Maintaining red hair is no easy feat, and I know this from firsthand experience. After a brief break from my signature red locks, I’ve returned to my vibrant color, and I’m reminded of just how much care it requires to keep it looking fresh. Whether you’re a seasoned redhead or a newcomer to the color, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned about preserving red hair and keeping it as stunning as the day you first dyed it.
Red is notorious for being a challenging color to maintain. The reason? Red dye molecules are larger than those of other colors, which means they fade more quickly and rinse out with every wash. One of the first tips you’ll hear about keeping red hair vibrant is to wash your hair with cold water. While it’s not the most enjoyable practice, especially in colder months, it makes a noticeable difference in preserving your color. You don’t need to use freezing cold water—just cooler than body temperature will do the trick.
As for hair care products, I swear by New Wash from Hairstory. This detergent-free cleansing balm is gentle on colored hair, and I’ve found that it helps my scalp stay healthy while providing a lot of volume and longer-lasting cleanliness between washes. I don’t use a conditioner since the New Wash provides enough conditioning on its own, and I’ve been using it for almost a year now with excellent results.
In addition to washing less frequently, try to extend the time between washes. Not only does this benefit your hair’s overall health, but it helps keep your color intact for longer. I usually wash my hair about two to three times a week and rely heavily on dry shampoo in between. Bumble and Bumble’s Pret-a-Powder is my go-to for adding volume and texture, and it’s a lifesaver on non-wash days.
When it comes to styling, try to avoid using too much heat, especially from a blow dryer. I prefer to use a Tangle Teezer on my wet hair and let it air dry while I sleep. For styling, I’ve been loving hot rollers lately. They’re much gentler on the hair than a curling wand, and they work wonders on day-old hair. I use Remington hot rollers, which give me the perfect bouncy curls that soften beautifully over time.
Another essential tip is protecting your hair from the sun and chlorine. Prolonged sun exposure can cause red hair to fade, so I always make sure to wear a hat or apply a UV protectant spray before heading outdoors. And when it comes to swimming, never enter a chlorinated pool without covering your hair. Chlorine can wreak havoc on red hair, leaving it dry, damaged, and discolored.
Now, here’s my secret for keeping my red hair vibrant: tinted conditioners. For the past few months, I’ve been using Overtones Vibrant Red and Vibrant Orange conditioners. I mix the two together in the shower to give my hair a color boost and maintain its vibrancy between color appointments. I apply the mixture to my scalp and ends and leave it on for 2-3 minutes before rinsing it out. In the past, I’ve also used Pravana Chromasilk Vivids mixed with my conditioner for a similar effect. There are also other brands like Davines that offer colored conditioners designed specifically for redheads, which I’ve used before with great results.
The more you dye your hair red, the easier it is to maintain the color over time. When I had been a redhead for eight years, the color would stick around much longer, but after taking a break from red, I’ve noticed it fades much more quickly. To keep my roots in check, I get them done every five to six weeks (I have a lot of grey hair), and every two months, I get permanent color on my ends. In between salon visits, I get color glosses to help preserve the hue.
Maintaining red hair may seem like a lot of work, but with the right techniques and products, it’s definitely manageable. I hope these tips will help all the new redheads out there maintain their gorgeous, fiery locks!
