Here's a step-by-step guide, along with considerations:
Understanding Hair Levels and Red-Brown Shades
* Level 5: Medium Brown. It's not very dark, but it's not light either. Think a neutral or slightly cool medium brown.
* Red-Brown Shades: This is broad. It encompasses everything from auburn (more red) to chestnut (more brown with red undertones) to mahogany (a deeper, richer red-brown).
The Process (Generally Requires Lightening and then Coloring)
Because you're starting with a medium brown and trying to achieve a *red*-brown, you'll likely need to lift (lighten) the hair slightly to allow the red tones to show properly. Applying red directly to Level 5 brown will often result in a muddy, subdued result.
1. Determine Your Desired Red-Brown Shade: Crucial! Find pictures of the *exact* shade you're going for. This will dictate how much lifting (if any) is needed. Look for images with similar skin tones to get a better idea of how it will look on you.
2. Strand Test (ESSENTIAL): Before applying anything to your entire head, perform a strand test. Choose a hidden section of hair (e.g., underneath, near the nape of your neck). Apply the lightener and/or dye to this strand according to the product instructions. This is the only way to predict how your hair will react to the chemicals and whether you'll achieve the desired color.
3. Consider Professional Help: Coloring your hair, especially when it involves lifting/bleaching, can be tricky. A professional colorist will have the expertise to assess your hair's condition, choose the correct products, and minimize damage. If you're hesitant or unsure, *highly* recommend going to a salon.
4. Lightening (If Needed): This step is where things get technical. The goal isn't to go blonde, but to lift the hair enough to allow the red pigments to deposit effectively.
* Volume of Developer: The developer is mixed with the lightener (bleach). Lower volumes (10 or 20) are gentler and lift less. Higher volumes (30 or 40) lift more quickly but are more damaging. For a Level 5 going to a red-brown, you might only need a 10 or 20 volume developer. *Always* follow the lightener's instructions.
* Timing: Monitor the strand test carefully. The goal is to lift the hair just enough to reach a level where the red will show. Over-processing leads to damage.
* Toner (Optional but recommended): After lightening, the hair might have unwanted brassy or orange tones. A toner can neutralize these tones and create a more even base for the red-brown color. Use a blue or green based toner to cancel out any orange or red tones.
5. Coloring: This step involves applying the red-brown hair dye.
* Permanent vs. Demi-Permanent:
* Permanent: Will deposit color and lift slightly. Good for covering grays and long lasting.
* Demi-Permanent: Deposits color only and doesn't lift. Less damaging than permanent and will gradually fade. A good option if you're not sure you'll like the color.
* Choose Your Shade Carefully: Based on your desired red-brown. Pay attention to the undertones (e.g., cool vs. warm red).
* Application: Apply the dye according to the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure even coverage.
* Processing Time: Adhere to the recommended processing time.
6. Rinse and Condition: Rinse the dye thoroughly and use a good quality conditioner. Consider using a color-safe conditioner designed for red hair.
7. Maintenance:
* Color-Safe Products: Use shampoos and conditioners that are specifically formulated for color-treated hair. These products are gentler and help prevent fading.
* Avoid Heat: Excessive heat from styling tools can cause the color to fade faster. Use heat protectant products.
* UV Protection: Sunlight can also fade hair color. Wear a hat or use hair products with UV protection.
* Regular Touch-Ups: The frequency of touch-ups will depend on how quickly your hair grows and how much the color fades.
Important Considerations
* Hair Condition: Damaged hair will not hold color well. If your hair is dry, brittle, or has split ends, address those issues before coloring. Deep conditioning treatments can help.
* Underlying Tones: Your hair's natural underlying tones (red, orange, yellow) will affect the final result. A colorist can help you account for these.
* Porosity: Porous hair absorbs color quickly, which can lead to uneven results or over-darkening. Less porous hair may require longer processing times.
* Allergies: Always perform a patch test (apply a small amount of dye to your skin) 48 hours before coloring your hair to check for allergic reactions.
Product Recommendations (General - Consult with a professional for specific recommendations)
* Lightener: Wella Blondor, L'Oreal Quick Blue
* Developer: Wella Welloxon, L'Oreal Oreor Creme Developer (various volumes)
* Red-Brown Hair Dye: Redken Shades EQ (demi-permanent), Wella Koleston Perfect (permanent), L'Oreal Excellence Creme (permanent - widely available)
* Color-Safe Shampoo/Conditioner: Redken Color Extend Magnetics, Matrix Biolage ColorLast, Pureology Hydrate
Example Scenario
Let's say you're a Level 5 and want a medium auburn shade (more red than brown).
1. Strand Test: Absolutely essential.
2. Lightening: You might need to lighten your strand to a Level 6 or 7 using a 20 volume developer. Monitor closely.
3. Toner: Depending on the lift, you may want to tone it with a blue or green based toner to remove brassiness.
4. Coloring: Apply an auburn demi-permanent or permanent dye.
5. Rinse, Condition, and Maintain.
In summary: Getting a red-brown shade from a Level 5 base typically involves lifting the hair slightly, then applying the desired red-brown dye. Strand tests are crucial, and professional help is highly recommended, especially if you're new to hair coloring or concerned about damage. Good luck!