There's just something eye-catching and attention-getting about red hair. It's like owning a rare ruby – only about 2 percent of the world’s population is born with it. But that doesn't stop us from rocking it anyway! Whether you’ve got natural coppery locks or you’re sporting dyed red hair in shades ranging from merlot to strawberry blonde, there's no doubt that red makes a statement. But taking care of your red hair can be a whole thing. Here's everything you need to know to keep those strands looking fire.
Why Red Hair Needs Special Attention
Red hair, no matter the shade, loves the spotlight but hates the sun, heat, and basically anything that might dull its shine. Whether you're au naturel or your red hair dye is ginger, auburn, or a statement cowboy red, it’s notorious for fading faster than other colors. Why is that, you ask? Let's break it down.
For all red shades, the cause lies in the red hair molecule, which is larger than other color molecules, making it harder for the color to penetrate the hair shaft and stay there for the long haul. This means fading happens faster, and when it does, the color can turn brassy or dull. And the brighter the color is, the faster it fades.
Of course, for the best results that will last longer, you can opt for a permanent hair color instead of a semi, demi, or temporary dye. But regardless of which red dye you choose, there are some best practices you can follow to keep that red going longer and stronger.
Sulfate-Free Shampoo is Non-Negotiable
Red hair doesn’t play well with harsh ingredients, and sulfate is the biggest offender. Sulfates strip your hair of natural oils and speed up fading like it's running out of style. That's why sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners are an absolute must for all color-treated hair, but especially for red hair. They're more gentle on your strands, lock in moisture, and help maintain the intensity of your color. Lu's Rescue, Freedom, and Control shampoos are all clean and cruelty-free, which means no harmful sulfates, parabens, phthalates, or colorants (pro tip: you don't need to add color to colored hair). So no matter your hair type or need, there's a Lu shampoo that will protect and help maintain your color.
When to Wash: Less is More
Now that you've got a good shampoo, let's talk about your washing routine. Red hair loves moisture but hates water. Washing too frequently can fade your red pigments faster. Aim for washing your hair no more than two to three times a week. And when you do wash, cool water is your BFF because hot water opens up the hair cuticle, which lets that vibrant color escape. On your non-wash days, use a dry shampoo that won’t dull your red locks.
Stay Away From the Heat (As Much As You Can)
We get it, sometimes you want those sleek, straight locks or bouncy curls. Before you reach for the hot styling products, remember that red hair and heat tools are a match made in hell. Heat styling can quickly fade red hues, especially those bold, brighter shades. Instead, use the full power of the Control Collection for frizz-free, straight and smooth red locks, or the Freedom Collection for defined curls, coils, and waves. Don't skip the leave-in styling creams - they help your hair retain moisture, which is a major win for redheads. Finally, air-dry with a microfiber towel or use a heat protectant spray before styling.
UV Protection Is a Must
Ever notice how the sun fades red fabric or paint? The same thing happens to your auburn or ginger hair. Too much sun exposure can turn vibrant red locks brassy and dull, so shielding your hair from the sun is crucial. The effects of the sun on red hair is so notable that research shows redheads are more prone to melanoma. One way to maintain your color is to use hair products with built-in UV protection. Lu's shampoos, conditioners, and styling creams are made with Impossible Keratin™, a proprietary blend of vegan keratin, vegan collagen, and silk amino acids that not only strengthens each strand at a microscopic level, but also shields hair from harmful UV rays.
Rinse Before and After Swimming
Chlorine and salt water can be brutal on red hair, stripping it of color and moisture. To minimize damage, rinse your hair with clean water before taking a dip. Hair that’s already wet absorbs less chlorine. After your swim, rinse your hair again ASAP. Even better, coat your strands with a leave-in conditioner from Lu before swimming to create an extra protective layer. It’ll act as a barrier between your hair and the chemicals in the pool.
Red Hair, Dry Hair
Has your hair felt like straw after you've dyed it red? Red hair can easily become dry hair, especially if it’s dyed. Perhaps more than any other color, you'll want to keep your perfect shade of red hydrated. Lu's hair care collections were designed to keep your locks (red or not) hydrated with natural ingredients that protect them from drying out. For added hydration, treat your strands to a hair mask. Look for something packed with hydrating ingredients like argan oil or coconut oil.
Consider Root Touch-Ups
That beautiful new auburn hair will likely fade faster at the roots, especially if you’re covering up grays or have naturally lighter hair. To avoid looking like a redhead ombre gone wrong, regular root touch-ups are important. You can also invest in a root touch-up spray or powder for a quick fix. It’s temporary but works like a charm to keep your roots in check without damaging your hair further.
Lu’s Rescue Collection Is Your Secret Weapon
While any of Lu’s hair products will give your colored hair the moisture and protection it needs, we recommend you reach for the Rescue Collection if you’re going red. Rescue was designed to repair the damage your hair will likely suffer from chemicals, coloring, and heat. When you use the Rescue Shampoo, Conditioner, and Intense Therapy Cream together, you’ll nourish the hair cuticle to promote strength, health, and shine, revitalizing your hair even after it’s as beautiful as a fall day or as playful as a strawberry popsicle.
Embrace the Fade
The reality is, no matter how well you care for your red hair color, it will fade over time. Instead of stressing, embrace the evolution! Red hair often fades to beautiful copper or rose gold shades. Many women love the "sunset hair" hue that comes from gradual fading. Keep your favorite shade for as long as you can with the help of Lu, but don't fear the fade when it comes!
