92+ Red Hair Color Ideas and Shades for a Bold, Fiery Look

Dive into the world of red hair with our collection of red hair color ideas and shades, each designed to infuse your look with boldness and fiery elegance. Red hair, a blend of classic charm and modern flair, offers a spectrum from bright scarlet to deep burgundy, catering to every personality and skin tone.

Whether you’re after a subtle tint or a head-turning vibrancy, these red hair color ideas are your ticket to a stunning, confidence-boosting change.

Red Hair Color Advice

Red is one of the most vibrant hair colors out there, but it’s also one of the hardest to maintain. Whether you’re opting for deep crimson or something more in the orange family, red hair needs a lot of care and dedication to stay bright and healthy for as long as possible.

Properly committing to red hair starts before the dye job even begins. No matter how careful you are, this color will fade, with most color seeping out the first few times you wash it. So, as a rule of thumb, opt for a color that’s a shade or two darker than the look you’re going for.
Once you’ve left the salon, try to forgo exposing your dyed hair to hot water for as long as you plan on maintaining the color. Hot temperatures are more likely to strip hair of both artificial color and natural oils, risking faded, dull hair.
Wash your hair every 2-4 days with cool or lukewarm water and use products specifically designed for red hair, like this shampoo from Joice. You’ll also want to avoid products with sulfates and opt for treatments that provide moisture since your locks are virtually guaranteed to have been dried out by dyes and bleaches during the color process.
A key to making sure your red hair looks healthy and vibrant is gloss. Redken makes glossing shampoos, conditioners, and leave-in treatments that keep hair shiny all day. These products are safe to use on dyed tresses and even intensify the hue of your hair to revitalize your dye job.
One of the easiest ways to maintain red hair is to reduce exposure to things that can cause damage. Don’t overuse heat tools, for example, and try to get at least two or three days out of any style that involves curling or flat irons. When you absolutely have to heat style your hair, make sure to use a thermal spray. This one from Moroccanoil is ideal, which can add some much-needed moisture.
Avoid overwashing your hair, too. Instead, invest in a dry shampoo, which can help extend the period between washes while also adding texture and volume. However, be careful. A lot of dry shampoos are made with lighter hair in mind and can cause a white sheen on your hair. Opt for something like this Rose Gold spray from Batiste, that’s made for red-hued locks.
No matter how diligent you are, it’s impossible to keep red hair perfectly maintained long-term. Be prepared to do some touch-ups at home. Keep some hair dye on hand that you can mix into your shampoo or use for a quick all-over touch-up. While getting the same dye as what your stylist used is ideal, you can make do with drugstore options as well, like this one from L’Oreal.
When it comes to your roots, though, try to get those done professionally. You’ll typically need to cover up regrowth every 4-5 weeks, though you might be able to extend that, depending on your natural hair color and the shade you’re using.