How to Get Blonde Hair with Red Lowlights

We’ve heard that blondes have more fun…but what about blondes with a touch of red? Adding red lowlights to blonde hair puts a spin on the base color by helping to add depth. That, in turn, can help give the appearance of more volume. Lowlights can also help keep your blonde color from looking one dimensional and offer a more realistic look—remember, natural hair color is always a subtle mix of shades! Looking for the lowdown on your favorite new color trend? Find all the details on adding red lowlights to blonde hair below.

Lowlights vs. Highlights

Lowlights are similar to highlights in that they can help add dimension to your base color. However, while highlighting involves lightening pieces of hair, getting lowlights means darkening strands. These pieces should be darker than your base—typically by two shades or more. While adding too many highlights can begin to make skin look washed out, adding lowlights can help up the vibrancy of your hair while bringing out your skin tone and eye color. It is often a popular choice to get both lowlights and highlights at the same time. That’s blending the darker and lighter pieces together for a complete, polished look.

What You Should Know About Getting Blonde Hair with Red Lowlights

Just like when you lighten your hair, going darker may also necessitate a trip to the salon. Adding lowlights takes time and precision—which means it’s a task best left to professionals. And if you’re not yet blonde, you’re going to need to have your hair bleached—if you’re starting with a dark base color, it may take multiple sessions to get you to your desired result. A qualified colorist can help ensure that you leave their chair happy and with the perfect color for you.

Should You Add Red Lowlights to Your Blonde Hair?

Like we told you earlier, visiting a professional can be a valuable experience—and not just for their skill set. You should utilize your stylist by asking them if this is the right choice for your hair. Blonde hair with red lowlights will suit many people, whether you’re a natural blonde looking for something new or a brunette looking for a dramatic change. It’s important to take your features in mind, though, and your stylist can help determine which shades will look best on you. Among those that red lowlights are an excellent option for are: people with pale skin looking to warm up their hair color, those with green eyes (green + red = a striking color combination, since they’re opposites on the color wheel), and anyone with warm undertones in their skin.

The Different Shades of Red Lowlights

Your colorist will also help you pick the best shades of red for you. It’s a good idea to come prepared with inspirational images, but also to always be open to an expert’s input on what will work for you. Those starting with a brunette base may want to choose a darker blonde with auburn highlights, while a blonde looking for just a subtle change can opt for strawberry blonde lowlights. Picking the right shades will determine whether your color turns out warm and sun-kissed or dark and edgy.

Your Hair Care Routine for Blonde Hair with Lowlights

Once you’ve received your new color, it’s a must to remember that color-treated hair requires extra care. So, swap your shampoo and conditioner for a system designed for colored hair, like the L'Oréal Paris EverPure Repair and Defend Shampoo and L'Oréal Paris EverPure Repair and Defend Conditioner. Once or twice a week, swap out the conditioner for the L'Oréal Paris EverPure Repair Remedy Balm. After shampooing, apply the mask and leave it on for 3-5 minutes, then rinse out.

Another system of shampoo and conditioner designed for colored hair is the L'Oréal Paris Hair Expert Color Vibrancy Intensive Shampoo and L'Oréal Paris Hair Expert Color Vibrancy Intensive Conditioner. You can use the L'Oréal Paris Hair Expert Color Vibrancy Intensive Ultra Recovery Mask once or twice a week after shampooing in place of the conditioner.