Why Is My Hair Turning Red?
Our hair can be one of the most impactful pieces of our altogether appearance. Styling, cutting, and coloring your hair are some ways you showcase your personality.
Additionally, hair can undergo multiple changes or stages throughout one’s life.
Some people may notice their hair turning gray as they age. Everyone’s hair will react differently to their lifestyle or environment.
You may also see that your hair can turn red, even though it’s one of the rarest hair colors to obtain naturally.
You may ask, Why is my hair turning red?
Your hair can turn red for several reasons, including recent coloring, changes in your health, or lifestyle adjustments. This change in your strands can indicate that something in your routine has altered.
Red may not always be a desirable shade for everyone, especially those coloring their hair in darker or cooler tones.
Additionally, it can be quite challenging to pinpoint what is taking a toll on your strands and causing them to shift shades.
Once you find the main culprit behind your hair turning red, it should be a simpler fix.
You may find that bleach pulls out more orange tones in your hair or that hard water has an adverse impact on your strands.
Is My Hair Really Turning Red?
What gives our hair its hue? Melanin is what allows our strands to have their color, but different types of melanin will determine if it is red or brown.
For example, eumelanin produces brown or black pigments, whereas pheomelanin produces red pigments.
You will have more pheomelanin present if your hair is red. Additionally, an undertone can significantly impact how your hair color appears.
Those with warm undertones can have strands that look more red in the sun.
However, having a red or warm undertone is different from having strands that are growing out with red pigment.
Reasons Why Your Hair Can Turn Red
Why could you be under the impression that your hair is turning red?
It can be challenging to determine why your hair turns red due to multiple factors, including lifestyle, health, and genetics.
Once you’ve figured out the main reason why your hair is turning red, you can implement strategies to minimize the appearance of this warm hue.
Color/Bleach
Do you frequently color or bleach your hair?
Permanent hair colors can last up to 8 weeks with the proper care.
However, you can notice your hair can shift hues or fade when the permanent color starts to diminish. This can cast a red shade or undertone.
Additionally, bleach can effectively lift red out of the hair when applied correctly.
However, bleach can also reveal the orange undertones in black or brown strands, giving them a red appearance.
Sun Exposure
The sun’s rays can also heavily impact your hair. Most of us may apply sunscreen to our skin daily, but what protection do our strands get?
Frequent sun exposure can bring out warm tones within our strands or significantly alter the color.
This can explain why your hair appears to be turning red or has a warmer tone. Additionally, it can potentially lead to damage in the future.
Hard Water
What kind of water do you use for showering? Hard water is known to be extremely harsh on the hair and scalp.
Additionally, because it contains sensitizing minerals, it can cause adverse reactions such as scalp irritation or even alter the hair’s color.
Fortunately, hard water can be easily eliminated by installing a filter on your shower head.
Hard water can quickly cause build-up on the strands or leave an unwanted residue that can impact your hair color.
Harsh Hair Products
Another factor to consider when determining the cause of your hair turning red is your hair products.
Hair products, whether shampoos, styling gels, or leave-in conditioners, can be formulated with sensitizing or color-altering ingredients.
Some hair products can cause your color to fade more quickly, especially if you frequently dye or bleach your hair.
You’ll want to minimize the number of items you apply to avoid product build-up and preserve your color.
Genetics
Your genetics also impact your hair color. So, what happens if you notice new red strands growing rather than a swift change in the undertone?
This is because you may carry the gene needed to produce red hair.
Unfortunately, there is not much you can do to change your genetics and impact your hair color. You can also seek medical attention if you notice any unexpected changes in your hair.
Health
Changes in your health can significantly impact your hair. For example, new lifestyle habits, medications, or illnesses can change your strands.
This can explain why you may believe your hair is turning red or producing a warmer tone.
Your hormones can also be the underlying reason for any changes in hair color.
So, it’s crucial to seek help from a doctor if you believe your health is impacting significant changes in your hair.
Diet
It’s crucial to maintain a healthy diet to promote healthy strands.
While investing in a magical product for your hair is more convenient, caring for it from the inside will create luscious locks.
A poor diet can significantly affect the color and health of your hair.
You’ll want to maintain a balanced diet and consume foods rich in nutrients that fuel hair health. You can also seek help from a professional to help you with your hair goals.
How Can You Remedy Red Hair?
What can you do to fix red hair? Some factors, such as genetics or health, may be challenging to alter, but there are ways to minimize the fiery appearance of your strands.
It’s crucial first to ask if your overall tone is turning red or warm or if you’re noticing new strands growing in red.
Also, seek help from a medical professional if you suspect that your hair color change may be related to a medical condition.
Color
The simplest solution is to visit a color specialist. Dyeing your hair can conceal any red or warm tones from your strands. So, why is it essential to visit a color specialist?
This hair professional will determine how well your hair holds onto artificial color and what undertones need to be applied to cancel any warmth in your strands.
It can be challenging to color-correct your strands at home.
Implement UV Protection
More beauty consumers are becoming aware of the importance of sun protection.
Additionally, your hair can significantly benefit from sun protection, making it beneficial to invest in a UV heat protectant. This will create a shield for your hair against the sun.
Most heat protectants can shield your hair from the damaging effects of hot tools and UV rays from the sun. These products may also preserve your hair color for longer.
Invest In A Shower Filter
Another simple fix is to invest in a shower filter. A shower filter ensures that heavy and harsh minerals don’t dull your hair.
This can create a significant difference in scalp health, ultimately determining your hair’s health.
Hard water can quickly build up on your hair, creating an unwanted sheen that appears red or warm in tone.
A shower filter can minimize build-up and adverse reactions caused by hard water.
Use Color-Retaining Products
You may also decide it’s time to invest in your hair products. Choosing products that don’t contain harsh ingredients or color-stripping components is crucial.
Some products can cause the color to fade, leaving you with unwanted warm hues.
So, try implementing color-retaining products into your routine to keep red hair at bay. This can also help prolong your next salon visit.
High-quality products can help maintain the integrity of your color and hair.
Seek Help From A Professional
Finally, please seek help from professionals, whether a stylist to change your color or a doctor to discuss your health.
It can be risky to diagnose your hair concerns on your own, so seeking professional help can help you effectively treat your red strands.
A doctor can determine if there is any need for concern about your hair turning red. In some cases, it may be an underlying issue or can simply be attributed to genetics.
Is It Normal For Hair To Turn Red?
Should you be concerned if your hair turns a shade of red?
Common reasons your hair turns red are sun exposure, hair products, hard water, or hair coloring.
You can minimize or conceal red strands by switching between coloring techniques or using new products.
However, please seek medical help if you believe your red strands are a symptom of an underlying health concern. Professional service can quickly get to the root of the problem.
Takeaway
Is your hair turning red?
First, ask yourself if your hair appears red in tone or if you’re noticing new red strands emerging from the roots.
Your hair can turn red for multiple reasons, including lifestyle, hair coloring/styling, and genetics.
You can seek help from a hairstylist or a medical professional. Likewise, you can adapt your hair routine to remedy red undertones.
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