If you are a natural redhead and want to change the color of those strawberry blonde locks, I would first suggest that you think about it very seriously. Although it is a natural tendency for people to like a hair color or style other than your own, redheads should feel themselves lucky instead of cursed for the color of their hair. There is nothing more beautiful and sexy than red hair done in the right style. However, if you really must, or if you want to experiment, you should be aware that there are a few rules and facts to know about changing your hair color when you are a natural redhead.
Red hair is a recessive trait that comes out only rarely and only between couples who both have red hair themselves, or both have parents or grandparents with red hair. The gene, which was found and isolated in the 1990s, usually gets swept out of the gene set within 3 generations of mating with those who do not have the gene. Most men find redheads attractive beyond measure, either discounting or ignoring the stories of their fiery nature and hot temper.
Although the gene for red-hair is recessive, the hair itself is strong and resilient, as if it knows it is a rarity and will do anything to keep someone from changing it. Natural red hair is known to defy artificial coloring outright. Some redheads find that hair dyes will not hold at all, temporary, permanent, or professional. Others find that the color holds, but the red shows through the dye anyway. This is especially true for temporary dyes, the weakest variants.
The best solution, if you want to change the color of your red hair, is to go to a professional stylist. This can be expensive, but may be the only way to get the job done or the color you want. Depending on how well the color holds, the stylist may have to chemically strip your hair first, prepping it for the color to hold. To interject the best solution, again, I advise you to keep your color but add highlights. This is more easily managed and may provide you with the change you are looking for.
If you cannot go to a professional or if you cannot afford to see a professional, some home permanent dye kits may help you. Do not even try a temporary dye solution; you will only be disappointed. Even with the permanent dyes, you must know that the red will shine through and instead of brunette or brown, you will have auburn. The color you choose will always be lighter and redder than the dye. Find a piece of hair that you can snip from your head to test the color beforehand. Ash-tones will also provide with truer color. Some recommendations for at-home color are Garnier 100% Color, Herbal Essences Color, and Clairol Hydrience.
For the third time, I urge all redheads to reconsider coloring your hair. It is appreciated far more than you may realize. If you must color it, be careful, and go professional if you have to. I can almost guarantee that once you have your new color for awhile, you will regret having ever changed it.
