How to Get Red Velvet Hair, the Latest in Hair Color Trends

There’s a reason red velvet cake is a beloved dessert option. Not only is it rich and delicious, but it’s also equally pleasing to the eye. So, it’s no surprise that red velvet hair has become one of the most popular hair color trends in recent years. 

Red velvet hair color is just as indulgent as its namesake cake. The mouth-watering shade is a new-fashioned take on auburn hair that gives your mane a warm feel with the right amount of dimension. Not to mention, the statement-making hue adds a bright flash of color to your overall getup and looks stunning on all skin tones.

If you’re craving a new fiery hair color, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about bringing a red velvet hair transformation to life.

What Is Red Velvet Hair?

As the name suggests, red velvet hair is all about flaunting a vibrant red hue. However, this hair color offers a bit more than the daring bright shade you may be used to. 

Red velvet hair color boasts a gorgeous blend of red, violet, burgundy and maroon tones that come together for the ultimate level of dimension. This dessert-inspired shade has become a hot commodity because you can customize it to suit warm or cool undertones. In other words, it’s a universal pick that everyone can rock.

How Do You Get Red Velvet Hair Color?

If you’re down for a red velvet hair makeover, there are plenty of ways you can achieve the color. With the help of a hair colorist, this on-trend hue can be customized to complement your skin tone. A pro can work some magic and help decide on a shade that suits your style and the look best. 

Plus, if you’re starting with a dark base color, you may need to add hair bleach into the equation to bring your desired hue to life. A hairstylist can make it happen without the fuss.

You can also get the ball rolling with a DIY hair coloring session. All you need is the right at-home hair coloring kit to transform your strands. Pick your potion below.

For those who want a temporary red velvet hair color, your best bet is the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup Temporary 1-Day Hair Color Spray in Red. This option washes out in one shampoo, so you don’t have to worry about a full commitment.

To get a semi-permanent red velvet hair color, try the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent Hair Color in Bright Red or Burgundy if you want to experiment with the shade for a bit longer.

If you want a permanent red velvet hair color, reach for the L’Oréal Paris Féria Mult-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Power Reds - Deep Auburn/Red Velvet.

How To Care For Red Velvet Hair

When it comes to rocking dessert-colored strands, it’s essential to keep your ‘do in mint condition. Here are a few hair care tips to help you stay ahead of the game.

1. Use A Color-Safe Hair System

First and foremost, you’ll need to kick things off by revamping your hair regimen. Swap out your go-tos for a sulfate-free, color-safe hair care system, like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Protecting Shampoo along with the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Protecting Conditioner.

To keep your red color shiny and fresh, use the L’Oréal Paris Le Color Gloss One Step In-Shower Toning Gloss in Auburn once a week for 15 minutes on cleansed and conditioned damp hair. This will help you maintain a long-lasting vibrant hair color and reduce split ends, frizzy hair and overall dryness.

2. Don’t Wash Your Hair With Hot Water

You may have made it a habit of washing your strands in hot water, but it’s not the best temperature for your red velvet hair. Super-hot H2O is known to strip the natural oils from your hair, which can leave you with dry, dull-looking tresses. Always turn down the dial to lukewarm temps to keep your newly colored mane in top shape.

3. Limit Your Hot Tools Usage

Heat-styling tools come in handy to style your locks, but that doesn’t mean that they have to be a permanent fixture in your routine. Consistent heat usage can cause damage to your strands, and lead to your color fading. Switch things up and opt for heat-free styling products — such as a mousse or hair gel — to show your mane some extra love.

If you do decide to reach for your hot tools from time to time, always use a heat protectant to help shield your strands. Spritz on the Elvive Dream Lengths Heat Slayer Pre-Iron Spray Leave-In before applying heat to your hair. This offering provides up to 450-degree heat protection, calms frizz and seals in shine.

4. Make Touch-Ups Your BFF

No matter how diligent you are with taking care of your red velvet hair color, it will eventually begin to fade. Be sure to book an appointment with your hairdresser or pick up a few boxes of your decadent red hair color to help your strands keep that fresh-from-the-salon shine.

You can also give your mane a quick fix when you can’t make time for a refresh. Grab a root cover-up spray, like the L’Oréal Paris Magic Root Cover Up in Red. Spray it directly onto regrowth and lightly through the rest of your hair to blend in the color.

Next: 10 Hair Color Tips for Red Hair

Edited by: Sophie Dweck, Photo: iStock