No matter how you wear your hair, natural or straightened, plaited or woven, adding colour is the easiest way to update your look. In the winter, subtle browns and reds were big news, but this summer everything has gone lighter and bolder. And, most importantly, stripes are out.

"People are going for what I call the Humpty Dumpty effect," says Siam Hurlock, artistic director at London salon Radical Design. "It's as if someone has cracked an egg on their head - it's bright on top with a dark colour underneath."

The more adventurous you are, the better, says Hurlock. Those with straight styles should try red - or even pink - on top, with black underneath. But remember, it's blocks of colour, rather than streaks. If you're not sure how well this would go down at the office, you could try highlights; but, again, go for a solid look rather than a stripey one. Obviously, the cracked egg analogy doesn't work quite so well if you've got an Afro, but that's no reason to shy away from colour.

"Afro hair is dark brown (not black, as everyone presumes) and on natural hair, golden/coppery tones will be very popular this summer," says top colourist Daniel Galvin. For men, "the good news is that the total bleach blond look has been replaced by the 'panelling' technique - applying colour to give a natural but strong two-toned effect. In other words, mouse-coloured hair could have honey panels of colour sliced through."

If you're worried about damaging your hair, then opt for a gentle colourant such as a vegetable rinse (a semi-permanent colourant), or better yet, try henna. Yes, it feels a bit studenty, but it does work, and, unlike most colourants, it won't damage the hair. In fact, it leaves it incredibly shiny and, because it's so gentle, it's also suitable for hair that has been chemically treated.

"I'd recommend red for the summer," says Mark Constantine of Lush, which has several henna blocks to choose from. "Especially if you've got a few white hairs, as they come up a really bright red." White hairs? As if.