Va-Va-Voom! Here's Why Sarah Jessica Parker Darkened Her Locks

It's a subtle change for a big role. To play Becca in Broadway's The Commons of Pensacola alongside Blythe Danner, Sarah Jessica Parker ditched her trademark ombre for a toned-down chestnut hue. "She's playing a role that requires her to be less glamorous, so we decided to do less highlights and keep it natural," her colorist Gina Gilbert of Serge Normant Salon told InStyle.com exclusively. "It's closer to her natural color. It's the season to go a bit darker, and she has the skin tone that looks good against dark or light hair." Agreed!

If our February cover girl's recent change has you inspired, or you're looking to kick off the new year with a new hue, Gilbert advises against making any spontaneous decisions. "Make sure you're 100% ready for a change so you're not in shock, and give yourself some time to get used to it," she added. "Also, don't do it too dark all at once -- it's better to make the change gradually. Avoid inky colors, and make sure the one you choose is a rich, warm tone."