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Balayage Red Hair Ideas To Light Your Fire

woman with balayage red hair in a bun

We’ve got a red-hot fever and the only prescription is balayage red hair! Alfredo Valero, Spanish Redken artist, is the authority on all things fire-inspired, sharing his wealth of experience on how to get this look exactly where you want it to be.

Things are heating up, and we’re not just talking about the weather! Read on to find out how to get the look—even if you're starting with dark brown hair.

woman with balayage red hair in a lob

Balayage Red Hair: The How, The Why And The Who

Balayage red hair is a bold look that creates a subtle transition in color throughout your locks using a sweeping technique which helps to add dimension, drawing attention to your face and the cut you’re rocking.

For lighter bases, the Valero has this to say:

“My favorite balayage red hair looks are degraded towards cold blondes like platinum or beige,” Valero says.

If you’re a natural redhead, you can add varying shades of strawberry blonde to your locks to create contrast and a color that is sure to shine. For those on the darker hair color spectrum, balayage red is a stylish complementary tone that can elevate your hair.

When changing your look to balayage red hair, there are a few things to take into consideration. This includes “the hair tone from which we started, skin tone and eye color. By doing this, we can customize the tone and make it look better for you,” Valero explains.

Your stylist will be able to walk you through how to balayage hair and how perfectly placed color can upgrade your overall look. You should be able to find a unique color combination that works just for your features, which is sure to be music to your ears if you love a personalized shade!

woman with long balayage red hair

How To Care For Balayage Red Hair


Balayage requires a specific hair care routine to keep the color on point and looking as luminous as it did straight from the salon. There are three easy steps you can take to achieve these results.

Follow the right hair care routine.


This is a critical first step since color can only dazzle if it's protected and cared for. After all, what are diamonds without shine?

“Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner,” Valero advises.

We like Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo and Conditioner to gently cleanse your locks while providing nourishment between appointments.

Treat yourself to a hair mask.


“It’s important to use a repairing mask every four washes,” the pro says.

Try Redken Color Extend Magnetics Mega Mask for its specially designed formula that helps extend your color and keep it looking vibrant between appointments. This rinse-out mask should be applied to freshly washed hair for best results!

Consult a pro on the regular.


While at-home treatments and limiting the heat styling tools (and using Redken Pillow Proof Blow Dry Express Primer Spray before any thermal action!) can help to extend your color, sometimes your hair just needs professional help.

“I recommend going to the salon every month and a half to refresh your color and restore the luminosity to the tips,” advises Valero.

Easy-peasy: Color done right in three simple steps!

Interested in trying balayage red hair? Use our salon locator to book a consultation with a stylist near you.

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