How To Go From Brown Hair To Red Hair

If you’ve got brown hair, you might have found yourself thinking about trading your chestnut locks in for red hair at one point or another. Brown hair is beautiful, but we all fantasize about trying on a new look, and red hair can be truly alluring when done right. Perhaps you haven’t made the switch yet because you’re worried that the crimson shade won’t look quite right on you. If that’s the case, we’ve got good news: It turns out there’s an ideal red hair color for every undertone, so you won’t have to miss out on trying this stunning hue. Keep reading to find your perfect shade of red and products you can use to keep your color-treated red hair healthy and shiny. 

How To Find The Best Red Hair Color For You

A good rule of thumb is to choose a red with the same undertones as your skin. If you’ve got a cool undertone, go for coppery and cherry red colors like the L’Oréal Paris Féria in Power Copper. These hues will help create a glow and brighten up your overall complexion. Ladies with olive undertones can carry more pigmented hues, like auburn hair colors or burgundy, both of which are reddish-brown. Reach for the L’Oréal Paris Féria in Deep Burgundy. This shade of red will add depth and create a stunning contrast against your skin and hair. Those with neutral undertones can enjoy a majority of red shades since they fall between the middle of cool and warm undertones. Opt for brighter auburn shades like the L’Oréal Paris Féria in Rich Auburn True Red if you want to create a bold and vibrant look. 

Editor’s Tip: If you’re indecisive or unsure about what color you should go for, let the L'Oréal Paris Virtual Hair Color Try-On Tool be your guide. It allows you to experiment with the latest colors in real-time using your computer’s camera for a live demo or by uploading a selfie so you can see how different colors will look on your hair. 

What To Keep In Mind When Becoming A Redhead

If the color you choose is lighter or more vibrant than your current hue, you will need to have your hair lifted (read: lightened) first. The darker your starting color, the more lifting your hair will require. You can visit a professional colorist to get the result you want, or, if you’re going to color at home, use an at-home hair color bleach like the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Bleach in All Over.

How To Go From Brown To Red At Home

Once you’ve figured out what shade of red you want, you can try one of the following at-home hair color kits to dye your hair from brown to red yourself:

L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference: This line offer six luminous shades of red with long-lasting results that won’t fade for weeks.

L’Oréal Paris Féria: This line offers eight shimmering shades of red with three times the amount of highlights for intense and brilliant results. 

L’Oréal Paris Excellence Creme Permanent Triple Protection Hair Color: This line features three gorgeous shades of red and one hundred percent grey hair coverage. 

You should also make sure to gather all the supplies you’ll need before starting the dyeing process to help achieve the best results. We recommend checking out some DIY online tutorials, and of course, our expert guide on how to dye your hair at home.

How To Take Care Of Your New Red Hair Color

Anytime you make a hair color change, it’s important to switch up your hair care routine to help preserve the color and to keep your hair feeling soft and looking shiny. Add weekly deep conditioning treatments like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Repair and Protect Balm to help keep your hair moisturized. Also, switch to a shampoo and conditioner combo specifically formulated for color-treated hair. Try L'Oréal Paris EverPure Repair & Defend Shampoo and the L'Oréal Paris EverPure Repair & Defend Conditioner. It includes ingredients such as goji and rosemary leaf oil to help strengthen your hair and extend the color. 

Lastly, when you’re in need of a hair color refresher, reach for the L'Oréal Paris Le Color Gloss One Step In-Shower Toning Gloss. This salon-inspired gloss will amp up the shine, tone, and deeply condition your strands all in one step. Apply it to your hair while you’re in the shower and let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing it out—no gloves or mixing necessary. 

Next: Your Guide to Safely Applying Hair Colors and Dyes