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A Professional's Ultimate Guide to Mastering Red Hair Colour Care

The rarest hair colour and often the most coveted, red hair demands a special kind of care. It’s important for experts to know the unique needs and maintenance challenges when caring for red hair, so we’ve put together an all-inclusive guide for salon professionals to master red hair maintenance, from top tips to hair products for red hair.  

Why does red hair colour fade so quickly?

Pigment Prone to Fading


It’s no secret that red hair often fades before other colours – whether it’s pillar box or copper-toned. In fact, this is true of both natural and dyed shades, with sun exposure causing even natural reds to lighten over time. One factor here is the red hair molecule being larger than other colour molecules, making it harder to penetrate deeply into the hair. It’s therefore more impacted by multiple hair washes and will fade much faster.

Environmental Factors


Of course, there are steps you can take to minimise colour fading. Washing less often will help prolong vibrancy, and staying out of the sun can also be a good idea. You could also advise clients to avoid chlorinated or poor-quality water and keep their hair covered with a scarf or cap – even on cooler days. 

Essential Red Hair Care Routine & Hair Products for Red Hair

While there are definitely lifestyle steps your clients can take to protect their colour, choosing the right products when treating their hair is also crucial. Here, we’ll share some of our top picks for your red-haired clients!


Red Hair Shampoo and Conditioner


Let’s get back to basics and consider some of the best shampoos we have for red hair. If hair is already damaged, the L'Oréal Professionnel Metal Detox and Absolut Repair Molecular ranges help rebuild the molecular structure and restore strength. For prioritising vibrancy and shine, try the Redken Acidic Color Gloss. The Kérastase Première line helps deal with build-up, while the Shu Uemura Ultimate Reset and Color Lustre lines are specially designed for coloured hair. For instant hydration, there’s the Matrix Food for Soft line.

UV Protection 


Keeping red hair protected from the sun is another way of maintaining the colour for longer. UV protection is essential for safeguarding colour-treated hair from the sun’s fading effects, while moisture retention keeps hair supple and vibrant. The L'Oréal Professionnel Metal Detox Leave-in Cream makes a great addition to an everyday routine to protect against fading.


Protection from Heat


Red hair also needs protecting from other types of heat – especially if heat-styling products are being used regularly. Shu Uemura Ultimate Reset Serum and Kérastase Première Repairing Anti-Frizz Filler Serum can be applied to damp or dry hair to prevent splits and damage.

Professional Salon Treatments


To keep red hair looking its best, salon treatments can give an extra boost on top of the everyday routine – especially if clients are dealing with fading, moisture loss or damage. The Kérastase Première Decalcifying Resurfacing Concentrate & Fusio Dose is an innovative in-salon treatment that draws on skincare ingredients to get to the root of hair troubles. 

When Is It a Good Time for a Red Hair Touch-Up?


Signs Your Colour is Fading

If a client is noticing a lack of vibrancy, dullness or mismatched shades, that’s the number one sign it’s a good time for a salon visit.


Scheduling Regular Appointments

Booking touch-ups in advance to have a hair refresh or hair glossing, normally every 4-6 weeks for dyed hair, helps maintain colour intensity and hair health.

Tips on At-Home Hair Care


Washing Routine

Hot water might feel relaxing but it’s a big cause of early colour fading. Always encourage lukewarm water and reduce the frequency of washes to preserve colour. 


Cold Water Rinses 

While having truly cold showers on hair-wash day might not be for everybody, it can be a good idea to at least finish off the hair wash by rinsing with cold water. This can help enhance hair’s natural shine by closing off cuticles and pores in the scalp.


Conditioning and Moisturising

Conditioner helps create a barrier to protect hair from fade-causing culprits, so it should be a regular part of the hair care routine, along with natural oils for added moisture and shine.


UV Protection

Sun protection isn’t just for skincare! It’s essential to keep coloured hair protected from the sun’s fading effect, whether through UV products or simply wearing hats or headscarves. 


Minimise Heat Styling

Heat tools are another key cause of fading. Minimising heat styling in favour of, for example, rollers or flat wrapping, can help avoid extra damage. 


Gentle Drying

While you’re swapping out the hairdryer for a microfibre towel, remember also to pat dry gently rather than rub to avoid breakage ad frizz.


Regular Trims

Regularly trimming the ends of hair can help stop split ends from spreading and maintain healthy hair growth without breakage. 


Salon professionals have a key role to play in helping redheads maintain the colour of their dreams. Communicating with your client is key and ongoing professional education can help you give them the best possible advice. Find out more about training opportunities for you and your team and make sure to share the knowledge – and your favourite products! – with your clients.