this list.
Before you pick up the bottle of bleach, you need a few pointers. If you're already a blonde, consider trying an auburn hue like Emma Stone's or an off-beat rose-gold shade à la Sienna Miller. You can easily get this change-up from an at-home kit or by using a semipermanent hair gloss, which fades within weeks and works with your hair's natural tone. Darker hair colors will need to seek professional help to get a drastic change. If you're going more than two shades lighter, you'll need to make an appointment for a double-process color, where the original color is lightened to create a base for the new shade. Brunettes should look toward the middle of the hair-color wheel. Try a warm chestnut like Kate Mara's or a "bronde" similar to Jourdan Dunn's. Keep in mind that these major dye jobs are more high maintenance when it comes to root upkeep — unless ombré is your end goal. Whatever your hair-color choice for Spring, let this rainbow of beautiful celebrity shades be your guide to all the colors available.
