Some transformations are years in the making. Some just take a few minutes. Susie Evans just went through both. Or, more specifically, to celebrate the first, she embarked on the second. The TV and podcast host is about to start an exciting new chapter in her life, but it’s also one that comes with a lot of self-reflection and soul searching. “I am single as of January of this year and it’s been a major shift in my life to really take a step back and ask myself what I want. I’ve been really grateful for the time to focus on myself and my happiness.”
Evans wanted a personal rebrand—something that would help her fully step into and embody this new chapter of her life. “I feel like I’m in a very exciting time in my life, with lots of changes happening. I want to channel a new untapped version of myself.”
To do that, Evans did what women have been doing for decades to herald a new life stage: change up their hair. Trading in the balayage highlights she’d worn for years for a deeper, richer tone felt like more than just a beauty choice—it mirrored a shift both inside and out. “Going darker feels completely aligned with where I’m headed,” she says. “This past year, I’ve really focused on standing up for myself and stepping into a bolder version of who I am. Changing my hair is a way to embody that power as I move into what’s next.”
Evans also reflects on her journey with self-acceptance. I used to struggle a lot with my self-image. As a young person, I never felt good enough. I wasn’t thin enough, toned enough, curvy enough, I hated seeing myself in pictures or on camera,” she reveals. The turning point came at 27, after Evans had fully lived—and weathered—so much: traveling, living abroad, supporting her father through serious health challenges, and facing struggles that extended far beyond body image. “All of that shaped how I see life and myself,” she says. “It led to a massive shift in radically accepting and loving who I am.”
That growth calls for a celebration, and for Evans, embracing a richer hair color felt like the perfect way to reflect that inner shift. “I wanted something that would surprise me in the best way,” she says. “I haven’t had dark hair in over five years. I started highlighting it in 2019 and haven’t gone back since. But lately, I’ve been craving something that feels more true to me—a color that’s closer to my natural shade: rich, dimensional, and easy to maintain on my own.”
Evans took her transformation into her own hands, opting for Schwarzkopf® Keratin Color Permanent Hair Color in the shade 6.0 Delicate Praline, in collaboration with the brand. “I loved this shade because it’s close to my natural color but still feels like a big change from what I had before,” she says. “It has great dimension, and as a medium brown, it’s not too dark for my complexion.” The switch also gives her hair a much-needed break from bleach. “Going darker will let my hair regain some of its health,” she adds.
Schwarzkopf® Keratin Color Permanent Hair Color
Evans was confident she could pull off her own hair change, since she trusted Schwarzkopf® Keratin Color to deliver professional quality color at home. The built-in 3-Step Bond Enforcing System creates bonds and strengthens hair, leaving it 5X* stronger after coloring against breakage. The result: rich, striking color and hair that looks visibly strong and healthy.
Evans used to dye her hair at home in her early 20s, and was excited to try it again. For anyone considering an at-home dye job, she offers a few simple tips: “Section your hair carefully, and keep a second mirror nearby so you can check the back.” As the color processed, Evans couldn’t resist sneaking a peek in the mirror. “I couldn’t believe it was really happening,” she says. “I wasn’t nervous about the process itself—just whether dark hair would still suit me.”
The moment she rinsed out the dye and blow-dried that first strand, she knew she’d made the right decision. “I went in a little blind, not sure what to expect—but the result was so striking, I couldn’t stop sneaking peeks,” she says. She especially loved how the rich new color brought out a different side of her look—and couldn’t wait to see how it would pop when styled in her natural curls.
Even days later, she’s still riding the high of her transformation. “Every time I catch a glimpse of myself, I think, ‘Who is she?!’ With all the career shifts and big goals I have right now, this feels like a bold, fun way to channel a more powerful version of myself.”
*against combing breakage on damaged vs. untreated hair
Photography: BDG Studios
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