How To Rock Red Hair

Posted: 22 Jun 2011 08:00 AM PDT

Red hair is definitely all the rage with stars like Khloe Kardashian, Rihanna and Emma Stone all opting for auburn locks. Considering reverting to red yourself? Check out these steps to consider as you jump on the rockin' red bandwagon!

Step 1 – Make Sure You're Healthy

Not only does red hair tend to show damage more than other colors, if your hair is dry or damaged to begin with, it will have a difficult time holding the color. Red tends to fade easily even with healthy hair, so get your money and efforts' worth by prepping your hair properly. Maintain a good hair regimen of regular trims (most people should get a haircut every six to eight weeks to remove split or dry ends) in addition to a weekly deep conditioning treatment to prime your hair for making the jump to red.

Step #2 – Choose the Right Shade

Just about anyone can wear red hair as long as they choose the right shade! Whether you have a warm or a cool skin tone plays a large role in what shade of red will compliment you the best. If you have golden, olive or dark skin and brown or dark eyes, (most Latinas, Asians and African Americans fall into this category), you likely have a warm skin tone. Conversely, if you have fair skin and green or blue eyes, you likely have a cool skin tone. Another indicator is if your skin tans easily, you have a warm skin tone and if you burn easily, you have a cool skin tone. If you fall somewhere in between (sometimes tanning and sometimes burning), you likely fall into the warm category.

Women with a warm skin tone look best with a dark auburn or burgundy hue. Stylists advise cool skinned women to choose a light, coppery shade or strawberry blonde. Those with a medium complexion can go with a medium copper or auburn tone. A good rule of thumb to go by is to not go more than two shades lighter than your natural color. Additionally, if you are ready to go red, consult a stylist about a shade and have your hair professionally done. Red can be quite tricky and color corrections are pricey and cause unnecessary stress to your strands!

Step #3 – Protect Your Color

Redheads are more prone to UV fading than other colors and red hair color oxidizes faster than any others as well. Therefore if you’re going to spend a lot of time outdoors, use a styling product that contains UV filters or throw a fabulous hat or scarf over your strands. Split ends are also more obvious on bright red hair. Get your ends trimmed regularly and strengthen your tresses with a hot oil treatment like V05 Hot Oil Moisturizing Treatment. Cleanse colored red hair with a shampoo and conditioner especially for color-treated hair. Some of our top picks are: Madder Root Shampoo and Conditioner by Aveda, Bumble and Bumble Color Support Shampoo and Conditioner, Redkin Color Extend Shampoo and Conditioner and John Frieda Radiant Red Color Keep Anti-Fade Shampoo. Try and go easy on the heat styling and if your hair has frizz, use your favorite shine serum to smooth it down and give your red look the perfect finishing touch!

Step #4 – Rock Your Red!

Add corals, teals, navys, browns, blacks, golds and nudes to your wardrobe in a variety of textures to really accent your red locks. Wear rose gold jewelry to complement your ravishing red and make your color appear more intense. Think pink! Contrary to old-fashioned thought, pink lip color and blush look gorgeous on redheads. And last but certainly not least, be CONFIDENT in your new red locks and enjoy a look unique to you!

For more fun beauty tips and trends for redheads, check out our fabulous friends at www.howtobearedhead.com. They are amazing!

How about you? Are you thinking about switching to red?