Celebrity hair colour trends

From icy cool tones to gorgeous caramel concoctions, there's a lot of love for blonde beauties in Hollywood.

Going blonde isn't as hard as you might think, but the look requires effort and commitment, which means it'll need replenishment. "It might be easier to lighten up in stages, so start with some highlights. This also gives you a chance to get used to being lighter," says Karine Jackson, award-winning colourist and hairdresser to the likes of Neve Campbell and Little Boots. Kate Winslet's highlights are a great example of a subtle blonde hue.

Platinum blonde tones, as worn by Michelle Williams, need extra TLC to ensure the shade stays crystal clear. "Light blonde hair can become brassy, so use specialist shampoo once a week. Look out for shampoos that are tinged blue or purple as these are best for counteracting any yellowing," says Karine.

Sarah Jessica Parker's locks are the subject of much envy, which isn't surprising given the glossy blend of dirty-blonde tones that makes her hairstyle so flattering. Marie Robinson, colour ambassador for Pantene Pro-V, thinks this is the signature style of the "blondette". "It's somewhere between a dark natural blonde and a very light smoky brunette, making the exact colour very hard to define," she says.

Nicola Roberts shows off her natural colour, albeit with a touch of the modern. The muted, strawberry-blonde tones are a fresh take on deep reds and work wonders for her complexion. Styling plays a key role in pulling this look off, so if you're thinking about trying this style on for size, get handy with heated rollers to create body and movement through your hair that'll really flaunt your colour.

If you're dying to embrace a vivacious shade of red, take a cue from Florence Welch. The songstress is said to boost her natural flame-red locks by using hair products that are rich in henna. "Copper reds are great for pale complexions with a pinky undertone and look especially great on a true English rose," says Rae Palmer, ambassador for Schwarzkopf.

There's no chance of shying away in a cool-toned red shade as seen on Rihanna. "It's fiery, vibrant and fabulous for most skin tones as it's a very pure red," says Rae. With colour as bright and eye-catching as this, you'll need to maintain your shade with a pampering and nourishing haircare regime to prevent fading.

Who says that blondes have all the fun? Brunettes like Mila Kunis and Megan Fox certainly know how to sizzle on the silver screen and on the red carpet. Deep, dark tones are versatile and can be worn by warm and neutral skin tones. "Brunette hair also looks brilliant with blue eyes. It really makes them stand out," says Jamie Stevens, artistic director for Errol Douglas.

Known for her natural, doe-like beauty, Natalie Portman is the ideal candidate for glossy multi-tonal colour. Not only does it create a gorgeous halo effect, it highlights her deep brown eyes. For this look, opt for chocolate and caramel tones. A light diffusion of honey shades through face-framing layers can soften the style, making it universally flattering.

This laidback style, as favoured by Alexa Chung, Drew Barrymore and Whitney Port, is the only way to go for an instant update without the baggage of upkeep. It's already made an appearance on the runways and red carpet, but it's still going strong for 2011. "The ombre trend has been a hit over the winter months, but it will evolve to become more subtle and blended for the summer season," says Marie Robinson. Why so popular? Colour is woven through the lower layers of the hair and is kept off the roots, giving the illusion of sun-kissed, grown-out locks.