The lowdown on lowlights: Should I change my hair's hue for winter? I'm concerned that my summer highlights will look too bright with this season's darker clothing - Beauty Q+A

Shape, Feb, 2003 by Leslie Evans

Q: How can I tone down my highlights for winter?

A: Everything for winter, including cosmetics and clothing, gets a little W darker--and so should your hair color, says David Johnstone, color director at Yves Durif Salon in New York City. "Gradually darken with lowlights [shades halfway between the color of a highlight and your natural color)," he suggests. This tones down the brightness without completely changing your color.

Can't make it to the salon for lowlights? Your best bet is to take your color a shade or two darker all over since do-it-yourself lowlights can be tricky, Johnstone says. Tint-depositing shampoos, which give your hair a temporary color change, and hair-color kits (like the semipermanent Clairol Natural Instincts, $7, or the permanent Gamier Nutrisse, $7.29; both at drugstores) can help you achieve the season's darker hues easily.

To help you figure out what lowlights will look best on you, Johnstone offers this basic guide. For blondes Choose darker caramels, honey and warm beige. On your own, try Redken Color Extend Injection Color-Charged Conditioner in Copper/Gold ($12; 800-REDKEN8) or the Nick Chavez Perfect Plus Color Enhancing system in Golden Blonde ($29; qvc.com).

For brunettes Cinnamon and rusts add more depth to your locks. At home, opt for Aveda Clove Shampoo ($12.50; aveda.com) or Weleda Henna Phyto Shampoo ($8.75; weleda.com).

For redheads Experiment with darker reds as well as golden-brown hues, which add contrast. Best at-home bet? Paul Mitchell Color Shampoo in Red or Red Orange ($10.50; 800-321-JPMS).