I'm looking for a quality red hair dye that isn't going to fade out within two weeks. My hair usually takes dye really well, but I've always had a problem finding a boxed red that sticks.
I've heard good things about Vidal Sassoon, but I'm not yet convinced that I should try it. Any other suggestions would be helpful.
Im no colourist but I dye my hair loads and often have red. The best way I've found to get a really rich colour that stays is to use a box red dye then use a semi-permanent vegetable based type dye, such as Special Effects (my favourite) or Manic Panic. I use it straight after while the hair cuticle is open from the box dye. These dyes dont process the hair at all, they are just a colour stain so its safe to use straight after using a permanent dye.
Lauren Reynolds MUA wrote: Im no colourist but I dye my hair loads and often have red. The best way I've found to get a really rich colour that stays is to use a box red dye then use a semi-permanent vegetable based type dye, such as Special Effects (my favourite) or Manic Panic. I use it straight after while the hair cuticle is open from the box dye. These dyes dont process the hair at all, they are just a colour stain so its safe to use straight after using a permanent dye.
Thanks for the tip. I'm not foreign to veggie dyes. I actually have a container of Punky Colour red that I've been looking for an excuse to use.
Red is a color that doesn't like to stay in the cuticle. What you need is a color mask, you can make your own by mixing a veggie die (like your punky color) with your current conditioner. I see that you're also in Toronto, you can pick up a really great pre-made color mask from Shoppers Drug Mart called Ice Cream Keromask. I've used both the red and the violet masks, there is also an orangey-red one depending on the color that you have. They're not available at all Shopper's, so I'd call first and make sure they carry the line. Their dyes are also fantastic, Ive used their red before and it was probably my favorite of all the red dyes I've used. I'd also suggest sulfate free shampoo, which will strip less color than a traditional shampoo.
Carmen Rachel MUA wrote: Red is a color that doesn't like to stay in the cuticle. What you need is a color mask, you can make your own by mixing a veggie die (like your punky color) with your current conditioner. I see that you're also in Toronto, you can pick up a really great pre-made color mask from Shoppers Drug Mart called Ice Cream Keromask. I've used both the red and the violet masks, there is also an orangey-red one depending on the color that you have. They're not available at all Shopper's, so I'd call first and make sure they carry the line. Their dyes are also fantastic, Ive used their red before and it was probably my favorite of all the red dyes I've used. I'd also suggest sulfate free shampoo, which will strip less color than a traditional shampoo.
My sister used to use Ice Cream. I adore that it dyes without having to bleach first, but their red is a bit bright for what I desire. I might try their masks though.
From your experience, will the mask hurt the black parts I have in my hair? It's not a huge concern, but it is a concern I have.
My sister used to use Ice Cream. I adore that it dyes without having to bleach first, but their red is a bit bright for what I desire. I might try their masks though.
From your experience, will the mask hurt the black parts I have in my hair? It's not a huge concern, but it is a concern I have.
They have about 10 shades of red.. you might be thinking about the primary red but there are tonnes of others. The mask might give a slight red reflect to the black that would only be visible in direct sunlight, if at all.
If you can manage to get your hands on Pravana Chromasilk Vivids, I suggest go with that. They are semi-permanent, but I call bunk on that.
With that being said, if you don't have any intention on staying red for a LONG time, I wouldn't recommend it. IMO, they are just shy of being permanent when it comes to its staining power.
I'm looking for a quality red hair dye that isn't going to fade out within two weeks. My hair usually takes dye really well, but I've always had a problem finding a boxed red that sticks.
I've heard good things about Vidal Sassoon, but I'm not yet convinced that I should try it. Any other suggestions would be helpful.
Vidal sassoon is ace as far as box dyes go. Otherwise, just front the expense of having a salon do it.
Red hair color is always going to be something you need to maintenance atleast every two weeks and there is no getting around that. That is why when you go to a salon, they will ask you atleast three times if you understand how often you will have to touch up the color.
Also, try researching color protecting shampoos that protect red in hair, rather than just a generic color protectant.
You can also buy Manic Panic red hair dye to supplement with your conditioner when your red box dye tones begin to fade. It will keep the color locked in.
I hope this helps!
I was red for a half of a year and then said screw it!
Using a pro dye is no harder than using a box dye, and its cheaper, you're paying 10+ dollars for the luxury of the cardboard box that the bottles come in.
And box reds never look like natural reds (if natural is what you're going for. I love me some deep auburns as much as the next but I've never seen any 5 year old strutting around with deep red/ near-purple hair. Natural red is light and coppery. Personally, I'd rather be a convincing red head)
Go to Sally's out on st clair/stockyards, go to the dye aisle, find the color you like and read the bottle to find out what developer you need to buy. Personally I really like the loreal preference mega reds. http://lauraunbound.tumblr.com/post/324 … p-dunnigan 18+ is a bit darker than I usually do because they were out of the lighter one I typically buy, but my hair is naturally a very dark and stubborn brown. I started dying my hair maybe once a month/month and a half, and as it went on each time got lighter, I never bleached it. Now my hair matches the color swatches at the store. And I'm dying it every month because of my roots, not because its faded.
It's not any harder than when you mix the dye bottle with the developer that comes in the boxed kits, and you're just as likely to do it correctly or totally botch it with either way...but the pro stuff is...well...pro, it actually stays in your hair. And it's cheap. A bottle of developer and a bottle of dye and some gloves costs me under ten bucks, and its a huge bottle of developer so really I'm paying maybe 5 or 6 each month.
You also need to look into sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners.
I feel I should put a disclaimer here that going to a hair stylist to get this done is much better and safer. However, if you're dead set on doing it yourself, professional colors are by far superior.
I went through a red phase last year (eventually went back to black because it got to be too expensive for me). The initial process was done by a friend who is a hair stylist, but when I did touch ups, I did it myself. We used Redken color and developer and it is amazing stuff. Unfortunately, Redken isn't available without a license (and also doesn't come with instructions). If you have any hair stylist friends, you could try asking them to hook you up. Or, you can buy it from Amazon at a markup. I know, I know; Amazon can be hit or miss with cosmetics since they have counterfeits. I've never had any problems with that, though.
But yeah, equal amounts of color and developer (I used 20 vol) and then just paint it on your hair. The time you leave it on is tricky to tell you since I don't know how chemically processed or porous you hair is. General rule of thumb, virgin hair will take longer and chemically processed hair takes less time.
rick lesser
Posts: 533
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US
One problem I have noticed with a box dye is the directions most often say rinse out the color only. You have to shampoo it out. The chemicals will still be active for up to 24 hours. That is why you get fading so quickly. Also you can add a bit of water and conditioner to the rest of color before you run it through to the ends. It will work as a filler to help hold the color. Of course there is the shampoo and conditioner you use afterwards. Make sure they are a professional brand. Spend the money for them. It will help. R-
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