There’s nothing quite like the feeling of walking out of the salon with freshly colored locks and knowing you look great. More often than not, however, that celebration is short-lived, and especially if you’re red, the color seems to start fading before you’re even ready to say goodbye.
“The term ‘redhead’ is such a big umbrella for so many features and characteristics of hair, but it takes three things to find the right product: texture, color and the level of UV protection you want. “It’s about understanding,” says New York-based hairstylist Ryan Raybuck. said to us.
If you’re tired of lackluster colors and want your red to look attractive for as long as possible, it all starts with curating the right wash day routine. We enlisted the help of our stylists to find the best shampoos, conditioners and masks to extend the life of your new style.
What makes red hair different from other dyed hair?
Color retention and maintaining shine are the top concerns for redheads, according to Lorena M. Valdes, colorist at Maxine Salon in Chicago.
“Red hair is tricky because red molecules are larger than molecules of other colors,” explains Jessica Page, founder of Blondie & Co Salon in Ohio. “Reds fade because the color molecules don’t even penetrate the cortex.” According to trichology-based hair brand Philip Kingsley, the cortex is the middle layer of the hair shaft that holds most of the hair’s color. am.
“Color is the hardest to achieve and tends to fade the fastest,” reiterated celebrity hairstylist Jennifer Collab.
How to make red hair look lively?
New York City-based hairstylist and bridal specialist Lauren Baxter knows firsthand that being redhead takes a lot of maintenance. “I’ve found that the color fades quickly in the wash or in the sun,” she said. Using shampoo and conditioner helps a lot.”
Paige acknowledged that fading is inevitable, but added, “The best remedy is to keep your hair moisturized and healthy.”
Best products for redheads, according to stylists
moroccanoil mini color deposition mask

Baxter loves this mini mask in copper for bright reds and burgundy for dark reds. “It nourishes and conditions color-treated hair without sulfates. It’s a great way to condition while adding a little color to your hair!” she told us.
Kristin Ess Color Deposition Conditioner

Baxter swears by this pigmentation conditioner that can boost hues or add a touch of temporary color. ‘ she instructed.
This cruelty-free, affordable find is the perfect shade of terracotta for dark reds and is free of parabens, sulfates, ammonia and phthalates. There is also a deeply hydrating formula that softens to the touch. Baxter stressed the importance of wearing gloves when using pigmentation products like this.
joico color infuse red shampoo

joico color infuse red conditioner

Raybuck recommends this duo, which boasts results that reduce static, increase shine, and last up to 12 washes. “Perfect for a bright color refresh and a smooth, natural finish,” said the mane guru.
SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Moisturizing Shampoo

If you’re not a big fan of color-depositing masks and conditioners, you should focus on staying hydrated and maintaining color with moisturizing ingredients like this shampoo.
“SheaMoisture is a balancing product that will moisturize and shine for those with curly red hair while using a gentle cleanser to avoid buildup and fading,” says Valdes. According to the brand, this budget-friendly pick is made with fair-trade shea butter, argan oil, and sea kelp.
Unite 7 Seconds Shampoo

Unite 7 Seconds Conditioner

Page, a licensed hairstylist, educator, and instructor, enjoys this shampoo and conditioner duo designed to add shine, soften hair, and moisturize. It provides heat and UV protection and helps fight fading,” she said. To do.”
Davines Alchemic Shampoo For Natural & Colored Hair

“This is a great shampoo that accentuates red tones,” said Baxter. As an added bonus, the shampoo is infused with B vitamins to protect and moisturize hair, and is free of silicones and parabens.
Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo

Redken Color Extend Magnetic Conditioner

Collab enjoys this shampoo and conditioner duo, saying it helps fend off color fakes and keep colors vibrant. It helps to
moroccanoil hydrating shampoo

“This shampoo is the perfect blend of hydration, shine and body without weighing down the hair,” said Valdes. “It’s made for a variety of hair textures and types.”
She said hydrating products are great for keeping reds nice and rich. Added.
Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil

Lock in protection after shampooing and conditioning with Color Shield products. Raybuck recommends ending your routine with this leave-in treatment. “It ensures that your lovely hair is always protected from harmful and drying UV rays to prevent fading of your precious hair,” he advised.
The water-resistant mist is described by the brand as an invisible shield that protects strands from the sun’s harsh rays, with the help of key ingredients like wintergreen and cinnamon bark oil.
Gingerful Henna and Rose Shampoo, Conditioner and Mask Set

Raybuck is a big fan of UK-based hair care company Gingerful. “This nourishing set is infused with Ginger Carrot Henna and Rose for long-lasting shine, hydration, and shine. The stylist recommends that he use the included mask once a week for optimal results.” We recommend and enjoy the vegan and cruelty-free formulas of our products.