Grab your apple cider or pumpkin spice latte because it’s fall! Not only do we warm up and spice up our drinks, but many guests want their hair color warmed up too. Some even want to add some spicy red or copper into their color! How do you know if going red, or even slightly red,  is right for you? We talked to our Colorist, Jeannie Kieran, to get answers to all things red hair!

What are the trending fall colors this year?

• Trending colors for fall are basically the same as summer colors, just one or two shade deeper and usually warmer/redder than usual.

Are many people trying out red hair color?

• Yes! A lot of guests have wanted to try some red colors. Some are more subtle and others bold.

When you are working on someone wanting to go red (not already naturally redheaded), how do you determine which shade to choose?

• I look at their skin color and eye color. Fair skin with light eyes can go much brighter and cooler than someone with slightly darker or golden skin and darker eyes. It’s really all skin tone. More warm, olive tones need warmer color (darker auburn) and more blue/pink needs cooler color (strawberry blonde).

Highlights or single process?

• It really depends on what look the guest ultimately wants. For someone going red for the first time, I’d probably start with a few highlights and a red gloss to ease guests into it to make sure they like it. Then I’d see if they are willing to handle the maintenance. Some people don’t realize that once you go red you have to change your clothing, your makeup, and overall color scheme because everything changes. Red is very unique from other hair colors that way.For a subtle red color we can do a single process to change the overall color, or some highlights to blend the new red with their natural color. Red doesn’t always blend in well, so their natural color has to be complementary as well.

What is the maintenance like?

• For those without natural red hair, it requires touch ups every 4-6 weeks. You can only shampoo once a week, and must use color safe shampoo and conditioner, and you have to use cold water. Dyed red hair can, and most likely will, fade quickly. It takes work to make it vibrant! Totally worth it if it’s what you want, but that’s something I’ll always share with my guests wanting to add some red.

What about natural red hair who want to enhance it or cover gray?

• A lot of natural redheads with grey can often just get a demi-permanent gloss to brighten it up, and avoid “browning out.” Red hair tends to age to more of an ashy red, so we can help bring it back to life but keep it natural. This maintenance is obviously less intense than someone going red for the first time, because it’s more about brightening rather than changing.

So, overall red is a lot of fun and definitely a gorgeous hair color! But, make sure you work with your colorist to find the right tone for your skin and eyes, and are willing to make some adjustments in your color scheme of clothing and makeup if necessary.

To book a color consultation with the best colorists in Greenwich, give us a call at 203-861-6700 or you can also book here.

See you soon!