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Secrets to Rocking Red Hair Without Fading

When it comes to eye-catching hair colors, red stands out above all the rest. With so many shades to choose from ranging from soft strawberry blonde to fiery copper, to deep burgundy there is a shade of red that will flatter everyone. Red is a coveted hair color that nearly everyone has considered at some point or another, though not everyone is daring enough to try it. Whether it’s the fear that they won’t be able to pull it off or the daunting task of maintaining a fiery mane we’re here to dispel your fears and help you learn how to keep gorgeous red hair vibrant for as long as possible. 

Why Does Red Hair Fade So Fast?

The answer to this question can be found at the molecular level. You see, red dye molecules are larger than the molecules of any other color of hair dye. This means that they cannot penetrate as deeply into the hair shaft as other colors can. Most of the red dye rests on or near the surface where it is more easily damaged and washed away. But the larger molecules are also what gives red its unmatched vibrancy. The key is learning to maintain it.

Slow Down the Fade

The number one thing that you can do to help your red color last is to shampoo less often. Every time you shampoo you wash away a little more color, so the more often you suds up the sooner your red will start to fade. Instead of lathering up daily try shampooing only a couple of times per week. You can use a tinted dry shampoo between washes to keep your hair fresh. You’ll also want to invest in a salon-quality shampoo and conditioner that is sulfate free and formulated specifically for color-treated hair.

Be Careful Around Water

When the weather is hot, swimming is one of the best ways to cool off, but it can be a nightmare for your hair color. The chlorine and other harsh pool chemicals damage and fade your color, and salt water can dry your strands out leaving them looking lackluster. A swim cap is your hair’s best friend when it comes to maintaining a vibrant color while still enjoying a summer swim. Or if you don’t plan on going under, simply pile your hair on top of your head in a cute bun and keep it high and dry. 

Reduce Heat and Stay Out of the Sun

Heat and sun are not your friends when you’re trying to maintain vibrant red hair color. To minimize UV damage from the sun, keep your strands shaded with a hat or apply a hair sunscreen product before venturing outdoors. If you find yourself without a hat or sunscreen, pin your hair up in a braid or bun to minimize UV exposure. Allow your hair to air dry as much as possible and opt for no heat styling methods whenever you can to protect from heat damage. For those times that you must heat style your tresses keep a thermal protectant on hand to minimize the heat damage.

Glaze It

To ensure your color lasts as long as possible ask your colorist to seal it with a glaze.  Not only will a glaze give you an incredible boost of shine, but it also forms a protective barrier that seals color in and prevents damage. A color glaze also comes in handy when your color finally does begin to fade by depositing a wash of color on your strands to brighten them back up.

Now that you know how to easily keep red hair bright and beautiful, come see the expert colorists at 209 Salon. We’ll help you choose your perfect ginger shade and create a custom color that will turn heads wherever you go. It’s time you had the red hair of your dreams! Give us a call at 972.548.2815 or use our online booking tool to schedule your hair color appointment today. You can find us at 5801 Virginia Parkway, Suite #204 in McKinney. If you’d like to book your appointments, get appointment reminders, specials, and more, you can download our free mobile app available on iTunes and Google Play.