Changing hair color is always a creative challenge, but when it involves removing a bold direct red dye, the stakes are even higher. Recently, International Institute of Cosmetology student, @stylesbymaima, had the opportunity to work with a client who wanted to transition from a vibrant red to a more natural, balanced hue. Here’s how it happened step by step, while prioritizing the integrity of your the hair.
The Challenge: Removing Direct Red Dye
Red is one of the most striking and vibrant hair colors, but it can also be one of the toughest to remove—especially when it’s a direct dye. Direct dyes sit on the hair’s surface, making them resistant to traditional lifting techniques. This means patience and a strategic approach are essential.
Step 1: Lightening with Care
@stylesbymaima began with a round of lightener to break through the red pigment. This process can be tricky because direct dyes don’t always lift evenly, and the risk of damaging the hair is real. After the initial lightener, followed a bleach bath. This gentle, diluted lightening process helped remove even more pigment without over-processing the hair.
The goal was to get the hair as light as possible while still maintaining its health. To achieve this, monitoring the hair closely throughout the process, applied treatments to keep it moisturized, and adjusted the approach based on how the hair responded.
Step 2: Toning with Precision
Once the hair was lifted the red to the lightest level that could be safely achieved, it was time to balance the color. @stylesbymaima used Wella Color Touch 7/43, a warm medium blonde with golden and copper tones. This shade was perfect for neutralizing the residual red pigment while creating a rich, harmonious final look.
Applying the toner evenly and letting it process thoroughly was key to achieving a polished finish. The result? A beautifully balanced shade that complemented the clients skin tone.
See the before and after!
Image provided by @stylesbymaima
Image provided by @stylesbymaima
Final thoughts?
Transformations like this are always a rewarding challenge. It’s not just about changing a color; it’s about creating a look that makes the client feel confident and themselves while preserving the health of their hair. If you’re thinking of making a dramatic color change, trust the process.
To see other hair trends or school related posts visit our blog at https://www.studyhair.com/blog/ or our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/studyhair
“The International Institute of Cosmetology is an accredited, family owned cosmetology school with campuses in Wethersfield and Plainville, Connecticut. IIC was started in 2002 by Carmelo Gugliotti and his sons with the underlying desire to bring International beauty trends into the Northeast. IIC has grown to be the Leader in Beauty Education, specializing in Hair, Skin, Makeup and Advanced Education. #studyhair #iCANatIIC”