Everything You Need to Know About Having Red Hair
By Maddy, Color Specialist
Red hair is bold, beautiful, and full of personality — but it’s also a color that deserves a little extra love. Whether you’re dreaming of a rich copper, a soft strawberry blonde, or a deep dimensional auburn, the secret to loving your red long-term is understanding how it fits into your lifestyle.
As a color specialist who adores both natural and fashion reds, my goal is always the same: to create a red that looks stunning and feels manageable for you. Let’s break it all down.
First Things First: Let’s Talk Maintenance & Lifestyle
Before we even mix color, I always start with one big question:
How do you want your red to live in your life?
Are you someone who:
• Loves a low-maintenance routine, doesn’t want to be in the salon often, and prefers a softer grow-out?
OR
• Wants a bold, vibrant red that looks freshly done at all times and doesn’t mind more frequent visits?
There’s no right or wrong answer — just different approaches.
For some guests, that might mean a full, all-over red that requires a root touch-up and end gloss every 6 weeks to keep it rich and even.
For others, it might look like pops of red woven through the hair — giving you warmth and dimension without harsh regrowth or constant upkeep.
✨ This is where the magic happens: we chat, assess your lifestyle, your schedule, and your hair goals, then create a plan that’s completely customized to you.
What You Should Be Doing at Home
Red is one of the fastest-fading color families — but the good news? The right at-home care makes a huge difference.
Non-negotiables:
• Color-safe shampoo & conditioner
• Washing less frequently when possible
• Lukewarm (not hot!) water
My go-to professional recommendations:
• Kevin Murphy Everlasting Wash & Rinse
• Kemon Color Brilliance Shampoo & Mask
These help lock in color, boost shine, and keep your red looking rich instead of dull.
Custom Color Refresh — Yes, It’s a Thing
One of my favorite tools for redheads is a custom pigmented hair mask.
These aren’t one-size-fits-all. I hand-mix them myself using custom-formulated bases that match your exact red. When used at home, they:
• Refresh faded color
• Boost vibrancy between appointments
• Help extend the life of your salon color
Think of it as a mini color refresh you can do in your own shower ✨
Heat Protection Is a MUST (Yes, I’m Serious)
If you have red hair, heat protection is not optional.
Excessive heat — especially without protection — will fade and dull your color much faster than you think. Whether you’re blow-drying, curling, or flat ironing, always use a heat protectant to:
• Preserve vibrancy
• Maintain shine
• Protect the integrity of your hair
Your future red will thank you 🔥
Chlorine & Salt Water: Handle With Care
Chlorine and salt water are red hair’s worst enemies — they strip color fast.
If you’re swimming:
• Put your hair in a bun, braid, or high pony
• Avoid submerging it when possible
• Rinse immediately after exposure
A little prevention goes a long way when it comes to keeping your red rich and beautiful.
Final Thoughts From Me 💛
Red hair is powerful, expressive, and incredibly personal. When done right — and cared for properly — it can be one of the most rewarding colors to wear.
If you’re thinking about going red (or refreshing the one you have), let’s chat. Together, we’ll create a plan that fits your life, your style, and your version of beautiful red hair.
— Maddy ✨
Note from Verde’s Co Owner: Maddy is available for consults and is an absolute doll to work with. Click her to book your consult with her!