Our Favorite Fresh Hair Color Ideas in Red

Red is the color of fire, of blood, of a vampire’s kiss. It’s evocative and attention-grabbing, not to mention a fabulous contrast with a black wardrobe. If you’re dying to make a drastic change, opting for red hair color definitely makes a bold statement. These red hair color ideas are here to give your dark aesthetic an instant refresh.

Red Bangs

Person wearing a studded leather jacket in front of a wooden wall

Tiny red streaks in the bangs add a hint of interest to otherwise all-black hair. Check out those peek-a-boo highlights in the back that complete the look!

Red Balayage

Person with red hair and tattoos against a brick wall

Balayage is fantastic for those who want to try out a colorful look with an ombre effect that can be easily grown out (although those subtle gradients do require a bit of time in the salon chair).

Red All Over

Woman with red hair and a black coat standing in an urban setting with traffic in the background

Turn heads with a brilliant red look that is guaranteed to make a lasting impression. Without any complicated streaks and highlights, you can even do it yourself at home.

Red Ends

Person with vibrant red hair in a forest setting

Ditch the upkeep of your roots growing in by avoiding your roots altogether. Applying color from the ends of your hair to the crown and leaving a bit of variation will keep you from seeing that dreaded grow-in line.

Flash of Fire

Person with orange and black hair against a gray background

If you want to avoid all-over haircolor, this eye-catching look creates an instant sensation with fiery shades of red.

Haphazard Waves

Woman with red hair holding a snake against a neutral background

This all-over deep red look is great for keeping it simple. Embrace the contrast as your roots grow in, or apply a new color to create a fun gradient effect.

Two-Toned Red

Woman with vibrant red hair posing against a dark background

Half red. Half black. All attitude.

If you want to channel your inner Harley Quinn (or you just can’t decide between two great looks) the half-black, half-red look could be the one!

Pinky Red

Woman with pink hair and tattoos wearing an orange top, posing thoughtfully.

Depending on the dye you use and your underlying color, red hair dye may fade over time to a shade of pink. Embrace the transition by showing off those cotton candy pinks between coloring sessions.

Burgundy Bliss

Woman with red hair wearing a black and white dress sitting outdoors.

This deep red is bold but sophisticated, the perfect complement to an elegant dress.

Autumn Leaves

Woman with red hair wearing a black coat against an autumn leaf background

A rich auburn hair color is perfect for getting into the spirit of fall. If you feel like embracing a dark academia aesthetic, this autumnal hair color is just the thing to go with tweed blazers and plaid scarves.

Coppery Locks

Woman with red hair and a black scarf against a gray brick wall

This classic shade is perfect for those who want to keep their red hair color more natural looking while still experimenting with red tones. Start with blond or lightened hair to help the color really pop.

Red Streaks

Close-up of a person with red hair against a dark background

This look is low on commitment and high on drama! Simple red streaks are easy to DIY with hair color you can find at the drugstore or a beauty supply store. Remember, the lighter your base color, the more the color you apply will show up.

Sunset Gradient

This showstopping look involves subtle shading from blond to brilliant red. It’s a great way to grow out an all-over red look–and carry the sun with you all winter long.

How to Care for Dyed Hair

Reds and pinks tend to fade more quickly than other colors like blue, green, or purple, especially if you’re using a semi-permanent hair dye like Manic Panic or Splat. If your hair is very porous, this will also prevent it from retaining hair color for more than a few weeks. Using a protein treatment such as a hair mask before you color can help reduce porosity and make the color penetrate the hair shaft more effectively.

How to Make Hair Color Last Longer

To extend the life of your hair color, try to cut down on how much you wash your hair–using dry shampoo between washes can be a lifesaver. Washing your hair with cool or lukewarm water will also help to prevent fading (but as someone who likes their showers hotter than the pit of Hades, this can be a struggle!). If you have a deep kitchen or laundry sink with a spray nozzle, try washing your hair there to avoid those cold showers.

Collection of hair care products including bottles and a brush on a green surface.

If you have naturally curly or wavy hair, starting a curly hair routine of leave-in conditioner and hold products after each wash will help keep your curls bouncy and defined, and the hair products will prevent your roots from looking oily for a good 3-4 days. This has the added benefit of preserving the life of your hair color.

You can also add a bit of semi-permanent hair color to your conditioner to help keep your hair from fading when you wash.

These fresh hair color ideas in red should help you find your next spellbinding look. Whether you want a captivating new aesthetic for fall or you’re just venturing into coloring your hair for the first time, this collection will provide hair inspo for the changing seasons and beyond.