How to get rid of red undertones in brown hair All the remedies to achieve a cool and intense hair
If you’re a brunette, especially dyed, you’ve probably noticed those annoying red undertones that appear in your hair, especially when you’re out in the sun. Don’t worry, you’re not the only one dealing with them: red undertones in brown hair are a common issue, whether your base is natural or colored. The good news is that with the right products, you can forget they exist and finally enjoy your rich brown hair without unwanted warm tones.
How to get rid of red undertones in brown hair
Why do red undertones appear?
According to color theory, the darker a dye is, the more red pigments it contains. When the color starts to fade, due to frequent washing or sun exposure, the red pigments become more visible, turning your brown hair into a warm, almost mahogany shade, far from what you had in mind. And it doesn’t matter how carefully you maintain your color: red has a stubborn tendency to reappear, especially if you use the wrong products.
How to fix it? Choose the right dye
I don’t want to give you false hope: red undertones will never completely disappear, but you can tone down and neutralize them with the right products. Your first instinct might be to cover them with a darker dye. Too bad, as we mentioned, dark dyes are full of red pigments, so that’s a no-go. The basic rule of color theory is simple: the color that neutralizes red is green. That’s why the smartest choice is an ash dye or toner, often labeled 0.1. Its cool pigments tone down the warm undertones and bring your brown hair back to a more neutral shade.
Anti-red products
Just like there are anti-yellow products for blondes, there are also versions designed for brunettes struggling with red undertones. These are green-pigmented shampoos and masks that, with each application, neutralize unwanted warmth. They’re temporary solutions, they don’t completely change your color but keep it under control and counteract red undertones. Use them once a week, or at least until you no longer see those warm, unwanted tones in the mirror.