Red Hair Color Ideas & Shades for Every Skin Tone
Explore the best red hair color ideas and styles, from light auburn to deep burgundy. Find the perfect shade for your skin tone & learn expert maintenance tips!
Red Hair Color Ideas: Exploring the Spectrum of Shades
Whether you’re looking for a big change, returning to your natural color or trying to cover grays, red hair color is a great choice. We’ve got many different shades of red hair color, from eye-catching burgundy to natural copper, so you’re sure to find the perfect one to complement your unique skin tone and personal style. Browse this article to find red hair color ideas from ombre and highlights to styling advice like what colors look best with red hair and tips on how to dye your hair red at home.
Light Red Hair Color Ideas
Different shades of red hair suit different complexion types. Lighter red shades give a softer and more natural appearance that works well for people with fair to medium skin tones.
01
Terracotta Chili Hair Color
This warm-toned, earthy red shade blends brown and copper hues to create a shade that’s ideal for those who prefer a more muted, natural red hair color.
This warm-toned, earthy red shade blends brown and copper hues to create a shade that’s ideal for those who prefer a more muted, natural red hair color.
02
Light Intense Auburn Hair Color
This shade offers a brighter, more vibrant auburn look with golden-red undertones that can add dimension and brightness to the hair.
This shade offers a brighter, more vibrant auburn look with golden-red undertones that can add dimension and brightness to the hair.
Medium Red Hair Color Ideas
Medium red shades are the perfect balance between light and dark reds. They offer a vibrant red look without being too overpowering.
01
True Red Hair Color
This is the classic, intense red shade that has a bold effect to create a statement hair color.
This is the classic, intense red shade that has a bold effect to create a statement hair color.
02
Cherry Flamingo Hair Color
This playful, bright red-pink shade combines warm and cool tones and is perfect for individuals who want a fun, vibrant red hue.
This playful, bright red-pink shade combines warm and cool tones and is perfect for individuals who want a fun, vibrant red hue.
03
Deep Intense Auburn Hair Color
This shade adds richness to natural auburn with deeper red undertones to create a result that suits various skin tones, making it a versatile choice.
This shade adds richness to natural auburn with deeper red undertones to create a result that suits various skin tones, making it a versatile choice.
04
Medium Intense Auburn Hair Color
Where Deep Intense Auburn is ideal for natural hair between light brown and darkest brown, Medium Intense Auburn is made for natural hair between medium brown and black. It creates balanced, natural-looking vibrancy that enhances shine and warmth in the hair.
Where Deep Intense Auburn is ideal for natural hair between light brown and darkest brown, Medium Intense Auburn is made for natural hair between medium brown and black. It creates balanced, natural-looking vibrancy that enhances shine and warmth in the hair.
Dark Red Hair Color Ideas
Darker red shades make for bold and sophisticated choices as deep red hues can add depth and richness to hair.
01
Deep Burgundy Hair Color
The shade burgundy is defined as a deep red with purple undertones. It creates a sultry, sophisticated look that works well on darker hair colors.
The shade burgundy is defined as a deep red with purple undertones. It creates a sultry, sophisticated look that works well on darker hair colors.
02
Darkest Berry Burgundy Hair Color
This burgundy shade is cool toned, giving a more dramatic, edgy appearance that complements cooler skin tones.
This burgundy shade is cool toned, giving a more dramatic, edgy appearance that complements cooler skin tones.
03
Rich Auburn Hair Color
This shade is a natural-looking deep red-brown that is ideal for creating subtle red tones. It’s a great entry-level red for brunettes looking to try out a red hair color.
This shade is a natural-looking deep red-brown that is ideal for creating subtle red tones. It’s a great entry-level red for brunettes looking to try out a red hair color.
04
Intense Burgundy Hair Color
This variation of burgundy leans red for a more vibrant look that provides a high-gloss finish, making hair appear shinier.
This variation of burgundy leans red for a more vibrant look that provides a high-gloss finish, making hair appear shinier.
05
Dark Intense Burgundy Hair Color
This shade deepens the standard burgundy for a more dramatic and luxurious feel. An ideal hue for those who want a bold yet sophisticated red.
This shade deepens the standard burgundy for a more dramatic and luxurious feel. An ideal hue for those who want a bold yet sophisticated red.
06
Deepest Intense Burgundy Hair Color
This shade is one of the darkest red options, ideal for those transitioning from black or dark brown hair. It gives a striking yet subtle red tint that comes alive under certain lighting.
This shade is one of the darkest red options, ideal for those transitioning from black or dark brown hair. It gives a striking yet subtle red tint that comes alive under certain lighting.
07
Dark Intense Auburn Hair Color
This color is a deeper version of auburn, adding a sophisticated and versatile red-brown dimension that’s suitable for both warm and cool undertones.
This color is a deeper version of auburn, adding a sophisticated and versatile red-brown dimension that’s suitable for both warm and cool undertones.
08
Intense Red Hair Color
This shade is the boldest, most vibrant red available, a perfect choice for those looking for a head-turning, fiery red.
This shade is the boldest, most vibrant red available, a perfect choice for those looking for a head-turning, fiery red.
09
Dark Garnet Red Hair Color
Garnet red combines deep red with hints of violet for a rich, gemstone-inspired color. This hue is a great choice for the winter months or for creating dramatic transformations.
Garnet red combines deep red with hints of violet for a rich, gemstone-inspired color. This hue is a great choice for the winter months or for creating dramatic transformations.
Red Highlights and Ombre Styles
Adding red highlights or ombre can enhance natural or dyed hair. These techniques allow for a low-maintenance way to experiment with red tones, especially ombre since you don’t need to worry about maintaining regrowth at the roots.
01
Subtle Red Highlights
Subtle red highlights are a great way to introduce red tones without full commitment. They are the perfect way to add warmth and dimension to natural brunette and blonde shades.
Subtle red highlights are a great way to introduce red tones without full commitment. They are the perfect way to add warmth and dimension to natural brunette and blonde shades.
02
Bold Red Highlights
Bold highlights can create a dramatic and eye-catching effect. Experiment with different placements such as face-framing streaks or balayage highlights.
Bold highlights can create a dramatic and eye-catching effect. Experiment with different placements such as face-framing streaks or balayage highlights.
03
Red Ombre Hair Color
The ombre technique blends your natural base color roots into a red tone (or any other color of your choice) at the ends. Red ombre hair color looks great on all types of bases due to the gradual transition from shade to shade.
The ombre technique blends your natural base color roots into a red tone (or any other color of your choice) at the ends. Red ombre hair color looks great on all types of bases due to the gradual transition from shade to shade.
Choosing the Right Red Shade for Your Skin Tone
For best results, it’s important to match red hair color to different skin tones. You should consider your undertone (cool, warm, neutral) when picking a red hair dye as finding the right one will enhance your best features and make your skin look clearer whereas the wrong one can make you look washed out and enhance blemishes.
01
Fair Skin Tones
Overly dark reds can wash out fair skin, so we recommend sticking to warm copper, strawberry blonde, and bright reds.
Overly dark reds can wash out fair skin, so we recommend sticking to warm copper, strawberry blonde, and bright reds.
02
Medium Skin Tones
Medium auburn, cherry red, and intense reds are the best choices for medium complexions. Both warm and cool reds can work on this complexion type depending on undertones.
Medium auburn, cherry red, and intense reds are the best choices for medium complexions. Both warm and cool reds can work on this complexion type depending on undertones.
03
Dark Skin Tones
Deep burgundy, rich auburn, and dark garnet red are all flattering options for dark skin tones. However, it’s best to avoid overly cool-toned reds that may contrast harshly with warm skin.
Deep burgundy, rich auburn, and dark garnet red are all flattering options for dark skin tones. However, it’s best to avoid overly cool-toned reds that may contrast harshly with warm skin.
Maintenance Tips for Red Hair Colors
Red hair requires extra maintenance due to faster fading. It’s best to wash color-treated hair less often and use a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner hair when you do. You’ll also need to touch up your roots when they grow in to keep your red hair color looking fresh. There are also some environmental factors you should try to avoid in order to keep your red hair looking vibrant and healthy.
Color-Protecting Shampoos and Conditioners
Once you’ve dyed your hair red, wash it with sulfate-free shampoos and color-depositing conditioners to prevent fading. Check out the Color Shield shampoo and conditioner for up to 8 weeks of color vibrancy*. It’s also important to use moisturizing treatments like hair masks to maintain hair health.
*with system of shampoo & conditione
Regular Touch-Ups and Root Care
We advise touching up red hair every month or so to maintain its vibrancy, especially with red permanent hair color. Using at-home color refreshers between salon visits is a great way to lessen the appearance of roots and keep your color looking fresh.
Protecting Hair from Environmental Factors
Sun exposure, chlorine, and heat styling can all affect red hair color and make hair look dull and damaged. Always use heat protectants when styling hair with a dryer, flat iron, or curling iron, and apply UV-protective sprays before going outside during the day, especially in summer.
Hair Color Virtual Try-On: See Yourself with Red Hair
Experiment with red hair color shades before committing to the perfect one using Garnier’s virtual try-on tool.
Shade Selector Quiz: Find Your Perfect Red
Ever wondered “What shade of red should I dye my hair”? Take our quick quiz to help identify your ideal red shade based on preferences and features.
Red Hair Color Ideas FAQ
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What Colors Look Best with Red Hair? Pairing your red hair with complementary colors through your clothing and makeup choices is a great way to elevate your appearance. Earth tones like olive green and cool dark brown complement red hair well while jewel tones like emerald green and sapphire blue will make your red hair pop. Or why not go for a monochromatic vibe by wearing red? Again, jewel tones work best. Try incorporating it by matching your hair to your lipstick for a thoroughly put-together look. -
What Colors Should Be Avoided with Red Hair? Some tones may clash, such as certain bright pinks and yellows, so it’s good to know what colors to avoid with red hair. These are best worn as accents and not as the main color of your outfit. Add them through accessories or footwear and try to keep the majority of your clothing in a hue that complements your beautiful red hair. -
Does Red Hair Make You Look Older or Younger? In general, those with red hair tend to appear younger than their blond or brunette counterparts. If your goal is to look more youthful, opt for lighter, warmer reds. On the other hand, choosing darker, cooler reds may add an air of sophistication to make you appear more mature.
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