Secrets To Keep Red Hair Red

Wolowitz (Simon Helberg, second from left) with (guest star Sara Rue, far left), Leonard (Johnny Galecki,right), on THE BIG BANG THEORY, Monday, November 17 (8:00-8:30 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Photo: Mike Ansell/Warner Bros. ©2008 Warner Bros. Television All Rights Reserved

A few days ago I was chatting on the phone with long time Hollywood hairstylist Robert Hallowell.

My favorite stylist (and very dear friend for close to 15 years) shared some very cool secrets to keep red hair red.

Robert has many years of experience creating and helping to maintain spectacular red hair hues for an array of celebrities including, but not limited to, Geena Davis, Sarah Rue and Marg Helgenberger.

I was surprised by some of Robert's interesting secrets for maintaining rich red hues, which he pointed out will be different for every single redhead.

Secret #1: Start With The Best Red Haircolor Possible

Robert explained "the very best red hair color possible comes from Europe where the infamous Red No.2 dye is still legal" for use in hair dyes and a wide range of hair and beauty products.

Sara Rue (right) with Leonard (Johnny Galecki, left), on THE BIG BANG THEORY, Monday, November 17 - on the CBS Television Network. Photo: Mike Ansell/Warner Bros. ©2008 Warner Bros. Television All Rights Reserved

Since the FDA banned Red No. 2 in the United States in 1976 Robert believes "red hair dyes created here have lost a lot of their prior depth, richness and tone".

Goldwell Reds 

Robert "swears by European based Goldwell reds", which he confessed he "used to create those stunning hues for Sara Rue when she played Claude Casey on TV''s Less Than Perfect".

Robert believes some of the US "manufactured red dyes are slightly off in tone".

He feels they're just not as true as the red colors Goldwell offer.  Robert also likes other European hair color brands and we discussed the beautiful reds available from Schwarzkopf.

Sara Rue and Leonard (Johnny Galecki), on THE BIG BANG THEORY on the CBS Television Network. Photo: Mike Ansell/Warner Bros. ©2008 Warner Bros. Television All Rights Reserved

Custom Red Hair Formulas?

He agrees with expert colorists who custom mix red shades for their red hair clients.

Robert also believes matching aftercare products for red hair customers is an excellent way to maintain delicate red.

Unfortunately, he pointed out, "this can be very expensive and impractical for a number of reasons".

Robert noted that a great colorist can recommend the best professional aftercare products for their clients to utilize.

Catherine (Marg Helgenberger) on CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, on the CBS Television Network. Photo: Robert Voets/CBS ©2008 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Secret #2: Work With The Best Colorist Possible

Speaking of expert colorists, Robert believes it's important "to work with an expert colorist to help you achieve your dream red hair and keep it fresh".

Depending upon your hair type, texture, current condition and base color, an expert colorist can help you achieve the best red hue possible.

They can also advise you honestly of the best possible red hue for your skin tone, eye color and your natural base color.

Secret #3: Apply Red Tea Highlight Hair Formula

Pure Rooibos Red Tea - Amazon.com - All Rights Reserved

In between root touch-ups the long time Hollywood stylist recommends utilizing some of his at-home recipes to add natural shine and enhance the red hues.

Robert Hallowell's Red Tea Highlight Hair Formula

Experiment with Robert's Red Tea Highlight hair formula which is designed to soften hair, add shine and brighten red hues.

Robert has created hundreds of amazing hair formulas right in his Hollywood kitchen and his celebrity clients rave about the results they experience with them.

Ingredients

6 Red Rooibos (or any red tea like Red Zinger or similar) teabags

1/2 cup of plain unflavored yogurt

Pomegranate Raspberry Herbal Tea - Amazon.com - All Rights Reserved

5 drops of lavender essential oil (real not synthetic)

1 cup of water

Boil 1 cup of water in a saucepan

Add 6 teabags one by one

Remove bags being sure to press out excess liquid with a wooden spoon

The Republic Of Tea Double Red Rooibos Tea - Amazon.com - All Rights Reserved

Add yogurt to the tea infused water

Mix well

Formula Directions

Wet rinse detangled hair in cool or cold water.

Rinse well in cool/cold water.

Apply Red Tea Formula to scalp and strands.

Cover in plastic wrap or plastic shower cap.

The Republic Of Tea - Caramel Apple Red - Amazon.com - All Rights Reserved

Let sit for 20 minutes.

Rinse formula from hair in cool water.

The formula be used up to 4x weekly to neutralize dryness and encourage red color to deepen.

Store excess formula in covered glass bowl and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Secret #4: Experiment With Robert's Red Hair Ketchup Formula

Extra Virgin Olive Oil - Amazon.com - All Rights Reserved

For a quick red hair refresher mix 1-3 tablespoons of ketchup with a small amount of jojoba or extra virgin olive oil (EVOO).

Apply the Red Hair Ketchup Formula to newly wet cleansed and towel blotted hair.  Add a plastic shower cap or with plastic wrap.

Leave the ketchup mixture on hair for 15-20 minutes.  Rinse well in cool or cold water 3 times until all ketchup is removed.

If you prefer, you can do a very light diluted shampoo or conditioner only application to remove any leftover ketchup.

Finish with a cool or cold wash.

Towel blot and air dry if possible.

Cornstarch - Amazon.com

Secret #5: Utilizing Dry Shampoo To Minimize Wet Washing

Robert’s final solution for maintaining vibrant red hues is minimizing wet cleansing.  He recommends dry cleansing whether than wet washing.

His go-to recommended product is dry shampoo. “I spray dry shampoo through the hair, blow some air through the hair and brush well (and sometimes repeat), then style".

Robert recommends custom mixing a dry shampoo with a 100% a cornstarch base and red spices or herbs.  He suggests experimenting with a combination of cornstarch and cinnamon or ginger.

Geena Davis As Thelma With Big 90s Style Curls

Note:  Robert warns against using baby powder with talc which can be toxic when inhaled.

Secret #6: Minimize Sun Exposure Or Use Of Hot Tools

Robert's last secret involve minimizing exposure to the sun or hot tools since heat will trigger color fading faster than anything else.

Geena Davis on Grey's Anatomy - ABC.com - All Rights Reserved

Summary - Secrets To Keep Red Hair Red

Robert Hallowell is a Hollywood hair legend.  He's worked on many famous heads during the 20+ years he's been doing celebrity hair.

The fabulous hairstylist and colorist shared his own secrets to keep red hair red.

Robert pointed out that not all red hair maintenance tips will work the same for everyone since no two heads of red hair are the same.

If you're either a natural or naturalized redhead, try some of Roberts tips.

To schedule a hair appointment with Robert you can reach him at 213-925-4035 or 323-221-6779.