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How to Dye Hair Like a Celebrity

Jul 1, 2011 / By Kathy Mayse

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Rihanna blazed with her fiery, red locks at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards.

Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

The lady on the front of the box color you just picked up may look like a celebrity, but if you think your hair's going to turn out just like the pic, think again. It takes time, technique and the right color to get celebrity hair. You can't just fake your way through with any box of color. You may start with a box, but you can't just slap what's inside on your head and hope to come out looking vibrant like Rihanna.

Look at celebrities. Does anyone have just one color in their hair? You might find one or two, but most have two or more. Some are more dramatic, and you can notice the difference from a mile away -- like blond hair with black underneath. Others are more subtle, but almost all have variation. Don't just put a monotone color on your hair. If you want to look like you earn millions, mix it up. Weave at least two colors through your hair.

Get those roots done! Ever see an A-list celebrity with black roots? Maybe in a tabloid, but definitely not on the red carpet. Do your roots every four weeks or so to stay red-carpet ready.

Don't settle for ordinary. If you pick a color like red, make sure it's vibrant. Lighten your hair with a bit of hair lightener -- just to the red-orange stage -- before you put the red color on.

Fight color fade by using color-protecting shampoos and conditioners. You can go longer in between shampoos too. The more you shampoo, the quicker your dye job will fade.

Set trends, don't follow them. Play around with color placement -- put a streak here, a spot there. Do everything you can do to make your color job different from everyone else's.

1.Hair color(s)

If you have any qualms about tackling your color on your own, it's best to leave it to the pros. Correcting a color mistake will cost you more; it's best to just pony up the money and get it done right the first time

Never colored before? You could be allergic to hair color. Put a dab behind your ear and wait 24 hours before coloring your hair. If you're red, itchy or hived, don't color.