How to Achieve Bright Red Hair Step by Step

In 2024, bright red hair remains a trendy choice that shows no signs of fading away. This is especially welcome news considering that natural redheads are rare, comprising only 1-2% of the population. Because of this, artificial reds play a vital role in maintaining these stunning looks!

Whether you’re a seasoned redhead or venturing into uncharted territory, maintaining bright red hair requires some effort, but the stunning results are definitely worth it! Follow along as we guide you through the entire process, from dyeing your hair to keeping it vibrant for weeks to come.

 

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Understanding Bright Red Hair

Before getting into the coloring process, it’s crucial to understand that bright red hair is not for the faint of heart. These vivacious, bold tones range from fiery crimsons to electric cherries and are unabashedly intense and on-trend. They’re not meant to look “natural”; instead, they command attention.

Top Tips Before Dyeing 

First things first! Schedule a consultation with your stylist to discuss your desired shade of red, and be open to exploring various tones and formulations. Trust your stylist to create a bespoke bright red hue that complements your skin tone, eye color, and enhances your features. This is also the perfect time to share any inspirational pictures and address any concerns you may have to ensure optimal results. Your stylist will conduct the necessary skin tests and offer valuable advice based on your current hair color. Sometimes, your hair may need to be bleached or, as the pros say, prelightened.

This step will lighten your base color or certain sections to help to create the perfect undertone for bright red hair. This will usually need to happen if you have previously colored your hair darker or if you have a naturally dark base color (level 5 and under). If you have naturally light hair (level 7 and above) or already bleached hair, your stylist can apply the bright red hair color over the existing color with a bespoke application.

 

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The Salon Process

Your consultation is complete, so take a seat, get those snacks ready, and get excited for your new bright red look! During your salon visit, your stylist will use professional-grade tools and will likely confirm your desired color. This may be with physical color charts or they may be using our brand-new digital Revlon Pro Color World App, which will help you envision your favorite color and bring your bright red dreams to life. From high-quality care and styling to vibrant dyes and developers, to protective gloves and salon-grade accessories, every element is carefully selected to deliver exceptional results without compromise.

1. Preparation and Protection: Before the magic begins, your stylist will gown you up and then apply a barrier cream to protect your clothing and shield your skin. Once you see that bright red in the bowl, you’ll understand that this step is very important! So, top tip: do not wear high collars or anything white just in case, and once home, avoid those white towels!
2. Application: Depending on the necessary steps, your hair will undergo lifting using our pre-lightening product range, Magnet™. This lightening effect is maximized thanks to the BondIN System™ product platform, which can powerfully lift. Following this, a personalized choice of red will be applied section by section from roots to tips, infusing each strand with glossy brilliance and intensity.
3. Processing Time: As the lightener or color works its magic, you can relax or take the time to look at some homecare options that will help keep your professional color at its best once you leave the salon.
4. Cleanse and head massage: Some say this is the best bit! Your stylist will rinse your color using a personalized cleanser such as the RE/START™ Color Protective Micellar Shampoo and then follow with a hydrating conditioner such as Eksperience™ Color Protecting Color Intensifying Hair Conditioner or an in-salon treatment such as the  Re/Start Pro-Care System Color & Shine Sealer Shot to really lock in that vibrancy and intense shine.
5. Finishing: As you bask in the glow of your newfound bright red hair color, your stylist will add the final touches to your look and then cut or simply style your bright red locks to perfection.

 

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How to Keep Your Red Bright

Maintaining the brilliance of your bright red hair requires dedication and care. Embrace at-home and in-salon hair care rituals to preserve your fiery red color and achieve the best results!

1. Investing in color-safe products will help make your hair dye last longer as these products are tailored to the unique needs of red locks and will nourish and protect your vibrant color with every wash.
2. Temperance in washing: Limit washing to preserve your color’s longevity, opting for cool or lukewarm water to seal the cuticle and prevent premature fading.
3. Shelter from the elements: Shield your locks from the sun’s rays with UV-protective products such as our Revlon Professional Equave ™ Leave-in conditioner for colored hair. This product revitalizes dull and colored hair, protecting your color against external aggressors. It leaves the hair instantly detangled, protected, and ready for your regular hair routine.
4. Styling: As much as possible, embrace heat-free styling methods. When you do use heat for styling, preserve your color’s vibrancy for the long haul with our RE/START Balayage Hair Care Cream. This product, while intended for Balayage, is fantastic for every hair color. It revives the hair fiber, nourishing and sealing the cuticles, leaving the hair bright, silky, 8 times softer, and 4 times more hydrated.
5. Schedule your next salon visit: Regular touch-ups with your stylist will help to keep your bright red color fresh and vibrant. Once your hair has undergone the initial lightening or color change, maintaining your bright red doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. That’s why we love the semi-permanent shades by Color Excel Gloss. This 10-minute gloss treatment will keep your hair glowing until the next salon visit.
6. Home refresh: Bright red should be just that – bright! If you’re envisioning a “pillar box red” look, then the shade 500 – RED – by Nutri Color™ Filters Fashion Filters is perfect for you. Apply it over your existing red, pre-lightened, or naturally blonde hair (base 8 and over) for stunning results.

By following these tips and incorporating them into your hair care routine, you can achieve and maintain stunning bright red hair that turns heads wherever you go. If you’re searching for the perfect salon to bring your red hair dreams to life, click here.

If you’re a stylist who wants more pro tips and color ideas, head to our 24/7 educational platform, Revlon Pro Always On (for clients only, so click the link to become one). There, you can discover professional training and stay up-to-date on all the top trends.

Don’t forget to visit our Revlon ProShop to order directly and stock up on all the products you need.