For most people considering a major hair colour change, the “should I or shouldn’t I?” internal struggle is very real. For celebrities, on the other hand, the decision is pretty much a no-brainer.
With the best colourists in the biz at your disposal, an impulsive shift from blonde to red to black and back again is just that much less daunting – so why not take advantage? Whether it’s for a photoshoot, an upcoming role, or just because they want to, celeb colour switch-ups are par for the course.
Take, for example, Jennifer Lawrence, who’s gone from brown to platinum and hit every shade in between. Or Lucy Hale, the undisputed queen of the hair-colour rainbow – she makes it look easy. And while we may not be able to steal, say, Dakota Johnson’s colourist’s digits, their looks provide plenty of inspiration for our trips to the salon, too. What’s more, their transformations also provide a kind of visual index that shows what a huge difference a little dye can make. Click through for proof.
Jennifer Lawrence
The actress gets the beach babe treatment with slightly grown-out roots that give her bright blonde color a low-maintenance look.
Photo: Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic.
A deeper brunette creates more depth and drama while cranking up the contrast against her sea blue eyes.
Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage.
Zoë Kravitz
With rich brown hair and a moody berry lip, Zoë Kravitz looks vampy and mysterious.
Photo: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic.
Add some peroxide and subtract the bold lip color, and Zoe gets an edgy, modern transformation.
Photo: Ben Gabbe/Getty Images.
Lucy Hale
Goddess of hair makeovers Lucy Hale can pull off anything, and this summery, butter blonde ombrè is a surefire winner.
Photo: Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic.
In a natural-looking brunette, Lucy is perfectly fall-ready, too.
Photo: Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic.
Emma Stone
Emma Stone may not be a natural redhead, but she could’ve fooled us with the fiery, gold-glinted auburn she’s made her signature.
Photo: Gregg DeGuire/WireImage.
Of course, Emma's equally believable as a flattering medium blonde.
Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage.
Lily Collins
We’re so used to seeing Lily Collins with Snow White-worthy raven tresses that emphasise her fair skin and power brows.
Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage.
This bright copper is a completely different look for her: She’s almost unrecognisable.
Photo: Charley Gallay/Getty Images.
Dakota Johnson
This light, heavily-highlighted blonde pulls focus to her brows and moody blue eyes.
Photo: Angela Weiss/Getty Images.
A soft milk chocolate makes Dakota's hair look naturally lush and healthy.
Photo: Karwai Tang/WireImage.
Beyoncé
A bouncy caramel blonde pony let's Beyoncé’s radiant skin sing the lead– the bright gold practically acts as a backlight.
Photo: Monica Schipper/FilmMagic.
This toned-down bronze goes to show what a difference a minor (but gorgeous) tweak can make.
Photo: Monica Schipper/Getty Images.
Emma Watson
Subtle face-framing highlights give Emma Watson’s warm brown plenty of dimension.
Photo: D Dipasupil/FilmMagic.
This nuanced auburn makes Emma’s complexion look warmer and rosier.
Photo: Christopher Polk/Getty Images.
Elizabeth Olsen
A cool-toned blonde is bright and youthful on Elizabeth Olsen.
Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images.
This cinnamon brown is a totally different look – and it also happens to make her hair look insanely shiny.
Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images.
Rihanna
RiRi looks especially glamorous with dark, almost raven-black hair.
Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage.
Marsala might be a less natural-looking choice, but the contrasting shade is flattering to her hazel eyes.
Photo: Marc Piasecki/ Getty Images.
Anne Hathaway
Anne Hathaway is the consummate natural beauty with a glossy cool brown bob.
Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images.
Full-on moonlit platinum, on the other hand, is a seriously bold look.
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images.
Nicki Minaj
Nicki Minaj doesn’t shy away from frequent hair switch-ups, but this shiny slate is her go-to.
Photo: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images.
This pale, yellow-tinged pink is pretty much the colour of cotton candy – and Nicki makes it look good.
Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images.
Emily Blunt
A super pale beige-blonde looks soft and naturally pretty on Emily Blunt.
Photo: Mireya Acierto/WireImage.
This darker shade flecked with reddish ribbons adds more drama.
Photo: Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic.
Kylie Jenner
Kylie Jenner’s born-with-it inky black is always flattering.
Photo: Araya Diaz/Getty Images.
This on-trend bleached-out look is a departure from her usual, but it really works well with her pinky skin tone.
Photo: Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan/Getty Images.
Ashley Benson
This baby blonde with blended roots brightens up Ashley Benson’s entire look.
Photo: Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images.
She went for a deeper brown and Ashley looks a lot more grown-up – in a good way.
Photo: Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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