How to Get Red Hair with Blonde Highlights

Want to try a bold new hair color? We’ve got you covered! Look no further than red hair with highlights—more specifically, blonde highlights. Red hair is undeniably gorgeous—and blonde highlights are a pretty way to update your hair color without changing it completely. Want to give red hair with blonde highlights a whirl? Here’s what you need to know about bringing this dimensional hair color idea to life, whether you choose to go to a salon or DIY it at home.

WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER ADDING BLONDE HIGHLIGHTS TO RED HAIR

There’s no denying it: Red hair is stunning on its own, but blonde highlights can add a major facet of dimension and brightness to your hair color. So, whether you’re a natural redhead or you get your red hair color from a box dye, consider adding some blonde highlights throughout your red hair to kick things up a notch. Of course, there are some factors to consider before getting red hair with blonde highlights. Here’s what you need to know.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ADDING HIGHLIGHTS TO RED HAIR

If you’ve ever colored your hair before, then you know that the process can be tricky. And that’s especially the case for blonde highlights, which require a certain skill and technique to apply. That means you may want to leave this one to a pro. A colorist will be able to seamlessly paint on highlights—whether traditional foil ones or through use of the balayage technique—for a custom look.

Keep in mind that balayage highlights are a lot lower maintenance than traditional highlights—so balayage highlights might be a good option for you if you don’t have a ton of time to pop back into the salon for touch-ups. Set up a consultation with your colorist before having your strands dyed to talk about what you’d like so that you’re happy with the outcome at the end of the process. Another factor to consider is that highlighting your hair will require bleaching—and the darker your starting red hair color, the more work (and sessions) it may take to achieve your desired shade of highlights.

OUR BEST AT-HOME HIGHLIGHTS TO USE ON RED HAIR

If you’ve decided to go the at-home hair color route to get red hair with blonde highlights, we have quite a few options for you to use. Try the L’Oréal Paris Frost & Design, L’Oréal Paris La Petite Frost, or L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Glam Lights. Make sure to follow the instructions included with the packaging of your chosen at-home highlights kit.

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF RED HAIR WITH BLONDE HIGHLIGHTS

Officially have blonde highlights added to your red hair? Congrats! Your work doesn’t end there, though. After you’ve colored your hair, it could be a good idea to make a few changes to your hair care routine. Follow these tips for taking care of red hair with blonde highlights.

TIP #1: USE A HAIR CARE SYSTEM FOR COLOR-TREATED HAIR

It’s time to move your regular shampoo and conditioner aside in favor of products that are formulated specifically for color-treated hair. Try the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Repair & Defend Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Repair and Defend Conditioner. To use, massage the shampoo into wet hair when you’re in the shower, then rinse. Follow up by applying the conditioner, leaving it on for one to three minutes, then rinse out thoroughly with lukewarm water. Super-hot water can strip your strands of essential oils, leaving it feeling drier and looking duller, which is why it’s key to wash your hair in lukewarm water. It may not feel quite as relaxing, but trust us, your hair will thank you for turning down the dial!

TIP #2: KEEP IT BRASS-FREE

It’s no secret that bleached hair can turn brassy over time, and red hair, in particular, has a tendency to pick up those unwanted warm tones quicker. When you notice your blonde highlights getting brassy, swap the above shampoo and conditioner for the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Brass Toning Purple Sulfate Free Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Brass Toning Purple Sulfate Free Conditioner. The duo neutralizes brassy yellow and orange tones in blonde, bleached, and highlighted hair. Use up to three times per week.

TIP #3: GET FAMILIAR WITH HAIR MASKS

Sometimes, color-treated hair needs a little extra TLC, and you’ll likely find that the case when you have red hair with blonde highlights. So, once or twice a week, swap out your conditioner for the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Repair Remedy Balm. After shampooing with shampoo, apply the hair mask and leave it on for three to five minutes, then rinse out thoroughly with lukewarm water.

TIP #4: SPRITZ ON A HEAT PROTECTANT BEFORE BLOW-DRYING

Want to show off your red hair with blonde highlights by blow-drying your mane into a smooth style? Always—and we mean always!—use a heat protectant product before you get to work with a heat tool. This can help protect your hair against damage caused by excessive heat style. Try the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Iron Straight Heatspray, which offers 450-degree heat protection ideal for a sleek look.

TIP #5: ROCK BEACHY WAVES

Blonde highlights and tousled waves go together like PB&J. To get this look, towel-dry your hair after showering and spritz on a wave spray. Then, braid your hair—create one braid for loose waves or multiple braids for tighter waves. Once your hair has air dried, undo the braids and shake your waves out. Gorgeous!

TIP #6: SET REMINDERS FOR YOUR TOUCH-UPS

We get it: It’s easy to get busy and totally forget that it’s time for a root touch-up. Set a reminder for yourself on your phone so that you know to schedule your appointment well in advance. This will help ensure your red hair with blonde highlights continues to appear as fresh and vibrant as can be. 

TIP #7: GO TO THE SALON FOR A GLAZE

Getting a gloss or glaze at the salon can help add shine to your strands—so if you’ve got red hair with blonde highlights, ask your colorist if this is a good option for you! You can get a gloss or glaze even if you dye your hair at home.

Next up: Don’t have red hair to add blonde highlights to? That’s OK. Instead, consider adding red highlights to your mane! Here’s Your Guide to Pulling Off Red Highlights.