Going from red to brown hair can seem daunting, but it is possible with the right techniques and products. Ash brown is a nice versatile shade that can complement many skin tones. When applying an ash brown color over red hair, there are some important steps to take for the best results.
Preparing the Hair
Before applying an ash brown color, the red pigment in the hair needs to be removed or filled in so the new color applies evenly. There are a couple options for this:
- Use a color remover or pre-treatment to strip out the red pigment.
- Apply a protein filler or opposite color red neutralizer to fill in the hair.
A remover or pre-treatment is best for fading the red more completely. Protein fillers add protein to the hair to even out porosity differences and allow the new color to take evenly.
Choosing the Right Ash Brown Shade
It’s important to choose the right level and tone of ash brown to achieve the desired result:
- Light ash brown shades will appear more cool and ashy against red hair.
- Medium to dark ash brown will have more neutralizing effect against the red pigment.
- Beige ash browns will look more natural and warm.
- Green-based ash browns will neutralize red more effectively.
Doing a strand test can help determine if the ash brown shade you choose will provide enough coverage over the red hue.
Application Techniques
To get an even application of ash brown over red hair:
- Divide hair into sections and use clips to keep hair pulled away from the scalp.
- Apply petroleum jelly around hairline to protect skin.
- Use a tint brush to thoroughly saturate each section of hair with color.
- Leave on for the full development time.
- Rinse and style as usual.
Processing the hair in sections while keeping the color off the scalp will help the new shade take evenly from root to ends.
Maintenance
Maintenance is important for keeping ash brown hair looking fresh and vibrant:
- Use sulfate-free shampoo and cool water washes to keep color lasting longer.
- Apply a weekly conditioning treatment to boost shine and hydration.
- Get a gloss or glaze treatment done every 4-6 weeks to refresh color.
- Use a purple shampoo occasionally to counteract brassiness.
With proper application and maintenance, ash brown can provide beautiful, long-lasting color over red hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the red hair need to be completely stripped out first?
It’s ideal but not entirely necessary to remove all the red first. Using a protein filler or opposite color red neutralizer can prepare the hair enough for the new ash brown color to take. But for the truest ash brown results, removing more of the underlying red pigment is best.
Will ash brown turn out the same over light versus dark red hair?
No, ash brown will look slightly different over lighter versus darker red shades. On light red hair, the ash brown will take on a cooler, icy tone. On darker red hair, it will have more of a neutralizing effect, muting the redness. So the starting shade of red will impact the end result of the ash brown color.
How long does it take for the ash brown to process over red hair?
Plan for a longer processing time of at least 30-45 minutes for the ash brown color to fully take over red hair. The processing time may need to be a bit extended compared to applying the same shade over virgin or pre-lightened hair. Monitor for complete coverage and don’t rinse too soon.
Does ash brown work on natural redheads too?
Yes, natural redheads can also transition their shade to ash brown. The same prep and application steps would apply. The colorist may need to fill in more of the underlying pigment and use an ash brown shade with a strong green or blue base to fully neutralize and cover the natural red hue.
Conclusion
Ash brown can be a beautiful, versatile color option for those with red hair looking to transition to a more neutral brunette shade. With the proper prep, color selection, application, and maintenance, ash brown can provide a rich, cool brown tone that mutes and complements the previous red color. While it requires extra steps compared to application on virgin hair, the patience yields gorgeous results. Work with an experienced colorist to determine the right ash brown shade and process for achieving your ideal brunette hue.
Color Application Over Red Hair Comparison
| Color | Prep Needed | Processing Time | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Ash Brown | Color remover | 30-45 mins | Purple shampoo |
| Medium Ash Brown | Protein filler | 35-50 mins | Gloss treatments |
| Dark Ash Brown | Pre-treatment | 45-60 mins | Moisturizing masks |
This table compares preparation, processing, and maintenance factors for light, medium, and dark ash brown hair color applications over red hair.
The Process of Ash Brown Over Red Hair Step-By-Step
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Remove red pigment with pre-treatment or use filler |
| 2 | Select an ash brown shade with enough cool or green tones |
| 3 | Section hair cleanly and apply color thoroughly from roots to ends |
| 4 | Leave on for full development time |
| 5 | Rinse, condition, and style as normal |
| 6 | Maintain color with sulfate-free shampoo and gloss treatments |
This table provides an overview of the step-by-step process for applying and maintaining an ash brown color over red hair.
With some planning and preparation, ash brown can provide a beautiful cool-toned brunette look for those with red hair seeking a dramatic color change. Consult with a professional colorist to determine the techniques and ash brown shade that will best complement your skin and achieve your ideal version of brown.