I do recommend going to a salon for best results but I can't really recommend one, you have to trust google reviews for that.
Since I get so many questions on this topic I decided to finally make a blog post to guide you to the perfect bright red hair step - by - step
What you'll need : hair bleach, semi permanent hair dye, hair mask, and a good conditioner. Also someone to do your hair if you are unable to do it yourself (my best friend Bibi helps me)
Step 1 : Evaluate your canvas
First of all carefully consider the type of hair you have : length? thickness? damage level? previous color?
Keep in mind that bleaching your hair results in irreversible damage so if you don't feel you should do it, you'd better wait until you get the hair into shape
Also, the length and thickness of your hair will determine the amount of products you need to use
Step 2 : Prep
Get the aforementioned bleach and dye, also some clothes and towels you won't miss, some bowl to mix your stuff in, a brush and a friend or more to help (if needed)
Step 3 : Bleaching the shit out of your hair
You can use any bleach you like, I usually go either for Syoss or Kallos :
Syoss is a bit more expensive but I find it's a bit *less* damaging on the hair
Use 20%, 30% or 40% vol depending on your hair type. I used 40% on previously bleached hair and I'm not bald yet but I don't recommend trying this at home.
Apply on the hair and wait 20 -30 mins. If your hair is dark and needs to be bleached twice, wait two weeks between bleaches.
If you are doing both the bleaching and coloring in one night, thoroughly wash out the bleach and wait a bit to dry out, but don't get it completely dry and DON'T USE A BLOW DRYER at this point.
Step 4 : Coloring
I like to use semi permanent hair color because I don't mind reapplying it often and it's less damaging to the hair
My favorite red dyes are Directions Fire and Loncolor Trendy Colors. The latter is also very cheap so I used it last time.
Again, depending on the length of your hair, you'll need between 1 and a shitload of tubs / packets.
I use a shitload because of reasons.
You will also be needing a hair mask, anything for damaged hair is fine, if you wanna go the extra mile to care for your hair use Age Recharge from Kerastase. I usually use Elseve. It's more budget friendly
In a bowl mix your dye with the hair mask in a 4 : 1 ratio. Apply it to the damp hair and let it soak for 30 to 40 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm or cold water. It must be as cold as you can take. Lucky me, I actually love cold water on the head because it cools my overheated brain
Aaaaand you're done. Dry it with a towel, hair dryer or just bang your head.
I use a combination of towel and headbanging because I never blow my hair. It's better for it!
How to go from a dull head of hair to a fab fiery mane in easy steps. Plastic foil on the hair is not mandatory.
Step 5 : taking care of your hair
Okay so by now I gave you budget friendly options but when it comes to long term hair care you don't want to cut on the conditioner. My personal fave is Bed Head Urban Antidotes 3. It's worth every penny. Use it after every wash, and don't forget that the color will wash out in time. I will give you some tips below to make the color last longer and your hair be smoother.
TIPS:
* don't use a blow dryer
* don't use hot water when washing your hair, I recommend the water be as close to cold as it is comfortable for you
* don't wash your hair TOO often, once a week is really enough
* use a tangle teezer if you have tangly hair, it saved me a lot of hair cuts.
Now your hair should be as bright and as pretty as ever!
DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?
I will answer as swiftly as I can!
Lots of love, XOXO
Zenith
