2012's Hottest Hair Color Trends

Try these three hair color trends for 2012, instead of last year's ubiquitous ombre.

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Changing up your hair color is a fool-proof way to shake up your look, but not knowing exactly what you want or even how to achieve it can lead to a year spent trying to undo your 'do. To help you avoid a dye-job disaster, we tapped lead color expert Greg Pike at the Ted Gibson Salon in New York City for this fall's top three color trends.

Whether you're going for a painless and easy-to-maintain single process, fall-appropriate highlights, or punk-rock tips, these are the best hair-color trends of the moment to print out and present to your trusty hairstylist. No ombre, necessary!

An All-Over Chestnut Brown
For low-commitment ladies looking for a high-impact change this season, opt for a bold single-process. For the fall, Greg recommends deep, warm chestnut brown—a universally flattering hue that channels the classiest of women (Jackie O and Audrey Hepburn, anyone?). Keeping your hair looking healthy and glossy is key to this timeless ladylike shade. Maintain the sheen with Ted Gibson Brazen Brown Shampoo and Conditioner.

Ted Gibson Brazen Brown Shampoo, $24.95, Brazen Brown Conditioner, $19.95, available at Beauty Bar.

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Golden Highlights
The colder months tend to bring out the pasty in us all. To compliment your complexion without looking like a fake-and-baked beach bum, stick with highlights consisting of coppers, honey tones, and golds. When talking to your colorist, Greg recommends asking for "balayage, which involves free painting the highlights directly onto the hair without using foils. The result is a really natural sun-kissed look that's more modern." Maintaining highlights is a full-time job, so make sure to arm yourself with the right products. Try Ojon Color Revealing Shampoo and a light styling cream to maximize the brilliance of your new streaks.