Red hair dye is a popular and fun way to change up your look. However, it can be tricky to dye over, as red has a tendency to bleed through other colors. The good news is that there are options for effectively dyeing over red hair dye. With some planning and the right hair color products, you can successfully achieve a new hair color.
How Red Hair Dye Works
To understand how to dye over red hair, it helps to know how red hair dye works in the first place. Red hair dye contains pigments that deposit into the hair cuticle, or outer layer of the hair strand. The most common red pigments are synthetic versions of the natural red pigment melanin.
Red dye molecules are relatively large compared to other hair dye pigments. This makes red color especially prone to fading, but also means it can be stubborn to cover. When dyeing over red hair, the red pigments can continue to reflect through the new color.
What Factors Determine Results Dyeing Over Red
There are a few key factors that determine how successful you will be in dyeing over red hair:
Current Red Hair Color
The shade of red you currently have makes a difference. Light coppery reds are easier to dye over than vivid reds or wines. If your red is more of an orangey tone, it will be simpler to cover. The darker and more vibrant the red, the harder it will be to achieve full coverage.
Hair Porosity
Porosity refers to your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture and color. Those with high porosity hair, which is damaged or over-processed, will have an easier time dyeing over red. The cuticles are opened up and will allow better penetration of new color. Lower porosity hair will cause more fading and make it harder to cover red tones.
Desired New Hair Color
What color you want to switch to impacts the dyeing process. Cooler shades like ash blondes and platinum are very difficult to achieve directly over red, even with strong bleach. Warm shades like strawberry blonde, auburn, or chocolate brown will mask red much more easily.
Best Colors to Dye Over Red
While no new color will completely erase your red shade, some options do a better job of covering it up. Here are the best hair color choices for dyeing over red:
Warm Brown
Warm medium to dark brown shades are a good pick to dye over red hair. They are dark enough to overpower red tones while still complementing the warmth. Make sure to use an ash-free, golden or reddish brown.
Auburn
Auburn is an ideal choice for going over red hair dye. It incorporates red tones while darkening the overall color. An auburn shade with hints of gold will help cancel out the vibrant red. Using a demi-permanent formula will also soften the underlying red hair dye.
Copper and Strawberry Blonde
For lighter coverage over red, copper and strawberry blonde work well. These shades have enough warmth to mask most red hues. Focus on golden copper with hints of red for the best camouflaging effect. Avoid ash or beige blondes, which won’t counteract red tones as effectively.
Black
Going to a jet black shade is one foolproof option for covering bright red hair dye. The dense, dark pigments overwhelm any vibrancy from the red. Use a color-depositing black formula for intense coverage. However, this route can look severe and be damaging to your hair.
Preparing Hair to Dye Over Red
Proper preparation is key to getting the new color you want over your red hair dye:
Start with Clarifying Shampoo
Use a clarifying shampoo several times to start the process of stripping some of the red color. Clarifying shampoo can help remove buildup and fade the red tones.
Lighten First with Bleach
For drastic color changes like going blonde or light brown over red, bleaching first is advised. Bleach will lift and strip away some of the red shade to make it easier to cover. Be cautious not to over-bleach, which can damage your hair.
Use Color Remover
Color remover products can also help strip away some of the artificial red dye molecules before applying new color. This will ensure the new shade takes better without red undertones peeking through.
Do a Strand Test
Testing a small section of hair with the new dye helps you determine if the color will adequately cover the red. If the red still shows through strongly, tweak your technique or try a darker shade.
Application Tips for Dyeing Over Red
Follow these tips when applying new color over red hair:
Opt for Permanent Dye
Stick to permanent color rather than semi- or demi-permanent dyes which won’t cover red as effectively. Permanent color has more concentrated pigments that take better and last longer.
Apply Thoroughly from Roots to Ends
Apply the new dye generously throughout all your hair, roots to ends. Don’t skimp on the ends or red will still peek through. Work the dye thoroughly into every section.
Leave on Longer
For stubborn red tones, leaving permanent dye on for the maximum processing time allows for deeper penetration of pigment. Follow the timing directions, but don’t rinse early.
Finish with a Toning Product
Using a toner or glaze after dyeing can help neutralize any remaining red tones. Opt for the opposite tone of your current red on the color wheel for the best toning results.
Best Products for Dyeing Over Red
Using quality color-safe hair products maximizes your chances for success when dyeing over red:
Clarifying Shampoo – Redken Heavy Cleansing Cream Shampoo
| Brand | Redken |
| Key Features | Removes buildup, chlorine, and minerals; Makes hair more receptive to new color |
| Price | $25 for 33.8 oz |
Bleach – Schwarzkopf Blond Me Premium Lift 9″
| Brand | Schwarzkopf |
| Key Features | Lifts up to 9 levels; No brassiness; Leaves hair in ideal condition for dyeing |
| Price | $10 for 1.4 oz packet |
Color Remover – L’Oreal Paris Colorist Secrets
| Brand | L’Oreal Paris |
| Key Features | Perm. color eraser; Lifts artificial dye molecules; Won’t lighten natural color |
| Price | $12 for 1.5 oz |
Permanent Dye – Revlon Colorsilk Luminista
| Brand | Revlon |
| Key Features | Triple-protein blend for softness; Vibrant ammonia-free color |
| Price | $6 for 1.75 oz |
Maintenance Tips for Dyed Hair
To keep your new color looking fresh and avoid red bleeding through again:
– Use color-safe sulfate-free shampoo and cool water washes
– Skip clarify shampoo, which can strip colour
– Use a weekly strengthening conditioner mask
– Gloss at home with toning products as needed
– Avoid pool/ocean water which can draw out red tones
– Use heat protectant spray before hot styling tools
– Get regular trims to remove any leftover red ends
– Repeat dyeing process as your roots grow out
Conclusion
While dyeing over vibrant red hair can be tricky, it is possible with the right techniques and preparation. For best results, start by clarifying and lightening the red, choose a shade like warm brown or copper blonde that complements red tones, use a permanent formula, apply thoroughly, and maintain your color with toning products. With patience and care for your hair health, you can successfully rock a brand new color.
