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What's Inside

Cover Girl Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez is a true Renaissance woman–actress, singer, TV host–and now she’s featured on the cover of the March 2012 issue of Sophisticate’s Hairstyle Guide! Click for a peek at what you’ll find in this fabulous issue!


Bonus Section Mini-Magazine

Thinking about revamping your mane with a short snip? Look for inspiration here for the best short hairstyles modeled by trendsetting celebrities, or pick up the March issue for even more sexy star looks!


Hot Hair Hot Hair

Looking for a way to make your hair even hotter? Sophisticate’s Hairstyle Guide has all the hot looks for your mane makeover enjoyment! Check out a few of those profiles right here…


Star Style Star Style

It’s like the night sky all amped up in the February 2012 issue of Sophisticate’s Hairstyle Guide. We’ve got everyone from Nicki Minaj to Lisa Rinna to Selena Gomez and beyond. Check it right here!


Free Swag Free Swag!

Sophisticate’s knows how fun it is to get free (and cute!) stuff: so here’s your chance! Check out a just a small amount of the fabulous giveaways we’re offering in our March 2012 issue…


Beauty Blog Beauty Blog

What products should take center stage in your bathroom, makeup bag and local salon? Sophisticate’s Hairstyle Guide has the beauty product 411 to help you look your absolute best!


GLEE STYLE CLUB Glee

Glee‘s girls are all about personal expression–and gorgeous style! Find out if you’re a Rachel, Quinn or a Mercedes in Sophisticate’s guide to the beloved character’s style moves–and how to get the look at home!

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Brunette


Brunette

HAIR: HAIR BENDERS DESIGN TEAM/HAIR BENDERS INTERNATIONAL, CHATTANOOGA, TN; PHOTO: GLOBAL HAIR & FASHION GROUP.

Considering a darker haircolor to be in tune with the season? Do it the right way with some expert advice:

  • Your Search “Your eyes and skin tone play a huge role in determining which brunette shade is best for you,” explains Robert Santana, hair pro and artistic designer for Matrix. “Generally speaking, you will be in one of two groups: cool brown or warm brown.”
  • The Transition “My best piece of advice for someone thinking about going brunette is to start by consulting with a stylist to discover their best brown shade options,” suggests Santana. “I recommend all my clients bring images of their ideal color and I then I work with them to adapt that shade so it will best complement their skin tone and eye color.”
  • Color Maintenance “Using conventional shampoos and conditioners are never a good idea because they may strip out the haircolor,” says Santana. You should also keep heat styling to a minimum to ensure your new brunette hue stays nice and shiny looking. “Before blow-drying, flat-ironing or curling your hair you definitely want to apply a thermal protectant to shield your hair from damage.”
  • hot star hue

    Paula Abdul

    Paula Abdul

    America’s sweetheart Paula Abdul, who’s also one of the judges on Fox’s The X Factor, always gets it right with her beautiful brunette hue filled with dimension and vibrancy.

    Extra-long lengths are curled to perfection to create a sexy style full of big, beachy waves that showcase a delicious combo of mocha and cinnamon hues. The deep haircolor look fabulous against her tanned skin.

    TALK BACK!

    Which star rocks brunette the best?

    Talk back to SHG at “Brunette”

    1. Heather says:

      Hi, I have naturally medium brown hair but I have been wanting to make it darker, I dont want to go completely black but as close as possible. Any suggestions? Thank you :)

      • Courtney says:

        When I was younger I had medium brown hair and wanted it super dark but, not black, I usually did a chocolate brown or espresso brown, it looked more naturaland wasn’t too dark.

      • Sophisticate's Hairstyle Guide says:

        Hi, Heather!
        A dark brown hue is very deep. Think Kim Kardashian haircolor! There are a few models in the “Clip & Snip” section of the February issue of Sophisticate’s that have a similar mane shade. Clip your favorite color out of the magazine and bring it to your colorist to show him/her exactly what you want!

    2. Paige says:

      Naturally I am medium brown, but I have gone to a very dark brown (almost black) color because my natural (now gray) hair is resistent to color treatment. It comes out “brassy” looking. What product do you recommend my stylist use to address my resistant gray. Also would love to have the caramel high lights, but every time I request that it turns out red/auburn. any ideas?

      • Sophisticate's Hairstyle Guide says:

        Hi, Paige!
        A professional colorist is trained in every aspect of haircolor, including gray coverage. Ask around and find a color pro who’s main focus is haircolor and set up a consultation at that salon to talk about what it is you want to achieve.

    3. Taylor says:

      hey, my hair is natural darkest brown (asian), and it is already colored. I want my natural hair back with subtle highlights in the exact same tone like mila kunis had at the sag awards. Is that possible? and it also tursn orangy in the sun, so I was sondering if I do get the same hair color as her, will it still be orange in the sun even though it doesn’t look orange in normal light? don’t know if that even made sense lol..

      • Sophisticate's Hairstyle Guide says:

        Hi, Taylor!
        We answered your question in the “Find Your Perfect Hue” section. Check it out!

    4. Annette says:

      I love the brown hair color actress Sharon Case from “The Young and The Restless” is now wearing.I want to get that shade. What is it,just a light golden brown?I need a change from my light blonde hair.
      Thanks, Annette

      • Sophisticate's Hairstyle Guide says:

        Hi, Annette!
        Check out our special 33rd Anniversary issue—on stands now! This issue is packed with tons of photos of celebrities and models wearing many variations of brunette shades. We think you’ll find one you will love!

    5. Cristy says:

      I love Ashley Tisdale’s hair color !

      I also have a question:
      Im going to get my hair colored soon but its hard to choose between a lighter brown/red color and an almost black color like megan fox, but do you have any celebrities who have a great brown/red hair color ? Also , I would like my hair to be layered but i have a round face and a side part and would still like to have shorter layers and some side bangs. Any celebrities that have hair like this or how to ask for it ?

      Thank you !

      • Sophisticate's Hairstyle Guide says:

        Hi, Cristy!
        We are working on an answer for you—visit soon!

      • Sophisticate's Hairstyle Guide and Suzie Bond says:

        Hi, Cristy!
        Ashley Tisdale’s deep shade was gorgeous! Super dark hair like Megan Fox’s is not easy to pull off, as you must consider your skin tone skin tone, as well. However, anyone can be a redhead if it’s appropriate for their skin! Go for Ashley’s color…then you have a bit of both
        worlds. As far as your hair shape, the sideswept fringe is perfect. Mild layering around your face could be very flattering, too. For celeb inspiration, check out the famous faces featured in the October issue! For example, Cameron Diaz and Jenna Ushkowits have rounder features and know how to play them up!

    6. Emily says:

      hey im really blonde and this summer i’m with my grandparents. before i go home my grandpa and i are thinking of ways to freak my mom out. we thought of dying my hair brown. im light complected, and again have very blonde. any ideas?????

      • Sophisticate's Hairstyle Guide says:

        Hi, Emily!
        Before you make the decision to go dark, think about the reasons why you want to color your hair and carefully consider your options. It’s a lot easier to go from light to dark, but it may then take some time to get back to your natural bright blonde shade. Have you considered a wig or colored clip-in extensions?

    7. Ema says:

      I have very dark brown hair and would like to go blonde. I dont want to use bleach because it will damage my hair… What can you suggest for me to do?

      • Sophisticate's Hairstyle Guide says:

        Hi, Ema!
        Going from a dark shade to a light haircolor takes time and patience. It’s best to schedule a consultation with a professional colorist to learn about the transition process and get some tips on how to go blonde while maintaining the health of your hair.

    8. Lisa says:

      I got my hair done in a dark red. I don’t like it. I am thinking a brown color. I am pale skin you can see my vains in my arm they are blue. I have green eyes as well. Please help me!!!!!

      • Sophisticate's Hairstyle Guide and Suzie Bond says:

        Hi, Lisa!
        You could go with a bit browner than the color you have. An ideal chocolate shade has a a red violet hue with dimension. Ask your colorist to add some fine deep brown slices and surround them with a chestnut brown demipermanent overlay to tone down the red. Deep, rich hair will make you look more dramatic. If you want more of a natural look, try adding a few highlights to create a caramel hue and surround it with a lighter brown shade to complete the look. Happy coloring!

    9. rachelQ says:

      Salma Hayek!she’s my fave brunette!

      • Bonnie L. Krueger, Editor-in-Chief says:

        Hi Rachel…

        We love her too and have featured her quite a bit over the years!!!

    10. Sarah says:

      What shade of brown hair would be the most complimentary for dark blue/hazel eyes? Also, how can I dye my hair darker without looking pale? I already have fair skin and am afraid of looking washed out.

      • Sophisticate's Hairstyle Guide and Suzie Bond says:

        Hi, Sarah!
        Taking hair darker always poses the risk of making your skin level appear a bit lighter. But that isn’t a bad thing! Try keeping your new dark locks warm in tone. Golden browns will add warmth to your skin and keep you from looking pale. Ask your colorist for a few caramel highlights in your new brunette to keep the color looking natural.

    11. Sophie C says:

      So what’s the “new” hairstyle for 2011? i hear it’s short hair.

      • Sophisticate's Hairstyle Guide says:

        Hi, Sophie!
        Short, long, wavy, straight—we’ve got them all in our February 2011 issue with Christina Aguilera on the cover! We think you’ll love the special 14-page section called “The Best of 2011,” where today’s sexiest stars show off the New Year’s hottest mane moves.

    12. maddie07 says:

      I love katy perry, megan fox, and kim kardashian’s hair!

      • Sophisticate's Hairstyle Guide says:

        Hi Maddie!
        Katy, Megan and Kim are some of our favorite brunette stars! Pick up the latest issue of Sophisticate’s to learn all about our cover girl Katy Perry’s beauty moves.

    13. R says:

      Whats the technique used on Camila Alves’ hair? Love the two toned dark with light at the ends.

      • Sophisticate's Hairstyle Guide and Daniel Keane says:

        Hi, R!
        For Camila’s hair, there are a variety of approaches. I like to use a technique that involves two or three colors in the same foil. I begin with a rich chocolate brown near the scalp; then move to a more dark caramel in the mid shaft with a lightening powder at the ends. Sandwich foils together to keep the colors separated while processing. This process is similar to an old painting technique that moves the eye from dark into the light. Another approach is to do a technique called base breaking, which uses a higher level color with 10 or 20 volume developer to expose the underlying pigment in the hair and then tipping the ends with highlights. Either approach will yield a very satisfactory result.

    14. Janet says:

      I didn’t know that Asian hair fall under brunette… Was searching for Asian hairstyles and then I gave up and started searching for Asian celebrities that I know… But should I be searching for brunettes? Would that make my search easier? Because I don’t want the Japanese hairstyles… I think they look childish, and I don’t want to look like a little girl. Please help!

      • Sophisticate's Hairstyle Guide says:

        Hi, Janet!
        Try asking your hairstylist which haircolor would work well on you. Your stylist will have a better idea of color and style by seeing you in person and taking a look at your face shape and skin tone.

    15. Lindsey Derrick says:

      Most def Sarah. She has beautiful hair and a gorgeous face to go with.

    16. Sophisticate's Hairstyle Guide says:

      Hello, Silvia, Jennifer and Jess:
      If you love the haircolors you see above, your best best is to take a picture to show to your colorist. We have gorgeous brunette shades in every issue of Sophisticate’s Hairstyle Guide that you can choose from. A picture is worth a thousand words, and your colorist will be able to help you decide on a color that follows the vibe of the photo, but will also be customized to your hair’s needs. We wish you happy haircoloring!

    17. Jess says:

      What color hair would you say the first picture is?

    18. Jennifer says:

      Sorry, I meant Emily’s (the picture above) I know it is brunette but it would be helpful to know what color of brunette to bring to my stylist. Thanks!

    19. Jennifer says:

      I would like to know what color her hair is too

    20. Silvia says:

      I love Sofia’s hair color! Any ideas what the color is?

    TALK BACK!

    Which star rocks brunette the best?

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    Contents: What's Inside This Issue

    Sophisticate's Hairstyle Guide Expert Panel