How to Get the Perfect Red Hair Color

Red hair color is on fire this season. From subtle auburns to eye-popping hues, reds are always a favorite color for those looking to get their hair noticed. Here we’ll show you which reds will work best with your skin tones.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A home hair color kit in your shade of red if coloring your hair yourself

How to Get the Perfect Red Hair Color for Light Skin Tones

1. If you’re not sure of your skin tone, ask a professional for their opinion. They’ll advise you on your coloring and what shades will and won’t work for you.

2. For blondes or those who want a subtle red color, try a strawberry blonde shade. This works great with pale skin tones as it won’t overpower your coloring. Keep your color choice on the lighter side. Dark reds will wash out your skin coloring, so opt for the subtler reds such as terra-cottas.

3. Light brunettes and dark blondes can add a hint of red that will blend with their natural hair and give a slight but noticeable boost to their hair color.

4. Remember a little bit of red goes a long way. To ease yourself into the realm of red, try adding red hair color via highlights.

5. Stick to the warmer shades of red. Deep violet reds won’t work, so choose warmer, softer reds.

6. If you plan on coloring your hair at home, choose a red hair color kit that is labeled reddish blonde or strawberry blonde. If you’re in doubt, take down the toll free number of the company who makes the kit and ask for recommendations.

How to Choose the Perfect Red Hair Color for Medium Skin Tones

7. If you’re not sure of your skin tone, ask a professional for their opinion. They’ll advise you on your coloring and what will and won’t work for you.

8. Medium skin tones should stick with medium red hair color. Auburns are a great choice as long as they’re not too dark.

9. Lowlights in a slightly darker and redder shade of your natural color is a great introduction into red. If you’re unsure if red is for you, start slowly with this method.

10. Avoid extremely bright reds such as bright coppers or light orange-reds. A medium reddish brown is likely to compliment your coloring without looking drastic.

11. If you plan on coloring your hair at home, choose a red hair color kit that is labeled medium auburn or reddish brown. If you’re in doubt, take down the toll free number of the company who makes the kit and ask for recommendations.

How to Choose the Perfect Red Hair Color for Dark Skin Tones

12. If you’re not sure of your skin tone, ask a professional for their opinion. They’ll advise you on your coloring and what will and won’t work for you.

13. Darker and olive skin tones should stick with the cooler red shades.

14. Burgundies and violet-based colors will flatter your skin tones best.

15. Avoid very light reds, such as strawberry blonde and bright auburn. Deep mahogany reds are subtle and a great introduction into red hair color for your skin tone.

16. For a fun look, try having panels of slightly different reds applied throughout your hair. This dimensional look is eye-catching and far from ordinary for those who like to get noticed.

17. If you plan on coloring your hair at home, choose a red hair color kit that is labeled burgundy red or violet red. If you’re in doubt, take down the toll free number of the company who makes the kit and ask for recommendations.

Tips & Warnings

• Jessica Alba's hair color is a good example of the darker shades of red.
• Red hair color fades faster than any other color. To avoid loosing your beautiful red too fast, invest in an anti-fade shampoo for redheads. These shampoos have a small amount of red hair color infused with the shampoo and will give your color a boost every time you use it.