Going from red to brown hair can absolutely be done, but it requires some planning and care to make the transition successfully. When going from a lighter shade to a darker one, there are a few considerations:
Preparing the Hair
The first step is preparing the hair for the color change. Red hair, especially vibrant or artificial shades, have a strong underlying pigment built up from previous coloring services. A color remover or pre-pigment treatment is usually needed to strip out the red tones so the new brown color can take evenly.
Using a clarifying shampoo to open up the cuticle and remove product buildup is also recommended before coloring. And protecting the hair’s condition with a conditioning treatment or mask can help counteract the drying effects of color stripping and coloring procedures.
Choosing the Brown Shade
When going from red to brown, match the depth and tone of the new brown shade to your natural or intended hair color level. Staying in the same depth family will make the changemore subtle. If the brown is too light or warm, reddish undertones may still come through.
Cooler brown shades counteract and cover reddish pigments more effectively. Chocolate browns and ash browns are a good choice. Adding a touch of green pigment with a green-based gloss can also help neutralize red tones.
Color Application
It’s best to have your color formulation and application done professionally in a salon. The stylist can assess your hair’s current state and exact shade, then determine the correct pigments and procedure to reach the brown color.
Lighter red shades can sometimes go directly to brown, but darker reds usually require pre-lightening first to get light enough for the brown to show. Bleaching opens up the cuticle for maximum color saturation.
The developer volume and timing during application influences how light the hair becomes. Toners and glazes can customize the final shade after coloring.
Maintenance
Because red pigment tends to linger, maintenance is required when transitioning from red to brown. Following up with glossing or toning treatments helps reinforce the brown shade. Using color-depositing shampoo and conditioner can also help neutralize red tones as they fade.
Avoiding heat styling and sun exposure will prevent accelerated fading of brown color. And you may need to stay on a regular touch-up schedule to keep new growth looking seamless.
Tips for Red to Brown Success
Here are some top tips to ensure a smooth and successful transition from red to brown hair:
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Remove artificial red dye | Use a color remover to strip permanent/artificial red shades |
| Shampoo before coloring | Clarify with a shampoo to open cuticle and prep for new color |
| Protect strands | Use conditioning treatment to reduce stress from chemical services |
| Customize brown pigments | Add green/blue tones to neutralize red; boost cool ash tones |
| Lighten sufficiently | Lift hair light enough for true brown to develop if needed |
| Reinforce with toners/glosses | Use toners and color glosses to reinforce brown tones and prevent fading |
What About Dyeing Dark Brown to Light Brown?
Going from a darker shade of brown to a lighter brown color is less complicated than red to brown, but still requires some caution. Lightening dark hair opens the cuticle and removes underlying pigment just like lightening red hair.
It’s important to avoid using bleach or higher volumes of developer when going from dark to light brown because it can cause damage. The safest method is using a demi-permanent color or gloss to lift dark hair 1-2 shades lighter into the medium to light brown family.
An ammonia-free hair color designed for dark hair will help avoid brassiness and cause less stress. Pre-softening and protecting the hair cuticle will allow for gentler lightening. And a toner can perfect the final tone after lightening.
What’s the Timeline for Transitioning Hair Color?
When transitioning from one hair color to another dramatically different shade, patience is required. Completely changing over from red to brown cannot be done with just one salon visit.
Plan for at least 2-3 salon coloring services spaced 4-6 weeks apart. The initial shift into a brown base color will take the first appointment. Second and third sessions allow for tweaking the tone, removing any stubborn areas of old color, and balancing new growth coming in.
At home, schedule regular glossing treatments every 2-4 weeks to reinforce the new color. Over time, the shade adjustment will fully take hold. Each retouch will get you closer to your goals.
What About Bleaching Red Hair Blonde?
For redheads who want to go lighter instead of darker, bleaching bright or dark red shades platinum blonde is possible but challenging. As with any dramatic lightening, it should only be done by an experienced colorist.
Red tones are very strong and tend to linger under lighter bleached shades, causing unwanted orange, copper, or brassy results. Using a violet-based toner can help neutralize red/orange after bleaching. And avoiding porous over-bleached areas is important to prevent hot roots.
Alternatively, a method called color melting can lift red gradually to pale blonde tones using lighter permanent colors plus bond protectors. This minimizes damage if you can be patient through the multi-step process over months.
How Long Does It Take to Go From Red to Brown?
Transitioning from red to brown hair takes time, but the rewards are worth it. Here’s a general timeline:
Initial appointment: 4-5 hours with a colorist to strip red pigment, pre-lighten, and apply brown color
2 weeks later: Glossing treatment to reinforce brown tones for 45 min – 1 hour
4 weeks later: Second color with toning to perfect shade and match new growth for 2-3 hours
6-8 weeks later: Final touch up and toning session to complete the transition 1-2 hours
After the initial switch, maintaining the shade with repeat glossing or toning every 4-6 weeks will ensure your new brown color stays vibrant and true.
Conclusion
Redheads looking to change over to shades of brunette can absolutely do so with careful planning and patience. Removing the underlying red pigment is key, then applying brown tones designed to neutralize reddish hues. Working gradually with a skilled colorist ensures the healthiest way to transition hair color.
While it can’t happen overnight, the process of going from red to brown hair can reveal an exciting new version of yourself! With the right timing and techniques, you’ll be a radiant brunette before you know it.
