What can you do about fading brightness as red hair ages?
Most redheads are fortunate in that they retain their hair colour for longer. However, before greying occurs, many find their colour fading in brightness a little, becoming either lighter or darker in shade. We look at a few of the options available for those with coppery tresses.
The natural hair care approach
Avoid over-washing your hair and the unnecessary use of straighteners, tongs and other heated products which will damage it over time. Regular trimming will also help to maintain the vibrancy of your colour. Lank, straggly hair never looks as bright and healthy. Some redheads advocate soaking their hair in coconut oil or using a sea-salt spray. General recommendations are to spray this in your hair after semi-drying it in a towel, then braiding it or putting it in a bun whilst still damp.
Use clarifying shampoo
Regular use of a clarifying shampoo to strip product build up in the hair is thought to be useful in maintaining natural colour. There are also ways to do this using natural solutions available at home, such as baking soda and apple cider vinegar. Removing chemical build up leaves hair less weighed down and easier to style. What's more, healthy hair follicles lead to an increase in hair growth and thickness, boosting the appearance of your natural colour.
Try Henna
Henna is a natural, plant-based dye. It usually comes as a bag of powder which you then mix with water to make a paste and apply to your hair with a brush. This is typically left on for around 40 minutes depending on the manufacturer’s instructions. It is very effective at colouring hair, and conditions it beautifully, lasting for several months. One word of caution is that this is a permanent dye which stains the hair. It’s advisable for first time users to dilute it with conditioner and olive, coconut or argan oil. You can always apply another round if it isn't red enough.
Take a look at colour enhancing shampoo, conditioners and toners
These are really popular with redheads who want to brighten their natural colour without resorting to dying it. They deposit a little colour, topping up what you have naturally but without being too noticeable. Again, it is essential to find the right shade for you, so do your research first and be prepared for a bit of trial and error.
Make use of root touch up spray
Available on the high street, touch up sprays are a short term, quick fix solutions to greying roots. They do tend to be limited in shade so we would definitely recommend trialling one at home before depending on it. It could turn out to be an ideal solution whilst developing a long-term plan for restoring your colour. Also, it’s useful if you have gone down the avenue of colouring your hair but are in between salon visits.
Hair dye and highlights
Some redheads like to try to find a colour as close to their natural shade as possible, whilst others see it as an opportunity to try something new. The key is to find one that complements your skin and eye colour. A good stylist will advise you on the appropriate shade. You don’t have to go overboard either, often it is enough to have a hint of red on the roots. Alternatively, highlights are a first step for many redheads who just want to maintain their natural colour for a little while longer. Again, make sure you consult an expert who will recommend either blonde or red highlights, depending on how your hair is fading.
Let it be
If all else fails, it’s good to remember that there is no shame in ageing naturally and many redheads tend to go from rosy-blonde to silvery white. Sometimes, it’s just as easy to go with the flow. Whatever you choose, wear it with pride.
