While red hair remains an enduring fashion staple, its nuances have evolved over time. Who can forget Rihanna’s bold pillar-box red looks just a few years ago? Since then, the shade has undergone significant transformations, with dark red hues emerging as a standout trend for spring and summer 2021. As we look ahead to the new season, these rich, dark red hair color ideas are poised to make a lasting impression.
Dark Red Hair + Subtle Bright Red Highlights
To elevate your red hair look, consider a balayage style that incorporates hand-painted highlights. The combination of a rich, dark red base with delicate, brighter red accents adds depth and visual interest to the overall appearance. This approach also helps prevent a one-dimensional, comic book effect by introducing multiple shades. For individuals with thin or fine hair, this technique can create the illusion of added thickness.
Ultimately, balayage is not limited to red hair, as it can be applied to any color or shade, allowing you to add dimension and visual appeal to your look.
Silky Hair + Wine Red Hair Color
Lucille Ball’s iconic quote, ‘Once in his life, every man is entitled to fall madly in love with a gorgeous redhead,’ inspired us to flip the script and create a new quote – ‘At least once in her life, every woman is entitled to be a gorgeous redhead!’ For women looking to achieve a stunning dark red look, consulting with a hair stylist is crucial.
They can help determine the perfect shade or shades that complement your skin tone, eye color, and hair length, taking into account the drastic change from lighter colors to rich, intoxicating red hues. The key is finding the right balance that makes you feel confident and beautiful. With the right guidance, every woman can unlock her inner gorgeous redhead.
Vampire Red
The allure of vampires has captivated audiences in recent years, thanks to popular TV shows like True Blood, The Vampire Diaries, and Twilight. If you’re looking for a bold and daring hairstyle that embodies the mysterious, dark essence of these blood-sucking creatures, consider embracing a striking vampire red color.
This look is characterized by its deep, pinkish hue and requires a combination of lighter and darker strands, as well as layers of rich red tones to achieve its vibrant, alive appearance. It’s essential to start with good-conditioned hair before attempting this style, as poor quality hair may not hold the color well, resulting in an uneven, patchy finish.
The key to pulling off this dramatic look is a balance between subtle and bold elements, creating a mesmerizing contrast that will leave onlookers enthralled.
Wine Red Roots + Hot Red Ends
While many people associate red hair with a vibrant, all-over color, there’s nothing wrong with just adding a pop of color to the ends. This look has become increasingly popular and allows individuals to express their personal style without making a bold statement that may not be suitable for everyone’s lifestyle or profession. By consulting with a stylist, you can achieve the perfect shade of red that adds a touch of flair to your hair without overwhelming the senses.
Plum Cherry A-Line Bob
Regardless of hair length or style, red hair is a universally flattering choice. The dark red hue featured here is a masterclass in understated elegance, marrying classic simplicity with bold flair. When opting for a daring color palette, it’s only fitting to pair it with an equally bold haircut – and what better way to do so than by embracing the season’s hottest trend: the long bob (lob)?
Ruby Red Hair
For those with dark locks looking to transition to stunning shades of red, it’s essential to understand that a lighter foundation is necessary first. This typically involves some form of lightening treatment, such as bleaching. While you won’t need to achieve a vibrant blonde hue, the process will still put your hair under duress, necessitating careful post-treatment maintenance to minimize damage and stress.
Red Balayage Look + Pop of Color
The allure of red hair has captivated audiences, and some of the most iconic screen sirens have been blessed with this fiery locks. Rita Hayworth’s transformation from brunette to fiery redhead is a testament to the power of a bold new look. While her shade of red may be iconic, it’s essential to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to embracing this vibrant color.
Factors such as skin tone, eye color, and personal style must all be taken into account when considering a red hair makeover.
Dark Red to Bright Red Ombre
If your hair needs a break from excessive bleaching or coloring, consider a subtle approach by only dyeing the ends instead. This technique allows for a fresh new look while giving your locks a chance to recover. The winter season is an ideal time to implement this strategy, just in time for the spring cut that typically involves trimming off those pesky winter-damaged split ends and dead hair. For a redhead looking to try something new, this style offers a great starting point.
By leaving the roots darker and allowing the ends to run wild, you can achieve a striking, bold look reminiscent of painting the town red.
Dark Red Highlights
To elevate a hairstyle, subtle highlights are an excellent option. The rich, dark red highlights in this instance beautifully complement the natural left, dark brown locks. A small burst of color can be all it takes to make a significant difference, and with a bold shade like this one, moderation is key. If you’re hesitant to commit to a full head of color, highlights provide a fantastic starting point.
Before committing, frame your face with the red highlights to get a sense of how the shade will interact with your skin tone. As needed, you can always add more during future appointments, even opting for an all-over red hue if desired. Rather than jumping in unreservedly, take a cautious approach to avoid hair-related mishaps.
Dark Red Lob
When undergoing a dramatic hair color transformation, such as switching from blonde or brown to stunning dark red locks like a bob, it’s crucial to consider the impact on your eyebrow makeup. The shade you previously used may no longer complement your new hair hue. To ensure a harmonious look, consult with your hairstylist and take into account your eye color and skin tone.
They can recommend suitable eyebrow makeup tones that will work in tandem with your revised appearance, making it easier to select new products when shopping for makeup.
Cherry Ripe
Audrey Hepburn’s iconic red locks earned her the nickname ‘Red’ from none other than Cary Grant, during their time together on the set of The Philadelphia Story. If you’re keen to emulate the timeless glamour of this Hollywood legend, why not start with a dark cherry hair color? This versatile shade is said to be highly flattering across various skin tones and is relatively low-maintenance, requiring fewer touch-ups compared to brighter hues.
Bright Red to Dark Red Hair Color
Ombre hair styles are typically characterized by a transition from dark at the roots to light on the ends, but reversing this effect can create a bold and daring look. The versatility of lush color combinations is one of their greatest appeals – there’s no limit to how you can experiment with them. For example, you could combine various shades of dark red to produce a gradient effect, or opt for multi-toned hues that give the illusion of a single color with added depth.
Ruby Red Hair + Soft Waves
Only about 1-2% of the global population boasts fiery locks, making redheads a rare and coveted breed. Interestingly, an estimated 40% of people carry the ‘hidden ginger’ gene, which means they possess the genetic mutation responsible for producing the characteristic hue. To achieve the most natural-looking dark red shades, aim for copper or strawberry-blonde tones over purple or burgundy hues. After all, natural red hair tends to lean more towards copper than a deep red tone.
Lob + Dark Red Highlights
Red hair is often associated with being vibrant, beautiful, and awe-inspiring, but if you’re not satisfied with the natural hue of your locks, it’s not uncommon for people to assume they just haven’t found the right shade yet. Fortunately, there are numerous options available to suit individual preferences, skin tones, and face shapes.
To find the perfect color and cut combination, it may be necessary to invest time in research, consult with a stylist, and experiment with different looks until you find one that complements your unique features.
Dark Red Natural Hair
When seeking a vibrant color like this striking red shade, it’s essential to prepare for the process before, during, and after your appointment. To start, ensure your hair is in good condition prior to bleaching. Following the treatment, regular conditioning treatments will be necessary to counteract any damage caused by the lightening or bleaching process. Additionally, consider giving your hair a break from heated styling tools for a period to allow it to recover.
Dark Red Hair + Copper Highlights
For individuals with green or blue eyes, dark red hair colors can create a stunning contrast when paired with copper tones. These warm hues complement the natural skin tone, particularly for those of a more mature age group. The vibrant quality of these dark red shades naturally draws attention to the eyes, regardless of the level of darkness achieved.
This misconception that red-haired individuals appear younger is often corrected by embracing darker shades, which become increasingly flattering as they get darker. Moreover, the versatility of red hues allows for experimentation and creativity in hairstyles.
Dark Red to Caramel Ombre Hair
While burgundy or dark red hair is undoubtedly a stylish look, adding some subtle highlights can give it an extra boost of sophistication. In this case, caramel blonde or bronde highlights can add depth and dimension to the style, creating the illusion of luscious, thick locks even when they’re not. To achieve this look, try incorporating layers into your hair, as well as using heated rollers to add volume and texture.
As the saying goes, more volume equals more thickness, making this a great way to give your dark red locks some extra oomph.
Dark Roots + Bright Red Ends
When it comes to creating a stunning hairstyle, length isn’t the only factor at play. Case in point, this gorgeous dark red color design that can be achieved with a medium to long cut. The secret lies in the strategically placed bright red ends and highlights, which work together like a natural balayage technique to elongate the look. What’s beautiful about this style is its imperfection – it’s not about achieving perfection, but rather embracing individuality through bespoke styling.
Whether you opt for more color or less, the key is having control over your look, with your hairstylist serving as your trusted guide.
Deep Burgundy Hair
The redhead look has been a fashion staple for decades, and its enduring popularity is largely due to iconic depictions like Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz, who rocked the look with pigtails and ringlets. Fast forward to today, and the style has evolved into something more refined, as exemplified by this stunning dark red hair that features subtle nuances in shade, including lighter and darker tones that add depth and dimension.
Burgundy to Bright Red Ombre
We’re utterly enamored with this enchanting shade of matte red, which transitions seamlessly from a deep burgundy at the top to a soft pink-red hue towards the bottom. To recreate this stunning look, we recommend keeping your curls confined to the lower sections of your hair, while maintaining a sleek and polished appearance around the face and at the top.
This versatile color combination is not only flattering on individuals with dark red locks but also suitable for those looking to try out these bold and beautiful hair color ideas.
Dark Red Short Bob
This dark red short bob is a romantic look that suits various face shapes. Its versatility lies in its ability to be adapted to create the illusion of a thinner face, provided the layers and length are strategically placed. For instance, a length just below the chin can create the optical illusion of lengthening a round or square-shaped face. The red highlights are meticulously hand-painted in a balayage style that ensures seamless blending.
Bold Red Hair with Bangs
For a bold hair look, consider a rich dark red shade with long locks and beautiful curls. The addition of striking red bangs takes the style to the next level. To recreate this look, you can opt for the same bold approach or try more subtle variations like lightweight bangs or side-swept fringe.
Black and Dark Red Ombre
If you’re a fan of trendy ombre colors, you’ll love the striking combination of black and red found in this stunning look. As the hair transitions from its dark roots to its vibrant ends, it takes on a mesmerizing blend of deep reds and magentas that are sure to turn heads.
With its versatility in being suitable for ladies with black or dark brown locks, this ombre style can even be worked into shorter hair lengths, making it an ideal choice for those looking to make a statement without sacrificing ease of maintenance.
Dark Copper Red Hair
Among the numerous shades of red, coppery tones are an absolute must-try. While some may perceive coppery red as bold and vibrant, there exist darker variations that can add depth and dimension to a hairstyle. A stunning example of this is seen in long hair that transitions seamlessly from black to dark red, finally settling into a rich copper hue. This colour combination is particularly well-suited for the fall season, evoking the warm, earthy tones of the autumn leaves.
Merlot Bob
For those who adore the rich, dark hue of Merlot wine, why not bring that same beauty to their hairstyle? This stunning bob boasts a gorgeous, deep red shade with subtle purple undertones, creating a sophisticated and stylish look. Whether you opt for this precise cut or choose to incorporate the color into your own hair type and length, you’re sure to make a statement. Take inspiration from @theyoungamericansalon and get ready to turn heads with your new, Merlot-inspired ‘do.
Subtle Dark Red Highlights on Dark Hair
If you’re looking for a more understated approach to wearing red hair, consider incorporating subtle highlights into your black locks. This look features dark red accents that add a touch of warmth without being too bold. One of the benefits of this style is that it’s easy to grow out if you decide red isn’t your cup of tea. It’s an excellent option for those new to the world of red hair or simply seeking a low-maintenance update.
Statement Making Red Hair
Imagine making a statement with your hair, and what better way to do that than with a bold, multi-tonal red look! This striking hairstyle features a dark base color, which serves as the perfect canvas for a mesmerizing mix of bright and dark red hues. The result is a truly one-of-a-kind style that exudes confidence and sophistication. We’re particularly fond of the way the fiery coral and magenta shades work together to create a look that’s both bold and elegant.
This stunning hairstyle is sure to turn heads, making you stand out from the crowd in style.
Dark Red Hair with Purple Tones
The time has come to bring forth a revolutionary hair color trend! A captivating, dark red shade infused with deep purple undertones is poised to take center stage. This bold and striking hue demands attention, making it an ideal choice for the autumn and winter seasons. Its versatility ensures it will complement any hairstyle or personality, allowing individuals to express themselves freely.
Those seeking a more subtle look can incorporate this color as highlights or ombre accents, adding a touch of sophistication and nuance.
Midnight Rose Hair
The Midnight Rose hair dye boasts a bold and captivating hue, blending dark red, purple, and pink tones to create a truly striking shade. Perfect for those who like to make a statement with their hair color, this stunning red will surely turn heads. We can envision it paired with a sleek bob hairstyle, resulting in a look that’s both trendy and timeless.
Dark Ruby Red
Imagine a vibrant red hue that transitions seamlessly from deep black at the roots to a bright ruby tone towards the ends. This stunning shade combination offers the best of both worlds – easy maintenance with no need for frequent touch-ups, and the opportunity to experience the drama of darker and lighter shades of red. With this hairstyle, you can achieve a trendy ombre look that suits everyone’s style.
The versatility of this color is unparalleled, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a stylish and low-fuss hair solution.
Fiery Red and Orange Hair Idea
When it comes to pairing dark red locks with other colors, the options are truly endless. Take, for instance, this striking combination featuring dark red with subtle orange hues towards the ends of the hair. The result is a fiery and bold look that’s sure to turn heads. In fact, this color scheme would be particularly well-suited for the fall and winter seasons when a pop of warmth is just what you need.
Dark and Rich Red Hair
One of our standout styles features long, luscious locks with a mesmerizing blend of dark red and rich purple hues. The subtle infusion of purple adds an intoxicating depth, evoking the vibrant tones of fine wine. This hairstyle is nothing short of stunning, with its lush curls and bold color combination making it a showstopper. If you’re seeking a glamorous makeover, this style is sure to deliver.
Black Bob with Red Highlights
If you’re seeking a modern hairstyle that exudes sophistication, consider incorporating a striking black bob with subtle dark red highlights into your repertoire. This chic combination boasts understated yet impactful depth, courtesy of the deep and rich red tones seamlessly blending with the jet-black root color. Whether you opt for a sleeker, shorter version or stick to the original cut, this stylish hairstyle ensures your locks will radiate an undeniable allure.
Sleek Red Hair Idea
While sleek hair is always in style, this next example takes it to the next level with a timeless yet bold approach. A straight cut, reminiscent of classic Hollywood glamour, serves as the foundation for this stunning hairstyle. The real showstopper, however, is the vibrant red color that adds a pop of personality and sophistication. This versatile look is equally flattering on everyone, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a stylish yet easy-to-maintain coiffure.
Long, Dark Red Hair
If you were impressed by the Midnight Rose color mentioned earlier, this hair idea will surely capture your attention as well. The long hairstyle in question boasts a rich, complex hue that shares a striking similarity with the earlier shade. This new color profile features deep red undertones, subtly infused with purple and pink tones, creating a darker, more mysterious rendition of the original rose-inspired color.
What’s truly fascinating is how this similar yet distinct shade can transform an entirely different hairstyle, highlighting the versatility of analogous colors in hairstyling.
Natural Looking Red Hair
For those who prefer a more subtle take on bold colors, this hairstyle featuring dark and long locks with a hint of warm, coppery red might be just what you’re looking for. The added pop of color is toned down slightly, giving the overall look a stylish yet understated vibe that’s perfect for those who want to try out red hues without going all out. This subtle yet striking combination works well with darker root colors and creates a natural-looking finish that’s sure to turn heads.
Deep Wine Hair Color Idea
We’re thrilled about this hair concept! The stunning curls, infused with Crimson Spell’s rich red hue, boast an impressive array of tones and a subtle purple undertone. This gorgeous shade is perfect for the fall and winter seasons, as it captures the deep, wine-inspired colors often associated with these periods.
Dark Merlot Curls
This Merlot-inspired hairstyle features luscious, curly locks that seamlessly transition from a deep, rich shade to a lighter red tone. The ombre effect is both trendy and bold, making it an ideal choice for women who want to make a statement with their hair color. While this style looks stunning on longer hair, you can also try incorporating the same blend of colors on shorter hair for a unique look.
Bold Red Hair Idea
The latest hair trend to capture our attention features a deep, dark burgundy shade that adds a touch of sophistication to any look. This stunning red hue is perfectly suited for those who want to make a statement without going over the top. The key to pulling off this look is finding the right balance between bold and understated – and we think this gorgeous color achieves just that.
For inspiration, be sure to check out @hairby_marisol’s work for some truly stunning examples of how to rock this look.
Fall Foliage Highlights
Fall Foliage is a stunning hair color that perfectly captures the essence of autumn. This captivating shade features a rich, dark base tone infused with vibrant red hues that evoke the warm, cozy atmosphere of the season. For those looking to emulate this look, simply add deeper and brighter red tones to your black locks for a beautiful fall-inspired hairstyle. Alternatively, consider adding coppery undertones for an even bolder, more dramatic effect.
A must-try for anyone seeking to make a statement with their hair this autumn.
Dark Red Ombre Hair
If you’re drawn to understated yet striking red hues, this is an excellent option. This look features dark locks with a subtle injection of red color around the mid-point, evoking a refined ombre effect. We appreciate this subtle take on darker hair, as it effortlessly adds dimension and interest to brown or black tresses. In contrast, a similar shade on lighter hair would yield a more pronounced statement piece.
For inspiration, look no further than @feliciatisajsvensson.
wella, where you’ll discover an array of ways to incorporate red into your hairstyle this season. With so many possibilities at your fingertips, perhaps these dark red hair color ideas will be the catalyst for a bold new ‘do and a chance to make a statement.