How should I color my hair red when it is bleach blonde, professional or can i do it myself?

Question

I've been dying my hair bleach blonde for two years now. I'm wanting to change to red hair. i mean willow from buffy the vampire slayer red hair if that gives you an idea. I'm afraid to do it myself because i'm afraid of what color is going to come out like a bright pink or orange. LOL. and i'm not sure about going to a hair dresser cause i've always done my own hair plus i don't want to spend much money on one. suggestions please!!! muchly appreciated.

Answer 1

I did the same thing years ago. whether you do it your self or have a professional do it the hair can come out kind of coral because it is so porous. I knew it would happen so I just left it and kept having my hair trimmed and layered,eventually my hair actually looked red and not coral, the red comes out good on the new growth.The best colors to use are Audacious red or titian red, those are both Wella brand,you can get them at a beauty supply store. Make sure the base color is either,red gold or red orange. The titain red is probably the better color for you,the base color is red,gold. Since your hair is bleached don't expect to get that exact color like Willows. Don't use a red that has violet or purple in the base either, when the color starts to fade your hair will be lavender. I just don't want you to be shocked if you do this, if you can deal with your hair looking a little coral,then go for it. Oh,and the other thing, red fades the worst.

Answer 2

For a change this big I would definitely suggest going to a professional. Only a professional is going to be able to get that "fire engine red" color you're looking for without causing further damage to your already (I assume from the bleaching) damaged hair.

Save your money, it's totally worth the splurge! If you try to do it yourself you're just going to end up with a blotchy part orange/part pink/part red uneven mess. A professional stylist will gauge the color's reaction on each part of your hair and leave the color on longer or take it out sooner depending on each section of your hair's reaction, so the end result will be even toned with no blotches.

Red is a very hard color to get and keep - meaning it's hard to get the color to stick to your hair to begin with and hard to keep it in and vibrant once you have it. A pro is going to be able to recommend the right products to keep your color from fading and to keep your hair in good condition.

Also, red isn't cheap. Because it's so unstable it has to be touched up frequently. If you are worrying that you can't afford to have it done the first time, fire engine red may not be the right choice for you because it's defintiely going to involve follow up visits to the same salon (or a similar one) for upkeep. Which means more money.

I suggest you really give it some thought, think about why you want to be a redhead, if it's just a phase or if you've really been thinking about it for a long time. Ask what others close to you think about it. Another excellent idea is to buy a red wig and wear it for a few days. See how it matches the rest of your clothing, your shoes, your accessories. A good quality wig is going to give you a better idea of what being a redhead is really going to be like, but even a cheaper wig will help give you a feel for what it's like. And even if the wig is a little pricey, it's nothing compared to the expense, pain and agony if you decide to actually go red and then hate it and want to go back to blonde!

Answer 3

There are several things to consider when coloring hair. One is the base color... choosing between orange base, neutral base, etc. Then comes the peroxide volume or developer...20, 30... It's too much of a guessing game. And then comes the risk of getting lighter or darker spots, overprossesing your hair and so on. Then if you get the ones that come in a box, usually the color of hair doesn't come out as you had in mind. So, the best thing is to let a professional handle that matter. Pick a shade and relax being certain that you will get exactly what you asked for.

Answer 4

Okay, I suggest buying the hair colour you want. Make sure it isn't a copper based tone. If it has the word copper in it, dont buy it. It will turn orange.

I suggest using a deep auburn colour or a 'bright red' colour. Since your hair is blonde, it will be easy to dye red. A rich auburn may look best if you do it at home, then again a hairdresser will know best.

But, if you're on a budget then buy a rich red/auburn shade from the drugstore. good luck!

Answer 5

If I was you, I would do it with a professional hairdresser, otherwise it will turn out orange or pink. Have a go and see what colour it turns out the first time. Then if it does turn pink or orange, you can go over it once more and then you will know it will be more the colour you want. Try it and see what happens, but do it on the weekend. That way, your at home and no one else will see it. Good Luck

Answer 6

First of all, why in the heck would you want to be bleach blonde?
Unless you were born with it, it looks ridiculous!
You need to let your natural hair grow in for a couple of months.
Once you see the roots coming through, you should be fine dying it to the color of your choice.
I am actually naturally blonde and chose red hair instead :-)

Answer 7

just buy your dye and do a strand test ,,,,you should be ok ..also do a protein treatment to fill the protein back into your hair ...before you dye it.....thats a must go to sallys and get the jerri redding protein read the back of it...if you do not use that protein the dye will not take the right color

Answer 8

Professional. You don't want to come out looking like the easter bunny or your hair falling out.

Answer 9

what do u want a different colored hair done right or do it yourself and still have to pay to get it done right a professional may tell you your hair is damage but just remember u get what u pay for

Answer 10

I would strongly suggest you go to a professional. If not to get it done, at least to get a consultation.