Your brown hair dye likely turned your hair red due to the color choice itself or the undertones present in the dye.
Reasons for Redness After Using Brown Hair Dye
According to hair color expert Papanikolas, there are two main reasons why your hair might turn red or orange after using brown hair dye:
- The Color Was Too Light: If the brown dye you chose was significantly lighter than your natural hair color, it may have exposed underlying red or orange pigments. Lighter colors often lift the hair's natural shade, revealing these warmer tones.
- The Dye Had Warm Undertones: Brown hair dyes come in a variety of shades, some with warmer undertones (such as red, orange, or gold). If the specific brown dye you used had these undertones, it could cause your hair to appear more reddish than brown.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Too Light | The dye lifted your natural hair color and exposed underlying red/orange pigments. |
| Warm Undertones | The dye itself contained red or orange pigments that became more prominent after application. |
Understanding Hair Color Undertones
Hair color is not just about the primary color you see. Each hair color also has underlying tones that can influence the final result. These undertones can be:
- Cool: Blue, green, violet, or ash tones.
- Warm: Red, orange, gold, or yellow tones.
- Neutral: Balanced tones that don't lean too heavily either way.
When choosing a brown hair dye, it's essential to consider your natural undertones, as well as the undertones present in the dye itself. A dye labeled as "chocolate brown," for example, may contain more red undertones than an "ash brown."
How to Avoid Redness
- Choose a Color Close to Your Natural Shade: Avoid selecting a dye that’s drastically lighter than your current color. A color that's one or two shades darker or lighter will be less likely to expose underlying red pigments.
- Opt for Cool or Neutral Tones: Look for dye labels that mention "ash," "cool," or "neutral" tones. These will help neutralize unwanted red or orange undertones.
- Consult a Professional: If you're unsure about which dye to use, consult a hairstylist. They can help you pick the perfect shade that suits your hair and desired look.
- Test on a Strand: Before applying the dye all over, do a small strand test to see how the color will look on your hair. This will help you avoid unwanted surprises.
By understanding the reasons why hair dye can turn red, you can make informed choices and achieve your desired brown shade.
