25 Red Hair Color Ideas We Can’t Get Enough Of

If you’ve been searching for a way to switch up your hair color, there’s a good chance your social media feed is serving you a fair amount of red hair color ideas. Red is one of the hottest hair color trends at the moment, as evidenced by the countless celebrities and influencers who’ve recently embraced some variation of the fiery hue. When it’s done right, a sultry red hair color looks flattering on just about any skin tone, which is partly why it’s become so popular as of late.

Given just how many red hair color shades there are to choose from, though, it can feel tricky to narrow down which hue is best for you. To help make the process a bit easier, we’re sharing our favorite shades of red hair color, ranging from light red hair colors (think platinum strawberry blonde shades) to deep crimson hues along with recommendations on the best shades for each skin tone. 

Below, check out 25 beautiful red hair ideas, the products you can use to get these looks at home, and everything you’ll need to add to your routine to care for your new fiery style. 

25 Red Hair Color Ideas

Red hair color comes in many different variations, which means there’s likely a complementary shade for every complexion. Here’s some red hair color inspiration to bookmark ahead of your next salon visit.

1. Light auburn

Let a vibrant and rich auburn shade bring your hair color to life this season. This light red, gingery hue is versatile and incredibly flattering on pale skin tones. If you head to the salon, ask your colorist to create face-framing highlights using warm pigments of red to help showcase your features. You can also get the look at home using the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Light Auburn. 

2. Red mahogany

If you want to spruce up your strands without going too bright, a brownish-red hue is a great way to do it. This deep red hair color will give off a natural-looking vibe for those with light to medium skin tones while adding depth to your hair. To get the look, use the L’Oréal Paris Excellence Creme Crème Permanent Triple Care Hair Color in Richesse Collection Dark Mahogany Red.

3. Raspberry hair

Inspired by the fruit that’s equal parts tart and sweet, this dark red hair color features a blend of deep red, soft pink, and violet tones woven throughout. Anyone can rock the moody hue, but it looks especially captivating on medium to dark skin. Recreate a similar look at home with the L’Oréal Paris Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Color in Fuchsia-cha or Midnight Violet to get the look at home.

4. Burgundy wine

If a rich, highly-pigmented hue seems up your alley, consider opting for a deep burgundy hair. Thanks to its subtle violet cast, this cool red hair color looks gorgeous on those with cooler undertones. Get the look on your own with the L’Oréal Paris Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Color in Burgundy Blush. 

5. Brick red

This versatile shade has a mix of vibrant red and brown tones, making it an ideal hue for those with cool undertones looking for a subtler red color to try. Ask your stylist to add in some copper highlights to give it a fresh and summery feel or add lowlights for a moodier vibe. 

6. Red velvet 

red-velvet-hair-color color boasts a seamless blend of red, violet, burgundy, and maroon tones that come together for the ultimate level of dimension. You can customize this dessert-inspired shade to suit different undertones, making it a red hair color that everyone can rock. If you have cool undertones, opt for a variation with more violet tones; those with warmer skin may prefer sticking with a more straightforward crimson hue. To DIY the look, pick up a vibrant red hair dye, such as the L’Oréal Paris Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Color in Red Velvet.

7. Black cherry

Inspired by one of our favorite cola flavors, black cherry hair features cool, moody tones for a refreshing take on dark red hair color that flatters just about every skin tone. The super-dark, reddish-black hue blends two rich colors into one eye-catching shade of vampy red hair. Get a similar look at home using the L'Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Intense Dark Red.

8. Strawberry blonde

If you want a bright red hair color, but you’re not quite ready to part ways with your light strands, try strawberry blonde. Equal parts red and blonde, this red hair color looks especially pretty in the summertime and on those with fair to medium skin. Try the beachy hue on for size with the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Light Reddish Blonde. 

9. Bright copper

Bright copper is a warm and bright shade of red reminiscent of the hue of a shiny new penny. The color features a mix of blonde, golden copper hues, and auburn highlights to create a beautiful, vibrant mane that stuns on all skin tones and undertones. The L’Oréal Paris Excellence Creme Créme Permanent Triple Protection Hair Color in Medium Reddish Blonde is our top pick for recreating this pretty shade.

10. Chili powder red

If you love the vibrant color of this spice, give your hair color a chili red-inspired makeover. This shade features a stunning mix of warm and rich golden orange tones, making it an extra pretty hue for medium and olive skin tones. Recreate the dimensional look with a rich, reddish-orange hair dye, like the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Lightest Auburn.

11. Scarlet

If you’re looking for something bold, jazz up your look with a scarlet red hair color. This vibrant hue is on the more saturated end of the red spectrum, with a pure, crimson tone and just a hint of brown for depth. Try it out yourself using the L’Oréal Paris Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Cherry Crush. 

12. Warm cinnamon

A mid-toned mix of red, golden blonde, and light brown tones makes for a versatile hue that easily flatters all skin tones. Reach for the L’Oréal Paris Excellence Creme Créme Permanent Triple Protection Hair Color in Light Auburn to try out the color at home.

13. Rose gold 

This rose gold hue is a dimensional, metallic shade of light red, featuring an equal mix of blonde, pink, and coppery red tones. It’s super pretty on those with fair skin and makes for a flattering way to ease into red hair without committing to a vivid crimson color. If you want to try it out for yourself, use the L’Oréal Paris Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Strawberry Blonde. 

For those who are not yet ready to stick with permanent color, grab the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup Temporary 1-Day Hair Color Spray in Rosegold. This temporary hair dye spray allows you to get a bold color without the commitment and washes out after just one shampoo.

14. Peachy red 

Similar to rose gold, this muted reddish-orange hair color offers a combination of bright, coppery hues that work on all skin tones. We recommend taking this red hair color inspiration and booking an appointment at the salon to get the perfect mix of orange and red tones all across your mane. 

15. Medium auburn 

If you love the look of deep, rich auburn tones, give a medium auburn hair color a try. Imagine, if you will, a sultry shade with luscious tones of red and brown that looks stunning on all skin tones. To DIY the shade, reach for the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Medium Auburn Brown. 

16. Dark auburn 

Another way to embrace red without completely abandoning your brunette roots is by embracing a dark auburn hue. The autumnal red and chocolatey brown combo blends flawlessly for a hair shade that suits all skin tones and eye colors. Use the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Dark Auburn to get the look on your own.

17. Russet

Another red hair color idea that combines reddish-brown shades we can’t get enough of is for those who prefer to have a more natural-looking red mane. Russet hair color can be accented with golden blonde highlights for added depth, which looks especially good on those with medium skin and warm undertones. Try it out using the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Dark Mahogany Brown. 

18. Tawny red 

Tawny red hair is a mix of brown, dark orange, and red tones. It’s great for those with neutral undertones because the ribbons of warm color really illuminate the skin. If you get the color at the salon, ask your stylist to add some light copper babylights around your face for an added brightening effect.

19. Violet red

Violet red is a deep maroon hue with purple tones mixed throughout. This red hair color inspiration suits all skin tones, but especially those with cool undertones because they bring icy purple tones. To achieve this red-meets-violet mix, try the L’Oréal Paris Féria Midnight Bold Multi-Faceted Permanent Hair Color in Blood Moon. 

20. Pink and red hair

A pink money piece with red base tones makes for an ultra-trendy, two-tone color. Vibrant, head-turning, and eye-catching, this cool red hair color is unique and it’s even achievable at home, though you’ll need to be prepared to bleach your hair to achieve the bright face-framing highlight. 

21. Red brown

A red brown hair color is a harmonious mix of the two tones and it seriously looks good on everyone. The addition of red tones lends a classic brunette base some vibrancy while still maintaining a natural look and feel. Plus, the brown tones make it easier to maintain given that red hair color is known to fade quickly. Get your hands on the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Medium Copper Brown to achieve the look.

22. Fruit punch red

Fruit punch red is one of those red hair color ideas that you’ll remember for a long time to come thanks to its electric and vibrant qualities. This fire engine color is designed to make a bold statement and that’s exactly what it does. While it may not be for everyone because it’s ultra-daring, the color is rich, gorgeous, and striking. It’s especially flattering on those with medium to deep skin tones.

23. Platinum strawberry blonde

If you have fair skin with cool undertones but you want to give red strands a try, consider a platinum strawberry blonde hue. It has light ribbons of platinum blonde color with a mix of pink, red, and orange tones. Book an appointment at the salon to get this hybrid color just right.

24. Bright copper

Bright copper falls on the orange end of the red spectrum, with a vivid, fiery tone that beautifully flatters those with warm undertones. Try the L’Oréal Paris Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Copper Crave to get the vibrant hue for yourself.

25. Dark crimson

A dark crimson color is a mix of vibrant red and stark black, which makes it a bit more subdued and vampy. It looks striking on tan skin tones, especially those with olive and medium complexions. For an all-over take on crimson color, use the L’Oréal Paris Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Ruby Rush. 

How to Care for Red Dyed Hair 

A new hair color means you’ll have to put in some maintenance to keep your hue looking fresh. This is especially true if you’re going red, since the fiery hue can fade quickly. After figuring out which red hair color and style is right for you, make sure to switch out your everyday hair care products for ones specifically formulated for color-treated hair. 

Here are five tips for your hair routine once you make the switch to red.

1. Use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner

This is an essential tip for maintaining your hair color and more importantly, preventing fading color. When you wash your strands, always reach products formulated for color-treated hair, like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Strengthening Pre-Shampoo Treatment, L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Repair Shampoo with Citric Acid and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Repair Conditioner with Citric Acid. 

The trio contains citric acid and penetrates and rebuilds weak hair bonds to help strengthen brittle, color-treated hair from the inside out. Apply the pre-shampoo treatment and leave it on for five to 10 minutes before washing your hair with the shampoo and conditioner. 

2. Wash with lukewarm water

Hot water can dry out your hair and may cause your color to fade faster than it otherwise would. To help prevent premature fading, wash your with lukewarm water instead. While it’s not as relaxing as a long, steamy shower, the cooler temperature can help to keep your color looking vibrant for longer. 

3. Maintain your color with a glossing treatment

Another way to help prevent your color from appearing dull or lackluster is to use a hair gloss, like the L’Oréal Paris Le Color Gloss One Step In-Shower Toning Gloss in Clear or Copper, once a week. Formulated with coconut oil, this gloss deep conditions the hair and leaves it feeling soft and silky after just one 15-minute in-shower application. The tinted versions also add a fresh hint of color to help enhance your chosen hue.

If you want to boost shine but don’t need any additional tint, try a glossing system, like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Glossing Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Glossing Conditioner. This shampoo and conditioner gently cleanse without stripping color and boost shine for smooth, silky-looking strands.

The system also includes an in-shower glossing treatment—the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Glossing Glaze—which helps to keep colored hair looking shiny and vibrant. To use this trio, first shampoo hair and rinse, then, spray the in-shower glaze on wet hair. Leave it on for one to three minutes, (don’t rinse), then apply conditioner as you normally would and complete your shower routine.

4. Add a root touch-up

If you opt for a shade of red that noticeably contrasts with your natural color, your roots will be noticeable as your natural hair grows in. Use the L’Oréal Paris Magic Root Cover Up in Vibrant Red to touch up your color in between hair dye sessions for a quick and easy fix. Just spritz it on your roots and comb it through the length of your hair for a seamless blend of color.

5. Air-dry hair and avoid heat styling tools

One of the best things you can do for your hair and red hair color is to keep heat styling at a minimum. This doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your style—instead, try a heatless style like bubble braids. Those with curly or wavy hair can also consider using a curl-enhancing leave-in conditioner like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Leave-in Conditioner to bring out their natural curl pattern before letting their hair air dry. 

It’s okay to use hot tools in moderation, but always remember to prime your strands with a heat protectant like L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Weightless Blow Dry Primer for 48 HR Frizz Control. The weightless formula helps protect against temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit while taming frizz for smooth, nourished-looking strands. 

Next Up: Should You Wash Your Hair Before Dyeing It?

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris