Rose red is a unique hair color that falls between the shades of copper and red on the color spectrum. It is often described as a deep yet vibrant reddish-pink hue. Rose red hair color has become increasingly popular in recent years as people look to achieve a fun and eye-catching hair color.
What Causes Rose Red Hair Color?
Rose red hair gets its distinctive color from the pigment pheomelanin. This pigment produces hues that range from red to orange to yellow. The specific concentration and distribution of pheomelanin in the hair shaft creates the rose red color. Those with naturally higher levels of pheomelanin tend to have auburn or strawberry blonde hair. To achieve a true rose red shade requires artificially boosting the pheomelanin content.
This is typically done through the use of hair dye or other chemical hair coloring treatments. Semi-permanent and demi-permanent hair dyes can deposit pheomelanin dyes into the hair shaft to boost the red tones. Permanent hair dye uses a two step process of lightening the existing hair color, then depositing artificial red pigment. The specific choice of dye and application technique will affect whether a natural-looking rose red or a bolder rose red color is achieved.
What is the Hex Code for Rose Red?
In color theory, rose red is considered to be a tertiary color formed by combining the primary colors red and violet. This mixing of a strong warm red with a cool undertone purple produces the soft reddish-pink characteristic of rose red hair.
The hexadecimal or HTML color code that most closely represents the rose red hair color is #FF007F. Breaking this code down:
- FF stands for the highest amount (255) of red
- 00 stands for the absence of green
- 7F stands for a medium amount (127) of blue
This combination of full red mixed with a little blue captures that pinkish quality of rose red hair. The hex code #FF007F displays as a rich, vivid reddish-pink color. Other similar hex codes for rose red hair are #FF6B81, #FF5988, and #F64A8A.
How Does Rose Red Differ from Other Red Hair Colors?
There are a wide variety of natural and dyed red hair colors that are similar but have key differences from classic rose red:
| Red Hair Color | Description |
|---|---|
| Strawberry blonde | Much lighter, subtle mix of blonde and red |
| Auburn | Darker red-brown shade |
| Copper | Warmer, more orangey red |
| Burgundy | Very dark blood red tone |
| Pink | Lighter, diluted red; more pastel |
Rose red stands apart from other red hair colors thanks to its vividness and cool undertones. It avoids being too overpowering like an auburn red or too washed out like a strawberry blonde. The hint of purple sets it apart from a copper shade. Rose red is definitely a statement color for those looking to stand out from the crowd.
Natural Rose Red Hair
Naturally occurring rose red hair without any hair dye is relatively rare. Only 2% of the population has natural red hair of any kind. Of those, a smaller subset will have the light and cool-toned pheomelanin ratio that produces true rose red shades.
Those with natural rose red hair likely have genetic variants leading to high pheomelanin production. The MC1R gene mutation prevalent in redheads boosts pheomelanin synthesis. Additional genetic factors can influence the specific red hue that results. A VAL59MET variant leads to light copper red hair. An Arg151Cys variant produces deeper auburn red tones. The combination of multiple pheomelanin-boosting mutations could theoretically lead to natural rose red hair.
Ethnic background can also play a role. Rose red shades occur more frequently in those with Northern or Eastern European ancestry. The coolest red tones tend to appear in those with Celtic, Germanic, Baltic, or Scandinavian heritage where red hair genetic variants are most common.
Dyeing Hair Rose Red
Since true natural rose red hair is so rare, most people use hair dye to achieve this quintessential red hair color. There are a few approaches to dyeing hair rose red:
- Permanent dye – Uses ammonia & peroxide to open the cuticle and fully penetrate the hair shaft. Provides longest lasting color but can damage hair.
- Demi-permanent dye – Deposits color without lightening. Less damaging but fades faster than permanent dye.
- Semi-permanent dye – Coats the outside of the hair strand. Subtle color that washes out quickly.
- Red hair toner – Used after bleaching to neutralize brassiness and enhance red tones.
- Red hair gloss – Deposits vibrant red color without lift or lightening.
The starting natural hair color will influence the dyeing approach. Light to medium blonde hair can go rose red with semi- or demi-permanent dye. Darker hair needs lightened first before applying red permanent or demi-permanent color. Brassy orange hair may need a red toner to neutralize those warm overtones.
No matter the application method, rose red hair color requires significant upkeep. The vivid color molecules are large and will fade quickly with washes. Using color-protecting shampoo and conditioner helps extend time between dyeing sessions. Reddish or pink-hued glosses keeps the color fresh between salon appointments.
Skin Tone Considerations
The right rose red hair hue for you will depend on your skin’s undertones. Those with warm, peach undertones can pull off a brighter, more coppery rose red. People with cool pink or red undertones will look best in a blue-based rose red shade. Medium neutral skin tones can go either way.
You’ll also want to consider your eye color when choosing a rose red hair color. The shade should complement rather than clash with your eyes. Blue, green and hazel eyes look great with any rose red tone. Brown eyes pair best with red-leaning rose reds. Avoid matching a lighter rose red directly to light eyes or it may be too washed out.
Rose Red Hair Care
Regular hair care is especially important for maintaining a bold rose red hair color. Here are some tips:
- Wash with lukewarm water to prevent color fading
- Use sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo and conditioner
- Apply hair masks or oils to keep hair from drying out
- Rinse with cold water to boost shine
- Blow dry gently on a lower heat setting
- Use heat protectant spray before hot tools
- Trim regularly to remove dry ends
Being extra gentle when washing and styling prevents the rose red color from oxidizing and fading too quickly. Keeping hair conditioned prevents the brassiness that can develop as the color fades. Regular trims will nip damage in the bud before it travels too far up the hair shaft.
How to Maintain Rose Red Hair Color
As a vibrant fashion hair color, rose red requires frequent salon visits to touch up the roots and refresh the dye. Permanent rose red color may only last 4-6 weeks before obvious regrowth and fading occurs. Semi-permanent or demi-permanent dyes begin to wash out after 6-10 shampoos.
Some tips for maintaining rose red hair color include:
- Use at-home toning glosses between salon visits
- Book touch up appointments every 4-6 weeks
- Use Olaplex or protein treatments to repair damage
- Rotate between different red dye shades
- Gradually transition color as your hair grows out
Switching between similar shades of rose red, copper, auburn, and red keeps the color looking its best. Booking salon appointments before the fade becomes too noticeable prevents a demarcation line. Olaplex bonding treatments or protein-rich conditioning masks help strengthen hair against color damage.
How Long Does Rose Red Hair Color Last?
How long rose red hair color lasts depends on several factors:
- Natural hair color – Darker hair holds color longer than light hair
- Coloring technique – Permanent dye lasts longer than semi- or demi-permanent
- Hair health – Color adheres better to healthy, conditioned hair
- Hair products – Sulfate-free products extend color life
- Heat styling – Frequent hot tool use fades color quicker
On average, permanent rose red hair color applied to pre-lightened hair will last around 4-6 weeks before fading or becoming brassy. Semi-permanent dyes start to wash out after 6-10 shampoos. Maximizing color retention comes down to conditioning treatments, protective styling, and scheduling those touch ups.
Rose Red Hair Style Ideas
A breezy, loose hairstyle allows you to show off the dimension of rose red hair. Try styling it in waves or curls to accentuate the color. Off-center parts and messy braids also complement the casual vibe of rose red locks.
If your hair is straight, add loose curls or waves with a curling wand, rollers, or braids. A middle or side part lets the color shine. For short hair, sweeping the front pieces to the side creates a cute rounded shape.
Updos like buns, fishtail braids, and half-up styles work for balancing rose red hair with a formal outfit. Slick high ponytails make the most of the color’s richness. Just be sure to touch up the grown-out roots if wearing hair all pulled back.
Celebrities with Rose Red Hair
Many celebrities have rocked rose red locks for a major style transformation. Here are a few of the most memorable rose red hair looks:
- Emma Stone – Wavy rose red bob cut
- Ariel Winter – Long straight rose red hair
- Debra Messing – Shoulder length rose red curls
- Jessica Chastain – Loose retro waves in rose red
- Karen Gillan – Bright rose red long hair
Rose red hair makes a fun and edgy statement on the red carpet. It pairs well with fair skin and light eyes found on many actresses. The cool pinkish tone flatters complexions with red undertones. As a lively but not overly bold red, rose red hair color lets actresses stand out while still looking classically beautiful.
Conclusion
With its warm yet cool undertones, rose red hair is an attention-getting color that flatters most skin tones. The soft reddish-pink shade requires careful styling and frequent touch ups. But the playful pop of color and multidimensional shine is worth the effort. As a flirty twist on traditional reds, rose red hair makes for an exciting hair transformation.
