GOSSIP HOTLINE

Thinking of changing things up for the New Year?

Colorist Denis De Souza of the Andy Lecompte Salon in Los Angeles says "the big trends we'll be seeing in 2012 are softer and more subtle hair color that adds shine and depth to the hair color – but without looking like it's been colored."

"To achieve this, ask for fine highlights throughout the hair that are about two shades lighter than your natural color – this helps it blend in perfectly and it looks very natural. I call this beautiful yet fine highlighting throughout the hair 'Back to Basics Highlights.' Creating color this way gives hair a softer look with luminous contrast and low maintenance for the client."

And Denis should know!

His clients include beauties Mila Kunis, Nicole Richie, Olivia Wilde, Zoe Saldana, and Rachel Bilson, who all have GREAT hair!

Here, Denis breaks down what you need to know about getting "Back to Basics Highlights."

BRUNETTES
Great examples of brunettes with this subtle highlighting are Zoe Saldana and Mila Kunis. Both have dark hair naturally, and the fine highlighting adds dimension, shine, and texture to make their hair look less flat, as well as bring out both their beautiful skin tones. I highlighted both of them with a couple of shades lighter than their natural color. They were done very fine, with lots of them placed throughout the hair from the root to the end, which is why it blends in so well.

BLONDES
Nicole Richie has a honey color base and golden highlights throughout that blend in really seamlessly and give her the great glow that she's known for. Another one of my clients, Ashlee Simpson, goes for a more severe look. She's a mom but also a musician, and her hair is shorter on the back with long bangs. On her, the ashier, paler white highlights work best.

REDHEADS
Red hair should avoid the blue reds for this season and instead go for a more natural red tone, like copper. They should go for something warmer that softens the facial lines. Kate Walsh is a great example of this. Red is the hardest color to keep fresh because it fades faster then any other color – regular touch ups and glosses are a must, so consider that if you're contemplating going red.

For more infor on Denis, head to www.denisdesouza.com.