THE INS AND OUTS OF RED HAIR COLOUR

Whilst red hair can be super fun, it can be just as costly in maintenance as being blonde, but here we're going to cover all the ways to get the most out of your red hair adventures!

The number one rule with red hair colour or any colour for that matter....
HEAT REMOVES COLOUR!!
Yes hot water, hair dryer, straightener or other heated appliances, and the sun, will all be responsible for your colour fading, some more than others.

For longevity in your colour avoid heat at all costs, so wash with cool water, let it air dry and wear a hat in the sun.

Secondly, if you've ever had a fashion colour and understand that the colours can run, be mindful to use a dark towel for your hair, and a dark pillow case if you must go to bed with wet/damp hair (should be avoided for scalp health), and depending on the colour product you have use, avoid getting caught in the rain.

The next problem with colour fade is the products you use.  If you are truly committed to your colour adventure the ditch the shampoo!

Yes throw out your shampoo!

The main ingredients in shampoo's are usually water, salt, detergent and silicone.  Salt is drying your hair out, reducing the hair's ability to retain colour and moisture.
Detergents being the cleaning agent is stripping the colour from your hair and also reducing the hair's ability to retain colour and moisture.
And silicones are responsible for making your hair feel amazing with every wash, but it is not easily removed and then builds up on the hair shaft coating it and preventing future colour from attaching to your hair as it should (not going to get super scientific for you, just going to keep it basic).

There are a huge range of cleansing conditioners commonly referred to as co-wash, that are ideal substitutes for shampoos, or if you really can't break away from a shampoo as a part of your routine, the you could look at some baby shampoos as they are incredibly gentle for both hair and scalp.

Finally, maintenance.

If you can follow everything mentioned above you should see a significant change in your colour longevity, however, if you hair is not in the best condition it is likely you will still be experiencing some fade.  If this is the case for you there are two more suggestions for you;
• Pigmented Conditioners (warning, can be messy), and
• In salon colour refresher.