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The new year is rapidly approaching, and with it comes the inevitable itch to reinvent yourself. New year, new you, amirite? (Sorry.) The best, and often easiest, way to make a change is by switching up your hair. Is a cut too daring for you? Not ready to do a full-fledged, all-over dye job? Then, we suggest trying highlights.

When done right, highlights will immediately both brighten your face and transform your hair — a change, yes, but not a capital-C change. If you're not sure what style to choose from (babylights, tortoiseshell...who can keep up, really?), don't sweat it: That's where we come in. We tapped four colorists to share with us their favorite looks, and included some celebrity-highlight greatest hits. Ahead, inspiration to pin or take to your colorist. Also, why wait until January 1 to make the change? Carpe diem, and all that.

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