BRIGHT, BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL sum up the trend for summer -- and this time, it applies not only to makeup but to hair color as well. Trying a lighter shade can be a refreshing change for beach weather. And what better color to try than this season?s hottest trend, red hair!

A color that used to be reserved only for alabaster skin, red has become more versatile and skin tone-friendly over the years. Shades now vary from bright red copper tones to warmer versions like auburn and chestnut.

Choosing the right kind of red to suit your mane and your complexion can be tricky. Seeking an expert?s advice can save you from choosing the wrong color, which can be both expensive to fix and embarrassing to wear until it is corrected.

Regular beauty contributor (for Sneak Peek) and model Bianca Fernandez tried the trend and traded her black mane for vibrant reddish-brown locks. French stylist, Laurent Hebert of Franck Provost Studio chose the hot color, which he thought would look great on Bianca.

?I first checked her skin tone, then I looked at what her personality was like, because I always try to match the color with the person?s character,? explains Hebert. The result: Bianca?s new hair color looked great on her -- it softened her features while leaving her morena complexion warm and sunny.

Red hair fades more quickly than any other hair color, which is why it is essential to keep it in excellent condition lest you end up with a faded, brassy color. Hebert suggests that, ?aside from using a good shampoo, you must always protect your hair with a good treatment or masque. I recommend using L?Oreal or Kerastase as they are perfect for the much-needed protection against dryness during the summer.?

For first-timers, it may be better to gradually get into the trend, as a drastic change can be overwhelming. Hebert suggests starting with cellophane first, and eventually adding on some lowlights and highlights. ?Try not to go too far from your normal color right away. The whole coloring process should be taken step by step,? says Hebert.

What haircut will match this hot hair trend? Hebert reveals that the asymmetric cut is back. Also, more women will be sporting the messy, ?just-out-of-bed? look that is both natural and chic.

Franck Provost Studio is at Shop H, Net Quad Building, 30th cor. 31st Streets, Crescent Park, West Taguig City. Telephone numbers are 4016870 and 8569569.

The first five readers will get free haircuts and color consultations! Just e-mail ?Red hair is hot!? with your name and cell phone number to rbeauty@inquirer.com.ph.