While there’s nothing wrong with aging gracefully and rocking a gray head of hair, if you want to cover up those silver strands and make a bold statement, you can’t go wrong with red. In case you need a bit of convincing, all shades of red are currently in vogue in 2024 — from reddish-brown copper to classic fiery red and everything else in between.
If you’re asking yourself which is the best red hair color for gray coverage, we’ve got you. Whether you’re just concealing your roots or covering an entire head of hair, these shades should be on your radar.
Things to Consider When Covering Gray Hair with Red
Zotos Professional's motto is that anyone can achieve salon-worthy results at home (including you!) when you have the right tools, products, and techniques up your sleeve. However, red is plausibly one of the more difficult hair colors to disguise gray tresses because if the coverage isn’t thorough or you choose the wrong shade, you could wind up with hair that looks more pink than crimson. Another hurdle to overcome is maintaining the depth of red.
Don’t let these obstacles discourage you. We’re here to walk you through how to choose the right red hair color for gray coverage and everything you need to do to maintain the vibrancy of this head-turning hue.
Red Hair Color Options for Gray Coverage
If you want to ensure complete coverage — especially if you’re 50 percent or grayer — use a permanent dye formulated with ammonia. This alkaline chemical raises the hair’s pH during the processing phase, which opens up the cuticle so that the color can be effectively deposited onto the inner part of the hair shaft, known as the cortex. The result is rich, even, vibrant color.
A great hair dye for red hair going gray is Zotos Professional AGEbeautiful® Anti-Aging 100% Gray Coverage Liqui-Crème. Not only do our red-violet shades seamlessly cover silver, but they’re also proven to fight all five signs of aging hair™. When used as directed, these biotin-rich formulas promote fuller, thicker, and healthier-looking tresses. Oh, and how does 100 percent gray coverage for up to eight weeks sound?
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Choosing the Right Red for You
The following reds are just a few of the most popular shades from our AGEbeautiful® collection to give you an idea of how versatile this hue is. To help you take the guesswork out of choosing the right shade to cover your grays, take our hair color quiz to find your perfect shade.
Dark Red Mahogany Brown
Mahogany is an attractive blend of red and brown and is a desirable choice because it complements warm and cool skin tones. Though it’s a more subtle version of red, it’s certainly not lacking in the vibrancy department.
Dark Red Violet Brown
A dark red with purple undertones is a bit more adventurous than a dark red with mahogany tones, but it’s an excellent shade for covering gray hair. It’s a flattering pick for those with tan or medium to dark skin with cool undertones.
Medium Red Mahogany Brown
Not too light, not too dark, this color is a smart choice for those who aren’t ready to go full-blown red but still wish to cover up grays and brighten up their tresses.
Medium Intense Red Brown
This hue skews more on the red side than brown. It’s rich, vibrant, and has black cherry undertones without being too dark. If you have deep skin with neutral undertones, try medium intense red brown. If you have a more fair complexion or are looking for a slightly brighter shade, Light Intense Red Brown is a better option. It packs the same punch color-wise, just at a lighter level.
Strawberry Blonde and Dark Strawberry Blonde
As the name suggests, strawberry blonde is a beautiful combination of red and blonde. Whether you go pale or dark, it’s a brilliant hue that flatters fair and medium skin tones because it can present itself as warm or cool.
Maintaining Red Hair Color
To help keep your red tresses looking fresh and vibrant, use Zotos Professional Biotera® Ultra Color Care Shampoo and Conditioner. This dynamic duo helps maintain the hair’s vibrancy for up to eight weeks, leaving strands shiny, smooth, and less prone to breakage plus its microbiome certified and clinically tested to be scalp friendly. When shampooing, focus on your roots and condition from mid-shaft to end.
Additional Useful Tips
- Avoid hot showers.
- Wear a hat or scarf when spending substantial time in the sun.
- Spritz or sprinkle on an SPF formulated for hair.
- Wear a bathing cap when swimming — whether in the pool or the ocean.
Are you ready to go red and cover up those grays like a pro? You’ve got this. Take our hair color quiz to find your perfect shade and then browse AGEbeautiful® Hair Color.
