The 5 Hottest Hair Color Trends for 2011

　　Bright hues have proved to be a huge hair color trend this year. Brazen celebrities including Kate Bosworth, Avril Lavigne, Carrie Underwood, Pink and Rihanna have hit the red carpet this year in streaks, bright dyes, washes of pastels and dip-dye looks. For inspiration (or simply pure entertainment), see those celebrities and others in my gallery of 20 Amazing Bright Colors for Hair. I had a blast pulling it together for you.

Another hot trend for 2011 is one for darker-haired girls. Ombré has been popping up on red carpets all year long. Ombré is a French word that literally means "shaded like a gradient." Roots remain dark while the rest of the hair becomes lighter mid-shaft using the balayage technique I talk about below. Check out the photo of model Lily Aldridge above. Her dark to light color is a great example of ombré. This photo gallery of 20 amazing ombré hairstyles is a can't miss.
"Bronde" is that perfect shade between blonde and brunette that was first made popular back in 2007 by supermodel Gisele Bundchen and remains popular in 2011. Getting the perfect shade of bronde requires an adept stylist. Learn more about the technique in this photo gallery of 20 luscious bronde hairstyles.
Balayage is taking the country's salons by storm. My colorist Mira at NYC's Eva Scrivo Salon stopped giving me foils a couple years ago because balayage highlights, which are painted on, look so much more natural than the pin-stripes foils give you. Plus, balayage highlights grow out beautifully. More than a year ago I couldn't find anyone on my visits to Seattle or Austin who did balayage. Not anymore! The word has spread. Find out more about balayage in this article and find out more about My Best Blonde Hair Tips and Tricks.
Platinum blonde hair remains popular in 2011. Keeping hair this blonde is high maintenance, however, and won't suit all skin tones. This is why you want to go to a professional if you are dying your hair more than 2 shades lighter than your natural color. Keep in mind the general rule of thumb that if you were blonde as a child, you will look good blonde as an adult. Find out if platinum hair color suits you in Can You Get Away With Platinum Hair?. Also, browse photos of my favorite platinum blonde hairstyles.