5 Highlights For Red Hair to Change Up Your Look
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Whether your red hair color is natural or the work of a skilled colorist, you're probably pretty particular about your color. There are so many tones of red hair and so many variations of red hair highlights you can try to enhance your skin tone and overall look. If you've already nailed it, carry on. If you're looking to try something new with your look, there's a lot to consider before your next trip to the salon. Here's what to expect before getting red hair highlights, plus color ideas to achieve the perfect shade.
"The techniques used to create highlights on red hair are fairly similar to blonds or brunettes," Gerard Carsuo, a hairstylist and creative director of education at Milk_Shake Haircare, tells PS. "The variables you will want to consider are the depth of your current hair tone and the final look that you are going for."
When you're deciding on the color for your highlights, Caruso wants you to keep in mind that red tones have a tendency to fade faster than other colors. "This means that your highlights will likely look lighter a week or two after your color service," he says.
When caring for highlights with red hair, the first rule you should remember is to avoid shampooing your hair with hot water. While this may completely alter your hair washing ritual, it's for good reason. "Heat causes hair color to fade faster, and this even goes for water temperature," Caruso says.
He adds that when it comes to the shampoo, conditioner, or even hair mask you use, you'll want to make sure it is specially formulated for color-treated hair. This will help maintain the vibrance of your highlights longer. He suggests checking with your stylist about pre-booking a gloss service roughly four weeks after you get your highlights. "This will ensure that your color stays fresh and vibrant," he says.
Now that you know a little more about the upkeep of red hair with highlights, we've gathered some examples to spark inspiration before your appointment.
Warm Highlights For Red Hair
With red tones, it's important not to go too light, at least if you're going for a natural look. "Be sure that the tones you are choosing for your highlights have some warmth in them," Caruso says. "This will help to ensure a more blended and cohesive overall look. Depending on the level of your base color, it's generally recommended to stay within two to three levels of lift with your highlights." This will not only give you a more natural look, but it will help to maintain the hairs' health, condition, and shine.
Strawberry Blond Highlights For Natural Redheads
When it comes to getting natural highlights for red hair, you'll want to keep the shade of your red in mind. For example, if you're a born redhead with a lighter shade of red or have dyed your hair a lighter red color, you should consider a lighter highlight like a strawberry blond. "Traditional redheads, think Lucille Ball, look great with warmer shades like ginger, copper, and strawberry or golden blond," Caruso says.
Saffron Highlights For Darker Red Hair
A saffron color is ideal for those who want to add a true orange shade to their darker red hair. "When it comes to darker reds or auburn reds, like Emma Stone, for example, you can go lighter with bronze and saffron shades or even provide depth and movement with colors that lean more towards the mocha family," Caruso says.
Auburn Highlights For Dark-Red Hair
If your hair is inching towards a brown shade, auburn0red highlights will really complement the base shade while adding subtle dimension. If you're dying your already warm-toned hair, hairstylist Sierra Kener says you should consider your skin tone and eye color before opting for red hair with highlights and lowlights. A good match will further help your hair look amazing.
Warm Gold Highlights For Red Hair
Warm gold highlights are a fun way to enhance a natural redhead look. While opting for a warmer gold tone may be a little scary, Kener says don't be afraid to embrace the shade when you want to add dimension to your hair.
Riley Keough's hair is the perfect mix of warm, golden, and copper — a nice blend for those who are searching for a natural look. "More gold works to add dimension to the previous warm colors," Kener says.
Sydney Wingfield has been a freelance writer in the beauty and wellness space for six years. She has written for Women's Health, Marie Claire, Glamour, and other publications and loves to cover all things skin care, makeup, and hair.