Are you looking to add some fiery excitement to your look with red hair color ideas? Whether you’re a brunette seeking a bold change, a lover of highlights, or someone with short hair wanting to embrace a fun twist, red hair is the perfect statement. From vibrant shades to unique tones suited for all seasons and hair types, we’ll dive into the best red shades for everyone. Ready to discover the perfect red? Let’s explore!
Fiery Copper Red
Fiery copper red is a vivid, orange-based red that makes a bold statement. This color is ideal for brunettes looking to go lighter and add brightness to their look. It pairs beautifully with fair to medium skin tones and is perfect for those with green or hazel eyes. The intensity of the color can be customized from bold and bright to more subtle, depending on preference.
For upkeep, use Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo to preserve the vibrancy of this color, and incorporate a moisturizing conditioner like Pureology Hydrate Conditioner to keep the hair nourished and soft.
Deep Burgundy Red
Deep burgundy red blends rich red and purple tones, creating a sophisticated look perfect for fall or winter. This dark shade suits medium to dark skin tones and is a favorite among brunettes who want to make a subtle yet elegant change. It’s also a great option for those with brown or dark eyes, as it enhances natural eye color.
To maintain this color’s depth, use Matrix Biolage Colorlast Shampoo and an at-home gloss like Kristin Ess Signature Hair Gloss to add shine and vibrancy between salon visits.
Natural Ginger Red
Natural ginger red is a soft, natural-looking red that mimics the tones found in people born with red hair. It works particularly well on fair skin tones with freckles and suits those with light eyes. It’s a popular choice for blondes who want to go red without opting for something too intense.
To keep this red looking natural, use Joico Color Infuse Red Shampoo and a lightweight leave-in conditioner like Ouai Leave-In Conditioner to avoid over-drying.
Auburn Ombre
Auburn ombre is a blend of dark brown roots that gradually transition to a warm auburn at the tips. It’s a subtle yet stylish option for brunettes who want to play with red tones without fully committing. This color looks beautiful on medium to dark skin tones, adding warmth and dimension to darker hair.
To keep the ombre effect smooth and polished, use Moroccanoil Color Continue Shampoo and follow up with Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum to enhance the hair’s shine.
Strawberry Blonde Red
Strawberry blonde is a delicate mix of blonde and red tones, perfect for a sun-kissed, summery look. It suits fair to medium skin tones and is ideal for blondes looking to add a subtle reddish hue. This color is youthful and fresh, giving a natural glow to the complexion.
To maintain this light and bright color, use Kérastase Blond Absolu Shampoo and a lightweight serum like Oribe Supershine Light Moisturizing Cream to add shine.
Ruby Red Highlights
Ruby red highlights add vibrant, jewel-toned pops of color to your hair, perfect for those who want to experiment with red without going all-in. These highlights work particularly well on dark hair like brunettes or black hair, creating a stunning contrast. This style suits all skin tones and adds dimension to both short and long hair.
To protect and maintain these bright highlights, use Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo and a heat protectant spray like Living Proof Restore Instant Protection.
Red Velvet Hair
Red velvet hair combines rich red with purple undertones for a luxurious, elegant look. This dark red shade works well for fair to medium skin tones, and its depth and richness give it a glamorous appearance. It’s a favorite among those who want a more subtle red without venturing into neon or bright hues.
Use Amika Vault Color-Lock Shampoo and Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector weekly to maintain the shine and depth of this luxurious red.
Sunset Red Balayage
Sunset red balayage blends various red, orange, and copper tones to create a multidimensional, warm effect that mimics the colors of a sunset. This style is perfect for those with medium to long hair and suits a variety of skin tones, especially Hispanic women with warm undertones.
For upkeep, use Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Shampoo and protect the color with CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray to prevent fading from heat styling.
Cherry Cola Red
Cherry cola red is a deep, dark red with rich burgundy and brown tones, similar to the color of cherry cola soda. This shade is ideal for brunettes and those with medium to dark skin tones. It provides a subtle, yet bold change that’s perfect for fall or winter.
To maintain the richness of cherry cola red, use Davines Alchemic Red Shampoo and Briogeo Rosarco Milk Reparative Leave-In Conditioning Spray to keep the hair hydrated and shiny.
Mahogany Red Brown
Mahogany red brown is a subtle blend of red and brown, offering depth without being too bold. This shade is ideal for brunettes who want to add some warmth without completely changing their look. It suits all skin tones, and works great for both long and short hair styles.
To keep your color looking fresh, use John Frieda Radiant Red Red Boosting Shampoo and Verb Ghost Oil to add shine and tame frizz.
Rose Gold Red
Rose gold red is a trendy mix of pink and red tones, giving hair a soft and feminine look. This shade works beautifully on fair to medium skin tones, and is ideal for those looking for a fun, fashionable color. It’s a great option for brunettes or blondes who want to add a playful touch to their look.
To maintain the softness of rose gold, use Joico Color Balance Purple Shampoo to keep the pink hues fresh and prevent brassiness.
Scarlet Red Hair
Scarlet red hair is a bright, vibrant red that’s bold and eye-catching. This intense color works best for light to medium skin tones and those with a flair for dramatic styles. It’s a great option for people looking to stand out in a crowd, but it may require regular touch-ups to maintain its brightness.
For color retention, use Oribe Beautiful Color Shampoo and deep condition weekly with Amika Soulfood Nourishing Mask to keep your locks hydrated.
Mulled Wine Red
Mulled wine red is a rich, warm red with deep burgundy tones, similar to the color of spiced wine. This luxurious shade suits medium to dark skin tones and is a great choice for fall or winter. It’s subtle yet striking, giving hair a rich, glossy finish.
To keep this color vibrant, use Aveda Madder Root Shampoo and apply Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil to add shine and protect from heat.
Bold Neon Red
Bold neon red is for those who want to go all-out with their hair color. This eye-popping shade works best on light to medium skin tones and is ideal for anyone with a rebellious streak. It’s a striking color that’s perfect for making a statement, but it requires high maintenance to keep the color vibrant.
For upkeep, use Punky Color 3-in-1 Color Depositing Shampoo + Conditioner to refresh the neon tones and IGK Antisocial Overnight Bond-Building Dry Hair Mask for regular hydration.
Tangerine Red Hair
Tangerine red is a warm, orange-toned red that brings energy and warmth to your look. This color suits fair to medium skin tones and is a great choice for those who want a vibrant yet playful red. It adds brightness and liveliness to both long and short hair styles.
For maintenance, use Davines OI Shampoo and add a leave-in conditioner like Kérastase Discipline Fluidissime for smoothness and shine.
Cinnamon Spice Red
Cinnamon spice red is a warm, coppery red with a hint of brown, creating a rich, spicy effect. This shade suits brunettes or those with dark hair, and works beautifully on medium to dark skin tones. It’s perfect for those looking to add subtle warmth to their look.
Use Wella Color Motion Shampoo to keep the color vibrant and a leave-in conditioner like Ouai Hair Oil to enhance the shine and protect from heat.
Dark Plum Red
Dark plum red is a deep, almost purple-red shade that adds an element of mystery and sophistication. This color works well for dark skin tones and is ideal for brunettes who want to experiment with bold red tones. It’s perfect for those who want a dark, sultry color with a unique twist.
To preserve the richness of this dark hue, use Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo and a deep conditioning mask like Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask to keep the hair soft and shiny.
Copper Gold Red
Copper gold red is a warm, glowing red that combines coppery and golden tones for a vibrant yet natural look. This shade is ideal for blondes and brunettes looking for a golden-red hue that brightens their complexion. It’s a perfect summer shade for fair to medium skin tones.
To maintain this radiant color, use Goldwell Dualsenses Color Shampoo and Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother to protect and enhance the shine.
Raspberry Red Hair
Raspberry red is a bold and bright red with a hint of pink, giving it a berry-like tone. This color suits fair to medium skin tones and is perfect for those who want to try something fun and playful. It’s especially great for short hair, adding vibrancy and flair to the look.
To keep the color bright, use L’Oréal Paris EverPure Color Care System and a lightweight serum like IGK Good Behavior 4-in-1 Prep Spray for protection and shine.
Sunkissed Copper
Sunkissed copper is a soft, natural red with golden highlights, creating a warm, sunlit glow. This shade is perfect for blondes or light brunettes who want a soft, summery red. It works beautifully for fair to medium skin tones and gives the hair a radiant, healthy appearance.
To keep the color light and bright, use John Frieda Sheer Blonde Highlight Activating Shampoo and a leave-in conditioner like Gisou Honey Infused Leave-In Conditioner.
Fire Engine Red
Fire engine red is a bold, bright red that’s hard to miss. This color works best for those who want a head-turning look and have a flair for the dramatic. It suits fair to medium skin tones, but anyone looking for a vibrant, intense red can give it a try.
To maintain this bold shade, use Manic Panic High Voltage Classic Cream Formula and deep condition weekly with Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner to protect the hair.
Peachy Red Hair
Peachy red is a soft, pastel red with peachy undertones, making it a playful and lighthearted choice. This color is ideal for fair to medium skin tones and is perfect for those looking for a fun, summery vibe. It adds warmth and brightness without being too bold.
To keep the pastel tones fresh, use Schwarzkopf Color Freeze Silver Shampoo and a lightweight oil like Verb Ghost Oil to keep the hair smooth and shiny.
Smoky Red Highlights
Smoky red highlights are subtle, ashy red highlights that add dimension and texture to dark hair. This look is ideal for brunettes who want to try red without going too bold. It works well with dark skin tones and is perfect for adding subtle warmth and interest to any style.
Use Amika Bust Your Brass Cool Blonde Shampoo to keep the highlights looking fresh and prevent brassiness.
Conclusion
Red hair is bold, beautiful, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re interested in subtle highlights or a full transformation, these red hair color ideas offer a range of options for every skin tone, hair length, and style preference. From vibrant summer reds to rich fall hues, there’s a shade for everyone. Which red will you choose to transform your look?
This hairstyle totally takes me back to that epic party when I rocked red waves—everyone loved it! What a night!