Throughout history, the redheads have been dealt a mixed hand. They have been either derided or admired for the color of their beautiful hair. And that is because the red hair has been portrayed as brave, wild, beautiful, and hot-tempered. In some circles, it is associated with seduction and evil things among otherworldly powers.
Red is a powerful hair color that exudes all that power that can make any girl feel invincible. It’s no surprise why many ladies dye their hair red when they need to make a drastic change in their lives. Ciara, Rihanna, and Katy Perry wielded that fire so well, why not you?
Luckily, there are endless possibilities in the world of hair coloring for everyone. So if you’re wondering how the red hair will look on you, then you’ve come to the right place. We have prepared the following reviews of the best red hair dyes that will make your hair color dramatic, not tragic.
So let’s dive right in…
TOP PICK
Our top pick is L’Oreal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Hair Color, R68 Ruby Red Rush, as it is effective. This product will permanently cover even gray hair, leaving you with beautiful shimmering hair. And the fact that it is made using organic and non-toxic ingredients means that it’s safe.
The Best Red Hair Dyes Are
1. L’Oreal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Hair Color, R68 Ruby Red Rush — Best Overall
Are you ready to emulate Julianne Moore? This permanent ruby red dye will definitely do the trick. L’Oreal Paris hair color is a great option for anyone looking for a dye that won’t fade for a long while.
And unlike most dyes in the market, this permanent color has gray hair coverage, so you have that consistency of color all through you glorious mane, that would have been very difficult to cover using other products. So if your main goal is to permanently change your gray hair to a unique shade of red, you should give this product a try. Feria’s hair dye kit can transform any type of hair into brilliant shimmering hair. Plus its conditioner helps smoothen and seals your hair for a lasting bold look.
The gel formula for dealing with all hair types is made using a non-toxic, organic, and natural ingredient that makes it safe. It also features a bleaching ingredient that makes it easier for you to dye previously dyed hair.
Just know that this product also contains fragrance which can be quite dangerous to allergy sufferers. We don’t really know what the specific ingredients are that go into “fragrance” as companies don’t have to disclose their ingredients used to make it.
Specs
- Brand: L’Oreal Paris
- Color: Auburn true red (R68 Ruby rush)
- Item form: cream
Pros
- Easy to use
- Offers a permanent solution for gray hair
- Safe to use
- Can easily work on previously dyed hair
Cons
- It may affect allergy sufferers
Verdict
Feria Multi-Faceted hair dye is the best solution for anyone looking to change her hair red permanently. And that is because it rarely fades away or gets washed off with time.
Overall rating: 4.3 out of 5
2. Surya Brasil Products Henna Cream, Red
Surya Brasil cream is considered to be one of the best organic hair dyes in the market. This product features organic and natural ingredients with minute traces of chemical constituents. Most of the chemicals in other products are not present in Surya Henna red cream. So if you want to change your hair color without worrying about side effects from dubious ingredients, you should try this cream. After all, Surya Brasil Henna Cream is hypoallergenic, and it has been dermatologically tested.
This product doesn’t feature common allergens like parabens, gluten, fragrance, and heavy metals. This makes it the best option for allergy sufferers with the unique benefit of giving you stunning hair. Plus, it’s very comforting knowing that you won’t be dealing with a lot of chemicals despite the drastic changes.
Another bright side of this product is that it’s 100% cruelty-free and vegan. Some of the natural ingredients added to this product are jasmine, Brazil nut, and Aloe Vera.
Unfortunately, it’s not a permanent hair dye and will fade much sooner than others.
Specs
- Brand: Surya Brasil Products
- Color: red
- Item form: cream
- Ingredient notes: vegan, GMO-free, Dipropylene Glycol Methly, and Deionized water
Pros
- GMO-free
- 100% vegan
- Safe for allergy sufferers
- Dermatologically tested
- Doesn’t have any harmful chemicals
Cons
- It washes off or fades with time
Verdict
Surya Henna cream is one of the safest organic red dyes in the market. It is 100% vegan and GMO-free. And the fact that it has no harmful chemicals is a bonus.
Overall rating: 4.0 out of 5
3. Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Hair Color Crème 66-True Red
If you’re looking for the best red hair dye for 100% gray hair coverage, then look no further than Garnier Nutrisse hair color. You can either dye the roots of your hair or your entire head and the new color with last. After all, Garnier Nutrisse hair color is a permanent dye that can easily penetrate your hair shaft and rarely fades or wash off. This nourishing hair dye is formulated using color-boosting technology. Plus, it has a perfect blend of fruit oils (shea, olive, and avocado) that deliver an even darker and permanent hair color. These oils promote hair growth while nourishing your hair, so you will never have to worry about oily hair or hair thinning.
Unlike artificial dyes, with this product, you will only reapply it when your gray roots grow again. And thanks to its conditioner, you will have a radiant and rich color in no time. This hair dye is available in 45 nourishing colors, including true red.
One thing though… Despite being quite popular, some users have complained that it burns quite a bit more than its other shades.
Specs
- Brand: Garnier
- Color: true red
- Item form: cream
Pros
- Comes in a non-drip crème formula
- Easy to apply
- It’s a permanent hair color, so you won’t have to reapply it every time
- Has a moisturizer
- Provides 100% gray hair coverage
Cons
- Some users have complained that it burns a tad more than the other shades
Verdict
Garnier Nutrisse hair color is one of the few products that can guarantee total coverage of gray hair. And you don’t have to keep on reapplying it as it’s a permanent hair color. The only time you can reapply is when your gray roots grow.
Overall rating: 4.6 out of 5
4. Manic Panic Vampire Red Hair Dye Classic
Manic Panic products have been favored by goths, punks, and lovers of underground music for years. And that is because Manic Panic manufactures badass products, and the Vampire red hair color is no exception. This dye is known to give burgundy tones to ladies with unbleached hair. But for excellent results, you should be ready to lighten your hair level 8 blonde. And if you’re looking for a bolder red, we recommend that you bleach your hair first.
Manic Panic dyes are safe to mix if you plan on creating a customized shade, making the possibilities of hair colors endless — try mixing this shade with their purple dye! This is a semi-permanent dye that gradually fades after 4 to 6 weeks since it doesn’t penetrate the hair’s cortex. And the good thing about it is that it consists of vegan ingredients.
Specs
- Brand: Manic Panic
- Color: vampire red
- Item form: cream
- Ingredient notes: Phthalate-free, resorcinol free, gluten-free, paraben-free, and ammonia-free
Pros
- Vegan ingredients
- Safe for allergy sufferers
- Easy to apply
- The best option for ladies looking to experiment for a few months
Cons
- It fades within 4 to 6 weeks
Verdict
The vampire red dye is the best option for individuals looking to experiment with red hair for a few weeks. It is safe, so you will never have to worry about side effects.
Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5
5. Schwarzkopf Color Ultime Permanent Hair Dye, Mahogany Red
Are you tired of the cherry red look? We understand; after all, we all must grow up sometimes. So we recommend that your try Mahogany red. Schwarzkopf Ultime mahogany red is a permanent color that provides vivid color intensity. Its unique coloration will have you turning heads in no time. This product’s advanced formula defies fading as it lasts for more than ten weeks.
Schwarzkopf Ultime dye provides an incredible and lasting shine that will have you glowing for a very long time.
Tip: If your hair exceeds shoulder length, we recommend that you purchase two boxes.
Unfortunately, some users have claimed that it doesn’t work with all hair colors, including strawberry blonde.
Specs
- Brand: Schwarzkopf
- Color: Mahogany red
- Item form: cream
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Can last for over ten weeks before it starts fading
- Provides vivid color intensity
Cons
- It doesn’t work with all hair colors and type
Verdict
Schwarzkopf color ultime is an excellent dye that will give you mahogany red hair in no time. And the fact that it’s easy to apply means that you don’t need a professional to change your hair color.
Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5
6. Adore Semi-Permanent Hair Color, Truly Red
Just because you are working with a tight budget doesn’t mean that you can’t join the ginger club. There are numerous affordable dyes in the market, with the best one being Adore semi-permanent hair color. And from the looks of it, this is not a permanent hair dye; therefore, it can fade away or be washed off after a few washes with shampoo. This is a good thing if you’re not into committing to this color for a long time.
You should also consider that it is ammonia-free and peroxide-free, so it’ll be gentle on your hair and scalp. In fact, a huge percentage of dermatologists recommend products without these ingredients. After all, continuous usage of these chemicals can have a negative effect on your hair.
Unfortunately, this dye can be removed in one wash with a shampoo containing sulfates. Therefore, you should use sulfate-free shampoo every time you plan to have red hair for a few weeks.
Specs
- Brand: Adore
- Color: truly red
- Ingredient notes: alcohol-free, ammonia-free, and peroxide free
Pros
- Affordable
- Can last for a few weeks before it starts fading
- Easy to apply
- Safe to use
Cons
- Can be removed in a single wash with a shampoo containing sulfate
Verdict
Thanks to companies like Adore, every lady can dye her hair on a tight budget. And that is because this company produces affordable yet effective and safe products for your hair.
Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5
7. Light Mountain Natural Hair Color and Conditioner, Red
Imagine having stunning red and rich auburn hair without ever worrying about harmful chemicals? Well, the Light Mountain dye is a great alternative for the complicated product in the market with numerous harmful chemicals. And that is because it has no chemicals, no peroxide, and no stripping. This product comes in powder form, and all you have to do is mix the botanical powder with water, and you are good to go.
This product is cruelty-free and vegan friendly; therefore, it’s ideal for people with allergies. This certified-organic henna powder can keep hair breakages and damages at bay. Plus, it also functions as a deep conditioner for your freshly dyed strands.
Specs
- Brand: Light Mountain
- Color: red
- Hair type: normal
- Ingredient notes: vegan-friendly, peroxide-free, ammonia-free, no PPD, paraben-free, and has no metallic salt
Pros
- Vegan friendly
- Has no harmful chemicals
- Easy to apply
- Doubles as a conditioning treatment for the dyed hair
- Safe to use
Cons
- None
Verdict
Light mountain natural hair color is safe and ideal for natural hair type. It’s 100% vegan and has no harmful chemicals. Therefore, everyone will be safe with this product and can enjoy its many benefits.
Overall rating: 4.7 out of 5
8. Keracolor Clenditioner Hair Dye, Semi-Permanent
The idea of coloring your hair while you cleanse every day may seem bizarre, but it is possible with Keracolor Conditioner. This non-lather conditioner is designed to cleanse your hair while infusing color with each wash. This product can help maintain your vibrant red hair between salon visits. This keratin-based product promotes softness, strength, and shine. And the fact that it’s vegan and has never been tested on animals is a bonus.
Keracolor Conditioner is a safe hair color that has no paraben or sulfate. Remember, shampoos that lather use harsh chemicals to do so can cause hair breakages and drying of the scalp. But this product cleans away the debris and dirt while depositing rich color to your hair. The red hue adds dimension to your strands while preventing brassiness. Plus, each bottle can keep your hair shiny for 10 to 15 washes. But some users who were experimenting on this product complained it is not as temporary as it claims to be.
Specs
- Brand: Keracolor
- Color: red
- Ingredient notes: paraben-free, gluten-free
- Item form: cream
Pros
- Help maintain your hair between salon visits
- Safe to use
- Vegan-friendly
- Leaves you with a smooth hair
- Paraben and sulfate-free
Cons
- You have to apply numerous times until you get the desired hair color
Verdict
Keracolor conditioner dye is a useful product for preventing your red hair from fading while being washed.
Overall rating: 4.1 out of 5
9. Revlon Colorsilk Luminista Hair Color, Red
Finding the right hair color is the hardest thing for women with some gray hair. Getting a product that works perfectly on dark and light hues can be quite challenging. But since Revlon launched their first permanent hair at-home dye, things have been different. This product provides ultimate coverage for naturally dark hair.
Its unique high intense system delivers a shimmering tone to ladies with darker hair. It contains mango butter, which is a shine-enhancing ingredient and leaves your hair in a better shape than before. Plus, it’s a no-bleach necessary product; therefore, it is gentle on your hair. From ravishing red to opulent black, all shades of Revlon Colorsilk Luminista provide intense shine and color. This product also adds dimension and depth to your hair. Unfortunately, some users have complained that the product left a bit of brassiness in their hair.
Specs
- Brand: Revlon
- Color: red
- Ingredient notes: ammonia-free
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to apply
- Safe for your hair
- Leaves your hair in better condition after applying it
- Feature natural ingredients like mango butter
- Provide total coverage of gray hair
Cons
- It does leave a bit of brassiness
Verdict
Revlon has been producing beauty products for decades, and the Colorsilk Luminista is no exception. This product offers the simplest and best solution for ladies with gray hair.
Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5
How to Choose the Right Red Hair Dye for Your Hair
Dyeing of hair is trending right now, which is actually the reason why several companies are producing dyes to meet the trend. And this has resulted in a wide range of colors, with numerous shades of red available right now for you to choose from. After all, going red means making a statement, and with the right shade of red, you can do exactly that.
Unfortunately, the availability of numerous shades of red has made it overwhelming for people. And that is because there are many factors you have to consider before buying a hair dye. But before we talk about these factors, we need to elaborate more on the different types of dye available.
Type of Dye
Hair colors are classified based on how long they last on your hair and their active ingredients. So before you even start your search for an ideal hair dye, you need to understand the different types of hair dyes available.
Permanent Dyes
Permanent dyes feature ammonia and an oxidizing agent that helps lock the dye in your cuticles, thereby retaining the color. Therefore it doesn’t fade with time or washes off after several washes. Unlike the other types of dyes that fade when a conditioner or shampoo with inorganic chemicals is applied, this dye doesn’t. In fact, the only time you will have to reapply the dye is after your hair increases in length. The only way a permanent dye can be removed is by snipping off your hair and allowing it to regrow.
Semi-Permanent Dye
This option contains little to no ammonia and hydrogen peroxide. This dye can penetrate the hair shaft partially, but it fades away after a few washes. With a semi-permanent dye, you can return your hair to its original color with about five washes with shampoo.
Temporary Hair Dye
Temporary hair color is present in numerous products like foams, sprays, gels, and shampoos. This type of dye enhances the hair color delivering a more vibrant and brighter shade. Unfortunately, this dye can never penetrate your hair’s shaft and affect the pH balance. But it’s only absorbed on the surface; therefore, it can be easily washed away with a single wash.
Demi-Permanent Hair Dyes
Demi-permanent dyes have alkaline agents and a developer containing hydrogen peroxide. But it has lower levels of hydrogen peroxide than permanent dyes, plus it’s less effective when it comes to changing the natural hair pigment. Therefore, it doesn’t retain the color permanently, but it can last for between 20 to 28 washes.
Gradual Hair Dye
Gradual hair color is an aqueous form of the metallic dye. And when applied, it leaves your hair with the dark colors of metal sulfides or oxides. This type of dye changes your hair color gradually; therefore, it has to be used for a certain period. Luckily a darker shade can be noticed after every application.
Factors to Consider When Buying Hair Dye
Pick the Dye-Based on Your Skin Tone
You can get a lot of attention due to the drastic change in hair color or maintain your natural looks even after dying the hair. Therefore, you should have a target in mind and hope to achieve it. And this can be accomplished by matching your skin tone with precisely the right shade.
Stick to Your Budget
Before you start your search for an ideal hair dye, you need to determine the amount of cash you are willing to spend. This will help you narrow your search to specific brands. This rule applies to everything you plan on buying.
And after selecting your price range, you must stick to it and avoid overspending.
Plus, some premium colors are more expensive than others. Therefore, your budget must be in line with the type of dye (temporary or permanent) and the shade of the color selected. This will also help you determine if you will be visiting a salon or dyeing the hair at home.
Permanent or Temporary Dye
Another factor that you must consider is if you need the dye on your hair temporarily or permanently. This decision will help you reduce your budget and also prevent you from making a decision that you will regret later. After all, permanent dyes are more expensive than temporary ones. So if you’re working with a tight budget, then you should consider a temporary one.
At the same time, if you pick a premium color like red, blue, or violet, you may later need to change it back to your natural color. If that’s the case, a temporary dye that fades or washes off is ideal for you. But if you’re looking for a permanent change, then a permanent dye is perfect for you. Plus, it will save you the price of re-dyeing it in the future.
The Ingredients
Manufacturers use a wide array of natural ingredients and chemicals to make their products effective. Unfortunately, some of these chemicals can cause allergies or react with your skin and, to some extent, burn more than normal. Therefore, you should look at the ingredients used before making a purchase. This will help you select a safe product; after all, nobody wants a harmful product that will do more than just change their hair color.
Luckily, there are numerous vegan-friendly products in the market that have no Ammonia or peroxide. These products are safe for people with sensitive skin and allergies, and they can be perfect for pregnant women too.
Another thing you have to consider is the fragrance. Fragrances are trade secrets; therefore, companies don’t list the ingredients used to make them. And some fragrances contain known allergens that can affect allergy sufferers.
Other Tips
Experiment on the Wig
With the many hair colors available, you may not be guaranteed that the shade selected will match your style. Therefore, before making the change, you need to test the dye on a wig. Look for a wig whose color is similar to your hair color, and then test the dye before applying it to your hair. Plus, if the final result is not appealing, you can always get another shade and try it again on the wig. This will save you the energy, time, and cash for buying numerous types of dyes.
A wig can also make it possible for you to get the opinion of your close pals before making the drastic change. Your pals can help you experiment and even recommend different shades of red that can look great on you. And if you’re having a hard time picking the right shade of color, a wig can come in handy.
Seek Professional Advice
If picking the right shade of red is almost impossible, you can always seek professional help. In fact, this is the best method for selecting the right dye for your skin type and hair. Plus, you will never have to experiment on a wide range of shades to get the right option. Your hairdresser can help you pick an appropriate dye and also show you how to maintain the hair for a lasting effect.
If you have sensitive skin, then experimenting is not an option. And that is because some hair dyes can irritate your skin while experimenting. If that is the case, then you can contact a dermatologist who will help you highlight the ingredients that affect you. You can use the list of potential irritants to get the best option for your hair without damaging your skin.
Get the Right Product for the Right Type of Hair
Just because a certain product worked perfectly on a pal’s hair doesn’t mean that it will work on yours. After all, we have different hair, and manufacturers know this; therefore, they have produced hair dye for different types of hair. So make sure you pick the right product designed for your type of hair.
Final Thoughts
Dyeing your hair red is a major decision that I am sure you took your time to consider. And irrespective of your reason for changing your hair, you have to make sure that you do it right. After all, the wrong results can affect your self-esteem and finances. So we have prepared the above guide to help you get the right product for your hair and skin. After all, the drastic change is meant to improve your looks and boost your confidence.
When selecting the right red hair dyes, you can never go wrong with L’Oreal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Hair Color. This permanent hair color has the potential to transform you into a redhead bombshell. It will leave you with beautiful fiery locks while its conditioner seals and smoothes your hair. This hair dye is the perfect solution for ladies with gray hair. And being a permanent dye, you will never have to worry about redying your hair too soon.
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