Dark Red Hair Color Ideas for a Bold New You
Whether you’re seeking a subtle burgundy hue or a vibrant maroon, our curated selection of images will suit every preference and skin tone. These shades of dark red can enhance your natural beauty, complement your complexion, and express your personality.
Prepare to turn heads and embody a daring new you with these captivating dark red hair inspirations.
Contents
- Dark Red Hair Color Advice
- Dark Red Hair Color Ideas
- Rich Mahogany Bob
- Cherry Cola Layers
- Cinnamon Wine Waves
- Merlot Hollywood Curls
- Red Velvet Ringlets
- Glossy Bordeaux Bob
- Textured Crimson Lob
- Dark Cherry Curls
- Burgundy Afro Glam
- Soft Ruby Waves
- Glossy Wine-Red Layers
- Romantic Plum Waves
- Cranberry Curls with a Baby Bang
- Sleek and Sculpted Dark Cherry
- Plum Silk with Volume
- Tousled Auburn Bob
- Wild Mahogany Waves
- Burgundy Bombshell Curls
Dark Red Hair Color Advice
While dark red hair is a little easier to maintain than its brighter fire engine counterparts, this particular shade still requires dedication to look pristine.
- Before you even start coloring your hair, figure out your ideal shade, and then make the dye that goes on your head a shade or two darker. No matter how careful you are, red is notorious for fading, especially in the first few days and weeks after you color your hair. Going darker right away ensures it’s more likely the final hue is closer to what you pictured.
- Though it might be tempting to wash and start styling your hair as soon as you get home, hold off for at least 48 hours to give the color time to set properly. This will reduce the amount of pigment that rinses out.
- Make sure you switch out all your hair care products before your next shampoo. Definitely use only shampoo formulated for color-treated hair, but if you can, opt for products specially designed for red dye, like this one from Joico. These specific products tend to act as color intensifiers or color deposits that help maintain tone between salon touch-ups.
- While your hair is colored, don’t skip conditioning it after every wash and occasionally even on its own. Chi makes a conditioner specifically for dark red hair, but any sulfate-free conditioner for dyed locks should generally be safe. Coloring hair tends to dry it out, especially if bleach is involved, so the conditioner adds a needed dose of moisture.
- One of the hardest things to get used to is the water temperature to use. Warm water tends to stip more color and oil, both of which you want to avoid when maintaining a dark red hue. Switch to lukewarm or even cold water when washing and rinsing your tresses instead.
- It’s also important to avoid overwashing your hair. Try to last at least 2-4 days between shampoos, though your stylist will be able to tell you what an ideal schedule is. If you’re not used to the natural oils that build up, or you just want a little extra texture, invest in a tinted dry shampoo like this Rose Gold option from Batiste.
- No matter how careful you and your stylist were, your hair will be a little damaged from the dying process, so avoiding making things worse is essential. Skip using heat when possible, including hairdryers. If you have to use a hot tool, make sure to use a heat protector of some sort. Sprays, like this one from Chi, are usually easiest to distribute evenly.
- Chi also makes a shining spray that helps keep dyed locks from looking dull or lifeless.
- Red hair is also vulnerable to sun damage. If you plan to spend a lot of time outside, consider wearing a hat or adding a hair and scalp SPF into your daily routine, like this one from Coola.
- Though red hair won’t generally turn brassy like blonde hues do, avoid visiting swimming pools unless you have your hair up and out of the water.
CHI Color Illuminate Conditioner
CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray
CHI Shine Infusion Thermal Polishing Spray
Dark Red Hair Color Ideas
Rich Mahogany Bob
This sleek, chin-length bob in a deep mahogany red is the definition of polished. The color has just the right balance of warmth and depth, and when the light hits it? It glows. I love this tone for anyone who wants a sophisticated yet bold look that doesn’t scream for attention but definitely gets it.
Cherry Cola Layers
These feathered layers are giving major volume and movement, but it’s that cherry cola hue that steals the show. The rich red tones have a velvety finish that adds instant dimension. This is one of those colors I recommend when you want something vibrant without going too neon.
Cinnamon Wine Waves
This dark red shade with warm cinnamon undertones is a total showstopper on long, cascading waves. I love how the color catches the light and shows off every bend and curl. It’s bold but still wearable and works beautifully for fall or winter.
Merlot Hollywood Curls
If you want that luxurious, red carpet vibe, this deep merlot shade paired with big, sculpted curls is it. The color is rich and dramatic, and I love using a gloss on top to make it look even more velvety. It’s glam without trying too hard.
RELATED:
70+ Burgundy Hair Ideas for a Bold and Beautiful Look
Red Velvet Ringlets
These voluminous curls look incredible with this deep red velvet tone. There’s something about pairing a bold curl pattern with a strong color like this that feels really confident. I always say red curls are a power move—and this one proves it.
Glossy Bordeaux Bob
This is such a sleek, rich version of a dark red. The Bordeaux shade has subtle plum undertones that give it a cool, modern edge. On a classic, blunt bob like this, it looks incredibly chic. I’m obsessed with how glossy and healthy it looks!
Textured Crimson Lob
Here’s a fun one. This textured long bob (lob) has a tousled finish that really shows off the depth of the crimson shade. The color shifts between red wine and soft ruby in the light, which gives it tons of dimension. It’s easy, edgy, and flattering on so many skin tones.
Dark Cherry Curls
This deep cherry red curls beautifully on this naturally curly hair. I love how the color enhances the natural texture without overpowering it. It’s vibrant but still earthy—perfect if you’re looking for something bold but grounded.
Burgundy Afro Glam
This look is all about the volume and that saturated burgundy tone. It’s vibrant, fun, and totally unapologetic. I love how the color amps up the personality of the curls—definitely one of my go-tos for bold clients who want to stand out.
Soft Ruby Waves
The soft ruby tone here almost glows in the sunlight, especially with those loose waves giving it movement. It’s one of those colors that looks super intense in some light and a little more low-key in others. I always recommend this when clients want a romantic, moody red.
Glossy Wine-Red Layers
This long, layered cut is giving serious red velvet energy. The color is a rich, cool-toned wine red that catches the light beautifully, especially on those sleek ends. I love using a smoothing serum after styling to make hues like this pop even more.
Romantic Plum Waves
These soft, voluminous waves paired with a deep plum red are perfect for anyone who wants a bold but feminine look. I’d recommend a shine-boosting spray to keep the color looking lush and dimensional like this.
Cranberry Curls with a Baby Bang
The slightly pinkish cranberry tone gives this short curly style a youthful, punky vibe. Paired with soft curtain bangs, it’s edgy but wearable. I’d use a curl cream with a hint of hold to define these waves without stiffness.
Sleek and Sculpted Dark Cherry
If you want a sleek, polished look with a twist, this dark cherry shade is a dream. It has just the right amount of warmth to keep it flattering across skin tones. I usually flat iron with a heat protectant to get that mirror-like finish.
Plum Silk with Volume
This one’s a gorgeous example of how you can go deep red and still have brightness. The color transitions so smoothly from root to tip—definitely something I’d recommend if you love sleek blowouts with a side of drama.
Tousled Auburn Bob
A softly tousled bob like this with a warm auburn undertone is such a fresh, low-maintenance option. I’d go in with a texturizing spray to bring out the layers and keep it looking piece-y.
Wild Mahogany Waves
This is a relaxed, beachy look with a deep mahogany base and cinnamon-red ribbons woven throughout. I personally love adding a little sea salt spray on damp hair to encourage this kind of texture without frizz.
Burgundy Bombshell Curls
This one is all about full-bodied waves and a dramatic burgundy tone. The contrast between the deep roots and lighter ends makes it look effortlessly glam. I always tell my clients this is the kind of color that turns heads.
