24 Red Hair Ideas
You know what they say—once you go red, you never go back. Okay, maybe that’s not exactly the saying, but IMO, there’s just something magnetic about red hair.
If you’ve been daydreaming about switching things up, I’ve got you covered with 24 red hair ideas that will turn heads and maybe even make your ex regret their life choices
1. Classic Copper Red
Copper is the OG of red hair shades. It’s bright, bold, and has that “fresh from a fairy tale” vibe. Ever seen Brave? Yeah, that’s copper in all its glory.
Why it works: It flatters fair skin and blue or green eyes like magic.
2. Deep Burgundy
This shade screams mystery. Think sultry wine tones that look amazing under natural light.
Pro tip: If you’re shy about going red, burgundy is the perfect “starter red” since it leans toward purple.
3. Strawberry Blonde
Somewhere between blonde and red, strawberry blonde feels soft, flirty, and timeless. Perfect if you don’t want to commit fully to fiery tones.
Fun fact: Blake Lively rocked this shade once, and people still talk about it.
4. Fire Engine Red
You want bold? Say hello to fire engine red. It’s loud, unapologetic, and honestly, a mood.
But: Be prepared for upkeep, because this shade fades faster than your crush texting back.
5. Auburn Red
Auburn combines deep brown with warm red tones. It’s chic, elegant, and super versatile.
Why I love it: It looks natural but still has that “ooh, she did something different” vibe.
6. Cherry Cola
Yes, it’s a soda, but also a killer hair color. Think deep brown with ruby undertones.
Best for: Medium to dark complexions that want a subtle but rich red tint.
7. Pumpkin Spice Red
PSL lovers, this one’s basically made for you. Warm, cozy, and very fall-core.
Pair it with: A chunky sweater and latte for ultimate Instagram vibes.
8. Crimson Red
This one’s bold with a capital B. Crimson is a darker, more intense version of fire engine red.
Hot tip: Works beautifully with darker eyebrows and eyeliner-heavy looks.
9. Ginger Red
Natural gingers, we see you. But even if you weren’t born with it, you can totally rock it.
Why it’s iconic: It’s bright, playful, and instantly noticeable.
10. Rose Gold Red
Rose gold isn’t just for iPhones. This shade blends red with blush pink for a dreamy, romantic look.
Best for: Anyone who loves soft glam and pastel aesthetics.
11. Sunset Balayage
Imagine the sky at golden hour—fiery oranges, pinks, and reds melting together. That’s sunset balayage.
Bonus: It grows out gracefully, which means fewer salon visits.
12. Dark Mahogany
Sophisticated and rich, mahogany adds depth with hints of red and brown.
Perfect for: A low-maintenance red that works in professional settings.
13. Orange-Red
This one’s loud and proud. It leans more toward orange, giving off punk-rock vibes.
Pair it with: Winged eyeliner and leather jackets. Trust me.
14. Red Highlights
Not ready to go all-in? Add red highlights to your brown or black base. It gives dimension without full commitment.
FYI: Great for experimenting before a major color overhaul.
15. Peachy Red
Peachy red is like strawberry blonde’s playful cousin. It’s soft, warm, and surprisingly versatile.
Why it works: It brightens up your complexion instantly.
16. Wine Red Ombre
If ombre had a sultry sister, it would be wine red. Start with darker roots and fade into a rich wine red.
Low-key perk: Easier to maintain than all-over red.
17. Neon Red
Feeling adventurous? Neon red glows in any crowd. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s unforgettable.
Heads up: You’ll probably get stopped in public with “OMG, where did you dye your hair?”
18. Copper Balayage
Balayage but make it copper. The mix of dark roots and warm copper ends gives that natural sun-kissed look.
Why it’s amazing: Minimal upkeep + max payoff.
19. Scarlet Red
Scarlet is a classic, bold red—timeless yet trendy. It works whether you wear it sleek or messy.
Pro tip: Looks especially striking on straight, glossy hair.
20. Pink-Red Fusion
Can’t decide between pink and red? Why not both? This fusion shade feels playful and edgy.
When to try: Festivals, summer, or just because you want your hair to scream “fun.”
21. Cinnamon Red
Warm, spicy, and subtle—cinnamon red adds just the right kick without being too dramatic.
Perfect for: Brunettes wanting to ease into red tones.
22. Black with Red Underlights
Want a peekaboo effect? Keep the top layer black and hide fiery red underneath.
Result: A subtle surprise that shows when you move or style it.
23. Cherry Red
Juicy, bold, and rich—just like actual cherries. It’s vibrant without crossing into neon territory.
Why it slays: Works on almost every skin tone.
24. Rust Red
Rust has earthy undertones, making it the perfect “grown-up red.” It’s chic and wearable year-round.
Bonus: It complements neutral wardrobes perfectly.
Tips for Maintaining Red Hair
Okay, here’s the deal: red hair is gorgeous, but it’s also high-maintenance. Want it to last longer than your weekend mood swings? Here’s how:
- Use color-safe shampoo to prevent fading.
- Wash less frequently—try dry shampoo between washes.
- Protect from heat with sprays before styling.
- Embrace touch-ups because red pigments fade faster than other colors.
And yes, you’ll probably leave a few pillowcases stained during the first week. That’s just the redhead tax. 🙂
Final Thoughts
Red hair isn’t just a color—it’s a whole personality. Whether you’re going for soft strawberry vibes, bold crimson, or sultry burgundy, there’s a shade here that matches your energy.
