91+ Dark Red Hair Color Ideas for a Bold New You
Whether you’re seeking a subtle burgundy hue or a vibrant maroon, our curated selection of images will suit every preference and skin tone. These shades of dark red can enhance your natural beauty, complement your complexion, and express your personality.
Prepare to turn heads and embody a daring new you with these captivating dark red hair inspirations.
Dark Red Hair Color Advice
While dark red hair is a little easier to maintain than its brighter fire engine counterparts, this particular shade still requires dedication to look pristine.
- Before you even start coloring your hair, figure out your ideal shade, and then make the dye that goes on your head a shade or two darker. No matter how careful you are, red is notorious for fading, especially in the first few days and weeks after you color your hair. Going darker right away ensures it’s more likely the final hue is closer to what you pictured.
- Though it might be tempting to wash and start styling your hair as soon as you get home, hold off for at least 48 hours to give the color time to set properly. This will reduce the amount of pigment that rinses out.
- Make sure you switch out all your hair care products before your next shampoo. Definitely use only shampoo formulated for color-treated hair, but if you can, opt for products specially designed for red dye, like this one from Joico. These specific products tend to act as color intensifiers or color deposits that help maintain tone between salon touch-ups.
- While your hair is colored, don’t skip conditioning it after every wash and occasionally even on its own. Chi makes a conditioner specifically for dark red hair, but any sulfate-free conditioner for dyed locks should generally be safe. Coloring hair tends to dry it out, especially if bleach is involved, so the conditioner adds a needed dose of moisture.
- One of the hardest things to get used to is the water temperature to use. Warm water tends to stip more color and oil, both of which you want to avoid when maintaining a dark red hue. Switch to lukewarm or even cold water when washing and rinsing your tresses instead.
- It’s also important to avoid overwashing your hair. Try to last at least 2-4 days between shampoos, though your stylist will be able to tell you what an ideal schedule is. If you’re not used to the natural oils that build up, or you just want a little extra texture, invest in a tinted dry shampoo like this Rose Gold option from Batiste.
- No matter how careful you and your stylist were, your hair will be a little damaged from the dying process, so avoiding making things worse is essential. Skip using heat when possible, including hairdryers. If you have to use a hot tool, make sure to use a heat protector of some sort. Sprays, like this one from Chi, are usually easiest to distribute evenly.
- Chi also makes a shining spray that helps keep dyed locks from looking dull or lifeless.
- Red hair is also vulnerable to sun damage. If you plan to spend a lot of time outside, consider wearing a hat or adding a hair and scalp SPF into your daily routine, like this one from Coola.
- Though red hair won’t generally turn brassy like blonde hues do, avoid visiting swimming pools unless you have your hair up and out of the water.
Dark Red Hair Color Ideas
