Reddish brown is a popular hair color that sits between auburn and light brown on the spectrum. It adds warmth and dimension to hair without being too bold. When looking for a reddish brown hair dye, the exact shade will depend on the brand and formula. But in general, reddish brown hair has undertones of red and copper blended with medium to dark brown tones. The level of vibrancy varies from a subtle red tint to more vibrant crimson shades.
What Makes Hair Reddish Brown
Hair color is made up of the following components:
| Level | Refers to the lightness or darkness of the color from 1 (black) to 10 (lightest blonde) |
| Tone | The hue of the color from warm to cool |
| Intensity | How vivid or muted the color is |
Reddish brown hair combines medium to dark brown base colors (levels 4-5) with red or copper tones. The intensity can range from subtle to more vibrant hues. This gives hair a multi-dimensional look with lots of warmth.
Reddish Brown Hair Dye Options
There are a few ways to achieve a reddish brown hair color:
Permanent Hair Dye
Permanent hair dye penetrates the hair shaft and lasts 4-6 weeks. It provides full coverage for grey hair and allows you to lift or deposit color easily. Popular reddish brown permanent dye shades include:
- Light Auburn Brown
- Medium Auburn Brown
- Dark Auburn Brown
- Light Burgundy Brown
- Medium Burgundy Brown
- Mahogany
- Chestnut
Demi-Permanent Hair Dye
Demi-permanent hair dye coats the cuticle and lasts 4-12 shampoos. It blends grey hair and adds subtle color without lightening. Some demi-permanent reddish brown options:
- Light Red Brown
- Medium Red Brown
- Dark Red Brown
- Soft Auburn
- Warm Copper
Semi-Permanent Hair Dye
Semi-permanent hair dye sits on top of the hair and lasts 3-6 shampoos. It’s great for trying out fashion colors and toning pre-lightened hair. You can find reddish brown semi-permanent colors like:
- Intense Auburn
- Fiery Copper
- Bright Mahogany
Temporary Hair Dye
Temporary hair dye coats the outside of the hair shaft and lasts 1-2 shampoos. It’s a quick fix for color experimentation in sprays, gels, and foams. Options for temporary reddish brown hair include:
- Warm Brown
- Cocoa Brown
- Medium Auburn
How Light Does Your Hair Need to Be?
The starting shade of your natural hair will impact the reddish brown color result. Here are some guidelines:
- Light Blonde to Medium Blonde hair can achieve vibrant red-browns immediately.
- Dark Blonde to Light Brown hair can typically achieve red-browns in one step.
- Medium to Dark Brown hair may need a filler treatment first to add warmth so the red tones show up.
- Black or Dark Brown hair will need to be pre-lightened first before applying reddish brown dye.
Ask your stylist to do a strand test first to determine how light to take your hair. This will prevent over-lightening and ensure the tone looks natural.
How to Maintain Reddish Brown Hair
Reddish brown hair requires some maintenance to keep it looking shiny and vibrant. Here are some tips:
- Use sulfate-free shampoo and cool water to wash hair to minimize fading.
- Use a conditioning mask 1-2 times a week.
- Avoid chlorine and salt water which can strip red tones.
- Use a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner.
- Get a gloss treatment every 4-6 weeks.
- Use an anti-fade toning glaze between color appointments.
With proper care, you can keep your reddish brown hair color fresh and shiny between salon visits.
Best Brands for Reddish Brown Hair Dye
Popular hair color brands that offer reddish brown permanent and semi-permanent dyes include:
| Brand | Reddish Brown Hair Dye Options |
|---|---|
| L’Oreal | Excellence Crème in Light Auburn, Soft Auburn, and Mahogany |
| Clairol | Natural Instincts in Warm Caramel and Cinnamon |
| Revlon | Colorsilk in Medium Auburn and Mahogany |
| Garnier | Nutrisse Ultra Color in R4 Intense Dark Auburn |
| Schwarzkopf | Brilliance in 6.7 Light Chestnut Brown |
| Manic Panic | Semi-permanent in InfraRed and Red Passion |
Ask your stylist which brand and formula they recommend based on your hair type and condition. Ammonia-free dyes are gentler on hair.
How to Dye Hair Reddish Brown at Home
You can easily dye your hair reddish brown at home with good results:
- Pick a color one shade lighter than your target shade, as it will appear darker on hair.
- Always do an allergy patch test first.
- Protect surfaces, clothes and skin from stains.
- Apply petroleum jelly around hairline to avoid staining.
- Follow the timing instructions that come with the dye.
- When rinsing, use lukewarm water until the water runs clear.
- Do a conditioning or repairing hair mask after rinsing.
- Use purple shampoo if hair pulls too orange or brassy.
It’s best to get a professional consultation first if you aren’t experienced with home hair color. They can advise you on the right shade and formula.
Conclusion
Reddish brown offers a perfect balance of vibrant color without being overpowering. The key is choosing the right undertone and intensity to complement your complexion and style. Look for shades like light auburn, dark burgundy, or copper mahogany. Maintain your new color with sulfate-free hair products and gloss treatments. Reddish brown hair makes a gorgeous statement while still looking polished and natural.
