Red tones are always in demand as soon as the summer sun settles, but this year red hair is one of the biggest colour trends sweeping the catwalk. Antonio Beradi, Vera Wang and Oscar De la Renta all showcased red barnets during their AW13 shows, and with A-list celebrities including Jessica Chastain, Christina Hendricks and Florence Welsh championing the shade it’s definitely a colour to stay. Often percieved as difficult to wear, Headmasters are taking a fresh approach to reds this season by ensuring there's a shade to suit every skin tone. From copper to cinnamon, the bespoke shades can actually be more wearable then cool blondes and brunette hues, as the warm undertones really enhance the complexion. Siobhan Jones, Headmasters Colour Director, explains: “Reds are really pure this season with an inner energy, which makes the colour look as if it’s glowing from within. This is because they have a much stronger natural base tone which makes the hair multi-tonal, rich and vivid.” I went along to Headmasters in Mayfair to find my own Perfect Red and this was the result. But how did I get here and what are my top tips for helping your new colour last all winter long?
![]()
Because I started with a very dark base colour of chocolate brown, it was essential for me to have a thorough cleanse to remove the 'old' colour from the hair as much as possible. This took the form of a rather stinky and time consuming shampoo, but left my hair much lighter and closer to my natural shade. Once the darkness was removed, delicate Balayage (hand-applied highlights) were applied to lighten sections of the hair, ensuring the final colour and end result was multi-tonal and as natural as possible. (Well, as natural as you can be with bright red hair.) After this was removed, I decided upon a darker red to complement and warm my skin tone; with the help of my colour specialist we were able to determine what colours I liked and what would suit me, providing a mutually agreed base to work with. The red was applied in sections and left to work its magic, before being washed off to reveal a subtle but shiny warm tone.
I firmly believe that a red colour is far more complementary to paler skin tones than blonde or brunette shades, as the warmer tones help to brighten the complexion and bring out the features. I've always loved having red hair and always feel much more 'me' when I step out of the chair a newly formed redhead. The service I received from Headmasters was second-to-none: the staff ensured I was comfortable, that the colour process was safe and my expectations were realistic. I wouldn't hesitate to return for a touch-up in a few weeks, especially as I love the end result.
Top tips to maintain your Perfect Red for longer:
1. Avoid washing your hair up to 48 hours after the colour service to help lock in the colour. When you do wash and condition hair, use a shampoo formulated for colour to avoid fade as much as possible and add in extra shine.
2. Always use cool water to rinse hair. Warm water opens the cuticle which allows for the colour to wash out, so avoid steaming hot showers for the foreseeable.
3. Every time you wash your hair you also wash away colour. Avoid frequent washing by using a dry shampoo to increase the longevity of your style, as well as tying hair up when it becomes limp.
4. Sun and chlorine exposure is red hair’s worst enemy, so always cover your hair if you can.
Just like the skin, hair needs sun protection; use UV protection daily to prevent colour fade, regardless of weather you can actually see the sun in the sky.
5. A great colour is an investment, so ensure you're returning for a root touch-up every 6-8 weeks to maintain it. The longer you leave it, the worse the overall effect will be.
![]()
![]()
Find your Perfect Red at your local Headmasters salon. Prices start from £95.00 and all details can be found on their website: www.headmasters.com![]()
Because I started with a very dark base colour of chocolate brown, it was essential for me to have a thorough cleanse to remove the 'old' colour from the hair as much as possible. This took the form of a rather stinky and time consuming shampoo, but left my hair much lighter and closer to my natural shade. Once the darkness was removed, delicate Balayage (hand-applied highlights) were applied to lighten sections of the hair, ensuring the final colour and end result was multi-tonal and as natural as possible. (Well, as natural as you can be with bright red hair.) After this was removed, I decided upon a darker red to complement and warm my skin tone; with the help of my colour specialist we were able to determine what colours I liked and what would suit me, providing a mutually agreed base to work with. The red was applied in sections and left to work its magic, before being washed off to reveal a subtle but shiny warm tone.
I firmly believe that a red colour is far more complementary to paler skin tones than blonde or brunette shades, as the warmer tones help to brighten the complexion and bring out the features. I've always loved having red hair and always feel much more 'me' when I step out of the chair a newly formed redhead. The service I received from Headmasters was second-to-none: the staff ensured I was comfortable, that the colour process was safe and my expectations were realistic. I wouldn't hesitate to return for a touch-up in a few weeks, especially as I love the end result.
Top tips to maintain your Perfect Red for longer:
1. Avoid washing your hair up to 48 hours after the colour service to help lock in the colour. When you do wash and condition hair, use a shampoo formulated for colour to avoid fade as much as possible and add in extra shine.
2. Always use cool water to rinse hair. Warm water opens the cuticle which allows for the colour to wash out, so avoid steaming hot showers for the foreseeable.
3. Every time you wash your hair you also wash away colour. Avoid frequent washing by using a dry shampoo to increase the longevity of your style, as well as tying hair up when it becomes limp.
4. Sun and chlorine exposure is red hair’s worst enemy, so always cover your hair if you can.
Just like the skin, hair needs sun protection; use UV protection daily to prevent colour fade, regardless of weather you can actually see the sun in the sky.
5. A great colour is an investment, so ensure you're returning for a root touch-up every 6-8 weeks to maintain it. The longer you leave it, the worse the overall effect will be.
Find your Perfect Red at your local Headmasters salon. Prices start from £95.00 and all details can be found on their website: www.headmasters.com