Yes, it is possible to dye dark hair red but there are some important factors to consider first. The existing color of your hair, whether it has been chemically treated before, and your desired shade of red will all impact the dyeing process and results. With the right hair dye and proper techniques, even very dark brunette or black hair can be lightened and toned to a vibrant copper, auburn or cherry red.
Can You Dye Black Hair Red?
Black hair can absolutely be dyed red but it often requires more work than lighter shades of brown. The dark pigment in black hair tends to be more stubborn and resistant to lightening. Coloring very dark hair red may take multiple steps over several days or weeks. It also depends on how light you want to go – trying to achieve a pale ginger shade requires more lifting of base color than a deeper burgundy red. Patience and the right products are key.
Can You Dye Brown Hair Red?
Yes, brown hair can be easily dyed red. Starting with a lighter brown base means less pre-lightening is necessary before applying red hair dye. Light to medium brunette shades usually only need a simple color gloss or single process application of an intense red hair color to achieve vibrant red hues. As with black hair, a very pale red on dark brown hair is harder to accomplish in one session. But rich auburn, copper and cherry reds work beautifully over brown hair.
What is Required to Dye Dark Hair Red?
To successfully dye black or dark brown hair red, here is what’s required:
| Pre-lightener or bleach | Lightens the underlying pigment so red dye will show through |
| 20 or 30 volume developer | Mixed with lightener to penetrate and lift dark strands |
| Toner or protein filler | Neutralizes brassiness and prepares hair after lightening |
| Red hair dye | Semi-permanent or permanent formula in desired red shade |
| Damage repair treatment | Deep conditioning mask to hydrate and nourish hair |
Can You Go Red in One Day?
It is very difficult to achieve a vivid red hair color in one single day, especially when starting with very dark hair. Most black to red or dark brown to red transformations require multiple processes over a few weeks. Here are some tips for maximizing red dye results in one day:
- Use an at-home lightener kit 1-2 weeks before coloring for initial lifting of base pigment
- Choose a darker red – this requires less pre-lightening than copper or ginger reds
- Use a salon-quality permanent color for longer lasting results
- Target very thin sections of hair to help color penetrate better
While going red in one day is challenging, following these steps will get you closer to your desired shade. Maintain vibrancy with red-toning gloss treatments.
Step By Step Process to Dye Dark Hair Red
Follow these key steps to successfully dye black or dark brown hair to a vibrant red shade:
- Pre-lighten hair: Lighten your dark strands with bleach and 20 or 30 volume developer. Target 2-3 shades lighter than your natural color. Rinse thoroughly.
- Tone and fill hair: Apply a protein filler or purple toner to balance brassiness and ensure the hair can hold vivid red pigment.
- Shampoo and condition: Use a moisturizing shampoo and repairing hair mask or treatment.
- Dye hair red: Work the semi-permanent or permanent red formula through freshly shampooed hair. Process for 30-45 minutes.
- Rinse and dry: Rinse dye thoroughly until water runs clear. Blot hair partially dry.
- Finish and maintain: Apply a hydrating leave-in conditioner or oil to boost shine. Refresh color with red gloss treatments as needed.
Best Red Hair Dyes for Dark Hair
Shop for high quality permanent and semi-permanent red hair dyes that work especially well on brunette and black hair:
| Wella Color Charm Liquid Gel | Salon-grade permanent dye with intense red pigments |
| Clairol Natural Instincts | Vibrant, ammonia-free permanent red shades |
| Schwarzkopf Absolutes | Long-lasting permanent reds for dark hair |
| Manic Panic Classic Cream Formula | Vivid, damage-free semi-permanent red dye |
| Punky Colour Semi-Permanent Conditioning Formula | Moisturizing and easy to remove red shades |
| Arctic Fox Semi-Permanent Hair Color | Fade-resistant reds made with natural ingredients |
How to Maintain Dyed Red Hair
Preserving your new vibrant red hair color requires some adjustments to your regular hair care routine. Here are some tips:
- Wash hair less often, only 1-2 times per week to prevent fading
- Rinse with cooler water and use a sulfate-free color-safe shampoo
- Apply a weekly hydrating hair mask to prevent brassiness
- Use purple shampoo to keep red tones fresh between dye jobs
- Avoid chlorine, salt water, and hot styling tools that can fade color
- Refresh with a red hair gloss or semi-permanent dye every 4-6 weeks
With the right maintenance regimen, your vibrant red hair color can last for many weeks!
How Long Does Red Hair Dye Last on Dark Hair?
How long your red hair color lasts depends on several factors:
- Natural hair color – Red fades quicker on darker bases than light ones
- Dye formula – Permanent dyes last 4-6 weeks. Semi-permanent dyes fade after 6-12 washes.
- Hair porosity – More porous hair often absorbs dye better for longer lasting color.
- Maintenance routine – Frequent washing, heat styling, and sun exposure fade red hair dye faster.
Generally, permanent red hair dye can last 4-6 weeks on dark brown or black hair. Semi-permanent red dye may start fading after 6-10 washes. Extend the vibrancy with at-home gloss or root touch-up treatments.
Risks and Considerations When Dyeing Dark Hair Red
While going red can be beautiful on dark hair, consider these risks and factors first:
- Requires pre-lightening – This can cause damage if hair isn’t strong and healthy first.
- Can experience brassiness – Dark hair reveals warm undertones when lifted, requiring toning.
- Multiple dye sessions may be needed – Achieving a dramatic color change takes time.
- Red is difficult to remove – It may require many treatments over months to return to your natural shade.
- Will need frequent touch-ups – Red hair dye fades quickly and requires maintenance.
Analyze hair’s condition, set realistic expectations, and maintain diligence with at-home care and gloss treatments for best results dyeing dark hair red.
Conclusion
Although it requires more work, even very dark brunette and black hair can successfully be dyed a beautiful red shade. Pre-lightening dark strands with bleach is crucial before applying red color. A step by step process, high quality permanent or semi-permanent dyes, and proper maintenance will create vibrant, lasting results. With realistic expectations and TLC, red hair dye can look gorgeous against a dark base.
