Chianti

Most demi-permanent reds read as either flat brown-red or fashion-loud. Chianti finds the wine-deep middle: enough red reflect to be unmistakable, anchored deeply enough at level 6 to read as adult, work-appropriate, considered. The red that says wine bar, not stage costume.

The brunette who has wanted to "try red" for ten years and finally decided. The client whose natural hair pulls red and who wants to embrace it instead of fight it. The autumn / winter client who returns annually for a seasonal red service.

• First-time red services for cautious brunettes
• Naturally red-pulling clients embracing the warmth
• Seasonal red services for autumn/winter looks

Apply neat for full Chianti saturation. The red reflect deepens as the colour processes — the bowl colour will look brighter than the result. For client confidence, show finished swatches before the consultation rather than mid-process. Reds fade cleaner than other tones — this is a strength, not a flaw, for clients hesitant about commitment.

• Bowl colour reads brighter than the finished result — show swatches
• Reds fade clean, no muddy demarcation — frame this to commitment-shy clients
• Recommend colour-safe red shampoo for maintenance