Is black the new blonde? If you ask Britney Spears it is. You can check out the pregnant pop star’s new look on the August cover of Harper’s Bazaar. (There is a preview of the cover shot on People.com.) But, Britney’s hair color is not the only shocker you’ll see. The soon-to-be-mother-of-two appears nude (save for a massive be-jeweled necklace)—much the way a pregnant Demi Moore did a number of years ago for Vanity Fair.
Personally, when I looked at the picture I could barely tell that she was pregnant. To me, she looked more pregnant during her Dateline interview with NBC’s Matt Lauer, who estimated that the former Mousketeer is about seven months along. But, back to Brit’s hair…according to PEOPLE magazine, the singer’s jet-black do surprised photographers who were planning a “Brigitte Bardot-themed shoot.”
But, Britney is not the only one trading in her blonde tresses for a walk on the dark side. Recently, socialite/singer/model/hotel heiress, Paris Hilton donned a black wig during an afternoon shopping spree. And just a couple of days ago sisters Hilary and Haylie Duff unveiled their coordinating, freshly brunette tresses – while in New York promoting their upcoming film Material Girls. They join actress Gwyneth Paltrow, who months before revealing she was pregnant with her new son, also experimented with a darker hair color. Sex in the City’s Sarah Jessica Parker, could be considered a hair color chameleon. As spokesperson for Garnier Nutrisse hair color, we have seen her go from blonde to dark brown and every shade in between. And then there is new mom Angelina Jolie, who consistently stays true to her black roots (movie roles permitting).
If looking at these celebrity’s locks inspires you to head to the store to find a new shade for your hair—hold on. Before you roll up your sleeves and start the application process consider these tips by hair color experts:
If you are a blonde seeking to darken your color, you should choose something with a warm base (either an auburn or golden tone). When you pick ash colors to go darker, experts say they can come out looking flat. If you are looking to go blonde, keep in mind that at-home hair color only has the ability to lighten up to three or four shades. If your hair is light brown experts recommend you can use a blonde shade to get to a natural-looking blonde. And the golden rule of hair color application: If you’re unsure of which shade to choose, it’s usually better to go with the lighter one; it’s always easier to darken something that’s too light than it is to lighten something that is too dark.