There’s no doubt about it: red is one of the most alluring hair colors around. But, as all redheads (natural and otherwise) know, maintaining a vibrant hue can be ridiculously difficult. To avoid making multiple trips to the colorist—or worse, subjecting your tresses to too many harsh home dyes—we’ve rounded up the easiest ways to subtly enhance fiery tones at home, naturally.
Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse Not only will this enhance subtle red tones, but it will also give your hair loads of shine. Mix ½ cup unfiltered apple cider vinegar with ½ cup water. Spray onto damp hair after shampooing; let sit for 15 minutes.
Calendula and Hibiscus Rinse This method basically involves making a “tea” with flowers. Boil ½ cup of calendula (or marigold) petals and ¼ cup of hibiscus petals in 2 cups of water for 30 minutes, then strain.” Once cool, pour over freshly washed, damp hair. For best results, use daily—the results will build slowly.
Rosehip Rinse Boil 1 cup rosehips and 2 cups water to make a strong tea. Apply cool tea to damp hair, cover with shower cap and let rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Rinse with cool water. Much like the calendula and hibiscus tea, this method works cumulatively.
Paprika and Clove Paste Mix water with equal parts paprika and ground cloves to form a paste. (For pure reds, use less clove; For auburn hues use more clove.) Apply to damp hair and let sit for minimum 30 minutes; Rinse with cold water.
Tomato Juice So simple, yet so magical. Dampen hair to open up the cuticle, then saturate with tomato juice, massaging gently. Wait 30 minutes, then rinse.
Beet Juice Be sure to wear plastic gloves for this one—beet juice stains everything it comes into contact with! Pour juice into a spray bottle, then work into damp hair until fully saturated. Cover with a shower cap and let sit for an hour. Rinse with cold water.
Carrot Juice For more coppery tones, carrot juice works great. Follow directions for beet juice, above. You can also customize your own color by mixing beet and carrot juices together. Leave on for at least one hour before rinsing.
