I have always been a style chameleon. Literally every day in high school was like meeting a new me as I effortlessly transitioned from a barefoot hippie kid on Tuesday to a punked-up burnout on Wednesday. In the last year alone, I have been blonde, two different types of brunette, and a redhead. Not to mention the various highlights I've thrown in the mix. I honestly have no idea what my natural color is anymore, and I think I'm afraid to find out.

That fear took over last Wednesday, and I found myself in line at Walmart at 7 a.m. with a box of hair dye in my basket. I had no plan. In fact, I argued with myself walking into the store, "Leave your hair alone. Ok, or maybe dye it red. What about just a dark brown?" Options raced through my brain as I tried to plan for my hair future after this dye job, and as if on auto pilot, my hands settled on a box of Revlon Colorsilk shade 11: Soft Black.

By 9 a.m., I was blow drying my hair with the hopes that I didn't look like a vampire.

I didn't.

DIY-ing your hair is always a scary but simple option. While it's usually a lot less expensive than going to a salon (this cost me less than $5!), home hair coloring comes with its own set of risks, and black is no exception. If you don't trust yourself, see a professional. I do not claim to be an expert, just someone who loves learning through trial and error.

1. You will not recognize yourself.

Unlike most hair colors, where after a few days, the shock wears off and you feel like it's your color, black is a transition that takes a while to feel normal. Black is a sexy color, and while blondes may have more fun, having black hair makes me feel just a little more dangerous. Your brain will panic, probably right about the time you're halfway through your hair, when you look sort of skunky, and the dye starts dripping down your ear. It will also panic when it looks like the BP oil spill happened on your shower floor. Cue panic round three when it comes time to dry your hair. You will also need to change up your makeup routine, because everything seems more exaggerated against dark hair, so play around. Find your new style.

2. You will not feel plain.

I have always been bored with my natural looks. With natural brown hair and brown eyes, it's easy to see why. I usually don't play with brunette shades, but going this dark has provided more depth than any amount of highlights ever could. My hair looks thicker and shinier, my 8 week old dead ends have seemingly disappeared, and I stand out more. In a room full of brunette women, black absorbs the most light and the most attention.

3. You will not be able to change it back.

While the expression, "Once you go black, you never go back," is usually used to describe something else, it fits perfectly with having black hair. Anyone who has gone from brown to blonde before knows that horror of the awkward orange phase. It's even worse and more damaging for those with black hair. You will have to wait a while before your hair is ready to lighten, and it is physically impossible to skip being a ginger, so make sure this is a commitment you're willing to stick with.

If you're looking for a change this summer, be unique. Everyone else goes lighter during these hot months, so change things up!