It happens every year when the weather starts heating up—we all immediately want to lighten up our locks. Whether it’s a few sunny streaks or an allover platinum process, light hair seems to be synonymous with summertime! But how do you know if blonde will suit you? Here, we came up with a simple cheat sheet for you. Before making the leap, choose the celeb who’s skintone best matches yours, and decide whether she looked best sporting brunette or blonde locks (for example, Ciara was a cute-ish blonde, but in our humble opinion, she’s far more striking as a brunette). Go forth, color chameleon!
For a few moments in the late ’90s/early 2000s, Mary J. Blige rocked a deep brown ’do. But for the majority of her career, the R&B queen has been a platinum princess. We think she should stay that way!
THE VERDICT: BLONDE GODDESS
Eva Marcille’s bleached-blonde pixie cut was pretty, but since it was practically the same shade as her skin, it washed her out. We’re so loving the coppery, deep shade with the lone platinum streak.
THE VERDICT: BRUNETTE BABE
Tyra’s blonde hair is definitely glamorous, but it tended to give her a dated, Barbie-ish look. The richer, mahogany hue is much more sophisticated.
THE VERDICT: BRUNETTE BABE
Pre-“Vampire Diaries,” Katerina Graham rocked a long, bouncy blonde dye-job. While the light locks were sweet, the dark brown shade is much more vampy—and with the dark brows and pink lips, she looks like a bonafide hipster sex goddess.
THE VERDICT: BRUNETTE BABE
Cassie is almost more well-known for her bold hairstyle choices than her music! Last year, she shaved off half of her jet-black hair. This year, she dyed her strands a bronzy-gold hue. We actually think the lighter shade is soft, unexpected, and chic.
THE VERDICT: BLONDE GODDESS
Ever since she stepped on the music scene, Beyonce has been going back and forth between platinum and super-dark. We love her both ways, but the sunnier shade is so flattering on her golden-brown complexion.
THE VERDICT: BLONDE GODDESS
Kelis is all about making bold, unapologetic style choices. Her retro, bleached-blonde waves were statement-making, but her dark strands feel more natural.
THE VERDICT: BRUNETTE BABE
A couple of years ago, Kimora Lee Simmons went blonde for an ad campaign. It was definitely a “look,” but part of Kimora’s signature style is long, shiny, blacker-than-black hair. It’s just so her!
THE VERDICT: BRUNETTE BABE
Serena’s dark look was so pretty—especially when she wore it in the soft flapper waves. But this new, golden-streaked bob is so chic and flattering! It softens her features and gives her a chic edge, no matter what she’s wearing.
THE VERDICT: BLONDE GODDESS
