Britney Spears's new brown hair was giving a worldwide premiere at Elton John's annual Academy Awards viewing party in West Hollywood on Sunday (February 24, 2013). The new look seems to have garnered a rather positive response from fans and several casual Twitter users - most of whom are often far too happy to stick the boot in concerning all things Britney.

Spears, 31, turned heads at Elton's bash (the best place in town for people who weren't invited to the Oscars), wearing a Michael Cinco gown and of course, debuting her new locks. Britney's colorist Brittany Hunter from Mark Slicker's salon  - who will probably be inundated with bookings now, if she wasn't already - told E! News, "We wanted to make sure she was going to be committed to it before we made the change as it can be a difficult process going from light blonde to brunette," Hunter explained. "We started the process on Thursday and then finished it up on Sunday. We wanted to make sure the color was going to stick and it wasn't going to fade." Many will remember Britney's previous flirtation with brown hair, notably in 2006, 2007 and twice in 2009. Hunter added: "She was just ready for a change. Going from blonde to brunette can be difficult, and I am very particular about making sure that I get the color level just right. I wanted to look after the health of her hair at the same time."

Britney SpearsBritney Spears New Hair Caused A Stir At Elton's Oscars Party

It probably goes with saying, but it's been a rough few months for Britney, who split with fiance Jason Trawick recently.