If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve seen that over the last few months I’ve become experimental with my hair. Whether curly or straight or using extensions for extra-long length, my hair has become a way to express my personality, and why not? Your hair is one of the first things people notice about you, and is linked to your identity, security, and maybe sometimes protection. And, sometimes a bad hair day equals a bad day.

I’m a natural brunette, and although I’ve heard blondes have more fun and the 1950s film title “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” seems to imply that specific hair color is favored, I love my dark locks. However, sometimes a girl has got to have a little fun with her hair, so I took my hair to the extreme a few months ago when I got blue streaks. The alternative, edgy vibe was a huge contrast to my shy, introverted self. With blue hair, I felt like a different person, and I liked it. I felt “cool,” received tons of compliments, and my eyes stood out more.

However, I don’t think I have the personality that you would expect from someone with blue hair. I wasn’t any more outgoing or eccentric, but instead the cautious brunette still snuck to remind me that my hair was just having fun. So, if I ever were to experiment with coloring my hair again, I would choose a natural shade that makes me feel like myself. I recently turned to hair color company Madison Reed to see what options are available when I decide to try a new shade. The company creates salon-quality hair dyes that is free of gluten, ammonia, PPD, resorcinol, and other harsh chemicals. You can fill out a quick questionnaire on their website to find your perfect hair color and even live chat with a colorist.

Check it out, and let me know what your hair color recommendations are.