Red hair is having a moment now. The red hair color became a trend at the start of 2021 and has never slowed. Over the years, several celebrities try the vibrant red hair dye or a more subtle red hair color. You may have also seen models walk the runway with other red hair color variations.
There is no particular reason for the red hair color success. But perhaps because everyone wants to try the “daredevil” hue. And if you’re one of them, here’s what to know before dyeing your hair red. This guide also includes tips for keeping your red hair vibrant and healthy.
Important Considerations When Coloring Your Hair Red
Here are things you should know before getting a hair dye job:
Red hair color fades faster.
The color molecules in red color are larger than in other colors. Thus, it gets rinsed off easily and fades after every wash, especially when using hot water.
The first couple of times you color your hair red, it might not fully penetrate the hair cuticle. This means the red pigment will slip out of the cuticle faster. Getting the red pigment to stick to your natural hair may take several attempts. As a result, red hair dye may noticeably fade in about four weeks.
Choosing the right shade is very important.
There is a red shade for every skin tone. But choosing your exact shade might be tricky. It would help to look at pictures of people with the same skin tone and eye color to have an idea of which red hair colors fit you.
Generally, the darker the skin tone, the brighter you must go.
- Natural blondes may try coppery highlights
- Darker skin tones should try wine or cherry tones
- Olive skin tones can try berry or plum
- Pale skin tones should consider copper, gold, or rose
In addition to your skin tone, you should also consider your personality when deciding which shade of red to get.
Top Tips to Care for Your Red Hair
The best way to prevent your red hair from fading is to know how to care for it.
Use color-protectant shampoos
The shampoo you’ll use will play a huge role in preventing red hair fading. If you wash your hair, use a shampoo specifically formulated for colored hair.
A color-safe shampoo like oVertone’s Hydrator Moisturizing shampoo will help maintain the color of your hair. It contains nourishing and hydrating ingredients that will repair and restore your hair. Place a little on your palm, and massage it to your hair from the crown through the ends. Lather very well before rinsing it off. You may use dry shampoo in between washes.
Avoid buying shampoo and a hair mask with harsh ingredients like alcohol and sulfates. These haircare products will strip moisture and color from your red hair.
Use Color-Protectant Shampoo Bars
Color-protectant shampoo bars from Zero Waste Shampoo & Conditioner are an eco-friendly way to keep colors vibrant and cut down on plastic waste. To stop color fading and shield against UV radiation and adverse conditions, they are infused with natural oils, herbal extracts, and antioxidants. Compared to liquid shampoos, these kind, nutritious, and eco-friendly bars have a longer shelf life.
Use coloring conditioners
Whenever you shampoo your dyed hair, always use a conditioner after. Make sure that it is also color-safe.
The coloring conditioner of oVertone for red shades is deposit-only. It is also free of lightener and bleach. It forms a protective barrier on your hair strands, sealing the hair cuticles and locking in the moisture. Thus, it leaves your red hair looking healthy, glossy, and soft.
Here’s how you can maximize the benefits of coloring conditioners:
- Apply the coloring conditioner to your dry hair for maximum color deposit.
- Leave it on for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water.
- Style as usual.
- Reapply when your red hair needs a surge of extra color or feels dry.
Use heat styling protectants
High temperatures from heat styling tools like hair straighteners, hair dryers, and curling irons can damage your color-treated hair. It will also cause your hair color to fade.
The heat will open the hair cuticle, causing the dye to bleed out easily. So whenever you style your hair, use a heat protectant.
The Style Shield Heat Protectant of oVertone will protect your color-treated hair while styling up to 428ºF/220ºC. It is effective on all hair types, color-safe, and curl-friendly. Apply the heat protectant spray to your hair before styling.
Maintain a healthy diet
Your diet will have a huge impact on the health of your hair. The essential nutrients from what you eat will give the energy that will fuel hair growth.
Eat foods rich in protein and iron, which will feed your hair shaft and scalp by building strong keratin. This is a type of protein that helps strengthen your hair, stimulate hair growth, and improve hair texture.
Additionally, consume fish, egg whites, lean meat, low-fat cheeses, and spinach to keep your dyed hair looking great.
Final Thoughts
Coloring your hair will mean letting chemicals penetrate your mane. And this would leave your locks prone to damage, dryness, and breakage. So before deciding to color your hair, you must consider several factors.
Once you have had your hair dyed, aftercare practices are a must. Without it, your color-treated hair will look dull and lifeless. Protect the color and texture of your dyed red hair using the correct haircare products. Check out oVertone haircare products today!