How To Pick A Red Hair Color, According To Professionals

The recent surge in articles detailing how to achieve the perfect red hair color—exemplified by Bustle’s “How To Pick A Red Hair Color, According To Professionals”—signals a fascinating shift in the beauty landscape. It’s no longer enough to simply desire red hair; the conversation has evolved to encompass nuance, personalization, and a deep understanding of color theory. This reflects a broader trend toward informed self-styling, where consumers actively participate in the creative process rather than passively receiving trends. We’ve seen this previously with discussions around finding the ideal foundational shade, as explored in our piece Thoughts on this outfit? – the quest for a flattering look is increasingly rooted in understanding individual characteristics. The proliferation of articles like this one suggests a growing sophistication among beauty enthusiasts, and a willingness to invest time and effort in achieving a truly bespoke look.

The emphasis on considering undertones and existing hair color, as highlighted in the Bustle article, is particularly noteworthy. This moves beyond the superficial appeal of a trending shade and delves into the science of color compatibility. The inclusion of professional insights further reinforces this shift towards a more considered approach. The trend follows closely on the heels of celebrity color transformations, like Dakota Johnson’s recent "Glossed Espresso" debut, detailed in Dakota Johnson Just Debuted "Glossed Espresso" Hair For Fall, demonstrating the power of subtle shifts in tone to create a significant impact. It’s clear that consumers are looking for attainable yet impactful changes, and the professional guidance offered in these articles provides a roadmap for achieving them. Even Amal Clooney's sophisticated take on brunette, documented in Amal Clooney Debuted "Blurred Brown" Hair At The Venice Film Festival, underscores the desire for an elevated, personalized aesthetic.

The rise of red as a particularly focused trend isn't accidental. Red is inherently bold and expressive, making it a powerful statement color. However, its complexity – the vast spectrum of shades from fiery copper to deep burgundy – demands a more strategic approach. The professional advice provided in these articles empowers individuals to navigate this complexity, mitigating the risk of a disastrous color result. Furthermore, the increasing accessibility of high-quality at-home hair dye kits, combined with the wealth of information available online, has emboldened consumers to experiment with more adventurous colors. This democratization of beauty allows for greater self-expression and a rejection of rigid beauty standards. The articles aren't just about achieving a specific color; they are about cultivating a sense of confidence and agency in one's personal style.

Ultimately, the focus on personalized red hair color selection reflects a larger cultural shift towards authenticity and self-discovery. Beauty is increasingly viewed as a tool for self-expression rather than a pursuit of an unattainable ideal. The trend suggests a move away from fleeting fads and towards a more enduring appreciation for personalized style, informed by expertise and a deep understanding of one's own unique characteristics. As the demand for bespoke beauty solutions continues to grow, how will brands adapt to meet the evolving needs of consumers who are seeking not just products, but guidance and empowerment in their beauty journeys?

A few months ago, when rounding up the hottest hair colors for fall, I noticed something unusual — a consensus. While trends are, by their very nature, widespread, they usually exist within each hair color; this tone is popular with blondes, these highlights are beloved by brunettes, etc. But this fall, the message was clear: Be it copper bronde or mulled wine, everyone wants to be a redhead.

According to the pros, there are a few factors behind this noticeable shift. For one, while the internet bickers over who can even consider themselves a blonde (just search “level 7 hair” on TikTok), red hair is shockingly inclusive. “Red has become just as customizable as any other color today; it’s not the early 2000s anymore, when your only options were fire-engine red or brass,” says Ashley Rose, a professional colorist and Danger Jones expert. These days, it’s easier than ever to find a shade that suits your look and your personality. “Now we have cool red-violets, cherry colas, coppers, strawberry blonde, [and] so much more room to find a version of red that actually suits your skin tone and natural hair color,” she says.

And once you find your perfect red, you might find yourself glowing — literally. “When you create the perfect red that complements a client’s skin tone, eye color, and natural coloring, it can completely change their life,” says Nikki Lee, a professional hairstylist and Wella Professionals global brand ambassador. “It can make their skin glow, their eyes pop, and suddenly they feel like the best version of themselves. That’s what makes red so stunning... and I think that’s exactly why it’s trending right now.”

Read on to find out which shade of red might be right for you (based on your hair color and undertones), with tips, tricks, and insights from the pros.

How to Find Your Perfect Shade Of Red

Starting From Blonde

With blonde hair, the name of the game is light and bright. “Because the hair is already light, you can create so much luminosity and dimension without making the color feel heavy,” says Lee.

Chris Appleton, professional hairstylist and Schwarzkopf Professional global color ambassador, recommends starting “with a lighter strawberry or peachy hue, like the rose gold transformation I crafted for Martha Stewart. It gives you the red-hair energy while keeping the hair bright and soft.” And, since you’re starting light, you don’t even have to go full-on dye mode to get the look. “A gloss is perfect for this because it adds tone and shine without making the result feel heavy,” he adds.

Starting From Brown

If you’re starting with brown hair, consider sprinkling on a little cinnamon. “Brunettes look amazing in deeper, more polished reds,” says Tracey Cunningham, a professional colorist and Schwarzkopf Professional’s U.S. creative director of color & technique. “Think cinnamon brunette or cherry cola.” Appleton concurs: “For brunettes, I’m into deep auburn, chestnut red, and cinnamon tones, like the ‘Whiskey Copper’ look I created for Chrishell Stause,” he says. “These colors look expensive and glossy.”

Starting From Black

“For black hair, I love a wine red or dark cherry because you see the color when it catches the light,” says Appleton. Rose is a fan of cherry reds for dark hair colors, too, along with shades like auburn and mahogany. “These emphasize the richness red brings to darker hair, and I think we’ll see a lot of deep, rich reds this fall,” she says. “My favorite mahogany mix is using Danger Jones permanent color 5-65 and 5-52; it’s stunning on deeper bases and still work-appropriate.”

Undertone Considerations

Warm Undertones: Much like how gold jewelry really pops against warm undertones, so, too, do golden shades of red. “Warm undertones can really embrace golden coppers, ginger, and bright auburn,” says Cunningham. “Those shades enhance the natural warmth in the complexion instead of competing with it.”
Cool Undertones: If you get more compliments in black than brown or pure white over cream, look to shades of red with blue or purple undertones.“Cooler skin tones look incredible with berry and burgundy shades,” says Appleton. “You want a red with a little more violet or blue in it, rather than a super-orange copper.”
Neutral Undertones: “This is where you can have a lot of fun,” says Lee. “Balanced copper, natural auburn, strawberry copper, and true reds can all be beautiful because you have more flexibility with how warm or cool you take the formula.”

Savion Washington/WireImage/Getty Images

Maintaining Red Hair

Before diving into your perfect shade of red, it’s worth noting: This is not a color for the faint of heart (or, more accurately, the lazy of upkeep). “Red pigments can fade faster than other shades because they tend to sit closer to the surface of the hair, so proper at-home care is really important,” says Lee. “I always tell my clients: The salon creates the color, but the home care protects the investment. If you’re going to [commit] to a gorgeous red, you want to make sure you’re keeping that color just as rich, shiny, and vibrant as the day you left the salon.”

The experts suggest washing your hair less frequently and minimizing heat exposure, be that hot water or hot tools. You’ll also want to use color-safe products; Lee recommends Wella’s Professionals Ultimate Color range, which she says “is a great regimen for redheads. The line is specifically designed to help maintain color vibrancy."

As for salon visits, Appleton suggests going in for color refreshes “every four to six weeks, depending on the shade and starting point.” Between those appointments, pop in for less intensive glosses; “Schwarzkopf Professional’s IGORA VIBRANCE Clear 0-00 is great for refreshing the hue and adding shine,” he says.