If you have blonde, light brown or grey hair that is stubborn and hard to colour and wish to use Chocolate Shadow, Deep Chestnut Shadow or Indigo Shadow you will need to first apply a red base.

You should not use a red base for any of our other shades.

Which red shade should I use?

You can use either the Copper Shadow or Red Shadow as a red base. It doesn't really matter which you choose as they both give adequate colour to provide a solid base for your darker colour.

Why do I need a red base?

For blonde hair: To go from a light colour to a dark colour successfully you need to use a red tone as a filler colour. This ensures you get the best coverage and richest tone when using the Chocolate, Deep Chestnut or Indigo Shadow. If you do not use a red base then you will end up with a blue or green tone in your hair.

For stubborn grey: The red base will give you better coverage and a richer colour tone. This is the best option for those who have hair that is hard to colour, and those who have tried the prewash bar without success. 

What happens if I don't use the red base and I have blonde hair?

Your hair colour result will have an ash blue or moss green tone in the sunlight. Can I fix this? Yes you can fix by using a red over the top..... better to do it the other way around though. If you have bleached ends and dark regrowth you will only need to colour the ends red the first 2 times. Once the colour builds on the ends you will not need to use the red base again. If you have blonde or light regrowth you will need to use a red base every time.

What happens if I don't use a red base and I have grey hair that is stubborn?

If you have stubborn grey hair then you can use the grey coverage mixing instructions. You will have a result but the colour may not be as vibrant, strong or long lasting. Using the red base will give you the best colour result. Please note you will always need a red base if you wish to use Indigo Shadow (read more on how to colour grey hair with indigo here)

How do I use the red base?

Follow the mixing instructions for your chosen red base. Leave it in your hair for 1 to 2 hours

rinse with conditioner and towel dry your hair. 

You can then apply your Chocolate, Deep Chestnut or Indigo Shadow. You can apply to towel dryed (damp ) or dry hair. Best to do it within 24 to 48 hours of applying the red base.

follow the instructions for mixing. Leave in your hair for 3 hours

rinse with conditioner and style as usual.