FOR THE COMMITMENT-SHY:
If you want to try something different, but aren't sure exactly where your interests lie? Do you want to change your hair every month or so? Or maybe you're experimenting until you find the right color? If you answered yes to any of these questions, semi-permanent color is the right choice for you!

Clairol Natural Instincts Haircolor
The best semi-permanent hair color is definitely Clairol Natural Instincts Haircolor. It's guaranteed to last through 28 shampoos, and works in only 10 minutes! Your hair will feel nourished and protected from the Aloe, Chamomile and Ginseng in each kit - and there's no ammonia added, so the dye doesn't strip your natural color! There are 24 colors just begging you to try them - and, if you do the math, you can try them ALL in two years! And with names like "Spiced Tea", "Hawaiian Sunrise", "Cinnaberry" and "Hot Cocoa", how can you resist? $8.49-$8.99 on duanereade.com and walgreens.com.

READY TO BRING IT ON:
There are a TON of choices at your fingertips when it comes to permanent hair color! The task of picking just one can seem a little daunting at first. Not only is the color important - after all, you'll be stuck with it for quite awhile! - but some brands are definitely better than others. But fear not - we're here to help!

Garnier Nutrisse Permanent Nourishing Color Cream
Remember those Sarah Jessica Parker commercials - pre-Gap? Where she always talked about her "ravishing" hair color? It was all thanks to Garnier Nutrisse. Garnier's products not only work wonders, they smell amazing - Garnier Nutrisse packs a punch with fruit-oil concentrate guaranteed to nourish your hair. Their 39 total colors - 30 of which you can purchase on walgreens.com for only $7.29! - range from "Soft Black" to "True Red" to "Dark Mahogany Brown". Okay, so maybe their names aren't as inventive as the ones from Natural Instincts. But seriously, how can you go wrong when Sarah Jessica Parker was the spokesperson?

L'Oreal Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Colour Gel
They claim it's "prismatic." And you know what? It actually is! You'll find highlights and lowlights you never even knew you had. Your hair actually glistens when you've finished applying! The whole process takes between 25-30 minutes (the longest you should ever leave dye on, unless you want your hair to become brittle and begin to fall out!). Be sure to apply near an open window, since the fumes can be a little overpowering with this one - but trust us, it's worth it! Walgreens.com has 26 shades to choose from, including "Downtown Brown", "Iced Mocha", "Ruby Fusion" and "Candle Glow." When you're done, who knows - you might feel just like Beyoncé says you will in the commercials!

LOOKING TO SPICE THINGS UP:
Craving highlights, but aren't willing to pay the $100 plus they usually cost at fancy salons? These at-home kits will definitely save you a pretty penny!

L'Oreal Féria Colour Strands QuickShimmer Highlights
Try this one in "Chestnut Changes C60" if you have light to medium brown hair. Comes with a "Strander" so you can comb the color through exactly where you want it! If you've got darker locks, don't fret - your hair will just turn out redder. $9.49 on drugstore.com.

Clairol A Touch of Sun Subtle Highlights for Blonde to Medium Brown Hair
Okay, you definitely can't pass this one up - it's only $3.49 on drugstore.com! Spray it all over your hair, then head to the beach - or just blow it dry with your hair dryer! Contains lemon extracts to bring out your hair's natural highlights. You're not actually dyeing your hair with this one, just enhancing what's been dying to show itself!

L'Oreal Chunking Blocks of Highlights for Med Blond to Dk Brown Hair
This one's a bit pricier - $12.99 on walgreens.com - but if you LOVED Kelly's hair on the first season of American Idol, it's for you! It's definitely NOT for the weak-hearted - it gives you really bold color, and is much chunkier-looking than other highlighting kits. And it lasts for at least two months! Maybe now the price doesn't seem so high…

If you don't want to dye your hair just yet, but still are eager for change, definitely check out the shampoos and conditioners geared toward specific hair colors. John Frieda and Frédéric Fekkai each put out a line of products for blondes, redheads and brunettes. Frédéric Fekkai products will run you between $20-$28.50 on sephora.com, while John Frieda products are all under $10 at major drugstores.

Remember that if you're looking to drastically change your hair color - as in more than two shades lighter or darker - you should definitely go to a salon. A stylist can do a much more precise job than a bottle when you're deciding to go from blackest black to platinum blonde! But as long as you stay a few shades within each other on the color wheel, you should be fine. Now go play!

- Jamie Sanders, Associate Editor