Bondbar 7Rr

As I sit here running my fingers through my vibrant ruby-red locks, I can hardly believe this is the same hair that was flat and uninspiring just a few weeks ago. My journey with Bondbar 7Rr has been nothing short of transformative, and I’m excited to share every detail of my experience with this game-changing hair color. If you’re contemplating adding some fire to your look, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through everything I’ve learned about this stunning shade – from what it actually is to how to make it last as long as possible.

What Exactly Is Bondbar 7Rr?

Let me start with the basics. Before I took the plunge, I spent hours researching what I was getting myself into. Bondbar 7Rr is a professional-grade permanent hair color that falls into the “vibrant reds” category. Unlike some at-home color kits that promise the world and deliver disappointment, Bondbar has established itself as a reliable brand among professionals and at-home colorists alike.

The most common question I encountered (and had myself) was about the meaning behind “7Rr.” After diving into hair color terminology, I discovered that in the Bondbar color system, the “7” refers to the level of lightness – with 1 being black and 10 being the lightest blonde. So “7” indicates a medium shade, not too dark and not too light. The “Rr” stands for “red red” or “double red,” signifying an intensified red tone. This double red formulation is what gives Bondbar 7Rr its signature vibrant, head-turning quality that simply isn’t achievable with standard red dyes.

When I was weighing my options, I was thrilled to confirm that Bondbar 7Rr is indeed a permanent hair color. This meant I wouldn’t have to reapply every two weeks as with semi-permanent options. However, as with all red shades (more on this later), some maintenance is required to keep it looking fresh.

How Bondbar 7Rr Stands Out From Other Red Hair Colors

Having experimented with various red shades in the past, I can confidently say that Bondbar 7Rr offers something special. The difference lies in its unique color profile and formulation.

Most red hair colors on the market lean either too orange or too burgundy, creating that “obviously from a box” look. Bondbar 7Rr strikes a remarkable balance – it’s a true red with depth. The color is best described as a vibrant ruby red with subtle copper undertones that catch the light beautifully. It’s warm-toned without venturing into artificial territory.

What truly sets it apart is the intensity. The double red pigmentation creates a richness that’s often missing from other red formulations. When I first colored my hair, I was stunned by how multidimensional it looked – almost like natural red hair in the best possible light.

The formulation also contains bond-protecting technology (hence the brand name “Bondbar”), which minimizes damage during the coloring process. After using it, my hair felt noticeably healthier than with previous color treatments – a big win for anyone concerned about keeping their hair in good condition.

The Application Process: My Step-by-Step Experience

Let me walk you through how I applied Bondbar 7Rr, as the application process can make or break your color results.

What You’ll Need:

• Bondbar 7Rr color (obviously!)
• Developer (I used 20 volume, which is the standard recommendation)
• Mixing bowl (non-metallic)
• Application brush
• Gloves (the ones that came with my kit were decent, but I prefer nitrile gloves)
• Old towel and clothing you don’t mind staining
• Timer
• Sectioning clips

My Application Method:

1. I started with dry, unwashed hair. I learned that a bit of natural oil actually helps protect your scalp during coloring.
2. After donning gloves, I mixed the Bondbar 7Rr with the developer in a 1:1 ratio in my non-metallic bowl. The consistency was perfect – creamy but not too runny.
3. I sectioned my hair into four parts (two in front, two in back) and secured them with clips.
4. Starting with the back sections (where hair is typically darkest), I applied the color about 1/2 inch from my scalp, working through to the ends. I saved the roots for last since they develop faster due to scalp heat.
5. Once all sections were covered, I applied the remaining mixture to my roots and massaged it in well.
6. I set my timer for 35 minutes. The standard processing time is 30-45 minutes, but I’ve found 35 to be my sweet spot for maximum vibrancy without overdoing it.
7. After rinsing thoroughly until the water ran clear, I used the color-safe conditioner that came with the kit and left it on for 5 minutes.

The entire process took about an hour and fifteen minutes, not including the shower afterward. What surprised me most was how little the color bled during rinsing compared to other red dyes I’ve used. The color was immediately vibrant and rich – no disappointment when the towel came off!

The Dark Hair Dilemma: Does It Work Without Bleaching?

This was my biggest concern when considering Bondbar 7Rr. My natural hair is a medium brown (about a level 5), and I was determined to avoid bleaching if possible.

The answer is yes and no – and depends entirely on your expectations. After extensive research and consulting with a colorist friend, I learned that Bondbar 7Rr can indeed be used on darker hair without bleaching, but with certain caveats:

On hair levels 7 and lighter (dark blonde and lighter), the result will be the true, vibrant ruby red shown on the box.

On levels 5-6 (light to medium brown), you’ll get a noticeable red tone, but more subdued – think auburn with ruby highlights rather than bright red.

On levels 1-4 (dark brown to black), the effect will be minimal – perhaps a reddish tint in sunlight, but not a dramatic change.

Since my hair was a level 5, I decided to try it without bleaching first. The result was a beautiful deep auburn with definite red tones – more subtle than the box but still a dramatic change from my natural color. After loving this look for a few months, I eventually had my hairdresser lighten my hair to a level 7 before applying Bondbar 7Rr again, and that’s when I achieved the vibrant ruby red I now have.

If you’re set on achieving that bright, fiery red on dark hair, you will likely need to pre-lighten. However, if you’re open to a more subdued, natural-looking red, Bondbar 7Rr can deliver without the damage of bleaching.

Gentle on the Scalp: Sensitivity Considerations

Having struggled with sensitive skin all my life, I approach hair dye with caution. Many permanent dyes have left my scalp itchy, red, and uncomfortable in the past. I was pleasantly surprised by my experience with Bondbar 7Rr.

The formula is ammonia-free, which significantly reduces the irritation factor. It uses a gentler alkaline agent to open the hair cuticle, making it more suitable for those with sensitive scalps. I noticed only a mild tingling during application – nothing like the burning I’ve experienced with other permanent colors.

That said, the product isn’t completely free of potential irritants. It still contains PPD (para-phenylenediamine), which is the color molecule responsible for most allergic reactions to hair dye. However, Bondbar’s formulation seems to contain lower levels than many competitors.

If you have a history of severe reactions to hair color, I would still recommend doing a patch test 48 hours before full application, regardless of how gentle the product claims to be. Better safe than sorry!

My sensitive-skinned friends who’ve tried this color have reported similar experiences – minimal irritation during application and no prolonged discomfort afterward. This makes Bondbar 7Rr a strong contender for those who want permanent color but have struggled with sensitivity issues.

The Gray Coverage Question

At 38, I’ve started to notice more silver strands appearing, particularly around my temples. A major consideration for me was how well Bondbar 7Rr would cover these stubborn grays.

After three applications over several months, I can report that the gray coverage is excellent – about 95-98% in my experience. The few strands that don’t take the color completely still pick up some of the red tone, appearing as lighter copper highlights rather than stark white, which actually adds some nice dimension.

The key to maximum gray coverage with Bondbar 7Rr seems to be:

1. Making sure to saturate gray areas thoroughly – I spend extra time massaging the product into my temples and crown where most of my grays congregate.
2. Allowing the full processing time – I’ve found that cutting the time short results in less effective gray coverage.
3. Using 20 volume developer rather than 10 volume – the slightly stronger developer helps the color penetrate the resistant gray strands.

If your hair is more than 50% gray, you might want to consider a two-step process: first applying a natural base color at your desired level (like a 7N), then applying Bondbar 7Rr. This creates a more uniform canvas for the vibrant red to work with.

Ingredient Deep-Dive: What’s Actually In This Stuff?

As someone who tries to be conscientious about what I put on my body, I spent considerable time researching the ingredient list of Bondbar 7Rr before committing.

The formula contains the standard permanent hair color ingredients:

• Color molecules (including PPD or similar compounds)
• Hydrogen peroxide (in the developer)
• Conditioning agents (including various silicones and oils)
• pH adjusters

What distinguishes Bondbar from many competitors is their proprietary bond-protecting technology, similar in concept to Olaplex but with their own formulation. This technology helps maintain the disulfide bonds in your hair during the coloring process, which are typically broken down by the chemicals in permanent dye. The result is significantly less damage than you’d expect from a permanent color.

The formula is also notably free of:

• Ammonia
• Resorcinol
• Parabens
• Sulfates

While it’s not an all-natural product by any means (virtually no permanent hair colors are), the formulation represents a good balance between effectiveness and reduced chemical exposure. My hair has certainly thanked me for making the switch from my previous brand, which left it feeling like straw.

Longevity: How Long Does the Fiery Magic Last?

Let’s address the elephant in the room – red hair color’s notorious reputation for fading quickly. Is Bondbar 7Rr different? Yes and no.

From my experience over the past six months, Bondbar 7Rr does fade more gracefully than other red dyes I’ve tried. However, it’s still a red dye, and all reds fade faster than other colors due to the molecular structure of red pigments (they have the largest molecules, which slip out of the hair shaft more easily).

Here’s my timeline of fading:

• Weeks 1-2: Vibrant, true-to-box color with incredible shine
• Weeks 3-4: Slight softening of the intensity, but still unmistakably vibrant red
• Weeks 5-6: Noticeable fading begins, shifting toward a slightly coppery tone
• Weeks 7-8: Definite fading, but still a pretty auburn-red rather than a brassy orange
• Weeks 9-12: Continued gradual fading to a warm auburn with red highlights

I typically reapply every 8-10 weeks, focusing mainly on my roots and then refreshing the lengths for the last 10 minutes of processing time. This schedule keeps my color looking intentional rather than neglected.

The good news is that unlike some reds that fade to an unflattering orange, Bondbar 7Rr seems to fade through prettier stages – from vibrant ruby to rich auburn to warm copper. Even when it’s time for a refresh, my hair never looks “bad,” just less intense.

Tone and Vibrancy: The Color Profile Breakdown

For those color enthusiasts who want to know exactly what to expect, let’s break down the tone and vibrancy factors.

Bondbar 7Rr is definitely a warm-toned red. On the color wheel, it falls between a true red and a copper-red, but leans more toward the true red side. It doesn’t have the purple undertones of burgundy or wine reds, nor does it have the orange dominance of copper or ginger shades.

On pre-lightened hair (level 8-10), the vibrancy is nothing short of spectacular – think Jessica Rabbit, but sophisticated rather than cartoonish. The color has incredible depth and dimension, catching light beautifully and appearing to shift subtly as you move.

On unbleached but naturally lighter hair (levels 6-7), you’ll still get significant vibrancy – a head-turning ruby red that people will definitely notice and comment on.

Even on my level 5 brown hair, before I ever lightened it, the result was a rich, dimensional auburn-red that caught fire in the sunlight. It wasn’t the statement-making red of pre-lightened hair, but it was far from subtle.

The shine factor is also worth mentioning. Thanks to the bond-protecting technology and conditioning agents in the formula, Bondbar 7Rr leaves hair with an exceptional glass-like shine that makes the color appear even more vibrant.

Real Talk: What Other Users Are Saying

I’m not alone in my positive experience with Bondbar 7Rr. Before trying it myself, I scoured reviews, and I’ve continued to follow discussions about this color as my own journey with it has progressed.

The consensus among users seems overwhelmingly positive, with a few common themes emerging:

• Many users praise the vibrancy and depth of the color, particularly how it avoids the “flat” look of many box dyes
• The bond-protecting technology gets high marks, with numerous reviewers mentioning that their hair feels healthier after coloring
• Gray coverage receives consistent praise, even from those with resistant gray hair
• The fade pattern is frequently mentioned as superior to other red dyes

The few criticisms I’ve encountered typically relate to:

• The price point (it is more expensive than drugstore options)
• The limited availability (it’s not carried in all beauty supply stores)
• Some users with extremely dark hair being disappointed by the subtle results without pre-lightening

One particularly interesting trend I’ve noticed is stylists recommending Bondbar to clients who want to maintain their salon color between visits. This professional endorsement speaks volumes about the quality of the product.

Comparing Bondbar 7Rr to Other Popular Red Shades

Having tried more red hair colors than I care to admit, I feel qualified to offer some comparisons to other popular options on the market:

Bondbar 7Rr vs. L’Oréal HiColor Red Hot: The HiColor is designed specifically for dark hair and does deliver vibrant results without pre-lightening. However, it contains higher levels of ammonia and feels more damaging. The Bondbar offers better condition and a more sophisticated red tone, but may require pre-lightening for dark hair.

Bondbar 7Rr vs. Arctic Fox Poison: Arctic Fox is semi-permanent and vegan, which are big pluses. It delivers incredible vibrancy on pre-lightened hair but doesn’t cover gray at all. Bondbar offers permanence and gray coverage that Arctic Fox can’t match, but isn’t vegan.

Bondbar 7Rr vs. Wella Koleston Perfect 7/43: The Wella shade is a bit more copper-toned than Bondbar 7Rr and tends to fade to a more orange tone. Bondbar’s ruby red has better staying power and fades more gracefully, in my experience.

Bondbar 7Rr vs. Joico Color Intensity Ruby Red: Joico offers incredible vibrancy but is a semi-permanent color that doesn’t cover gray. It requires significantly more frequent reapplication than Bondbar, but is less commitment for those wanting to experiment.

Each has its place, but for someone wanting a permanent, sophisticated red with minimal damage and good gray coverage, Bondbar 7Rr is hard to beat.

Creative Possibilities: Mixing and Customizing

One aspect I’ve come to appreciate about Bondbar 7Rr is its versatility when it comes to customization. While the color is beautiful on its own, it can also be mixed with other Bondbar shades to create custom colors.

From my experiments and research, here are some successful combinations:

• Mixing with Bondbar 7N (Neutral) in various ratios to tone down the vibrancy while maintaining the red character
• Adding a small amount of Bondbar 7V (Violet) for a more burgundy, wine-like red
• Mixing with a touch of Bondbar 7K (Copper) for a more fiery, orange-leaning red
• For a more cherry-cola tone, adding a small amount of Bondbar 4R (Dark Red)

The general rule I follow is not to mix more than two colors and to stay within similar level numbers (6-8) for predictable results. When mixing, I maintain the same 1:1 ratio with developer as I would with a single color.

This flexibility has allowed me to subtly shift my red tone with the seasons – going slightly more burgundy in winter and more copper in summer – without completely changing my signature red look.

Developer Details: Getting the Mix Right

The developer you choose to mix with Bondbar 7Rr significantly impacts your results. After experimenting with different volumes, here’s what I’ve learned:

10 Volume Developer: Provides the gentlest processing with minimal lift. I’ve used this when I just want to refresh my color without changing my level. Gray coverage is decent but not complete. This is ideal for frequent touch-ups or for extremely damaged hair.

20 Volume Developer: This is the standard recommendation and what I use most often. It provides up to one level of lift, excellent gray coverage, and good color deposit. The processing time with 20 volume is typically 30-45 minutes.

30 Volume Developer: I’ve used this when I wanted to lighten my hair slightly while coloring. It provides about two levels of lift and intense color deposit. However, it’s more damaging and can cause scalp irritation. I wouldn’t recommend this for regular use.

40 Volume Developer: I’ve never used this with Bondbar 7Rr and wouldn’t recommend it. The damage potential outweighs any benefits, especially since this is already a vibrant formula.

The ratio is always 1:1 with Bondbar colors – equal parts color and developer. For my shoulder-length hair, I typically use 2oz of color and 2oz of developer, which provides generous coverage without waste.

The Fade Factor: Maintaining Your Fiery Mane

Let’s be honest – maintaining red hair requires commitment. Despite Bondbar 7Rr’s superior staying power compared to other reds, I’ve developed a comprehensive maintenance routine to maximize my color’s longevity.

My Red-Preserving Hair Care Routine:

1. Waiting Period: I don’t wash my hair for at least 72 hours after coloring. This allows the color molecules to fully settle into the hair shaft.
2. Water Temperature: I wash exclusively with lukewarm or cool water. Hot water is the enemy of red hair color, as it opens the cuticle and allows those precious red molecules to escape.
3. Shampoo Selection: I use only sulfate-free, color-safe shampoos specifically formulated for red hair. My favorites are Joico Color Infuse Red Shampoo and Davines Alchemic Red Shampoo.
4. Washing Frequency: I’ve trained my hair to accept just 2-3 washes per week. On non-wash days, I use a dry shampoo formulated for red hair (Batiste Hint of Color Divine Dark is my go-to).
5. UV Protection: Red hair color is extremely susceptible to UV fading. I use leave-in products with UV protection and wear hats in strong sunlight.
6. Weekly Color-Depositing Mask: Once a week, I use a red color-depositing mask to refresh my color between dye jobs. This gentle boost keeps my color looking fresh without damage.
7. Heat Styling Minimization: Heat opens the hair cuticle, allowing color to escape. I limit heat styling and always use a heat protectant when I do style.
8. Swimming Protection: Before swimming in chlorinated or salt water, I wet my hair with clean water and apply a leave-in conditioner to create a barrier. I also wear a swim cap when possible.

With this routine, I’ve extended the vibrant period of my color by about 2-3 weeks compared to when I first started using Bondbar 7Rr and wasn’t as diligent about maintenance.

Will Bondbar 7Rr Work For Your Hair Type?

One of the most common questions I see is whether Bondbar 7Rr works for different hair types and textures. Based on my research and conversations with others who use this color, here’s the breakdown:

Fine Hair: The formula is gentle enough for fine hair and doesn’t cause excessive damage. However, fine hair may absorb color more quickly, so monitor processing time carefully. Consider reducing the time by 5-10 minutes.

Thick Hair: Works beautifully on thick hair, though you may need more product. Ensure thorough saturation and perhaps extend processing time by 5-10 minutes to ensure penetration.

Curly/Coily Hair (Types 3A-4C): The bond-building technology is particularly beneficial for curly and coily hair types, which are naturally more prone to damage. The formula doesn’t seem to disrupt curl patterns significantly. Deep conditioning before and after coloring is still recommended.

Chemically Treated Hair: If your hair is already color-treated, permed, or relaxed, Bondbar 7Rr is generally safe to use. However, always perform a strand test first and consider using 10 volume developer instead of 20 for less stress on already-processed hair.

Virgin Hair: The color takes beautifully to virgin hair, though you may not need the full processing time to achieve vibrant results. Start checking at the 25-minute mark.

The one constant across all hair types is the need for proper maintenance afterward. Regardless of your hair type, investing in good color-preserving products will significantly extend the life of your Bondbar 7Rr color.

Where to Purchase: Finding Your Bondbar Fix

When I first decided to try Bondbar 7Rr, finding it was actually one of my bigger challenges. Unlike drugstore brands, Bondbar has more limited distribution.

The most reliable places I’ve found to purchase Bondbar 7Rr include:

• Professional beauty supply stores like Sally Beauty Supply and Cosmoprof (some locations require a cosmetology license, but many sell to the general public)
• Online retailers including Amazon and eBay (be cautious of counterfeit products; check seller ratings carefully)
• The official Bondbar website, which often offers bundle deals with developers and aftercare products
• Some high-end salons that retail professional products to clients

Price-wise, expect to pay between $12-$18 for a tube of color, plus the cost of developer if you don’t already have it. While this is more expensive than drugstore options, it’s significantly less than a salon service, and the quality justifies the price difference in my opinion.

I typically stock up when I find it on sale, buying 2-3 tubes at a time to ensure I never run out mid-touch-up. The product has a long shelf life as long as it remains sealed.

Creative Techniques: Beyond All-Over Color

While I typically use Bondbar 7Rr as an all-over color, it’s versatile enough for more creative applications as well. Here are some techniques I’ve either tried myself or seen achieved beautifully with this color:

Ombre Effect:

Bondbar 7Rr works wonderfully for creating a red ombre effect, particularly when paired with a darker shade at the roots. To create this look:

1. Apply a darker shade (like Bondbar 5R) to the roots and about 2 inches down
2. Apply Bondbar 7Rr to the mid-lengths
3. For the ends, either use 7Rr or lighten further with Bondbar 8Rr for a fire-like effect

Balayage:

The vibrancy of 7Rr makes it perfect for painted-on balayage highlights. For a subtle effect on dark hair:

1. Pre-lighten selected strands to a level 7-8
2. Apply Bondbar 7Rr just to those lightened pieces
3. Process as normal, then rinse

The result is a beautiful dimension with fiery red highlights that catch the light as you move.

Color Melting:

For a more gradual transition between shades:

1. Apply Bondbar 6R to roots
2. Mix equal parts 6R and 7Rr for the mid-section
3. Use pure 7Rr for the ends
4. Blend the sections together where they meet while still wet

This creates a seamless graduation of red tones from deeper to brighter.

Money Pieces:

For a face-framing pop of color:

1. Pre-lighten just the front sections of hair
2. Apply Bondbar 7Rr to these sections
3. Use a darker or more subtle shade for the rest of the hair

This technique draws attention to your face and adds dimension without committing to all-over brightness.

Each of these techniques requires some practice and perhaps a steadier hand than an all-over application, but the results can be stunning and more customized to your personal style.

Final Thoughts: Is Bondbar 7Rr Right for You?

After six months and multiple applications of Bondbar 7Rr, I can confidently say it’s been a game-changer in my hair color journey. The vibrant, sophisticated red has become my signature look, and the health of my hair has actually improved since switching to this brand.

That said, is it right for everyone? Let me break down who might love it and who might want to look elsewhere:

Bondbar 7Rr might be perfect for you if:

• You want a vibrant, true red with warmth but without looking artificial
• You have some gray hair that needs coverage
• You’re concerned about damage from coloring
• You’re willing to commit to proper maintenance
• You have light to medium brown hair or lighter

You might want to consider alternatives if:

• You have very dark hair and aren’t willing to pre-lighten
• You prefer cool-toned reds like burgundy or wine (look at Bondbar’s 7RV instead)
• You want something temporary just to experiment
• You’re extremely sensitive to PPD (consider henna or vegetable-based dyes)
• You’re looking for the absolute cheapest option (there are less expensive reds, though with compromises)

For me, the journey to finding my perfect red ended with Bondbar 7Rr. The compliments I receive, the way it makes my green eyes pop, and how it’s boosted my confidence have made every minute of research and maintenance worthwhile.

If you do decide to take the plunge, remember that red hair color isn’t just a choice—it’s a commitment to a lifestyle of specialized care. But for those willing to put in the effort, the fiery rewards are absolutely worth it.

Has my experience with Bondbar 7Rr inspired you to try this vibrant shade? Or perhaps you’re already a devotee with tips to share? Whatever your red hair journey looks like, I hope this guide has helped illuminate the path to your most vibrant self.