My favourite tips for red hair care
Red is the rarest hair colour on earth, with just 1% of the population born with it. For those that choose to fake it, here are some of my favourite tips for red hair care.
Red is the fastest shade to fade. The red colour molecule is much bigger and heavier than other colour molecules, which means it can be too large to penetrate the hair shaft and, instead, adheres to the surface where it can be washed out more easily.
• Don’t over-wash hair. Three times a week is more than enough. Use a good sulphate free shampoo as this keeps the colour locked in for longer. On the in-between days when your hair needs a refresh, use a good translucent dry shampoo.
• Make sure you are having regular trims and using heat protection. Healthier hair equals longer lasting colour. Make sure you use heat protection when styling with appliances and have regular trims to avoid split ends, which weaken the hair structure and its ability to lock colour in.
• Red is a high maintenance colour, so I advise against it if you want low maintenance hair. The roots are the first area to show colour fade, so you have to have regular root touch-ups in between bigger colour appointments.
• Get the right red. There are so many shades of red and copper to suit all types of skin types. It’s actually a very adaptable colour, so don’t be afraid to go red.
These days, there are also plenty of products to keep red looking vibrant. Check your local supermarket for shampoo’s that are specifically just for red hair care.