When considering what color to dye over red hair, there are a few factors to keep in mind. The existing shade of red, whether it has warmth or coolness to it, will impact how new colors show up. You’ll also want to consider your base hair color and how dramatically you want to shift your look. With some thought beforehand, you can find gorgeous options to put over red hair.
Go Darker With Brown
One simple option for changing up red hair is to go darker with a rich brown shade. This can provide a beautiful dimension while subtly muting the existing red tones. Opt for a chocolate brown or espresso hue to make a bold statement. Or try a warmer chestnut brown to complement your complexion.
When applying a dark brown dye over red hair that hasn’t been pre-lightened, it typically won’t cover the red completely or evenly. You’ll end up with a dimensional look, almost like highlighted strands of red peeking through. This can give a fun lived-in vibe.
If your heart is set on complete coverage, aim for a lighter brown. Medium to light brown shades will more fully saturate over red hair not pre-lightened. Just keep in mind that these lighter browns have a higher potential for looking brassy over red hair.
Go Lighter With Blonde
For a dramatic change of pace from your red hair, try lightening it up with blonde. Shades of golden blonde, strawberry blonde, ash blonde, and buttery blonde can all look beautiful over red hair.
When applying blonde dye over red hair, there is often leftover red or orange underlying pigment. This leads to a final look of coppery or strawberry toned blonde. If you want an ultra light platinum blonde, you’ll likely need to pre-lighten your hair first to avoid brassiness.
No matter what level of lift you’re going for, use a toner or glazing product after lightening to reduce unwanted warm undertones. Choose a violet-based toner for ashier cool blonde results or try a blue-based toner if aiming for a beige neutral blonde.
Add Dimension With Highlights
Rather than covering your red hair completely with an all-over color, try adding lighter highlights for dimension. Face-framing highlights around the hairline and crown can beautifully brighten up red hair. Lighter babylights throughout the length add shape and movement.
For a natural sunkissed look, opt for golden, butterscotch, or honey-toned highlights on light to medium red shades. On darker auburn or burgundy red hair, go for beige-blonde or ash-blonde highlights to better neutralize the warmth.
You can either do full balayage or partial foil highlights. Balayage blending provides a softer grow-out, while foils deliver more defined streaks of lightness. Use a demi-permanent or permanent color for longer lasting highlights.
Try Adding Depth With Lowlights
Instead of lightening your red hair, you can also go the opposite route and add darker lowlights. This gives a rich multidimensional effect. Chocolate brown, chestnut, and espresso lowlights pair beautifully with light to medium red hair shades.
Strategically placed lowlights around the crown and sides of the face can subtly contour your cut. Lowlights throughout the mid-lengths and ends also help ground lighter or faded red hair colors. Use a demi-permanent or permanent color for max lasting power.
Change Your Tone With Gloss
For a sheer tone-shifting effect over red hair, try an all-over color gloss treatment. These deposit semi-permanent color without lightening or drastically changing your shade.
A red tone gloss adds vibrancy back into faded red hair and can shift the warmth or coolness. Try a blue-red to cool down orangey hair or reach for a copper-red to liven up faded auburn.
You can also use a clear neutral gloss to tone down unwanted brassiness in red hair and provide a healthy glossy finish.
Consider Reducing Fade With A Color-Locking Service
No matter what new color you put over your red hair, the results will only be temporary if you don’t combat fade. Red dye molecules are the smallest of all hair color pigments. This allows them to easily wash out and oxidize over time.
After coloring, have your stylist apply a color-locking service. These seal the hair cuticle to lock in color pigments and prevent fading. Brands like Redken, Schwarzkopf, and Olaplex offer excellent professional color-locking treatments.
You can also do at-home color-depositing treatments between salon visits. Weekly toning masks and glossing treatments will reinforce your new hair color.
Consider Trying Temporary Color Options First
Before committing to a permanent dye job, you may want to experiment with some temporary color options over your red hair. That way you can test drive a new shade without long-term effects.
Temporary rinse-out colors last only 1-2 shampoos but can give you an idea of what darker, lighter, or different tones could look like. There are also permanent hair makeup options like hair chalk, colored hair sprays, and root touch-up powders.
Don’t be afraid to get creative and play around. You can always re-dye back to a red shade if you don’t like your temporary color change.
Consult With A Colorist
If you want professional guidance tailored to your specific hair, consult with a knowledgeable hair colorist. Describe your current shade of red, your natural hair color, and examples of any desired changes.
A pro colorist will take your hair goals, skin tone, eye color, and lifestyle needs into account. They can assess your hair to recommend shades that will cover, complement, or enhance your existing red hue.
With a custom formulated color and professional application, you’re much more likely to achieve beautiful results.
Maintain Your New Color
No matter what new shade you put over existing red hair, be diligent about proper color maintenance. Use a sulfate-free color-safe shampoo and wash hair in cool water when possible. Limit washing to every 2-3 days.
Use a weekly strengthening hair mask or conditioning treatment to boost shine and keep color looking rich. Exposure to chlorine, sun, and heat styling can accelerate fading, so take protective measures.
Schedule occasional glossing or toning treatments in between salon visits. And when roots start to grow in, make touch-up appointments so your new color doesn’t look grown out.
Conclusion
Changing your hair color can be exciting but also nerve-wracking. Take your time considering what shades and styles might look best before taking the plunge. Research helpful tips, ask your stylist questions, and feel confident knowing you can always re-dye it if you don’t like the results.
Whatever beautiful new color you choose to put over your red hair, implement good care and maintenance practices. This will keep your new shade looking salon-fresh for as long as possible.
With a knowledgeable colorist and the right preparation, you can achieve a gorgeous transformation. So don’t be afraid to experiment and find a look that makes you feel your very best.
