Help Your Clients See Reds

Maybe she's a client whose natural red color has faded over the years; maybe she's someone who you've always sensed wanted to try red, but has hesitated. ‘Tis it the season to unleash those inner redheads? "Sure!" says Joico Vero K-Pak Hair Color Spokesperson Beth Minardi, "Red hair always commands great attention." (Think screen icons from Lucille Ball to Ann Margret to Nicole Kidman.)

What's more, adds Joico Vero K-PAK International Creative Director Sue Pemberton, there are many subtle tonal variations of red-from fl irty strawberry blonde to vibrant copper. That means that there is a red for everyone. Here are some celebrity-driven trends to help you talk to your clients about finding the right red.

Natural Reds

Rich rather than bright, some of the best-known, natural-looking red shades are currently sported by celebrities like Kidman, Julianne Moore and True Blood's Deborah Ann Woll. According to Pemberton, when creating natural-looking hues like these use formulas that combine red or copper shades with gold in order to "dilute" the intensity. "A rosy shade combined with gold produces a beautiful warm red result," she says. In the case of Kidman's born-with-it hue, for example, Pemberton says the color is a result of combining a light copper shade with light gold.

If your client is hesitant about making a commitment to an all-over red shade, adds Pemberton, start by adding some soft, red toned highlights. If she's a medium-brown, for example, a few rosy highlights that are a shade lighter than her natural hue will create a subtle red tone…and give her a lowmaintenance opportunity to decide if red is really her personality.

"Look at Me" Reds

There is something about bright, vibrant, shiny red that makes people smile, asserts Minardi. So if your client yearns to turn heads with an ultra-vivid copper or true red, go for it. "Just be sure she's ready for the commitment," says Pemberton. "Remind her you'll need to touch up the color frequently." If your color is already light-dark-to-pale blonde-a red makeover is pretty straightforward. Explain that you have to assess the condition of her hair, and then either apply the red hue in one step, or in two or more "layers" which ensures optimum coverage and color longevity. If the natural or existing color is darker, you might have to lighten it first in order to deposit the high-impact red. True Blood's Evan Rachel Wood's notice-me shade is a standout. Deconstructing the hue, Pemberton says it's a combination of vivid copper and golden brown, enhancing a natural, medium brown shade.

Tips for Every Shade of Red

Reds tend to be the fastest-fading color, says Minardi, so tell your clients that many salon pros are turning to new technology when creating these shades. Let her know that the new Joico Vero K-PAK Xtra Red shades, for example, are "power packed" with patented dye molecules that make color more intense, 20% longer lasting and 200% shinier.

And with a new red hue, TLC is critical for strands, adds Pemberton. "I always advise red hair clients to use professionally formulated home care products like Joico's K-PAK Color Therapy regimen," she says, "to help their color last longer and stay shiny and ultra-vivid."

Deborah Ann Woll Evan Rachel Wood Nicole Kidman Julianne Moore