This is how we see it: Reds are romantic. They make us weak at the knees. They are always among our most popular Pins and most liked on Instagram. We are starting to realise some of you are a little cautious to Colour with them, and don't know where to begin. So, we have put together this guide covering all the significant info and questions you may have about Red Colours.
Reds are not all the same.
Let’s begin at the beginning. The first wrong step is believing a red is a red is a red. Incorrect. There are multiple shades that make up the Red range.
Red
These are true pure Reds, as they have a full Red pigment. They are warm and strong and give you a vibrant, fiery Red Colour.
Coppers
Copper’s are predominately “Orange” Reds. They are rich and intense, but also bright, and bring a beautiful lightness to the Hair, unlike other Reds.
Plums
Plum Reds are named after the fruit for a reason. They have both warm and cool Tones. Their cool tones give them their characteristic Purple Plum hues and strong Red tones give them their added warmth.
Mahogany's
Mahogany Colours have a beautiful mix of Warm and Cool undertones that come together to create a full bodied Colour. They have intense Red reflects and rich secondary Mahogany hues for an incredible, deep Colour with a Natural look.
What is your Skin Tone?
Of course fairer skin really suits Red Hair, particularly the bold Reds and Coppers. For olive to darker toned skin try a Plum or Mahogany Colour, the richness suits Brown and Hazel eyes. Not all skin types suit Red, making them even more appealing.
What Colour are you Naturally?
Choosing a Red with a similar base Colour to your Natural Colour will give you a punchy bold Colour, without the result being so extreme. Let’s say you are Naturally a 5 Light Brown. Look for a Red with a similar base like a 5.56 Intense Plum Red or if you are looking for something lighter with a Medium Blonde base, try a 7.46 Rich Copper Red or 7.65 Intense Mahogany.
What Colour is your Hair currently?
Red’s take well to previously lightened Hair. It brings out the intensity and vibrancy in the Colour and is the perfect combination with a 7.46 Rich Copper Red or 8.44 Intense Copper Blonde.
If your Hair is currently Coloured dark, say you have been and are currently a 5.53 Chocolate Brown and you want to go a Dark Red Copper or even a 6.5 Pure Plum, its worth Colour Removing the 5.53. The Red wont be as lively if Coloured over your Colour and will cause Build Up. Colour Removing sort of wipes your Hair’s slate clean and gives the Colour the opportunity to reach its potential, giving you a stronger Colour.
Are there other ways to include Red’s into my Colour without it being so vibrant?
Sure is! Adding a squeeze, or in serious terms 1/4 tube, into your Natural Colour mix, boosts up your Colour just enough adding some fun Red reflects, rather than having a full strength Colour.
Reds are High Maintenance.
Truth! But they are absolutely worth the love and effort. Take a look at our Colour Vibrancy page to learn how best to maintain your Colour. Also learn about our Colour Top Up Technique which shows you the best way to boost up your vibrancy without causing Colour Build Up, to keep your Colour red hot.
