Your Ultimate Guide to Red Hair Dye

Finding your perfect red is a mix of your personal preferences and your unique features. Different shades of red pair better with different skin tones and natural hair colours. This section will help you identify the right one based on your profile.

What red hair dye is best for my skin tone?

Matching your hair colour to your skin tone enhances your complexion rather than creating an unflattering clash. Here’s a quick breakdown of what shades of red suit various skin tones and undertones:

• Pale skin: Lighter, softer reds such as strawberry blonde, copper and red sand
• Medium skin: Warmer hues like auburn, or bright reds like Poppy Red, Vermillion Red and Neon Red
• Olive skin: Bright coppers like Fire Opal or dark reds with blue-purple tints (burgundy, ruby, etc.)
• Dark skin: Bold, bright reds like Pillarbox Red
• Cool undertones: Reds with blue-based undertones like Cherry Red, Dark Tulip or Rose Red
• Warm undertones: Warmer, orange-based reds such as copper, auburn and mahogany

Remember, this is only a guide, not a decree! Many red hair dyes suit any skin tone – it’s just a case of experimenting to find the one you feel strongest about.

What red hair dye works with my natural colour?

Another factor in choosing your ideal shade of red is how it interacts with your natural hair colour.

For the most vivid, intense results, we recommend using a hair lightening kit. However, you can apply certain shades of red to darker hair to create a sumptuous red shimmer or a tantalising red tint.

Dyeing blonde hair red

Blonde hair (Levels 8-10) will absorb most red shades seamlessly, from soft strawberry blondes to bold crimson tones. The lighter starting point allows the pigment to appear more vibrant and true to shade, even without pre-lightening.

Dyeing brown hair red

Dyeing light brown hair red effortlessly can produce beautiful auburns and coopers. Darker browns may require deeper shades like Tulip or Rubine to add a classy red tint to your natural base.

Dyeing black hair red

Applying red colour directly to black hair typically results in a subtle red sheen rather than a total colour transformation. If you have black hair, we highly recommend pre-lightening before applying any light or bright red.

Now you better understand which red shades match your mood, style and features, here’s an easy guide to achieve a bold, fiery look at home:

1. Perform a strand test and skin patch test to avoid unwanted results or allergic reactions.
2. If necessary, pre-lighten your hair with a hair lightening kit to achieve the best results.
3. Wash your hair with a pre-colour shampoo so it's prepared to absorb your chosen red.
4. Apply vaseline or petroleum jelly along your hairline, ears and neck, wear gloves to protect your hands, and use dark towels and salon capes over your clothes.
5. Transfer your chosen colour(s) from their pots into a mixing bowl using a tint brush.
6. Section your hair using clips and apply your colour starting at the roots, using a tint brush for absolute precision.
7. Wait 15-30 minutes for your dye to process, based on the results of your strand test.
8. Rinse your hair with cool or lukewarm water until the water runs nearly clear.
9. Gently towel-dry your hair and style as desired to start enjoying your bold new red hair.

How do I get red hair dye off skin?

If red hair dye has stained your skin, don’t panic. First, wipe the area with a damp cloth or cotton pad as soon as you notice the stain.

For more stubborn stains, try a small amount of makeup remover, micellar water or rubbing alcohol. Rub lightly in circular motions and rinse with warm water.

How do I get red hair out of clothes or carpet?

To remove red hair dye from clothes, rinse the stained area under cold running water as soon as possible. Then apply a stain remover or liquid detergent and wash.

For carpets or upholstery, blot – don’t rub – the stain with a clean cloth to absorb excess dye. Then apply a mix of warm water and a small amount of washing-up liquid or white vinegar, and gently dab the stain until it lifts.

Once you have your striking new red hair colour, you probably want it to stay that way as long as possible. Every semi-permanent hair colour has an expiration date, but there are several steps you can take to keep your flame alive:

• Use our unique pre-colour shampoo, as this improves dye penetration when first applying your red hair colour
• Wash your hair less often – aim for 2-3 washes per week at most, rinsing with cool or lukewarm water that seals the cuticle
• When washing, our colour-protecting shampoos and conditioners contain ingredients designed to prolong your colour and ensure soft, shiny hair
• Avoid heat styling tools where possible, as extensive heat causes colour to fade sooner
• Protect your hair from the elements – strong sunlight, swimming pools and seawater can be particularly harmful for your hair colour

Does red hair dye damage hair?

A high-quality semi-permanent red hair dye shouldn’t damage your hair. Unlike permanent dyes, these do not contain ammonia, peroxide or similar agents that harm your hair.

For the best protection, look for dyes with conditioning formulas, which deposit colour and add moisture at the same time for dramatic, healthy red hair.

Why does red hair dye fade so fast?

All semi-permanent hair dyes fade over time. Red hair dyes often fade faster than darker shades like brown or black because red pigments have smaller molecules. These don’t bind as tightly to the hair, and they slip out more easily when washing.

If you fear the fade, the beauty of our semi-permanent red hair colours is that you can quickly and easily top up your colour at home. Our expert tip is to top up your colour every few weeks or monthly to retain the vibrancy and impact of your favourite shade of red.

Plus, following the advice we shared above will help you preserve the depth of your colour, so you can paint the town red for a lot longer!

One of the best things about Directions red hair dyes is that they’re fully mixable, meaning there are endless possibilities to find your perfect shade of red.

• Mixing red with our white toner or conditioner creates lighter, warmer shades, such as a strawberry blonde or light copper
• Mixing red and brown hair dye produces rich, warm shades like auburn or mahogany
• Mixing red and black hair dye results in dark shades with subtle red undertones, such as black cherry or deep burgundy
• Mixing red and pink hair dye can range from delicate rose to deep fuchsias and cherry reds
• Mixing red and orange hair dye creates fiery shades, from bright coppers to flame reds

When mixing colours, remember the following:

• Use a mixing bowl and tint brushes to combine colours
• Consider your ratios and measure these carefully
• Start by mixing a small amount of colour for a strand test
• Avoid mixing too many colours at once (aim for 2-3 at most)

What hair colours go well with red hair dye?

Feeling adventurous? Red is one of the most adaptable colours, making it a forever favourite for split-dye looks. While it can pair well with practically any colour, here are some of the most powerful pairings:

• Red & green hair dye: Red and green are complementary colours, so it’s only natural that they deliver balanced, eye-catching results
• Red & black hair dye: Red and black is a strong contrast, making the red pop and look sharper against the depth of the black
• Red & platinum blonde: Red and the lightest shades of blonde deliver an incredible contrast that enhances the richness of the red
• Red & blue hair dye: If it’s good enough for Spiderman, Superman and Harley Quinn, the iconic red/blue contrast is good enough for your hair!

Had enough of painting the town red? If it’s time for a change, here are some steps you can take to remove red hair dye faster:

• Wash your hair more often under warm water, as this opens the cuticle and allows the colour to escape sooner
• Use a deep conditioner when washing, leaving it on for 10-20 minutes before rinsing, as this helps speed up the fade
• If in doubt, speak to a professional colourist – they will be able to advise on steps to fade out your red hair dye

Avoid colour strippers or bleach when removing hair colours at home – these can damage your hair and leave it looking brassy once the red hair colour is removed.

What colours can I use to cover red hair dye?

If you want to cover up your red hair colour with a brand-new shade, a few of the best choices to cover it include:

• Ash brown (green and blue undertones)
• Dark browns or blacks
• Plum or deep purple
• Auburn or chestnut

What colour does red hair dye fade into?

This depends on the specific shade of red hair dye. Vivid fashion reds like cherry or burgundy will tend to fade into peachy, pinkish tones. Conversely, brighter or darker reds will often fade into a warm orange or copper.