Tracey Cunningham

If Hollywood is any indication, red is the most coveted hair color for Spring, with Rachel McAdams and Dianna Agron among the latest celebrities to take a walk on the fiery side. Redken's Creative Consultant For Color, Tracey Cunningham, explains she's constantly getting requests for Bryce Dallas Howard's stunning red mane, too. "Redheads will welcome the Spring and Summer months with more intense, dark vibrant reds," Cunningham says.

If you're looking to go red this season, bring photo examples of the color you want to the salon, along with the colors you don't want. And be sure to mention to your colorist that you prefer golden tones, which, as Cunningham conveys, give a more natural-looking quality to the hair. Already gone red? Try ombré, then. "The trick for a redhead is to keep it golden or strawberry on the ends," she says.

Don't forget to keep your gorgeous red color looking its best with our favorite color-preserving picks!

Here's something we didn't see coming: Natalie Portman with blond hair. The actress showed off her new hue last night at the premiere of LA Dance Project, her husband Benjamin Millepied's latest choreography endeavor. So why the change from her natural brunette? We hear that Natalie is lightening up for her next role, and that colorist Tracey Cunningham is the one who gave Natalie this bright and shiny blond. If you're looking to make this kind of color change for yourself, definitely take a cue from Natalie and leave this drastic shift to the pros.

Do blondes have more fun? That's up for debate, but Cameron Diaz makes it seem that way. We're loving her bright, bouncy, blond hairstyle, so we caught up with her colorist Tracey Cunningham, Redken creative consultant for color. She's known as one of the best in the business, and if there's a hair color heating up, you can safely assume that she's on it. If you're a blonde — or are thinking of lightening up for the season — get some of her tips, tricks, and trend updates when you read more.

For the October cover of Harper's Bazaar, Redken Creative Consultant Tracey Cunningham gave Drew Barrymore a subtle take on fashionable ombré hair color. Tracey began by applying Redken Color Fusion 7N ($8) to Drew's roots, and then highlighted the length of her hair with Redken Blonde Icing Ammonia-Free Lightener ($45). For a healthy, blended look, Tracey followed with an all-over application of Redken Shades EQ Conditioning Color Gloss ($8).

Note: if you're unable to find Redken products, simply head to the beauty supply store and ask for a neutral dark blond shade for your roots, a gentle lightener for the middle and end pieces, and a gloss to tie it all together.

Photo courtesy Harper's Bazaar

Ali Larter's enviable blond highlights take center stage in the August issue of Lucky magazine. And it's thanks to the clever techniques of Redken Creative Consultant For Color, Tracey Cunningham.

To get a similar effect, first have your colorist highlight your hair. Then, ask him or her to tone the lightened portions by using the following formula: equal parts of ammonia-free clear glaze and violet toner. (Tracey used Shades EQ Crystal Clear Glaze with 09V Platinum Ice.) These formulations combined will not only help lock in shine and counterbalance unwanted orange or yellow hues, but are gentle on hair that's just been bleached.