Rouge romance

from The House of Wellness Autumn 2022 Magazine

by Suddenly!

Decor

Salon secrets: FIRE UP

Our faves

Red locks are so hot right now, but for those keen to try the colour out for themselves, it can be a difficult shade to achieve and maintain. L’Oréal Australia national training manager Bronwyn Fraser and Wella education consultant Hayley Dutton share their top at-home colouring tips.

Bold approach

Long associated with feisty, fiery personalities that like to stand out in the crowd, the likes of Gigi Hadid, Rihanna and Zendaya have recently adopted the trending hair shade, inspiring many to try the look themselves. So, what should they consider before they head to the wash basin?

“Red hair can be a little more difficult to maintain as it’s widely known that red pigments can quickly fade without some extra care,” Bronwyn says.

Fortunately, there are small precautions that can be taken to avoid unnecessary colour damage to their hair.

“If you’re looking to just dip your toes into the red space, consider shades like auburn and dark burgundy before you look at bright colours,” Hayley says.

“A semi-permanent option is a great option to consider, which is why I like the Clairol Natural Instincts range. It provides colour that lasts 28 washes, so you know it’s not permanent and will fade out over time.”

Lighten up

If you’re after a particularly bright or light red shade, some prelightening might be required prior to the hair colour application, Bronwyn says.

“If you have dark hair and really want a very bright red, it may need to be pre-lightened with bleach first, which makes it a twostep process and could require more maintenance long term,” Bronwyn says.

“The Nice n’ Easy range is a great solution for those who want a vibrant, high-impact colour and the added bonus is it provides full grey coverage,” Hayley says.

“If you’re seeking a vibrant red, I would recommend shades 6R and 8WR.”

Consider your undertone

Much like a red lipstick, there’s a red hair shade suitable for everyone. Bronwyn says it’s important to consider your skin tone to determine what shade of red will be most complementary.

“There are many different reds, from pale strawberry blondes and rose gold to bright copper and deep rich aubergine tones,” she says.

“I recommend selecting a shade of red that is no more than two shades darker or lighter than your natural colour level.

“Then, you’ll want to decide the tone of red; warmer skin tones look great with coppers and strawberry blondes, (while) cooler skin tones look great with rose gold and deep plums, or reds containing a little violet.

“If you have a neutral skin tone any red tones should work for you, while those with lots of grey could go for a very bright red as it will be more visible on those areas.”

All in the prep

Like any at-home hair colour application, preparation is key. “Always be prepared with everything you need ahead of time and be sure to do a sensitivity test as outlined in the instruction leaflet of your chosen hair dye,” Bronwyn says.

It’s important not to overlook this step as allergic reactions on your scalp can occur and this step is the easiest way to prevent it.

Bronwyn also recommends wearing an old top and using old towels and disposable gloves.

“If you’re worried about colour staining on your skin, apply a little barrier cream or petroleum jelly around your hairline first, but ensure you don’t get any on the hair as it will prevent the colour from absorbing,” she says.

Bronwyn advises allowing one to two hours for mixing, applying, developing, rinse and styling your hair.

“Red is a bright colour and there’s maintenance involved, but that’s the great thing about at-home hair colour; it makes something as simple as a root touch-up far more achievable and it doesn’t take up your whole day,” Hayley adds.

SHOP YOUR FAVOURITE PRODUCTS SCAN THE QR CODE WE LIKE Vitality’s Hair Colour 6/66 Red Volcano 100ml, $11.99; Garnier Olia 6.66 Very Intense Red, $14.99; Clairol Nice’n Easy Hair Colour 8WR Golden Auburn, $8.49