Ask a Redhead: Is It Bad to Dye Ginger Hair?

Every week, we put out a call for your redhead questions. This gives you a chance to get advice or input from our team of redheads. From beauty and fashion to lifestyle, redheads are in a unique boat, and we want to help make this community a place where you can turn for all your redhead needs. 

This week, we’re answering an Instagram question: “Why is it bad to dye my hair if I am a ginger?” This is a question we get a lot in different forms. Many redheads are curious about dyeing their hair, but because it’s often frowned upon, there can be a lot of misconceptions. We’re here to clear them up and put your mind at ease once and for all!

Is it wrong to dye red hair? 

Let’s talk about what this redhead is asking. They have heard it’s terrible to dye red hair, but why? First, let’s start with dyeing hair as a whole. Using chemicals, especially bleach, on any hair will impact the hair’s health and the integrity of the strands. That said, it’s no worse for a redhead to use chemical dye than any other hair color. When people say it’s terrible to dye red hair, they often mean it’s frowned upon. Red hair is rare, with less than 2% of the population being natural redheads. When something is rare, people often find it taboo to change or eliminate it. 

Will dyed red hair grow back?

If you use permanent dye or bleach, your hair will not fade to its natural color. It will, however, grow back to its natural color from the root. So why do people say it won’t? Well, the most common reason is time. As we age, our hair changes and often fades or darkens depending on our genes. If a redhead dyes their hair for 5+ years and then tries to go back to their red roots, it might look different than it did before. This isn’t because of the dye; it’s because your hair has changed with age. 

Can you dye red hair?

Another question we often get when dyeing red hair is if it’s even possible. Many of you have probably heard that you can’t dye red hair or it won’t hold color. Here’s the truth…you can dye red hair! The process might look a little different than dyeing another hair color. Hair holds on to the red pigment, often meaning it takes more processing to cover up the red. For many redheads, when they dye their hair, it may still have a warm red hue.

Should redheads dye their hair?

Now, the question everyone wants to dispute. Should redheads dye their hair? We suggest redheads do whatever they want! We love to embrace our red hair, but we know that’s not the case for every redhead. Part of the redhead experience is learning to love your red hair on your terms. For some redheads, dyeing it makes you appreciate what your natural hair looks like. For others, dyeing their red hair is a way to enhance it through highlights, and for some redheads, they haven’t made it to a place in their redhead journey of embracing their hair color yet, and that’s okay! We’ll be here when you do!

Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons for natural redheads considering dyeing their hair:

Pros:

1. Versatility in Style: Dyeing hair allows natural redheads to experiment with various colors and styles, allowing them to change their look frequently.

2. Enhances or Changes Shade: Dyeing can enhance the vibrancy or shift the tone to better match personal preferences for those who want to brighten or deepen their natural red.

3. Conceals Gray Hair: For redheads starting to see gray strands, dyeing can help cover these and maintain a youthful appearance.

4. Creative Expression: Changing hair color can be a form of self-expression and creativity, allowing individuals to showcase their personality through their hair.

5. Temporary Change: Redheads can enjoy new colors without committing long-term, with semi-permanent and temporary dyes, as these options fade over time.

Cons:

1. Hair Damage: Dyeing, especially with bleach or strong chemicals, can damage the hair’s structure and cause dryness, breakage, and overall damage.

2. Color Maintenance: Maintaining dyed hair often requires frequent touch-ups and unique hair care routines to keep the color vibrant and to manage root growth.

3. Unpredictable Results: Natural red hair can react unpredictably to dye, sometimes resulting in unexpected shades or uneven color outcomes.

4. Complexity of Removal: If you decide to revert to your natural color, removing hair dye can be challenging and might require several treatments or professional help.

5. Cost: Regular dyeing and upkeep can be costly, mainly if professional services are used, or high-quality products are required for maintenance.

Each person’s experience with dyeing their hair can vary based on their hair type, desired color, and overall hair health, so weighing these pros and cons can help make an informed decision.

Do you want your redhead question answered? Find us @howtobearedhead on Instagram and Facebook, and look for the Ask a Redhead question box!

Rock it like a Redhead!

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