10 Best Red Hair Dyes: Reviews and Guide
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When you choose the right hair color brand you get the confidence of having that head-turning fabulous red hair that everyone envies. On the other hand, when you choose the wrong hair color brand the result may be dull hair color and hair damage.
There are many different brands of hair color, all claiming to be the best. But that’s not true. For eliminating this hassle of choosing the correct hair color, I have created a list of the 10 best red hair dyes for you.
You will find it to be a thorough list with the pros and cons of each hair dye listed carefully. So, let’s go and explore the list of best red hair dyes now and let’s find you that perfect hair color that you are looking for, together.
10 Best Red Hair Dyes
1. Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Hair Color Crème, 66 True Red (Pomegranate)
Our Pick
Garnier is a well-known brand with a history of more than 100 years in the field of hair care and Garnier Nutrisse is yet another great product from the pioneer in the industry.
Garnier Nutrisse is packed with the power of 3 oils – Avocado oil, Olive, and Shea oil, which nourishes your hair as you color providing you with softer, smoother, and nourished hair.
You do not have to worry about staining your clothes while dyeing your hair as Garnier Nutrisse nourishing hair color crème, 66 true red (pomegranate) comes with a not drip crème formula that is easy to use for a non-messy coloring experience.
It is powered by color boost technology that can deliver permanent hair color, even to dark hair.
Just open the pack and you will get all the things you need to color your hair as it comes with a complete hair dye kit.
Since it is a permanent dye it has a long-lasting formula that helps your color stay with you for up to 8 weeks.
Its formula is enriched with fruit oil concentrate which penetrates your hair fibers and provides conditioning and nourishment which enables your hair to hold color better and longer.
This product offers 100% gray coverage. Its crème formula spreads evenly covering each strand of hair so that you can get rid of those grays in no time.
Pros
- Non drip crème formula
- Nourishment from 3 natural oils
- Affordable
- Offers 100% gray coverage
Cons
Not for sensitive skin
2. L’Oreal Paris Superior Preference Permanent Hair Color, 6AB Chic Auburn Brown
For Protection Against UV Rays Damage
This product by L’Oreal Paris provides you with luminous and multi-dimensional color that lasts up to 8 weeks.
L’Oreal Paris superior preference permanent hair color, 6AB chic auburn brown is formulated with shine serum for incredible shine.
This permanent hair color is powered by a fade-defying formula that prevents your hair color from fading, giving you long-lasting color.
This is a powerful product that does its job of providing you with rich color even on your dark hair. Hence, no bleaching is required.
However, if you want a lighter shade then you might consider bleaching your hair before using this product as when used on dark hair it gives a darker hue while when used on lighter hair it gives a lighter shade.
It gives you silky hair as it’s formulated with golden Camelina oil and antioxidant vitamin E.
It is also packed with UV filters that protect your hair from the harmful UV rays of the sun preventing hair damage from the direct exposure of the sun.
It is even ideal for covering your unwanted gray hair by giving yourself the confidence of shiny and smoother hair.
L’Oreal Paris is a brand known for its quality hair products, which are used by professionals all around the globe and this product by them is no exception and provides its users with confidence as it colors with care.
Pros
- Color lasts up to 8 weeks
- Formulated with shine serum
- Fade defying formula
- Affordable
- Blends away grays
Cons
Liquid gel consistency
3. Arctic Fox Vegan and Cruelty-Free Semi-Permanent Hair Color
For Animal Lovers
If you are an animal lover and can’t withstand cruelty against animals or if you are a vegan and don’t want any animal derivative in your products then this product is made for you.
The Arctic Fox brand really cares about animals as 15% of all the profits earned by the company are donated to various animal charities.
Arctic Fox vegan and cruelty-free semi-permanent hair color is made with a formula that is safe for long-term use because it is ammonia-free, peroxide-free, PPD-free, and alcohol-free.
This product gives you bright and attractive red color that lasts 4 to 6 weeks.
As I already mentioned that it is ammonia-free hence it doesn’t have a bad smell. Instead, it has a sweet scent that you will enjoy while using it.
This is ideal for people with all the different hair types.
This product is super easy to use as you can directly use it from the bottle without adding any developers.
The fiery red hair color has a slight orange undertone and fades evenly into lighter red shades with time as you wash your hair. This means even after some washes your red hair color will still look good.
This dye has included conditioner in its formula which offers moisturization and nourishment to your hair.
There are some components into it that strengthens your hair. Hence, you can keep using it without damaging your hair.
Pros
- Climate Friendly
- With conditioners
- Vegan ingredients
- Easy to use
- Ammonia free
- Cruelty-free
- Part of the profit goes to animal charities
Cons
Needs bleached hair for perfect results
4. Manic Panic Vampire Red hair Dye
For Dyeing Dark Hair Without Bleaching
Manic Panic offers various hues of red color for you to choose from. This makes it ideal for you if you are one of those who like to have different options to choose from and pick the one that you feel will best suit you.
Manic Panic vampire red hair dye is a strong hair color that is effective in dyeing your dark hair as well which will give your virgin, unbleached hair, deep blood red color.
Although if you are looking for brighter shades of red, the company recommends you bleach your hair. If you use it without bleaching it will give you darker hues of red.
When you decide to go with the do-it-yourself (DIY) approach, this product is your choice as it doesn’t need any developers and has a fuss-free hair dye formula that is convenient to use since you can use it directly from the jar.
It offers long-lasting semi-permanent hair color which will last for 4 to 6 weeks, depending on your hair type and your hair care routine.
Though it is a strong hair dye at the same time, it is light on your hair as it is a product that is paraben-free, ammonia-free, phthalate-free, gluten-free, PPD-free, and resorcinol-free.
It comes in a cream formula that is 100% vegan and is really easy to use. Although, you have to be careful while applying this as it will stain any surface it drips and touches.
Pros
- Colors dark hair as well
- With conditioners
- 100% Vegan ingredients
- Easy to use
- Cruelty-free
- Ammonia and Gluten free
Cons
- Not Hassle-Free
5. Schwarzkopf Color Ultime hair Color Cream, 5.22 Ruby Red
For Long Lasting Color
If you are looking for a hair color that lasts long than Schwarzkopf color ultime hair color cream, 5.22 ruby red is your option to go with as it can last up to 10 full weeks.
Schwarzkopf brand has 120 years of hair expertise and this product lives up to the expectations of consumers as it delivers great hair color at an affordable price.
It makes your hair shiny, voluminous, and smooth as it provides your hair with an intense dark red hue.
For those of you who want everything in one place while you color, this is the product for you. It is a complete set that includes color cream, a precision application bottle with developer lotion, conditioner, and a pair of gloves so that you don’t get color on your hands while applying.
It is ideal for all hair types. However, if you have hair longer than shoulder length, the company recommends using 2 boxes of color ultime.
Its patented diamond brilliance serum gives your hair that extra shine which works great on all hair textures.
Its strong formula colors your dark hair even without bleaching. Although, the company recommends that you bleach your hair to a lighter shade so to get that perfect ruby red hue.
Its formula also includes a special component that provides a UV filter for additional protection from sun damage for long-lasting glossy hair color.
The premium formula defies fading so that you get long-lasting vibrant hues.
Pros
- The color lasts up to 10 weeks
- Colors dark hair as well
- Conditioners with diamond brilliance serum
- Works with all hair types
- Cream consistency
- Precision application bottle
Cons
- Contains ammonia
6. Garnier Olia Bold Ammonia Free Permanent Hair Color, Intense Fire Ruby
For Stronger and Nourished Hair
If you love your hair then Garnier Olia bold ammonia-free permanent hair color is a true friend that you were seeking.
One of the most prominent features of this product is that it is made with 60% natural flower oils, which provides you with smoother, softer, and shiner hair.
Its formula is loaded with natural oils that not only strengthen your hair but also provide you with rich and vibrant hair color.
It propels colorants deep into your hair, giving you vivid color that spreads evenly.
As the name suggests it comes with no ammonia formula, which makes it ideal for safe hair coloring during long-term use as well.
As I already mentioned that it is free from ammonia hence it does not have a chemical-like smell. Instead, this product by Garnier has a sweet smell that you would like.
It has a strong formula that will give you beautiful red color even though you have dark hair. This means unlike other dyes, you don’t need to bleach your hair before using this dye.
It offers a brilliant 100% gray coverage for those of you who want to get rid of those grays.
Its conditioning components hydrates, nourishes, and gives you up to 3x shiny hair.
The long-lasting formula will last up to 28 washes.
It has a non-drip cream formula which makes it easy to use.
Pros
- Bleaching may not be required
- With 60% natural oils
- 100% gray coverage
- Strengthens hair
- Ammonia free
- Easy to use
Cons
You may need 2 packs if you have long hair
7. L’Oreal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color, Cherry Crush
For Fashionable Look
If you are looking for a bold, fashion-inspired, and head-turning color then I recommend you use L’Oreal Paris Feria which comes in 50 plus shades.
L’Oreal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color, Cherry Crush gives you fashionable intense medium auburn hair color.
It gives you shimmering, expressive, bold, and prismatic color with 3x highlights.
Its formula is a concentration of pure dyes that provides you with high-intensity color. The exclusive color booster technology gives long-lasting shades.
No need to bleach your hair as its powerful dye colors your dark hair as well with ease.
It is a kit that consists of color gel, developer crème, shimmer serum, extra pure dyes, shampoo, and power shimmer conditioner.
It comes with a power shimmer conditioner that gives moisture to your hair as it boosts the shine in your hair strands.
It has a liquid gel consistency that is not easy to apply and may spill to ruin your clothes while using.
This product is not suitable for gray coverage. Hence I won’t recommend using this dye if your purpose is gray coverage. Instead, you can use some other dye from this list.
It has an ammonia-free formula which is safe for long-term usage as it does not damage your hair with harsh chemicals.
Pros
- Bold and fashion inspired Color
- 3x Highlights
- Long-lasting color
- Formulated with shimmer serum
- Affordable
- Bleaching not required
- Ammonia free
Cons
- Not suitable for gray coverage
8. Lima Crime Unicorn Hair Dye, Valentine – Crimson Red Fantasy Hair Color
For Vegan Lifestyle
If you have a vegan lifestyle then I recommend you use this hair dye by Lima Crime. It is PETA verified 100% vegan and is also Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free.
This Lima Crime unicorn hair dye, valentine transforms your hair into a magical hue of crimson red.
It has a damage-free formula that you can use without worrying about hair damage.
It gives intense color to your pre-bleached hair. However, it only adds a tint of color to your dark hair. Hence bleaching is recommending before using this dye.
Its formula holds ingredients that provide you with ultra-conditioning giving you soft and smooth hair. It protects your hair strands while depositing intense color.
It has a gentle formula that is ammonia-free, bleach-free, and peroxide-free.
It is a semi-permanent dye designed to last for 4 to 6 weeks.
Lima Crime recommends you do a patch and strand test to determine the perfect color saturation that you like.
It is one of those dyes which are very easy to use as you don’t have to mix it with any developers and can use the color directly from the jar, which makes it DIY-friendly.
Pros
- With conditioner
- Vegan ingredients
- Cruelty-free
- Easy to use
- Ammonia free
- Sulfate free
Cons
- Not long lasting
9. Schwarzkopf Keratin Color Permanent Hair Color Cream, 1.8 Ruby Noir
For Making Hair Stronger
If you are worried about hair damage while coloring your hair red then I recommend you go for Schwarzkopf keratin color permanent hair color cream, 1.8 ruby noir.
As you can make out from the name itself, it is infused with strengthening keratin which is well known to strengthen your hair as well make your hair smooth and sleek.
Its composition makes your hair more manageable that is less frizzy and looks smooth in appearance.
It is made with K-BOND-PLEX technology which repairs inner hair structure making your hair stronger.
It also includes pre-color serum which leaves your hair looking healthy and strong with less hair breakage.
Its formula gives you intense, long-lasting color with an even color from root to tip.
If you have dyed your hair before then you know that most of the hair dyes have a foul odor which makes the hair coloring experience awful. However, there is no such problem with this product as it is made with low odor technology.
I even recommend this product if you are looking to cover your grays. It comes with excellent gray coverage formula that not only covers your grays effectively but also deposits beautiful red hues on your hair.
Schwarzkopf brand proposes that there will be 80% less hair breakage compared to untreated hair. So if you want your hair to be stronger every time you color, you should definitely go with this hair dye.
Pros
- 80% less hair breakage
- Repairs inner hair structure
- Infused with Keratin
- Long-lasting
- Non drip crème formula
- Offers 100% gray coverage
Cons
- Not beginner-friendly
10. Revlon Colorsilk Beautiful Hair Color with 3D Gel Technology & Keratin, Vibrant Red
For Gray Coverage
Before I began describing Revlon Colorsilk you should know that it is ranked # 1 in the USA.
Revlon Colorsilk beautiful hair color comes in 41 different shades for you to choose from to find your perfect hair shade.
This vibrant red shade gives you a beautiful and bright red shade that looks really very attractive and is surely a head-turner.
You don’t need to bleach your hair before using this hair dye to get that flawless hair color that you desire for.
Although, it is a permanent hair color that will last up to 8 weeks however unlike other hair dyes it is made with an ammonia-free formula which is hard to find in permanent hair dyes.
As I mentioned it is ammonia-free hence it is gentle on your hair and doesn’t have any foul smell, so that you can use it with ease and for a long duration.
If you don’t want to spend a lot on hair dye, I recommend you go for this product as it is really affordable.
The kit consists of a cream developer, intense colorant, and an after-color conditioner.
It comes in liquid gel formula which may drip and stain your clothes. So you can cover your clothes with a towel to avoid any unwanted stains.
This product deposits long-lasting, multi-dimensional color that shines vibrantly.
If you are looking for an effective product that dyes away your unwanted grays then your search stops here as this hair color offers 100% gray coverage.
Its nourishing formula is enriched with Keratin and Silk Amino Acids which penetrates hair while coloring, making your hair more manageable, silky, and smooth.
The Revlon 3D Color Gel Technology delivers natural-looking, multi-tonal hair color from roots to tips.
Pros
- # 1 Hair Color in USA
- 41 Shades to choose from
- Enriched with Keratin
- Infused with Silk Amino Acids
- Offers 100% Gray Coverage
- Gives Multi-Dimensional Color
- Ammonia Free
- Affordable
- Bleaching not required
Cons
Liquid Gel Consistency
This completed the list of 10 best red hair dyes.
I have come across many people who have some questions regarding red hair dyes. I have researched the answer to each of these questions and I am listing these here for your convenience.
You will find these questions and answers to be quite helpful in giving you clarity about red hair dyes before you actually go ahead with coloring your hair with a gorgeous shade of red. So, let’s begin with the first one.
Who Should Buy Red Hair Dye?
If you are looking to change your appearance by changing your natural hair color into a color that is more attractive then you can go for red hair dye.
Almost anyone can buy red hair dye as per their own preference. There are many different shades of red hair dye available in the market from light vibrant red to more dark reddish-brown shades.
Red hair dye is one of those few hair dyes that go very well with all the different skin tones from pale to black and with various hair types from curly to straight.
For coloring your hair red you don’t have to go to a salon and spend hundreds of dollars. You can try the do-it-yourself (DIY) approach and color your hair red at home with ease. I have mentioned a list of red hair dyes above from which you can choose the one that suits you the best.
It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or experienced in hair coloring, it is always advisable to do a strand test before applying the hair dye on all your hair to get that perfect red shade that you have been looking for.
How Soon Can I Recolor My Hair At Home?
It is advised by the hair care experts to wait for 4 weeks before you recolor your hair at home. If you dye your hair sooner than 4 weeks recommended it may cause hair damage in the long run.
How Can I Make Red Hair Dye Last Longer? / How Do You Keep Red Hair Dye From Fading?
You can make red hair dye last longer by keeping the following points in mind,
- Don’t wash your hair too much
- Use color-safe shampoo and conditioner
- Avoid hot water and use cold or lukewarm water only
- Don’t use hair dryers, straightener, or curling iron
- Reapply the hair color after 4 weeks to keep your hair color vibrant
By following these points you will be able to keep red hair dye from fading and continue to enjoy that gorgeous red hair.
What is the Best Red Hair Dye for Dark Hair?
If you have dark hair and if you are looking for the best red hair dye for dark hair, which you can use without bleaching your hair, you may want to go with Manic Panic Vampire Red hair Dye. Its formula is super effective in depositing the red color even on your dark hair, giving you the red hair shade that you desire without the hassle of bleaching your hair into lighter shades.
What’s The Difference Between Semi-Permanent And Permanent Red Hair Dye?
The main difference between semi-permanent and permanent red hair dye is in the duration for which each lasts. A semi-permanent red hair dye lasts up to 4 to 6 weeks, whereas a permanent red hair dye lasts up to 8 weeks.
The second difference is with the chemical concentrations in semi-permanent and permanent dyes. A semi-permanent red hair dye contains no to low chemicals, whereas a permanent red hair dye contains chemicals such as peroxide, ammonia, etc., which gives it the ability to last longer.
Is Red Hair Dye Damaging?
No, red hair dye is not damaging when you use the correct hair color brand. You get gorgeous hair color when you choose the right hair color or suffer from hair damage if you choose the wrong hair color.
You should go for a red hair dye that has a mild formula that doesn’t damage but nourishes your hair.
What Red Hair Dye Lasts The Longest?
As per our research Schwarzkopf Color Ultime Hair Color Cream, 5.22 Ruby Red, lasts the longest as it lasts up to 10 full weeks. It is a permanent red hair dye that has a long-lasting formula for you to enjoy the stunning red hair color.
Is Red Hair Hard To Maintain?
No red hair is not hard to maintain when you use a permanent hair color that lasts longer. Just like any other hair color, you have to take some care of your red hair, which is quite easy.
Just don’t wash your hair too much, avoid hot water showers, use a color-safe shampoo and avoid excessive heat to your hair by avoiding the use of a hairdryer.
How Can I Darken My Bright Red Hair?
You can darken your bright red hair simply by dyeing your hair with a darker shade of red.
Does Red Hair Dye Fade Quickly?
Red hair dye may fade quickly only if you do not choose the correct red hair dye and if you do not take care of your color.
You can choose the ideal red hair dye from the list of 10 best red hair dyes, as mentioned above.
For taking care of your red hair color and for avoiding quick fading of red color, avoid washing your hair too much, avoid using a hairdryer, avoid hot showers, use color-safe shampoo and conditioner.
Conclusion
Here above I have listed the 10 best red hair dyes, each with unique features and advantages. I am sure this list will help you select the red hair color as per your preference.
Remember after selecting your favorite hair dye from the above list and before applying it, make sure you perform a strand test to get the feel of the color before using it over all your hair.
There are different shades of red hair dye available in the market. If you wish to have an attractive head-turning look, you may like to go with bright shades. On the other hand, if you wish to have a graceful and elegant look, I suggest you go with auburn brownish shades.
Now after coloring with your perfect red shade always remember to take good care of your new color. This will ensure your hair color stays vibrant and lasts long for you to enjoy.
I hope you will find this article to be helpful in finding the ideal hair color brand and the perfect hair color shade for your upcoming hair coloring journey.
So go ahead and choose the hair color from the above list and get going with your awesome and adventurous hair coloring journey.
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