How to Dye Hair Bright Red

So you want to dye your hair red? Follow these steps and you will have healthy red hair in no time.

Steps

  1. Image titled Dye Hair Bright Red Step 1
    1
    Find out what red you want. Do you want blood red? Vibrant cherry red? Or a bright cinnamon color? Whatever color you want there is a dye for it but you must browse shops, read reviews and get advice before you decide on your dye.
  2. Image titled Dye Hair Bright Red Step 2
    2
    Pre-lighten your hair. If you have dark hair pre-lightening your hair will ensure you get the best result of the color you want. Just get the pre-lightener out, and apply to your hair like a dye. The best pre-lighteners will not only lighten your hair but strip any previous permanent color left in your hair.
    Advertisement
  3. Image titled Dye Hair Bright Red Step 3
    3
    Leave it for at least a week, as your hair can only take so much damage at a time. Do a deep conditioning treatment which will help your hair get back into a suitable state for dyeing it again.
  4. Image titled Dye Hair Bright Red Step 4
    4
    As always do a patch test with your dye. Most dyes will have instructions on how to do a patch test. Make sure each time you dye your hair you do a patch test. This will tell you if you will have an allergic reaction or not when you apply the dye. Do not apply the dye if you experience swelling, itching or burning during the patch test or if you get a rash, do not use the product and seek medical advice before dyeing your hair again.
  5. Image titled Dye Hair Bright Red Step 5
    5
    Set up your area for dyeing your hair. Lay some newspaper on the surfaces, mix your dye if needed, get out gloves, towels, a comb, hair clips etc. Make sure you have everything you will need during the dyeing process.
  6. Image titled Dye Hair Bright Red Step 6
    6
    Put on your gloves!
  7. Image titled Dye Hair Bright Red Step 7
    7
    Comb your hair through so there are no knots.
  8. Image titled Dye Hair Bright Red Step 8
    8
    Pour some of the mixture into your hands (with gloves on, of course) and starting at the ends apply all over. Make sure the ends are all covered in dye. Comb the ends to make sure they are completely covered in dye.
  9. Image titled Dye Hair Bright Red Step 9
    9
    Now do the roots. Section them out with hair clips and dye each one separately. Make sure you have gotten right to the bottom of the root and that each one is completely covered in dye.
  10. Image titled Dye Hair Bright Red Step 10
    10
    Make sure your whole head is covered in dye!
  11. Image titled Dye Hair Bright Red Step 11
    11
    Leave for the recommended amount of time and wash out. Make sure the dye is completely washed out before drying it.
  12. Image titled Dye Hair Bright Red Step 12
    12
    Dry your hair and style
  13. Image titled Dye Hair Bright Red Step 13
    13
    Enjoy your new red hair.
    • Rouge is the fastest molecule to oxidize.
    • If you dye your hair red, use a sulfate and sodium chloride-free shampoo to maintain the color.
    • Use a color mask 1-2 times per week. It is a mask with red pigment.
    14. Advertisement

Warnings

  • Do not use the pre-lightener or dye if you have experienced a reaction before to either a lightener or any red hair dye. Seek medical advice first.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
  • Do not use dye on dry, irritated or damaged scalp.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
  • If, during the dyeing process, you experience swelling, itching or burning, rinse out the dye immediately and seek medical advice.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
  • Always read the warnings on the side of the dye boxes.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
  • If product gets into eyes, flush eye with water and seek immediate medical help as the dye may cause serious permanent damage to your eye.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
Advertisement

Things You'll Need

  • Hair lightener
  • Red hair dye. Shampoo
  • Brush/comb
  • Deep conditioner
  • Gloves
  • Old clothes
  • Hairbrush
  • (Optional) Tint brush

You Might Also Like

Dye Dark Brown Hair Red Using Natural Products
How to
Dye Dark Brown Hair Red Using Natural Products
Keep Red Hair Color from Fading
How to
Keep Red Hair Color from Fading
Dye Hair Bright Red Under Black Hair
How to
Dye Hair Bright Red Under Black Hair
Dye Black Hair Red
How to
Dye Black Hair Red
How to
Dye Hair
Mix Hair Dye
How to
Mix Hair Dye
Dye the Underlayer of Your Hair
How to
Dye the Underlayer of Your Hair
Dye Bleached Hair Brown
How to
Dye Bleached Hair Brown
Dye Bleached Hair Back to Your Natural ColorHow to Dye Bleached Hair Back to Your Natural Color
Lighten Dyed Hair
How to
Lighten Dyed Hair
Dye Red Hair Brown
How to
Dye Red Hair Brown
Treat an Itchy Scalp After Using Hair Dye
How to
Treat an Itchy Scalp After Using Hair Dye
Dye Your Hair Brown After It Has Been Dyed Black
How to
Dye Your Hair Brown After It Has Been Dyed Black
Dye Buzzed Hair
How to
Dye Buzzed Hair
Advertisement

About This Article

Gina Almona
Co-authored by:
Gina Almona
Professional Hair Stylist
This article was co-authored by Gina Almona. Gina Almona is the Owner of Blo It Out, a New York City-based hair salon. With over 20 years of beauty training experience, Gina's work has been featured in People Magazine, Time Out New York, and Queens Scene. She has been able to keep a fresh perspective in the industry by demonstrating and participating in trade shows and workshops like the International Beauty Show. She received her cosmetology training from the Long Island Beauty School, Astoria. This article has been viewed 273,986 times.
How helpful is this?
Co-authors: 25
Updated: February 26, 2023
Views: 273,986
Categories: Coloring Hair
Advertisement