A lilting cherry blossom hue for spring. That vivacious tangerine splash for summer. And when the leaves fall? The warm enveloping embrace of burgundy becomes the pick of the season. There’s simply something about the deep, mystifying shade of red, which we can’t help but associate with the allure of autumn. And as of late? The colour has taken on a life of its own. Beyond its sartorial hold, it has also been the pick of the bunch when it comes to choosing a new hair hue too.
Don’t ask us why, but this time of year—these liminal, slow-moving months that precede the year-end huzzah—also always seem to call upon that universal itch. To be adventurous and do something different, before the year comes to a close. Sure enough, an audacious new hair transformation definitely satiates that desire. After all, as far as pop culture goes, the fearsome shade of red is one we’ve associated with some of the most badass female characters. Worn on the manes of Wanda Maximoff of WandaVision, X-Men’s Jean Grey, Natasha Romanoff aka Black Widow and Willow Rosenberg, the sexy queer witch in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the seductive hair hue has always come hand in hand with a side of spunk. The perfect colour then, for anyone aspiring to invite a dash of effortless cool into their lives.
Certainly, some of our favourite style muses have embraced the colour at some point in recent times too. Dua Lipa’s been rocking it for over a year now, Chappell Roan’s fiery curls inspire freedom, whilst Yuna of ITZY was the apple of everyone’s eye when her long, silky tresses took on the hue for one of the group’s recent comebacks. But just as one size does not fit all, the application of the hue too, varies across the board—especially when one considers different skin tones.. But contrary to popular belief, Asian hair often has natural red undertones, which makes achieving red shades easier, according to Ted Kim of luxury Korean hair salon Suchehwa by Ted. “From a colour analysis perspective, it’s important to determine their skin brightness, hue (undertone) and chroma first,” offers Annabelle Siena Lim, an advisor to Suchehwa by Ted for personal colour analysis.
So if you’re planning on adopting the delicious hue of the season for yourself, take heed, as we ask the experts for the best shades of red that will work for Asian skin tones and whether the bleach is truly necessary.
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How do you usually go about recommending specific shades of red to your customers?
According to Kim, the trend of red hair is making a strong comeback, and a growing number of clients have been requesting red hues, particularly bright copper and burgundy shades.
From a colour analysis perspective, Lim usually looks at skin brightness, hue (undertone) and chroma before making a recommendation to her respective clients. “Certain skin palettes are unable to take the harshness of a bold red. If they are cool-toned, perhaps a cool magenta might work better. As each individual is unique, we would cater to their natural palettes and of course, personal preferences,” she adds.
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Is red an easy colour to adapt to and can it be done without bleaching?
“Asian hair often has natural red undertones, which can make achieving red shades easier. However, the final colour result depends significantly on the individual’s current hair colour and their hair history, such as past dyes or treatments,” Kim explains.
For those looking for a more intense or vibrant red shade, Kim recommends bleaching, as it lifts the hair colour and creates a better base for the new hue to appear more true to shade.
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Are there certain reds that don't require bleaching?
For better hair health in general, Kim doesn’t recommend bleaching if certain reds can be achieved without bleaching, although bleaching can definitely achieve better results and a more intense colour pay-off.
“However, it’s important to note that bleaching and maintaining bold red shades require consistent home care in order to keep the colour looking fresh and to prevent damage. Regular use of colour-protecting shampoos, conditioners, and treatments is essential to maintain the vibrancy and health of the hair,” urges Kim.
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Is red a tricky colour for some Asian skin tones?
Contrary to popular belief, reds can have a high success rate for certain Asian skin tones, according to Lim.
“Colour palettes such as Clear or Strong Springs can definitely opt for a bolder red. Deep Autumns would be able to take a more subdued and richer red as opposed to a vivid red. As a rule of thumb, cool palettes (Summers/Winters) should err on the side of caution when picking red as their hair colour.
Nevertheless, this also depends on the effect that the customer wants to have at the end of the day. In colour analysis, we strive for harmony with one’s natural features, eye colour and hair tone and advise our clients as such,” she explains.
