Expert tips for keeping natural or dyed red hair soft, smooth and shiny

Red hair has made a comeback and is set to be the biggest beauty trend of 2022.

Whether natural or not, we’ve seen celebs like Florence Pugh, Halsey and Stacey Solomon sporting the fiery look lately as fiery locks gain more and more popularity across the world.

According to Google, searches for “temporary red hair dye” and “bright red hair dye” have skyrocketed 150% in the past year.

Red hair is rare, unique, and beautiful – but what a lot of people don’t realize is that whether it’s natural or not, it needs some extra TLC to keep it vibrant and full of life.

So what’s the right way to take care of red hair?

Millie’s hair expert Joann Mahon shared his top tips with RSVP Live.

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How to take care of natural red hair

Joann says, “Natural redheads tend to have naturally thick hair, and because of this, their hair will need moisture and hydration. Therefore, gentle hydration is the key to avoiding this and maintaining strands. I suggest going for a moisturizer that has water as its first or second ingredient, regularly deep condition, avoid excess heat and finally trim your ends regularly. “

It is also important to consider how to maintain the shine of your hair and the best way to do this is to take care of the hair cuticle. Joann explains, “Since this is the outermost layer of a strand of hair, your hair cuticles protect your hair from damage and give it shine. Therefore, it’s a good idea to take care of your red hair cuticles by moisturizing and smoothing them with oil.Finally, to close the cuticles of your hair, we recommend that you apply a silicone and vitamin-based serum several times a week to keep that smooth, shiny finish. ”

When it comes to washing natural red hair, make sure your shampoo and conditioner aren’t too heavy, that is, they contain harsh ingredients that can strip your strands of their natural oils. . “Sulphate-free shampoos are a great option because they provide a gentle but deep cleansing without harsh chemicals. It’s also a good idea to look for products that include argan, coconut, and other oils. nuts because they will also hydrate finally, keratin, because it will help to keep frizz and leave the hair smooth, ”explains Joann.

How to take care of dyed red hair

Because it’s unnatural, maintaining the color of your red-dyed strands is the most important thing in hair care. Joann says she is aware of how often you wash them, explaining, “If you wash them too soon after coloring, the cuticle could lift up and the color in your hair could seep in, causing it to fade almost instantly. Also, for dyed hair, this is a good idea. to limit the number of washes per week, as the more often you wash your hair, the faster the color will fade.If an oil buildup starts to form on your scalp between washes, use a dry shampoo on your scalp. roots to help it look cleaner. “

It is also recommended to use a shampoo and conditioner specially formulated for colored hair and free of alcohol and sulfate.

Hair dyed red can easily become dry and brittle, especially if you color it frequently. Sharing his tips for bringing your locks back to life, Joann recommends, “To restore your colored hair and regain moisture, it’s a good idea to invest in a good moisturizing conditioner and hair mask. Keeping your hair hydrated is essential to maintaining your red hair for longer. A deep conditioner, like a hair mask or hot oil treatment, will pump your hair full of moisture and nutrients to keep it healthy, strong and shiny. “

Finally, unlike natural red hair, dyed red hair requires extra protection – swimming in chlorinated water can discolor strands, while salt water is known to dry out strands. “If you decide to go swimming in chlorine or salt water, I recommend you wear a swim cap or other protective headwear, or avoid getting your hair wet,” says Joann. .

For more tips on how to take care of red hair, visit Millie’s website here.