Carefully consider the effects your new hair color will have combined with your skin tone and eye color before making the switch. Natural blondes with a warm and rosy complexion should look for browns with a warm undertone, but should steer clear of anything that crosses the line into auburn, which may cause skin to seem flushed and blotchy. Chocolate shades work very well for these blondes. Those with milkier complexions can consider reddish shades with more confidence, while those who have cooler, olive-toned complexions can do very well with cool, ashier shades of brown.

And remember: even brighter shades of brunette hair may look much darker than you imagine, against the complexions that naturally come with lighter hair. Taking your hair color only a few shades darker at a time is wise.