celebrity colorist
george papanikolas
Looking for a flawless hue? “Jennifer Lopez looks gorgeous with a golden-brown base and caramel, gold highlights.”
Want to go lighter? “I think there’s a warm glow to Hayden Panettiere’s haircolor that’s really flattering.”
George Papanikolas is a celebrity colorist who has created sensational hues for A-listers such as Britney Spears and Hayden Panettiere. Not only is Papanikolas a celebrity colorist with Joico, he also works at the prestigious Andy LeCompte Salon in West Hollywood, CA. Here, the mane guru shows you how to get the most complementary color for you!
Selecting a shade that works with your skin tone is crucial to finding your custom color look. “You really want to go with something that’s flattering and going to bring out your best features,” explains Papanikolas. “Most people can go either direction—darker, lighter or different shades of red—but it’s finding that one shade that’s going to be most flattering to you.”
For pink-undertones and cool skin, Papanikolas emphasizes the importance of harmonizing your hair color with your complexion. “If you have rather pink skin, you probably wouldn’t want to go strawberry blonde because it would wash you out. You should go a deeper, cooler red.” The color pro also recommends warmer tones, which complement a variety of skin shades. “It does depend on the level of warmth. For instance, if you have yellow skin, you wouldn’t go with yellow hair,” he says. “you want to stay fairly close to your natural color, and I prefer to go lighter with accent colors.”
Can’t figure out your skin shade? It’s as easy as examining your arm! If the veins in your wrist appear blue, you have pink undertones; if they appear green, you have a warmer complexion.
PHOTOS: JENNIFER: COURTESY SONY; HAYDEN: COURTESY NBC.
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I was going to post a question on this forum but first of all, looks like it takes way too long for a reply. 2 months? Please, I don’t have that kind of time. And also I cannot respect anyone’s opinion who runs a WEBSITE and cannot spell correctly. One more thing, I understand you want people to read your magazine, but when people are asking a specific question, please take your time to answer it; don’t just say, “Go get this month’s issue.” Not professional and how frustrating for the girls who have to wait so long for a reply just to be told to go read your magazine. No thanks.
Hi, Cassandra!
Thanks for sharing your opinions. If you take a look at our responses, you will see that we answer most questions within a week’s period, two weeks max, especially if we’re taking the time to connect with music labels, TV/movie glam squads and celebrity hair pros. And please keep in mind, we can’t give away all the secrets shared in each issue. That’s why we refer readers to the magazine!
Also, have you noticed that even CNN has typos on occasion?
This website is for people who read our publication and it complements our title; not replaces it.
You never mentioned if you actually purchased our publication. Would be good to know.
Hi,
I am wanting my hair like shawna thompson, the salon is wanting way to much much to do it professionally so i was going to do it myself at home with a frosting/highlighting kit and black hair dye. How should i go about doing this?
Hi, Taylor!
Shawna Thompson’s two-toned haircolor is achieved in the salon and it’s really a good idea to leave this kind of look up to the professionals, especially when it comes to lifting your haircolor to such a light shade of blonde. Don’t forget to check out out our exclusive interview with Shawna Thompson right here: http://www.sophisticateshairstyleguide.com/country-music-trending/#more-4551
I am really lucky to have George himself do my hair! I love it
Wow, Monica! You’ve got a fabulous colorist in George Papanikolas!
Hello! For two years now I have been dying my hair myself and by accident I dyed it too dark of a brown and it turned out black. I myself think that I look good in this color but it makes me look older…so I want to try something lighter, but am not sure how lighter to go to cover this dark color. Any suggestions?
Hi, Jay!
We’re checking on an answer for you—visit soon!
Hi, Jay!
A new haircolor will not lighten artificial color. You will have to remove some of the pigment you have now and then reapply the desired level. We recommend visiting a professional for this service so you can maintain the integrity of your hair. Seek out someone who will use a color remover, rather than applying only a bleaching agent. That will provide a more controlled removal and keep your hair in the best condition possible.
Hey my name is Brittany and I have sandy blondish brown hair, blueish grey eyes, and tan skin. I really want to get my hair cut like Jodi Foster’s in her movie the brave one, but i dont know if i should. right now i have thick shoulder length hair. i also wanted to get platinum blonde, honey blonde, caramel, and mocha colored highlights in my hair. what do you think????
Hi, Brittany!
Before committing to a short haircut like Jodie Foster’s snip in The Brave One, know that it may take a while for your hair to grow long again. As for haircolor, those shades could look fabulous together, but it is important to see a professional colorist to get the right cocktail of hues. Set up a consultation at your salon to ensure a smooth blend of blonde/brown shades.
my natural hair color when i was a little girl was a golden blonde and had lighter streaks in it. i started coloring it when i was 13 or so. the first time i ever colored it, it was suppose to go to a light brown but ended up jet black! now my roots all ways come back in super black! any tips on how to stop it?& i want my hair all over light blonde with some lighter blonde (or bleach blonde) & maybe light brown hightlights. just not sure it it would fit me! also i have long thin hair with major frizz if i dont straighten it! i am wanting to get long layers in my hair and side swept bangs. just scared it wouldnt fit my face shape!! i need major help!!
Hi, Michelle!
We are checking with our experts and will have an answer for you soon!
Hi, Michelle!
Since tint will only effect the hair to which it is applied and there are no long term effects on the new growth, it sounds like your natural hair has deepened with the aging process. Your natural
hair probably isn’t much darker than when you were a child, it just appears much deeper compared to the lighter, sun-struck hair. Because you describe your hair as being naturally sensitive, be cautious about making it lighter. The lightening process can be drying and more damaging than just adding depth or shine. You may look good with lighter hair, but if you are sacrificing the health level, it won’t look pretty and shiny.
Seeking the advice of a professional who can see you hair and offer a specific recommendation to you would be the best. The lighter you travel away from your natural color, the sooner you will have to receive maintenance and the higher the damage factor will be. As far as the shape of your hairstyle, it’s best to choose a look that goes well with your face shape. Check out the Great Looks tab above and click on Cuts For Your Face Shape in the dropdown menu for some inspiration! In general, side swept fringe looks good on most face shapes and layers will add volume and width to the areas they are applied.
Hi! i was thinking about getting chestnut brown hair with mocha highlights. Bad idea?
thanks!
Hi, Caitlyn!
Chestnut and mocha shades can be quite the delicious color combo! Check out our June/July issue (with Lea Michele on the cover!) and flip to the feature on Desperate Housewives’ actress Eva Longoria! She has a gorgeous haircolor we think you’ll love.
I have naturally darkest brown almost black hair with stray greys ( which I love:o.) It is a little longer then my shoulders and naturally wavy almost curly. I want a sexy dramtic new style &
color. I have medium skin, I am very tan at the moment, with an oval shape face. I love the deep dark purple chunks ladies are getting but I am 40 something(look 30 something) Can I pull it off or am I chasing youth??? Any help is greatly appreciated.
going on vacation soon will see family I have not seen in years.I spent all of Nov, Dec and Jan in the hospital I need a new look to go with my new health. Thank You so much
Hi, Sandi!
When it comes to hair, Sophisticate’s is all about experimenting with cut, color and style! We’re glad you’re feeling better and if you want a new style you should go for it. Because you have an oval face shape, any cut/style will complement your features. As for color, deep purples and burgundy would look fabulous swirling throughout your dark brown hue! Check out the latest issue (with Jennifer Lopez) on the cover before it sells out and keep an eye on stands for our June/July issue. We think you’ll find both funky and subtle color combos that will inspire you.
my natural hair colour is brown black, presently it is med ash blonde my eyes are dark brown and i would like a color to enhance my eyes and skin, i have a yellow skin undertone.
Hi, Karen!
We’re checking with our experts and will get back to you soon!
Hello, I have been coloring my hair for a long time now, and I have been going darker. Now I would like to go blonde, like a golden base with highlights and lowlights to make it natural looking. What my question is, should I work my hair to that color, or should I do it all at once? My hair is a dark chocolate brown right now, and I have ivory skin color, and blue eyes. I really want a change with my hair.
Hi, Sammy Jo!
Lifting your haircolor more than three levels in a single process could cause damage. It’s a good idea to color your hair in stages until you achieve the lightness you desire. However, be careful not to go too light, as a bright blonde coupled with your ivory skin could wash you out. You may want to consult with a professional colorist, who will be able to help you choose the best haircolor for your skin tone and help you make the switch from dark chocolate brown to golden blonde. Happy coloring!
Hey! I am a natural dark brunette, and I got some streaks in my hair such as blonde and red. Well now its just gotten really old and I want an all over natural color thats different, but doesnt stand out way to much.
Do you guys think you can help me out?
Hi, Brittany!
We think you’ll like the Color Trends feature in the April/May issue of Sophisticate’s—on stands now! Top colorists from all over the country give their picks for today’s trendiest haircolors and you’ll also see fabulous stars sporting a wide range of brunette shades.
If i choose red with my olive skin tone, which shade of red should i go with that will be eye catching(in a good way)?
Hi, Maddie!
We’re consulting with our experts and we’ll have an answer for you soon.
I really want to dye my hair a dark red color but i have fair skin and i am worried that it will make me looked washed out. Do u think that it will make me look washed out?
Yes I wouldnt go with that color girl…sorry..but it just wouldnt work.
Hi, Jennyy!
Ask your colorist for warm tones so the deep red hue complements your skin tone. Golden auburn highlights will add warmth to your skin and keep you from looking pale and make your new hue look as natural as possible.
Hi, I’m Rae!!!!!
My natural color is a medium golden brown. Wanting blonde-ish hair, I got highlights, and have gradually highlighted heavier. I’d like my hair to be mostly just blonde…
Should I stick with heavy highlights to make my hair mostly blonde, or should I go with all over color?
My undertone/skintone is warm(I think; I tan pretty easily and I look best in colors such as fuschia pink, red, and brown)…as I said, my natural hair color is a golden brown and I have brown eyes.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Carrie Underwood’s color…like a golden or honey/wheat blonde. Would that work for me? If not, what would you suggest? I’m completely open (and longing for!) any advice!!!!! Thank you!!! =)
-Rae
You have cool tones, so you can go cool, however, it depends on length budget, etc. If long hair an you do not want excess roots, keep it the way it is, and add a gloss, maybe slight cut change, bangs, layers, slicing, textur. If it is short, no hightlights….wasting money, I have short, no hightlights for this budget minded lady
Hi, Rae!
Have you taken a look at the February 2011 issue of Sophisticate’s with Christina Aguilera on the cover? Inside, we feature lots of blonde bombshells. Pick up a copy, flip through it, find a shade you like and show it to your colorist.
A warmer blonde would be best for you since you look best in reds and browns and you also said your eyes were brown and your natural haircolor is slightly golden. some people look good in both warm and cool colors so if you don’t like how the warm blonde looks on you, ask your stylist to tone your blondes with a blue (if they are more orange) or violet (if they are yellow) to cool them down or to just neutralize the color.
I would just do the highlights.
hi! I have a weird natural hair color i guess it could be called a copper color and i have blonde highlights and very fair skin. i would love to die my hair a chocolatey color but im not sure if it would go with my skin tone?
Hi, Hannah!
Having fair skin, you want to be careful in picking a shade of chocolate brown that may be so dark it washed you out. If you’re not sure about which shade of brown is right for you, set up a consultation with a professional colorist or try on a few wigs!
I am not a stylist, but with fair skin and copper color, you need a golden or caramel color…or mix. I would not go dark chocolate or you will look ghostly. Check with a stylist first, but do not go one to 2 shades deeper than what would be natural. If you do not color yourself…it takes a lot maint, with color roots…and if gray, nono.
Ok so when I was a little kid my hair was naturally black. My 6th grade year I dyed it blonde and kept on dying it blonde and now my hair wont grow back black, instead it grows back a dark brown. What should I do?
Hi, Sam!
We’re working on an answer for your color query…stay tuned!
Hi, Sam!
Most likely, your hair was always a very dark brown and looking back in photos, it appears even deeper. It’s also possible that it has lightened through out the aging process. It’s very normal for hair to lighten and thin slightly with age (no worries – this can take a lifetime!). Skin tends to change tone a bit as well. If you like hour hair darker, you can always color it a deeper shade of chocolate. Age, skin tone and depth, and the length of your hair all play into having a haircolor that flatters you.
Your hair pigmentation has changed in texture with time and coloring….you may not get a black and I would not go for black. I don’t know what your color is now in the back, and if u have possible gray, you may need to go a dark chocolate brown. I am considering your green eyes you are a summer or def. winter, so you were probably very fair blond. Going backward, I would suggest a pro. if it is in budget, and keep what you have however, begin to have med., chunks of darker brown (cool) added, that was it won’t be a shock to you when u see yourself in mirror and it will be easier to budget.
My hair is naturally a medium brown. I have dyed my hair several times, at home and at the salon. I was curious if going a darker brown or even a black would be too much? I have an olive skin tone. I appreciate your help.
Ashley
Hi, Ashley!
We’ll check with our haircolor experts…come back soon for an answer!
Hi, Ashley!
Olive skin tone lends itself to so many hair color options! You are lucky. The one color you may want to avoid is black. It could make the beautiful combination you have look even more green. Try a deep chocolate or even a brown with a raspberry tint.
I have lightish brown hair with natural lightish highlights. I have never dyed my hair before and i finally have the money to dye my hair but i have heared that coloring your hair can ruin it later in life! Is this true?
it wont ruin your hair and the parts of your hair you died will be damaged. If you only dye your hair every once in a while your hair will be fine.
Hi, Jennifer!
Many women color their hair, including some of our favorite celebrities! Before you commit to a new haircolor, you may want to consult a professional and discuss your concerns. Ask the color pro how often you should tint your tresses and what products the stylist recommends for maintaining the hue while keeping the hair healthy at the same time.
I don’t think hair coloring can ruin it later….if that were true as early as the 60′s no one would have put sun-in or it would not be market then. Go to a pro….even with a budget but make sure consult is free. How long your hair is, how often cut, etc will help you figure that out. Also drastic or virgin hair needs extra care…not to scare you.
I’ve never died my hair before. It is naturally a golden blonde but I’d like to try red or deep brown.I have fair skin and hazel eyes. people tend to think I look younger than I am (which isn’t a good thing for a 23 year old) so if possible I’d like something that looks mature but not too old. Any sugestions?
Hi, Kat!
We’ll have an answer from our experts really soon!
First off, don’t wish to look older than you are. I was/still am in your area, and it is cool to look younger, you will appreciate it……a wiser sister. You have olive/hazel eyes and blond hair, golden unless you want to go all over color, add chunky caramel or dark carmamel highlights to your color. If it is long, try a dark golden blond or light golden brown, providing you want all over color…caramel would still be good…..I would would would not try this myself if I have never colored my hair…..PLEASE
Hey my natural hair color is a dark brown my skin tone is fair maybe a little darker my eyes is brown. I have a hair appointment this week and right now my hair is ash blond brown I’m thinking about going back to my dark brown but I really like this ash brown on me. What do u think?I want some kind of low lights or something.
Jackie:
Checking with our pros and will be back asap!
I agree with the photos suggested. Another thing, do u really want to change the color….maybe just add some bangs, slight layering.. u don’t sound like u r sure you want to change color yet, After doing that, if a color change is what you want…..a med.ash brown, depending on your age, and your gray if any. Just a suggestion.