HAIR: FRANC BRAUN DESIGN TEAM/BRAUN DER FRISEUR, KAARST, GERMANY; PHOTO: GLOBAL HAIR & FASHION GROUP.
So you want to join the ginger club, but you’re worried about sporting too bright a mane shade at the office. Have no fear, the color experts are here:
Seeing Red If you’re seeking a corporate-friendly style, you can choose a rich color like red but temper it with chic styling. “Red can be bold or glamourous,” says Rona O’Connor, who served as a Celebrity Colorist for the Clairol Professional’s “True Color From The Hear” campaign. “Depending on the style of your hair, it gives off a different feeling.”
Looking Natural “It’s all about choosing a color that complements your skin tone,” explains color pro Jennifer J, of Juan Juan Salon. “I don’t think you can achieve a natural-looking color that’s suitable for your complexion if you go five shades lighter than your natural color.”
Keeping Up If you’re a risk taker with your tresses, make sure you put forth the effort to preserve the color, urges O’Connor. “Don’t wash your hair for 48 hours after your color treatment. You need to let the color set. Also, you have to use color-safe shampoo and conditioner.”
hot star hue
Kate Walsh
PHOTO: COURTESY ABC.
One of our favorite redheads, Kate Walsh is gorgeous on Private Practice and we don’t even mind that she gets to kiss all the good-looking guys!
RSS
i’m thinking about ‘becoming’ a red-head for a while & i’m wondering what’s a good shade of red for me. i have light skin but super dark brown hair. any suggestions?
Hi, Angie!
The easiest place to go is close to your natural level with a cool red tone. If you stray too far from that natural darkness, you will need to get a retouch sooner than later. If you really want a vibrant red shade, keep color appointments at every four weeks.
i have natural dark brown hair. i died it black a few months ago but i didnt like it. So after it grew out a little bit, i tried to lighten it up a bit, but it did nothing to the black hair and turned my natural hair lighter. Then it grew out even more. Big OOPS i know. haha. So NOW i have 3 different shades of colors in my hair. I want to go red, but is it even possible to do now?
Hi, Carrie!
It is possible, but if there were ever a time to seek a professional, now is it! Your hair needs to be treated with different products for each different horizontal section of color. You can seek a qualified professional at LOREALProfessionnel.com in the salon locator section. Best of luck!
HELP!! On failing to locate a back issue of Sophisticates Hairstyle Guide (August 2010) I am desperately trying to achieve a very vibrant red colour which I saw in your Aug edition (page 109). I had auburn hair but have had no real success with recent colours. I would be so grateful for advice on how to achieve this particular colour or how or where to locate back issue – strange that Aug classed as a back issue. Thanks
Hi, Anna!
Reds are so much fun! The more vibrant red you are trying to achieve, the lighter you need to take your natural color. Raising the developer may help. If a vibrant cool red is what you are seeking, raising the developer might be in order along with layering the cool red with a demi-permanent after the first color step. Natural copper exists inside your hair, so making it appear cool can take more than one step.
i have fair skin with blue eyes and i want to dye my hair a red but i don’t know what color red and if it would look good on me can you please help me?
Hi, Kimberly!
Not only do all skin tones lend themselves to redhead potential, but you are the perfect candidate. Your options are endless! Let your decision be made by whether you want your haircolor to whisper, speak or scream. A whisper would be a soft, strawberry blonde or medium auburn. Speaking would be slightly brighter and screaming would be a very vibrant copper or rich, bright, cool red. The most believable reds are multidimensional, so ask for a few highlights and lowlights to be incorporated into your fabulous makeover!
I’m a natural blond, but I’m considering going red. But I’m not sure which shade to go with. I have a very light skin tone, and there’s a touch of red in my hair already, but very little. I really want a darker shade, but I’m concerned because my skin is so fair. What would you recommend?
Hi, Kim!
Since you have very fair skin, stay in the lighter shades of red, leaning toward and orange base vs. a blue base…like a strawberry blonde. Ask your colorist to do this color in foils to create a very natural and effective look. If you want to go with all-over color, use a demi-permanent shade for more complete coverage.
Hi, I was wondering if you can tell me what shades of red I can pull off. My natural color is strawberry blonde and I want to make my green eyes really pop out.I also have a fair to medium skin tone. What red tones would do this for me? Should I go more coppery or auburn? Should I stick with more warm or cool tones when it comes to red? Should I go lighter or darker when it comes to red?
Hi, Justine!
Since you’re already a redhead, chances are you can carry either copper or auburn hues. Choose coppery tones in the summer and deepen the hue with a little auburn added in for cooler weather. Natural red hair tends to be a bit more difficult to penetrate and make vibrant. So I wouldn’t worry about being too red as that’s difficult to achieve. Your colorist will know to shoot a little brighter than desired to get the proper amount of intensity. Try asking for a medium copper with apricot highlights for the summer months!
I am a red head at the moment I used Wella Koleston 8.43 it comes up very orangy red I wondered if their was anything i could mix with it to kick a little of the orange out without having to go dark again as I love the red. from about three inches out down to my shoulders is a very natural looking red but the top couple of inches is much darker and fake looking was thinking of mixing half a tube of 8.43 and 8.34 what you think Thanks Amanda
Hi, Amanda!
When looking at natural red hair, it’s generally slightly deeper and browner at the scalp and more vibrant midshaft to the ends. By adding a shade that dominates gold with a touch of copper, you will bring the intensity down a bit. I suggest adding one level deeper in the same shade first. That should keep your scalp from looking too intense. Then, balance your previously tinted hair with the same shade you always use. Remember, reds can be extremely vibrant and look natural if they are slightly muted at the scalp.
I have gone red. It was a rich burgundy and I loved it. I let my hair grow back to brown but most of my friends and family say I should color it red again. Being a redhead always makes me feel sassy!
Hi, Karen!
We love all hair hues, but your hair should be any color you want! If red makes you feel sassy then go for it, girlfriend!
I’ve said it before natural redhead and I love it.Please could you put more redheads in your magazine.Proud ones especially for us natural gals maybe some of them.Plus dye job ones but I like to every now and then see a natural redhead plus maybe one on a cover.I’m not sure how many you have put on a cover but maybe every now and then.
Hello, Jennifer:
Thanks for the suggestion! We think redheads are gorgeous, too, and we try to include the great ones like Debra Messing, Marcia Cross, Isla Fisher and others in as many issues as we can, as well as great hair models who are wearing various shades of crimson. We’ll keep including them!
Hello love your website.
How do I get the hairstyle in the first picture?
Hello, Jess:
To achieve the style in the model photo above, start by priming your freshly shampooed hair with a volumizing mousse. Using a round brush while blow-drying, curve the brush down the length of the hair from the roots to the tips, lifting at the roots to plump up the volume at the crown. If you need extra height, you can set hair on large Velcro rollers, mist with hairspray and heat-set with your blow-dryer. Finish with a flat iron along the bottom half, and apply a shine serum with finger tips over the entire mane. You’ll look FABULOUS!
there was a hair style and color that I like back in may, It was on the cover. How can I look it up?
Diana:
So sorry…we don’t have back issues.