BUT WAIT: DIDN’T SELENA GOMEZ GO BLOND IN A DAY AND LOOK GREAT?

Yes, but she is a celebrity. “I don’t really recommend it—in a normal salon situation, it’s really reaching for the stars,” says L.A.-based hairstylist Nikki Lee, who took Gomez from dark brown to “Nirvana blond” in nine hours before an American Music Awards appearance. Lee says she was only able to pull it off by working with Riawna Capri, with whom she co-owns Nine Zero One salon (they each did one side of Gomez’s head), and not taking any other clients that day. If you’re ready to try it, book multiple appointments to reach your desired shade and use a deep-conditioning mask in lieu of regular conditioner each time you wash your hair, says Lee.