Before you take the plunge, celebrity stylist Mark Rosales shares what it really takes to keep red hair bold and beautiful.
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So, you’re thinking of going red? We get it. From BINI Mikha to Heart Evangelista, it feels like everyone’s embracing bolder hues. And with red being one of the most eye-catching (and not to mention Instagrammable) hair colors out there, it’s easy to see why the temptation is real. But before you book that salon appointment, let’s get one thing straight: are you really ready for red?
To break it all down, we got the expert tea from celebrity stylist and hair expert Mark Rosales—the genius behind Mark’ed and the man trusted by A-listers like Sofia Pablo. When it comes to red hair, he doesn’t sugarcoat it. “Going red isn’t just a color change—it’s a commitment,” he says.
So before you take the plunge, here’s everything you need to know—straight from the pro himself.
The Truth About Red Hair: It’s Not a One-Time Fling
A lot of people think red hair is a fun, temporary switch—but that’s where they go wrong. While red does fade faster than other colors, the pigments don’t just wash away overnight. “Red fades in vibrancy fast, but those pigments linger in your hair for a long time, making it one of the hardest colors to remove completely,” explains Mark.
Translation? If you love changing up your hair color every few months, be warned—red isn’t a one-and-done deal. It sticks around, sometimes even when you don’t want it to.
Prepping for the Perfect Red
If your mind is set on going red, the next thing to ask yourself is whether your hair is ready for it, too. Fresh dye is only as good as the canvas it’s applied to, and healthy hair holds color better. That’s why proper prep is crucial before your salon appointment. “Deep condition a few days before, and avoid washing right before your appointment,” Mark advises. “Your natural oils will help protect your scalp during the dyeing process.”
Think of it like skincare before makeup—hydrated, well-prepped hair will absorb and retain color much better than dry, damaged strands. So if you’ve been overdoing it with heat styling or skipping regular trims, now’s the time to start treating your hair with a little TLC.
Does Hair Type Affect How Red Holds?
Yes! “Darker, coarser hair can be more resistant to red,” Mark explains. That’s because its dense cuticle layer makes it harder for color to penetrate, meaning your dream fiery red might end up looking more like a subtle tint—unless you prep it right.
For deep brunettes or those with naturally thick strands, pre-lightening is the game-changer. Don’t worry, this doesn’t always mean bleaching your hair platinum; sometimes, lifting it to a warm brown or copper base is enough to make the red pop. Work with your colorist to find the right balance between vibrancy and hair health—because a bold red is only as good as the strands it’s shining on.
Finding Your Red: The Right Shade for Your Skin Tone
Now that we’ve covered hair types, let’s talk about hair color. Ever wondered why some reds look effortlessly stunning on others but not quite right on you? It all comes down to undertones (yes, just like in makeup)—and choosing the right shade makes all the difference. “Not all reds are created equal,” says Mark, emphasizing the importance of picking a hue that complements your skin.
Here’s his foolproof guide:
- Warm undertones? Go for copper or auburn—rich, golden reds that enhance your natural warmth.
- Neutral undertones? You’ve hit the jackpot—almost any red works on you! From bright crimson to deep mahogany, take your pick.
- Cool undertones? Try cherry red or burgundy for a striking contrast that flatters your complexion.
Still unsure? A good trick is to check your accessory preference—if gold looks better on you, warm reds are your best bet. If silver pops more, lean towards cooler shades.
The Reality of Maintaining Red Hair
If you’re after that fresh-out-of-the-salon red, be prepared to commit to touch-ups every 4 to 6 weeks. “Using a color-depositing shampoo between salon visits will help refresh the shade,” Mark advises. But maintenance doesn’t stop there—keeping red vibrant means being extra mindful of how you treat your hair daily.
Hair care isn’t one-size-fits-all, but Mark swears by Beaver Botanical Peppermint Shampoo for moisture, hair growth, and color retention. And if you’re serious about preserving your shade, heat protectant is non-negotiable—sun exposure and hot tools can dull your red fast.
Want a Low-Maintenance Red? Try This
Instead of a full head of red (which fades fast and requires frequent touch-ups), go for a red balayage or deep auburn. These shades blend seamlessly with your natural hair color, meaning less visible roots and a more effortless grow-out.
You’ll still get that rich, dimensional red—all without the stress of constant salon visits. Think of it as the chill way to go crimson!
What If You Regret Going Red?
Red might be bold and beautiful, but what if you change your mind? “Start with color-correcting treatments and shift to a warmer brown or dark blonde before lightening further,” Mark advises.
Going straight to blonde or back to black isn’t the move—you’ll need a few sessions to transition smoothly and avoid brassy, broom-like tones. With deep conditioning, regular toning, and a lot of patience, phasing out red is possible. Then again, if you’re not 100% sure about committing, consider a lower-maintenance shade like auburn or a red balayage. Future you might thank you for it!
That said, if you’re thinking long-term, it’s just as important to consider how red will look on your natural hair color in the first place.
The #1 Request That Stylists Don’t Recommend
One of the most common requests in the salon? A bright, fiery red on very dark hair—without bleaching. It makes sense; bleaching sounds intimidating, and skipping it seems like a way to save money and avoid damage. But Mark keeps it real: “Without lightening, you’ll only get a slight red tint.”
Your base color makes all the difference. “On brunettes, it turns into a rich, deep red. On blondes, it’s bright and vibrant. And for dark hair? You’ll need pre-lightening for a bold result.” If you want that true, head-turning red, there’s no shortcut—commit to the process, or you’ll end up with something far more subtle than you bargained for.
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