Picking the Right Shades of Red Hair: Different Ones To Suit Your Skin Tone

Published April 9, 2024

2024 is no time to stick to the usual wardrobe, predictable makeup, safe jewelry choices, and the conventional shades of brown and blonde for hair. This year, it’s time to embrace going bold with red hair. 

From natural strawberry red to copper to rich auburn, wine, and bright red ruby tones, red hair is always a head-turning choice. It’s a statement of its own—a declaration of one’s amazing sense of style and oozing confidence. Besides, it does look good, especially if you get the right shade. 

In this article, we’ll discuss the different shades of red hair. We’ll rule each of them to have you lock the perfect shade for your skin tone so you’ll look best. Let’s waste no more time and get started. 

How Do I Know if Red Hair Will Suit Me?

Determining if red hair will suit you involves considering several factors. You must consider your skin tone, eye color, natural hair color, and even your style and lifestyle. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the best decision. 

1. Examine your skin tone.

• Cool skin tones. If you have pink, red, or bluish undertones, look for cooler reds. Consider cherry, crimson, or burgundy. 
• Warm skin tones. Those with yellow, peachy, or golden undertones might find ginger, copper, and rust colors more flattering. 
• Neutral skin tones. Suppose you are a mix of cool and warm undertones. You’re in for a treat, as you can pull off a wide range of reds. 

2. Consider your eye color. 

• Blue or green eyes. Warmer and brighter reds can make these eye colors pop. 
• Brown or hazel eyes. Deeper, richer reds can complement the warmth of their eyes. 

3. Look at your natural hair color. 

• Light hair (Blonde to light brown). It’s generally easier to go the red hair route. You can do so without needing significant bleaching. Lt allows for a healthier transition. 
• Dark hair (Dark brown to black). Achieving a vibrant red will require lightening your hair first. 

4. Think about maintenance

Red hair colors fade faster than other hues. It needs more maintenance. Consider if you’re ready for this commitment. You will need regular salon visits. Also, using color-safe hair care products. 

5. Reflect on your personal style. 

Red hair makes a statement. It will serve you well if you enjoy standing out and feel confident in vibrant colors. If you prefer a more understated look, you might opt for a more natural shade of red. 

The Top Different Shades of Red for Every Skin Tone

Strawberry blonde hair 

The first hue of red is as yummy as it sounds. Also known as “red sand,” strawberry blonde is a kind of light ginger mane. It’s a fantastic shade to suffuse blonde sun streaks with red-blonde highlights. 

For the ultimate beach babe look, you can also style it with bouncy, tousled waves. 

Copper hair

For our fair, medium, and olive skin-tone girls, copper hair is for you. It is a combination of red and bronze. The merge creates a warm and elegant hue. 

Like real metal, copper locks work when it’s shiny and bright. However, to keep it from becoming dull, you must practice all the habits for having healthy-looking hair. 

Cherry red hair 

A vibrant mixture of deep red and purple tones, cherry red works well on skin that tans easily. It is also amazing for standing out those with brown eyes. It also pairs well with a short bob hairstyle for a Parisian chic look. 

Dark burgundy hair 

Similar to merlot in color, the violet elements of this red hue will boost golden skin tones. This type of red leans more toward the darker side of the spectrum. Still, it is bold and a spot-on statement of its own. 

Bright orange hair 

Bright orange-red adds a vivacious pop to copper hair. It flatters cooler skin tones and speaks of fun and creativity. It can also be beautifully combined with other shades through balayage or ombre. 

Brick red hair

This super warm shade will complement those with pale and medium skin tones. It also pairs well with hazel and brown eyes. It’s more subtle than other shades of red. It is perfect for those transitioning from natural to more vibrant hair color. 

Bright auburn hair

Next on the list is one of the most accessible types of ginger hair to pull off. It strikes a delicate balance between warm and cool, working beautifully across all skin tones. Bright auburn hair has an orange-red tinge. It is eye-catching. 

Auburn hair is also amazing at neutralizing pink tones in fair skin. It can warm up and make those with olive and darker skin tones glow. It is one of the most versatile red hair color shades. 

Coral red hair

Coral red hair has a rosy-range undertone. It can bring out the beauty of having blue and green eyes. It is also ideal for almost all skin tones. You’ll surely look good in it, whether fair, medium, olive, or dark. 

Fire engine red hair 

Fire engine red is amazing for those with medium and darker skin tones. It nicely suits blue and eye colors, too. It is a showstopper of a hue and is one to make an entrance on a night out with friends. 

Red violet hair

Slightly lighter than burgundy, red violet hair is perfect for all skin tones. Its purple base brings out the radiance in your skin. It can give your cheeks a beautiful, rosy flush. Moreover, it helps your complexion glow. 

How To Keep Red Hair Dye From Fading

• Wait before your first wash. After dyeing your hair, wait 48-72 hours before washing it. It will let the dye settle into your hair fibers. 
• Use color-safe products. Invest in shampoos and conditioners crafted for color-treated hair. You can also look for ones that are sulfate-free. Sulfates can strip the color from your crowning glory. 
• Cold water rinse. When washing your hair, use cold or lukewarm water. Hot water opens the hair cuticle, it makes a mistake of the color to wash out more quickly.
• Limit washing. Try to cut the frequency of your hair washes. Doing so will help retain the color for longer. You can opt for dry shampoo between washes to keep your locks looking fresh. 
• Use a color-depositing shampoo. There are shampoos available that deposit a small amount of hers each time you wash. 
• Protect your hair from the sun. UV rays can fade your red hair. When you’re going to be in the sun for a long time. Wear hot. Use hair products that contain UV protectants. 
• Deep condition regularly. A weekly deep conditioning treatment can aid in keeping your hair healthy and guard the color from looking lifeless. 
• Avoid heat styling. High temperatures from blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons can all cause color fading.