For most stars their hair is a big part of their signature look – especially its colour. Christopher Martin, Canadian spokesperson for Clairol and co-owner of Shagg Salon in Toronto (a hot spot for celebs during the annual film fest), gave us the lowdown on how to get, and keep, close-up worthy hair colour. Before you DIY gals begin: our expert usually suggests a demi-permanent dye, one that gradually washes out without leaving noticeable roots. “Nowadays, women change their hair seasonally so a demi-permanent colour will give you the best flexibility with the least amount of damaging chemicals,” he says.

You want to: Be a blonde bombshell like Scarlett Johansson or Naomi Watts.

Works best if: You have fair skin with blue undertones and light eyes. Light brown to blonde is your current hair colour.

Not for: Dark brown or redheads, colour could turn out brassy and un-flattering.

At the salon: Ask for an overall blonde colour with cooler blonde highlights for dimension, “highlights will break up the colour so it’s not flat’” says Martin.

DIY: Key words on the box to look for are ultra light natural blonde, ash blonde or light golden blonde. If your hair is lighter, try Clairol Natural Instincts With Antioxidants and Vitamins C & E in 02 Sahara – Light Blonde, $11.50. If you want a more intense shade or you have over 50% grey, go with Nice n’ Easy in Ultra Light Natural Blonde #87, $10.00. Both are available at grocery, drug and mass-market retailers nation wide.

Make it last: A shampoo and conditioner specifically for blondes with blue undertones is the key to holding onto your buttery yellow tresses. “Look for something with cooler tones, not gold,” advises Martin.

You want to: Replicate Marcia Cross and Julianne Moore’s fiery tresses.

Works best on: Fair skinned women with blue undertones and/or freckles. A good choice if your hair is already light to dark brown.

Not for: Goldilocks look-alikes. Martin says, “it’s harder for blondes because you have to fill the hair [professional processing speak] or it could look pink.”

At the salon: You want overall auburn colour. Strawberry or honey coloured highlights are also an option.

DIY: A mix of auburn with copper is what to look for from any at-home kit. Clairol Natural Instincts With Antioxidants and Vitamins C & E in 16 Spiced Tea – Light Auburn, $11.50, available at grocery, drug and mass-market

retailers nation wide, will do the trick.

Make it last: Red hair colour fades the fastest because it has the least pigment,” says Martin, “but regular use of a silicone-based gloss will help to lock it in.” Protect your investment with Clairol Colour Seal Weekly Conditioning Gloss, $4.99, and use it every few days to once a week.

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You want to: Follow Cameron Diaz and Hilary Duff to the dark side.

Works best on: Martin calls this deep, delicious colour “the new blonde”. “Shade-wise everyone can go this dark, but it takes confidence and personality to really pull off this look.” Ideal candidates will already be sporting dark golden blonde to brown locks.

Not for: Those who have a fear of commitment. “You’ll need to change your makeup and clothing to balance the darkness of it,” Martin says.

At the salon: Ask for a rich brown colour. If you have more than 50% grey, a permanent dye will get you the most satisfying results.

DIY: Aim for a description such as dark, rich or chocolate brown. For blondes, “golden” is also a key word to a warmer shade. Try Natural Instincts with Antioxidants and Vitamins C & E in 28 Nutmeg – Dark Brown, $11.50, available at grocery, drug and mass-market retailers nation wide.

Make it last: Shampoo and conditioner for dark brown hair will help maintain the intensity of espresso-hued locks.

You want to: Become a beautiful brunette like Katie Holmes and Drew Barrymore.

Works best on: Anyone with lighter eye colours, whether you have a fair to darker skin tone. Your hair should currently be in the dark blonde to brown range.

Not for: Women who are really pale, “this colour could look goth on them,” warns Martin.

At the salon: You’re after a dark ash brown. Martin suggests staying away from highlights, “they’ll look too contrast-y,” he says.

DIY: Ash is the word to zero in on, such as Natural Instincts with Antioxidants and Vitamins C & E in 24 Clove – Ash Brown, $11.50, available at grocery, drug and mass-market retailers’ nation wide.

Make it last: Deep-conditioning treatments will keep hair its’ shiniest and healthy-looking. Incorporate Pantene Colour Revival Deep Revitalizing Treatment, $6.49, available at grocery, drug and mass-market retailers’ nation wide, into your weekly beauty routine.