Styling Tips: How to Rock Red Highlights on Brown Hair

This fiery combo is not just a style statement, but also a game-changer that can transform your entire look. Whether you’re aiming for a subtle change or a bold makeover, red highlights can add that extra ‘oomph’ to your brown locks. 

And guess what? This hair trend is not just for the bold and fearless. It’s a versatile style that suits a variety of occasions and seasons. Whether you’re heading to a summer festival or a cozy winter gathering, red highlights on brown hair can add a warm and stylish edge to your look.

Why Do Red Highlights on Brown Hair Look So Good?

There’s something undeniably magnetic about red highlights on brown hair. The contrast is vivid yet harmonious, creating a look that’s both eye-catching and sophisticated. But why does this combination work so well? 

Firstly, red highlights can add an incredible depth to brown hair. They weave a layer of complexity and richness that can make your hair look thicker and fuller. It’s like adding a touch of spice to a dish – it enhances the flavor without overpowering it.

Secondly, they bring warmth and dimension. Red, in all its shades, is a warm color that can bring out the warmth in brown hair. It creates a multi-dimensional effect, making your hair look dynamic and vibrant, even in the dullest of lights.

What is the Right Shade of Red for You?

The beauty of red is that it comes in a plethora of shades, each with its own charm and personality. 

Burgundy, a deep, dark shade of red with a purplish tinge, is perfect for those with dark brown or black hair. It’s subtle yet impactful, adding an element of mystery and sophistication to your look.

Cherry red, on the other hand, is bold and vibrant. It’s a fantastic option for those with light to medium brown hair who want to make a statement. This shade is all about fun and fearlessness, making your hair stand out in the crowd.

Copper red, a blend of red and bronze, is a fantastic choice for those with medium to dark brown hair. It’s a warm and earthy shade that can add a natural-looking glow to your hair.

The key is to find a shade of red that complements your brown hair and reflects your personal style. If you need assistance and expert styling tips, visit Artists and Architects Salon. Our professional stylists will help you to decide what shade works best for you. 

How to Prepare for Red Highlights

Before you dive into the exciting process of getting red highlights, it’s crucial to prep your hair to ensure the best possible results. Here are some tips on how to get your hair ready for its fiery transformation:

  1. Use a Clarifying Shampoo: A few days before you plan to get your highlights, use a clarifying shampoo. This type of shampoo will help get rid of any product buildup, natural oils, and other residues that could potentially affect color absorption. 
  1. Avoid Heavy Conditioners: While nourishing your hair is essential, using heavy conditioners or hair masks right before coloring can create a barrier that prevents the dye from penetrating your hair strands. Stick to lightweight conditioners and avoid any deep conditioning treatments for at least a couple of days before dying your hair.
  1. Keep Your Hair Hydrated: Coloring can be a bit harsh on your hair, so ensure your locks are well-hydrated before the process. Drink plenty of water and eat foods rich in vitamins and minerals that promote hair health.
  1. Minimize Heat Styling: Try to avoid using heat-styling tools like straighteners, curling irons, and blow dryers in the days leading up to your appointment. Excessive heat can damage your hair, making it more susceptible to color damage.
  1. Trim Your Ends: If your hair has split ends or looks a bit damaged, consider getting a trim before coloring. Healthy hair takes color better and will make your highlights look more vibrant.

Tips for Maintaining Your Red Highlights

Once you’ve achieved your gorgeous red highlights, it’s all about maintenance. Here are some recommendations to keep your highlights looking vibrant and fresh:

  1. Use Products for Colored Hair: Switch to shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks that are specifically formulated for colored hair. These products are designed to gently cleanse and condition your hair without stripping away the color.
  1. Protect Your Hair: UV rays and heat styling tools can cause your red highlights to fade quickly. Use a heat protectant spray before styling and consider wearing a hat or using a UV protection spray for your hair when you’ll be in the sun for extended periods.
  1. Keep Your Hair Moisturized: Colored hair can become dry and brittle, so it’s essential to keep it nourished and hydrated. Use a deep conditioning treatment or hair mask at least once a week to replenish moisture and keep your hair looking healthy and shiny.

Regular Touch-Ups

To keep your red highlights vibrant, regular salon visits are a must. The frequency of touch-ups will depend on the shade of red you’ve chosen and how quickly your hair grows. 

Generally, you can expect to need a touch-up every 4-6 weeks. However, if you’ve chosen a more subtle, natural shade of red, you might be able to go a bit longer between salon visits.

Styling Tips for Red Highlights on Brown Hair

Enhancing the visibility and effect of your red highlights can be achieved with some simple daily hairstyles. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Loose Waves: This style is great for showing off the dimensions of your highlights. Use a curling wand to create soft, loose waves that will let your red strands shine.
  • Half-Up, Half-Down: This classic hairstyle is not only easy to achieve but also perfect for showcasing your highlights. The style allows both the underneath layers and top layers of your hair to be visible, enhancing the depth of your color.
  • Braids: Whether it’s a simple three-strand braid or a more complex fishtail, braids are an excellent way to display the contrast between your brown hair and red highlights.

Special Occasion Styles

For special occasions, consider these styles to make your red highlights the star of the show:

  • Updos: Styles like a French twist or a braided bun can beautifully showcase the layers of color in your hair. As the hair is twisted or braided, the red highlights will pop against the brown, creating an eye-catching look.
  • Curls: Whether they’re tight ringlets or big, loose curls, this style can amplify the visibility of your highlights. The curves of the curls catch the light, making your red highlights stand out.
  • Sleek Straight: If you have long hair, wearing it sleek and straight can also highlight your color. The smooth surface of straight hair provides an excellent backdrop for your vibrant strands.

Final Thoughts

With these tips and tricks, you’re now armed to rock those red highlights on brown hair like a pro. Remember, whether it’s choosing the right shade of red, prepping your hair for the coloring process, or maintaining and styling your vibrant locks, every step counts toward flaunting a look that’s uniquely you. 

The world of hair color is an exciting one, and adding red highlights to your brown hair is a fantastic way to express your personality and style. It’s all about being bold, being vibrant, and, most importantly, being you.