hair color

If you're contemplating a color change for Spring, then chances are you're going to want to visit a salon to achieve your big transition. So you just walk in, tell the colorist what you'd like, and exit a couple hours later looking happy and stylish, right? Wrong. "You can't expect to always be on the same page as your colorist," says celebrity hairstylist Jennifer J. But there are a few things you can do to ensure your color service goes seamlessly, whether you're a first-timer or an old veteran. Get Jennifer's expert tips when you keep reading.

Whether it's her Ziggy Stardust-like bouffant from last night's SAG Awards or pink streaks highlighting her blond mane, January Jones clearly likes to take risks and change things up. She has tried on practically every hair color, which keeps things exciting, but it does have its consequences.

"I have been every color and now my hair is falling out in clumps," she told Grazia Daily at the Sundance Film Festival. "I’ve been blonde, red with extensions for this film, then blonde, then black, and now blonde again. I’m going to have to shave it off and wear a wig."

She prefers to be blonde and pointed out that's how her son, Xander, recognizes her in photos. But the biggest change she ever felt was when she went dark for a few months. "I was suddenly invisible," January said. "Not just as a celebrity, but to my friends and family."

Here's the truth: blond hair isn't for everyone, but with the right tips on hand, it can be pulled off with success. If you have nearly black strands and you have an olive or ebony complexion, get expert tips to make your fair-hair transition less drastic after the jump.

Celebrity hairstylist Kyle White shares his color care tips and tricks — including how to protect hair from the sun — in this tip-filled post from Allure.

Gossip Girl returned this week and, with it, my complete obsession with Blair Waldorf's perfect, chocolaty-brown hair color. Let's just say that it wasn't a coincidence that I recently booked an appointment with colorist Kyle White at the Oscar Blandi Salon (Mariah Carey flew this guy to Capri to touch up her highlights — he's that good), where he took me from blonde to full-on brunette. And I absolutely love it. But there's one problem: I'm terrified to wash my hair.

Related: You've Spotted Your First Gray Hair: Now What?

Five full days have gone by since my last shampoo, and I know it has to happen tonight. So I called White to find out how to keep my beloved new color from washing down the drain. Here's what he recommends to his celebrity clients:

Whether you're hiding those grays, want some serious highlights, or looking to give your color a perk, sometimes a girl needs a little hair color in her life. Taking your color into your own hands and doing some at-home treatments isn't as scary as it seems, though. Celebrity hair colorist Jennifer J., who has worked with stars like Kristen Stewart and January Jones, shares her top tips for acing your next at-home color. Keep reading for more.