We've been mesmerized by Natalie Portman since she made her feature film debut as a teenage hitman's sidekick (remember that mousy brown bob that showed off her choker necklace?) in the 1994 crime-thriller "Léon: The Professional." And the Academy Award winning-actress has undergone countless hair transformations over the years -- from super dark and super straight to a prickly buzz cut -- proving that she takes her craft seriously. However, the newly blonde hairstyle Portman debuted over the weekend at husband-choreographer Benjamin Millepied's L.A. Dance Project premiere is one look we would love to see the star sport for a very long time.
Celebrity colorist Tracey Cunningham mixed up the honey-hued shade which gives Portman's immaculate complexion a luminous glow (no bronzer necessary). "Natalie makes a beautiful blonde," said Cunningham. "She needed to make the change for an upcoming movie role, and using Redken's Blonde Dimensions we achieved a gorgeous, multi-dimensional golden blonde."
She explains, "Going blonde is quite a process and can be very hard on your hair. You must be 100 percent sure of your decision before taking the plunge. Once you start, it is even more damaging to reverse the affects -- let's just say it's not like a deep conditioning treatment."
And if Portman has inspired you to discover whether blondes really do have more fun, there are a few hair color tips to consider. Keep scrolling down for advice straight from the pros.
Natalie Portman's new blonde hairstyle. Photo: Alex J. Berliner, ABImages / AP
Clairol global director of color and style Marcy Cona recommends choosing neutral, cool or ash shades (like Nice ‘n Easy in Natural Medium Golden Neutral Blonde) to keep your hair from becoming brassy.
Paying a salon visit to a professional colorist every six to eight weeks is key to maintain drastic hair color changes, according to Cona. "And an at-home kit like Nice ‘n Easy Root Touch-Up works wonders by erasing roots and grays and extending the life of your color for up to three weeks," she says.
Also, skip daily shampooing and instead opt for an every other day or few days schedule using products created specifically for color treated hair like Redken's Color Extend Shampoo & Conditioner. "This will keep you color vibrant and make sure your hair doesn't dry out," says Cunningham.
What do you think about Natalie Portman's blonde hair? Do you prefer the pint-sized star as a brunette? Tell us in the comments section.
Meanwhile, click through the slideshow below for more celebrity hair color transformations.
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