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How to Tell If I Look Good With Blonde Highlights

Jul 19, 2011 / By Elton Dunn

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Chrishell Stause shows off saffron blond highlights at the

Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Blond highlights aren't for everyone, and choosing the wrong shade of blond could leave you looking trashy or tired for a fashion faux pas. In general, fairer skinned women look best in blond highlights, although darker ladies can rock caramel blonds. If you're nervous about the end result, consult with your stylist before you plunge. He can help you select the best color for you and apply it subtly for a natural glow.

Think back to your childhood. If you were a natural blond or had honey tones then, you have the skin tone to pull off blond highlights and can pick and choose the right hue. If you weren't a young towhead, you can still go blond but need to pick a shade that complements your features and blends with your natural color. Chestnut and platinum don't mesh; chestnut and cashew work better.

Factor in the eyes. Blue and green-eyed beauties can go brighter, since the blond looks more natural on them. Darker-eyed lovelies should pick a deeper blond shade for natural looking highlights.

Pick out your skin highlights by looking in a mirror. Your skin might have naturally rosy, naturally bluish or other highlights. You want to pick a blond highlight that counteracts the skin highlights, since picking one that emphasizes them could give you an unflattering red or green pallor. For example, if you have rosy skin highlights, choosing a rosy apricot color might make your skin look ruddy, where a cooler white-blond wouldn't do that. If your skin has a yellow, honeyed glow, you don't want honey or golden highlights or you could look weirdly orange-hued all over. Likewise, avoid blond hues that match perfectly with your skin color or skin tone. Fair-skinned women who go platinum risk looking albino.

Commit to regular maintenance before you go blond. Highlights must be maintained to look good; otherwise you get the skunk effect as they grow out and your roots show.