It took nine hours to transform Britney Spears from a ropey brunette into a sleek blonde on Sunday.

As she was escorted into Andy Lecompte Salon in West Hollywood, her matted extensions suggested a trip to the hairdressers was long overdue.

It was after dark when Britney emerged with a shiny blonde weave in place.

But despite her new and improved hair, Britney was in no mood to show off her new look to photographers.

Perhaps she wasn't happy with her new 'do, or maybe it was just the shock of being confronted by the outside world after spending most of the day couped up in a hair salon.

Still, after a quick change of outfit, Britney cheered up and took her new extensions for a night out on the town at Gaano Star Jazz Clun in downtown Los Angeles.

Better blonde or brunette?