Get Ready for Valentine’s – Red & Pink Hair Inspiration from Scotland’s Colour Experts.
Valentine’s is just around the corner and when we hear the ‘V Word’ we think of all things red and pink. With that in mind, we chat to colour expert, Suzie McGill, Director at Rainbow Room International, about achieving the perfect pink and red hair colours and get her top tips on how to keep the colour long-lasting until your next appointment at the salon…
Reds – Bright, fiery toned reds are such a fun hair colour and really make a statement. If you don’t want to wear this shade all over, it looks great in panels through your hair or in colour flashes to create a unique look and add a bold pop of colour. Red is such a vibrant shade that it looks great on both blonde and brunette hair colours to provide a stark contrast.
Although still vivid and striking, cherry red has a more subtle tone than fiery red. It’s a beautiful hair colour choice, as it gives an extreme shine to your hair and brightens up your complexion. This shade particularly works well with medium and darker skin tones, working to complement the complexion and allowing the eyes to really pop. Perhaps one of the highest maintenance red colours, it’s important to be aware that you will need to look after your colour at home to ensure it is long-lasting by using colour saving and depositing products to keep the colour vibrant, as well as hair masks to keep hair colour sealed in. Reducing the use of heated styling tools will also avoid colour fading faster.
A merlot red wine hue, this colour is the perfect balance between warm and cool and is flattering on all skin tones. I love pairing this shade with a natural root to create a more moody, dark look. This is also a great choice if you want to add red to your colour but want something a little less high maintenance. The beauty of this shade is that it can be tailored to the individual too and can be made darker to give just a subtle sheen on brunette hair and to avoid having too much warmth in the hair. A rich take on this shade looks incredibly expensive, particularly when styled with glossy waves. Alternatively, this colour looks incredible with a short pixie cut if you’re looking for a hair look that ensures all eyes are on you.
Pinks – As we quickly transition into spring, we will see the reappearance of pearly pastel tones of pink just like this. These shades are great if you just want to add a subtle blush of colour to your hair and if you are looking for something that will fade out more quickly. I love these icy pink tones particularly for those with lighter skin tones – the skin and hair work in harmony together and the results are beautiful. For light blondes, a toner can be used to easily create this look and give their look an update as we start to go into the warmer season.
If you are looking for a more intense pink shade, this cotton candy/bubble gum pink is a fantastic choice. Warm skin tones should choose this shade instead of a pastel hue like the above which may result in them looking washed out. Like vibrant red shades, you will need to come into the salon more regularly to keep this shade looking its best, alongside using at-home colour care products.
Brunettes will have to have their hair pre-lightened before opting for this shade and should always include an additive like Schwarzkopf Fibreplex into their colour to keep your hair protected from damage throughout the colour process. This will also give your hair added strength and shine, which looks beautiful when paired with a pink hair colour allowing the colour to look as radiant as possible.
If pastels or bright aren’t your things, a rose shade may be a good option. This is more of a subtle pink hue, and it also looks great on brunettes, giving your dark locks a glimmer of colour and added shine. This is such a trendy shade and almost looks metallic in tone. Being a combination of cool and warm tones, this works well on all skin tones. This shade also looks great paired with a dark root for a more effortless, grungy appearance, or via highlights to give hair colour depth, dimension, and shine, as well as a pop of warmth. In the salon, we are seeing clients coming into the salon requesting these shades via Face framing and balayage and the results are stunning. Paired with loose, beachy waves this is a must-have look for 2022.
Poppy Watt