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Highlighting your hair can be a beauty boost when you're in a rut; they give you a new look that isn't necessarily permanent. Dark blonde highlights are gorgeous on almost anyone, but before you take the plunge, think about the pros and cons of the dye job.
Ageless Look
Dark blonde highlights can help shave years off your look, particularly if you're going gray a little early. Highlights of any hue can help cover your gray, but if you're sporting a predominantly salt-and-pepper hairstyle, the dark blond can blend into your natural color seamlessly, softening your face and your overall look.
Mellow Mood
Lighter highlights make most people think of summer, a tanned body and a casual air. No matter if your hair is naturally light blond or if you're a redhead or a brunette: highlights in the darker blond range of caramel can help you look and feel a little more mellow and laid-back, according to "Lucky" magazine. Choose blonde highlights that are one to two shades lighter than your natural color for a subtle effect; pump up the color higher if you want to command attention on the beach.
Upkeep
A major disadvantage of dark blond highlights, or any type of blond hair color, for that matter, is the considerable amount of upkeep your do requires. You'll need to schedule regular appointments with your salon or buy stock in a hair coloring company to keep your blond looking fresh and natural; brown hair doesn't require quite as much effort. Keep your color bright for longer periods of time by using a mild shampoo meant for color-treated hair.
DIY
An expert stylist can be an asset to helping you choose the color highlight that suits you best, but if you're looking for a quick change, you can do the job at home. Highlighting guru Marie Robinson suggests an easy way putting in highlights at home: draw back your hair in a pony tail and pull out a few locks from each side to highlight. If a highlight kit isn't your style, try spritzing your hair with a lemon water -- lemon juice diluted with just a bit of water -- before heading out into the sun.
