For darker or brownish red, use a 20-volume developer (most store-bought bleaching kits come with this strength). This lightens your hair 2 to 3 shades. If you want a reddish tint to your natural shade of brown, you don’t need to bleach at all. [2] X Research source If your hair is already colored, though, bleaching is a must. Follow the instructions on your bleaching kit carefully. 30- and 40-volume developers can cause scalp irritation or burns if misused or left on too long.
Bleach your hair in a room with good ventilation. Remove any bathroom rugs or mats to protect them from accidental bleach spills and drips.
Mix the bleach and developer in a plastic bowl with your applicator brush (some bleaching kits come with a bowl and stirrers to use).
Bleach your roots last since they don’t take as long to process as the ends.
Washing and conditioning your hair reduces brassiness and ensures your red dye will come out true-to-shade.
If you have neutral undertones (a mix of cool and warm), you can pull off almost any kind of red! Follow the “2 shade rule”—pick a color at least 2 shades lighter or darker than your skin tone to avoid looking washed out. [11] X Research source Choose permanent color for long lasting red, or demi-permanent to experiment with color for just a few weeks.
Dyeing in sections helps the process go smoothly and makes it easier to reach all parts of your hair evenly.
Mix the developer and color in a plastic bowl with your applicator brush (some coloring kits come with mixing supplies). For permanent color, use a moderate 20- or 30-volume developer. Remember, stronger developer means lighter color.
Go back and color your roots halfway through the overall processing time (it doesn’t take as long for the dye to take hold at the roots). The exact directions will vary by product, so be sure to double check your specific dye’s instructions.
Wait at least 3 days after you color your hair to shampoo it. This gives the color time to set and the cuticles time to seal. [19] X Research source
When you start washing your hair again, use cold water (hot water will steam away the color, meaning your dye job won’t last as long). If your hair gets oily, try a scalp exfoliator or dry shampoo. It will remove some oil from your hair and keep it moisturized without eroding your color.
Use a blue color-balancing shampoo, conditioner, and a hair mask for colored hair to prevent cooler shades of red from turning orange or brassy.
Use low heat settings on curlers and straighteners when styling your hair. [25] X Research source
Buy multiple boxes of color when you first dye your hair so you’re stocked and ready for touch ups anytime.
