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Red. It's a showstopping color, be it as part of an amazingly sultry outfit or on your head in cascading locks. However, taking care of fabulous red hair requires some serious attention to detail. Regardless of whether your hair is naturally red or dyed that way, you can't use just any products. You have to stick with your hair care routine, or you may just end up with dull, tired-looking hair -- and there is nothing showstopping about that.
Leave-In Conditioner
Conditioning is an important part of any hair care routine, but it is particularly so for red heads. Opt for a conditioning product with color deposits that help to keep your color. A leave-in product is best because then it continues to work even as you style your hair and go through your day. Moreover, a leave-in conditioner combats the dryness that often accompanies red hair.
Shampoo For Red Hair
You can't use just any shampoo to wash your red hair. Most shampoos have harsh chemicals that strip the hair of just about everything. Shampoos specifically formulated for red locks have components designed to keep your color without stripping it of much-needed minerals and nutrients. Since red hair also tends to be drier and frizzier than other hair colors, look for a shampoo that has moisturizing properties.
Trim Hair Often
Red hair gets noticed instantly, which is a good thing -- unless you haven't had a trim in a while. On redheads, split ends are obvious. Get your hair trimmed every four to six weeks to maintain healthy-looking locks. You can also combat split ends with a hot oil treatment, which will result in strong, thick strands all the way to the end of the hair shaft.
Use Tomatoes
Perhaps the biggest concern for people with red hair is maintaining the color, since even naturally red hair can look dull when improper care is taken with it. Here's a quick at-home tip to brighten up your red instantly: Pour 1 cup of tomato juice over your hair just after you wash it. Cover it up with a shower cap for about 15 minutes, then rinse it out. You will get instant results for a fraction of the cost, and none of the drawbacks, of using a chemical product.
