I used two tubes of Pravana Vivids in Red and half a bottle of Magenta for this color. The pictures have no color adjustments what-so-ever. No addional saturation, nothing. This is my true color in photos with no editing.
I am currently about two weeks into my hair dye by Pravana Vivids. Disregard the last time I dyed using this product, because now I think I am in love!
I think the issue I faced the last time (also verified by my stylist…haha) was that I did not use enough dye to drench my hair. I have extremely thick hair and usually need to buy products in double to completely cover it. Well, for pravana, it seems I actually need to buy THREE tubes! I previously only purchased two! So I was low and had to brush it through (*shudder*) but this time I had plenty.
Another thing I did differently? The last time I dyed it, I only left it in for an hour. This time I literally slept the entire night (with a shower cap, of course!) with the dye completely saturated in my hair. The result? My dream! This is my color after about 4-5 washes so far! It has NOT budged! I am super duper excited and happy 
I have also been using heat on my hair from straightening and still, no fading. I usually have problems with my color fading too fast on my bangs, but they are still completely vibrant.
I am still testing out to see how the color will be in about another two weeks. I want to be able to compare it to the Manic Panic product I religiously used to be able to really see which lasts longer, although Pravana should definitely beat it in the comparison, considering the fact it is only a semi-permanent. My hopes being that this product really does stain the hair, I have no desires to ever go another color so let’s pray it’s locked in here for a good while!
These photos were taken late afternoon while the sun was hidden and I was in the shade, but in the sunlight this color is OUTRAGEOUSLY vibrant and vivid! (no pun intended)
Really… I had no time to photograph correctly but I can’t wait to get a photo in the sunlight up!
This picture below is indoors in my home under fluorescent lights using flash. Look how vibrant it is. This also has no color editing, this is the true color straight from my memory card. About 2 weeks in, 4-5 washes, you can even barely see my roots starting to come in. Great, isn’t it? The color, not my roots! Haha.
So, I think my decision is almost almostttttttt finalized! I think I know what I’ll be using from now on! Oh! And the plus side? Each tube is $3.99. Manic Panic is $8.50 a jar! … Depending on your location and place you purchase of course, but that’s usually my spending on product!
Oh and a frequently asked question I have had… “Where can I purchase Pravana Vivids?”
Unfortunately, that depends on you and your area. In Southern Cali, there is a store called Salon Centric I purchase mine from. However, you must have a license in cosmetology, aesthetics, or in the nail profession to purchase from them because they sell to professionals only. You could try ebay or their online website! Other than that, I am afraid I cannot be any help… unless your salon carries it!
Hi, LOVE the color. I was just wonder what your base color was before you put the red in. Did you lighten at all, or was your hair previously red, or was it your natural color (if so, what level). I’d appreciate your response, just curious how you got the end result. Thanks!
Hello
my hair was previously red, I just lighten my roots because my natural color is dark brown/almost black. I have a ton of red pigment in here! Haha
I just discovered you via beautylish and I’m so glad I did!!
1. You are a wonderful makeup artist! I looooove your style and technique
2. I’m in love with your red hair!! lol. I used to be a red head before I discovered Pravana Vivids in Violet. I’ve been purple for a year but you are making me want to go back to Red haha. (Pravana is amazing isn’t it?!)
FYI, I buy Pravana at my local beauty supply (which also has a little salon in the back) and they sell the Pravana Vivids by the tube for 10.00 w/o a license.
I’ll definitely be watching your blog! I love the make up that you did for your goth night.
Oh, I’m in So Cal too.
Ah this is amazing!! thank you so much! xo
Your hair looks great! I currently use the magenta with the 30 developer. Can I get this look mixing the developer with the 2 tubes of Pravana also?
Thank you! Pravana vivids does not require any developer, so don’t use any with it!
Does the Pravana cover any roots then? How long do you leave it in for?
Well it depends what color your hair is. If you have light hair like blonde yes but for darker hair no, you have to lift your roots prior to it. I sleep with it! As long as I can leave it in
I love you hair color. I currently have dark brown hair. What do you suggest i do to achieve your hair color ?
Thank you! I have added more categories to my menu on my website. There you will see “About my hair” and “tutorials” and then it will display a list of all the blog posts I have done on the categories. I write a lot about hair dye and I also managed to do a video tutorial that you will find to help you get a visual. Hope that helps and best wishes!
How long did you leave the bleach on to touch up your roots? I really want to try this color but have dark roots showing . I have been using Manic Panic myself…
I did not bleach, I lifted using Loreal Hicolor
it will lift your dark roots.
so you did the Loreal hicolor in magenta without the developer or with? then slept in the Pravana over night? I really want to try this so want to get your steps down right : )
How do you wear your hair to the side?
I just use bobby pins and try to blend them with my hair, sometimes laying my long hair over them
Hi I love this colour. How much would you recommend to use/mix on a short bob?
I am unsure, it depends how thick your hair is and how much product you usually need to cover your entire hair, just split that in half between the two colors!
me again! So I’m an idiot first off. I applied the l’oreal without developer and it worked but I had to use a lot haha wish I read directions
Haha!! Crazy, well at least it worked
I have the Pravana Vivids in my hair (usually at least 3 colors at a time). Not only do the Pravana colors kick ass, they also stay in really well. BUT the real secret to two months of super hot color is using Colure shampoo and conditioner. It’s not cheap, but it goes a long way and it’s worth the cost. My stylist recommended it. Usually I’m not into the “name brand” shampoo schtick, but I have to say this one is tried and tested.
Great tip!! Usually mixing my dye with my conditioner helps me
)
This post makes me want to go back to red! I’ve heard so much good things about Pravana!
Hi Sara, thanks for the post! I love your hair color!! I was wondering does it matters if you use loreal hicolor in magenta or red, if you gonna use pravana over it. Thanks
Nope doesnt matter
to me it doesnt at least!
Omg I LOVE the red here!! How would you describe the undertone of this red? Blood red or more a magenta base red? Too bad I can’t find pravana here, what alternate would you recommend? =)
If you can’t find Pravana, definitely look into Manic Panic. I had more of a red undertone there!
Manic panic have a lot of reds I have no idea which one to pick! Which colors do you think it’s the closest to the ones in the picture? Tyvm!
What shade of Manic Panic did you use before? I currently use Vampire Red, but it bleeds all over everything every time I take a shower or even sweat. I think it is because I’m just doing it over my untreated hair so it doesn’t stick very well. (I re-apply it every 4 weeks to keep my roots from getting out of control.) MP gives me the perfect color that I want and I’m scared to try something else. I’m looking for something more permanent but still with pink undertones instead of orange. Any ideas?
I have all my listings of all the hair dye products I use under the “hair” category or you can search manic panic
I’ve used a few different ones from there. It is absolutely normal for the color to bleed and there isn’t a way to prevent that
Sara, what brand shampoo and conditioner do you use? I have recently started going to a hairdresser that uses pravana and I love the color, but my Paul Mitchel color care just does not seem to be keeping up my color as well as I would like
. Years ago when I used Matrix, I used the Loreal color depositing shampoo and conditioner, which was awesome, and now nothing I try compares.
I love love LOVE S Factors Shampoo and Conditioner!! You will love the way it smells as well
Thanks so much! I will have to look for it! I had gotten my hands on Pravana’s Color Ensure Shampoo and Conditioner, so we are trying it out to see if its better than the Paul Mitchel, but I am going to see if we can find what you use since you have great results with it. I also saw that you add Manic Panic Pink to your conditioner, for someone like me who has only had the red all over my hair for about a year, would the pink still be a good choice, or should I try to find a red to add to my conditioner? Thanks for all the help you provide on your blog! I think its awesome!
I use the pravanna purple in my hair, and the only shampoo i have found that works well to keep the color in my hair is pureology. It is a little on the expensive side, but works wonders!!!!
I used to use pureology for a little while! I was a big fan of their conditioner especially!
I used Pravana Purple on a Chunk of my hair, its the longest lasting and most vibrant purple I have ever used. BUT i know the first few days it stained my hands and pillowcase, or shirt i was wearing. I want to do my Full head purple now, I have the same amount of hair as you. How did you deal with the bleeding and staining? Any Tips?
It’s tough and there isn’t really a way to avoid it with these dyes. I usually don’t wear white the first few weeks and if needed, I put towels over my pillow cases to protect them
hi
i was just wondering how light did you lighten your hair to get it this bright
thanx
Hello Sara,
I wanted to to share this with you. I finally got my hands on the
Pravana VIVIDs in Red!!!! I cannot wait to try it!!
But I have a couple of questions.
Do I apply it to dry hair or wet?
Does my hair has to be bleached?
Can I apply it on my red highlights even though
They are not bleached?
Hello Nellie! You will LOVE the Pravana Vivids!! There will be box directions since I cannot remember whether it states to apply it on dry or damp (never wet) hair. I personally apply it on damp hair because I have to pre-lighten before. You don’t have to bleach your hair, but if you do you will get the true color and it will be very vibrant. Without bleaching, it will only tint your hair.
Hey! I’d love to get my hair that red! Though I’m only dying the ends of my hair like the ombre style. I was wondering if that would still work and how much (If ever, really) does the dye bleed?
It shouldn’t be much trouble since its only your ends as opposed to your entire head
Hello again Sara,
Well I deposited the VIVIDs Redon my highlights and
I loved it way too much. I am seriously thinking of going ALL red
And I do want the true vibrant red color. So how do I
Lift it. Do I bleach my hair?
My hair color is dark brown close to black
I think I did Loreal Hicolor once but I’m not sure if that’s the
One I should go for. I have a BDAY celebration I’m assisting to this
Weekend and I would love to show off my new hair;)
Thank you
Hello Nellie!
In this case, I would recommend seeking a licensed cosmetologist’s help for how to correctly lift your color. Unfortunately, I only feel comfortable giving skin care advice since that is the industry I am involved in. If you go to a beauty supply as well, the employees there should be able to lead you in the correct direction.
Hope it turns out well! Good luck!
Hey . I have naturally dark brown hair and I had beautiful red hair before. Then unfortinatley I made the mistake of going black. I have recently gone to a dark brown/red color. Do you know if pravana goes over dark brown/red hair?
I want to know if it ties over died hair
It will only tint your hair over dark brown hair
This is the exact color I’ve been trying for! So when you do this, you actually mix the Red and Magenta together?
Yes!
My hair is currently a darker pinkish red even maybe even auburn shade. I just purchased two tubes of the pravana vivid red. If I use the hilift in magenta then do the vivid red on top, do you think i may be able to get close to your color without the vivid magenta mixed in ? Thanks in advance !
you’re stunning btw.
Hello Karina, that is exactly the dye process I do. You should be fine without the magenta mixed in!
I am actually a hairdresser and have used fudge fashion colors until recently. I have now switched to Privana and really like it but am having trouble with fading quickly. I also want to know if you have any suggestions on how to keep it from bleeding on to hair that is not colored with the vivids like a two color foil with bleach and the vivids when rinsing out?
Unfortunately I am not a cosmotologist, I only work with skin. You may want to contact the people at Pravana and ask them. They are super helpful and nice! If you find a solution, I would love to know the answer
Hi, My hair is currently this color. My hair is dark brown naturally so I did bleach my hair before. My hair is growing out, the roots are awful. I need to dye my hair ASAP but do not have enough money atm to go get it done professionally. Can I bleach over this pravana and turn my hair two different shades of brown?
You need to contact a professional cosmotologist to help you with this
What I mean by two different shades of brown is, I’m somewhat tired of the red since I just got a job and kohls and idk, I’m just kind of bored of it. I want to dye my hair ombre, making the top of my hair dark brown and the ends more light brown.. can I bleach my hair before I do this? I bought Color Oops but heard it doesn’t take out pravana color.
You need to contact an actual cosmotologist to help you with this
Well, I did all the steps you said to take to achieve the red. Looks fabulous! I previously used Henna which is a VERY permanent, orange based red dye. My hair looked great before but I need it bright red for the costumes I’m wearing to Dragon*Con this year. I love it and have received many compliments. The only drawback is the extreme staining/bleeding. The henna did not bleed after the first wash, so I will probably go back to it after the convention. I had to bleach my henna’d hair for about 20mins at 30vol. Henna turns NEON orange after bleach. No way to return to a natural blonde color after dying with henna. BUT it did give me a nice neon base for the Pravana to go over! Thanks for the tips!
Pravana will bleed heavily when your hair is freshly dyed, it is normal! But I am glad it worked out for you regardless
Hello Sara! After having purple hair for a while, I decided on red this time around, and a friend and I (whom are both cosmetologists) found your website while looking for good examples of the Pravana Vivids red. We ended up using red and mixing in a little bit of wild orchid to get me that darker, richer almost wine-colored red you have up in the pictures at the top of the page, and I absolutely LOVE it, I am so glad we found your blog. My question for you is do you have any specific red shampoos/conditioners you have tried that you love? I am a cosmetologist from the Aveda company and I was seriously considering purchasing our Madder Root red conditioner as it is really intense when it comes to depositing red pigment, though I am a little weary because I know it’ll kind of change my hair more to a true red than a wine/raspberry red. Any tips? Thank you!
I currently use Pravanas color care shampoo and conditioner and I love it! I’ve also used S factor as well and liked it. I suggest making your own conditioner by mixing in the pravana so every time you condition it freshens up your color. Glad I have been some help!
your hair is amazing! I’ve used Rock n’ Roll Red for over a year but it doesn’t pop enough for me. You’ve inspired me to purchase Pravanna. My hair is not as thick as yours so I only need one tube of red and one tube of magenta. As far as mixing goes, since you use 2 tubes of red and 1/2 of magenta… would it make sense for me to use 1 tube of red and a 1/4 tube of magenta to achieve the same color as yours?
I switch up my mixtures all the time. I would suggest trying that out the first time then basing your decision on that for the next time. (I would do one red one magenta)
Hey, my hair has been dyed a few times so there’s quite a lot of color build up, it’s a dark chocolate brown, i want to go bright red..do you think if i use loreal highcolor highlight in red, it will lighten it up enough? Or will i have to strip/bleach it? Thanks!
You may have to try it a couple times, but consult a professional first so you dont damage your hair!
I saw this and loved this color!
I tried it just with the pravana vivids in RED.
was going to mix magenta, but then i read that the color is outrageously vibrant in the sun etc. that scared me.
LOVE the color i really do, but not for me, my skin. ..I need to go a tad darker. My hair was previously light intense auburn FADED and my natural hair coming in. i had to pre lighten my roots so the very top is super vibrant and as it goes down it’s dark. >.< trying to figure out how to go dark at the top as well without mixing products… I know you're not a professional and all but i thought i'd get your opinion. maybe using another pravana product, though i'd still like the red tone,shade so to say.
http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mdrw1lWVfP1qfg5s7o1_500.jpg this was my hair when wet but it's all dried now and you can kinda tell in her it goes from light to dark at the bottom. c:
Hmmm this was something I used to deal with when I dyed my hair myself, but my stylist was able to even out the tone for me. I would seek a professional stylist’s opinion as to whether or not you should try lifting the bottom area of your hair to lighten it
my friend ended up using an ion product a couple days after, ION- light burgundy brown that made my hair at the top much better. c: We matched the bottom half pretty close i think.
awhile ago- http://i49.tinypic.com/xvwa1.jpg
most recent- http://i46.tinypic.com/2q3xiye.jpg
When it comes to touching up my roots, do you think i should stick with the ION light burgundy brown or a different type of red? I do like it. though I feel like using the Pravana vivids red before made it to this kind of red color.. and if i use just the ion it will be a purple color, if you get what i mean? /:
To keep your hair even, yes. Unless you redo your entire color (seek professional help and advice) then that would allow you to switch to using something else for your roots, for example applying the L’oreal Hicolor to lighten. If you don’t end up changing, just lift with Ion, just apply a semi permanent red all over to intensify your color
Hello Sara!
First of all, let me just say I am a HUGE fan of your hair color and your website. I do have a question though. I recently colored my hair with Loreal Highcolor in Red and I was SUPER excited with the results. Now that it has faded a little, I did my research and bought some Pravana Vivids in Red. I do have a slight amount of regrowth (maybe 1 or 2 cm) and I was hoping to slap the Pravana overtop what I have. Would you recommend first lifting my roots with the Loreal Highcolor in Red, letting that process, THEN adding the Pravana and letting that sit in? Looks like this is going to be an all day hair dying event!
Thanks so much in advance!!
Thank you so much Robbyn! Pravana only deposits color, so you will have to keep up with lifting your roots with the L’oreal. It is….my hair is an all day event always!!
Hey I was wondering if you had bleached/lightened your hair prior to coloring. I have dark brown hair and want to go red but if possible would like to avoid bleach.
yes I did!
what are the colors of red did you use in your hair?
I have them posted on my blog
Hey, I love your hair! I read your blog alot and take tips from you
I’m thinking of doing my hair also, using L’oreal Hicolor. My hair right now is virgin light brown and I want a deep ruby magenta color. Which hicolors should I mix so it doesn’t turn out too bright? :/ magenta and red?
Don’t use L’oreal Hicolor. It’s meant to lift your hair and make it bright, for dark hair only. Just use a semi-permanent alone
hey i know manic panic stains the scalp, does pravana vivids stain it as well? manic panic usually says to apply 1/2 inch away from your scalp…is this the same for pravana?
Pravana will run as well and can stain so I would say it is the same!
Hi Sara! Your hair is amazing! I know this is a longshot question, but I was wondering if you remember the shade of lipstick you’re wearing in this picture?
It may have been a little bit of snob by MAC but I am not absolutely sure, I’m sorry!
Hi!
I am so glad I found your page! Your gorgeous& very helpful! Your red hair is the color I have been searching for. I have very thick course curly hair which has been bleach blonde for quite some time now. My main question is I know you are using pravana red& magenta but what are you mixing it with? I know its not developer. is it Conditioner? Or are you just mixing them together & then applying it directly to your hair? I’m assuming I should purchase at least 2 or 3. Thank you! -Lauren
You use Pravana straight from the tube! I suggest 3 tubes to be safe