Lessen Red Tones in Hair

Girl with red shoulder-length hair — Photo: Aaron Amat/Shutterstock

Q: Hello. I have red hair, and I really don't like that. But also I don't like coloring hair. Is there another way to just lessen that red tone, with some coloring shampoo or something like that? Also, can hair color be changed by nutrition that we take?

A: If you're looking to tone down the red in your hair without committing to traditional hair dye, you have several options that offer varying degrees of subtlety and permanence.

Blue and green-based color-depositing shampoos can be particularly effective for neutralizing red tones. These products work gradually by depositing a small amount of color each time you wash your hair, which helps counterbalance the unwanted redness. Brands like Aveda, Matrix, and Joico offer color-depositing shampoos specifically formulated to minimize red or brassy tones. For best results, leave these shampoos on your hair for 3-5 minutes before rinsing. While some people find the gradual nature of this approach frustrating, others appreciate the subtle, progressive change that looks more natural than dramatic color shifts.

For more immediate but still temporary results, consider using a color-depositing mask or conditioner. These products contain higher concentrations of pigment than color shampoos and can create noticeable results after just one application. They wash out gradually over several shampoos, making them perfect for those who want to experiment without commitment. Overtone, dpHUE, and Keracolor offer excellent options that specifically target red tones.

Another alternative is a semi-permanent color gloss or glaze. Unlike permanent dyes, these treatments don't contain ammonia or peroxide, so they won't dramatically alter your natural color. Instead, they add a tint that helps neutralize unwanted tones while enhancing shine. These typically last 4-6 weeks and gradually fade with each wash. Many salons offer professional glaze services, but at-home versions from brands like John Frieda and Clairol are also available.

For a more long-lasting solution that still isn't traditional hair coloring, demi-permanent color might be worth considering. These formulations penetrate the hair shaft slightly but don't contain the strong chemicals found in permanent dyes. A cool ash tone can help counteract red hues for up to 24 washes. This option provides more significant color correction than shampoos or glosses while still fading gradually rather than creating a harsh regrowth line.

As for nutrition affecting hair color - while a balanced diet is essential for healthy hair growth, the idea that specific foods can significantly alter your natural hair color is largely a myth. Your hair color is primarily determined by genetics and the amount of melanin produced by cells in your hair follicles.

Certain nutritional deficiencies can cause hair to appear duller or lighter than usual, but correcting these deficiencies will only restore your natural color, not change it. Extreme dietary changes might cause subtle shifts in hair tone over time as new hair grows, but these effects are minimal and unpredictable.

If you're truly unhappy with your red hair but want to avoid traditional coloring methods, I'd recommend starting with a color-depositing product specifically designed to neutralize red tones. Begin with the least permanent option and gradually move toward more lasting solutions if needed. This approach allows you to find the perfect balance between effectively reducing redness and maintaining the health and natural beauty of your hair.

©Hairfinder.com

See also:

How to color hair

Highlights, lowlights and color glaze

Can red hair color be affected by some natural way that gives you more eumelanin?