Enhance Your Locks With These Striking Red Hair Color Ideas (2024)

Think blondes have more fun? Think again—and consider these gorgeous red hair color ideas instead. Switching to scarlet strands may seem like a bold choice, but there are shades of red hair out there for everyone, whether you like an understated copper shade or a vibrant, attention-grabbing crimson. Natural redhead Ree Drummond knows firsthand how much fun you can have with red hair. "Ree is always up for a seasonal change," her hairstylist Amber Southern says. Amber often lightens Ree's hair in the summer (red hair with highlights is gorgeous!) and switches to darker, more sultry shades for the fall and winter. Just recently, Ree went with a trendy "cowboy copper" shade! And yes, it's just as perfect for her as you would imagine.

Before you reach for the drugstore hair dye (specifically red hair dye) or schedule a visit to your stylist, keep a few things in mind: First off, don't be afraid to make your hair a little brighter than you might think! Red hair can fade fast, Amber says, so she'll usually make Ree's color more vibrant than the intended shade—this ensures it has room to settle. Once you find your perfect color, try to wash your hair only a few times a week or use a shampoo for red hair so the color lasts as long as possible. You can protect your locks even more with products formulated specifically for dyed hair—Ree uses Aveda Color Conserve Shampoo and Conditioner. So, get inspired by our beautiful red hair color ideas below. They make for perfect spring hair colors and summer hair colors!

A subtle change to her usual red color, Ree has recently hopped on the "cowboy copper" trend. Fitting, right? She says, "[I] decided to take back to more of a red/copper place after being in a more orange/yellow place for the past year or so."

We're loving Dua Lipa's modern take on dark red! The deep burgundy (nearly purple) color is cool-toned with lots of dimension. And while it's not a natural shade, it's not too bold either.

If you aren't ready to take the full plunge, consider adding a red tint to your hair just like Halle Bailey did with her locs for the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid. Subtle and stunning!

A shade or two darker than strawberry blonde, Scarlett Johansson's
red-meets-gold hue puts an alluring twist on the light red color. It's a great way to warm up your complexion!

This dark rusty shade seen on Marcia Cross is the perfect balance of reds and browns, making it a vivid yet neutral choice that complements any complexion.

Riley Keough's role as Daisy Jones in Daisy Jones & The Six called for an iconic red moment that's giving us all the hair inspo. Her flaming locks mix bright red with deeper rusty lowlights and touches of gold that really embody the rockstar agenda.

Red hair can be hard to maintain—which is why a subtle ombré like Chloe Dykstra's is perfect for transitioning to the color. The daring crimson tones are cooler on top then warmer towards the bottom which will look just as great as they grow out.

Though she's a natural brunette, Sharon Osbourne can truly pull off anything—especially this bold red shade that's come to be known as her signature style. You can get a similar hairdo with rich wine-colored dye atop dark hair.

A few steps up from strawberry blonde, Lindsay Lohan's natural red hair is enhanced with a range of orangey-peach shades. They start on the russet side at her crown, then really lighten up towards the bottom of her long locks. It definitely compliments her fair skin!

Calling all brunettes! Dip your toes into the world of red by copying Sarah Hyland's look. She has a subtle merlot tint on her brown tresses, which flare when the sun hits just right.

Sex and the City alum Cynthia Nixon has rocked nearly every shade of red over the years. Her recent light auburn hue is played up with blonde highlights and rusty tones for added dimension. It's only made better when paired with that piecey pixie.

Much like actress Ashleigh Murray, a deep ruby shade will add the perfect amount of vibrancy and radiance to your curls (or any other hair texture)! A naturally dark shade is a great base for this one before you go brighter.

Here's a way to really liven up your look! Insert: Katherine McNamara's fiery orange-red hue. It's similar to the universally flattering copper color, but brighter and warmer—enough so to make a fun statement.

Trend alert! This fun and fresh shade seen on Keke Palmer has gone viral on TikTok and is reminiscent of, well, a refreshing glass of Cherry co*ke. It's done by taking a dark shade and adding deep red and violet tones.

Could this be the perfect red shade? We're just about convinced. Fiery, yet subtle, it's made even better here with the addition of Julianne Hough's extra vivid lipstick.

Brunettes, try switching things up with just a hint of red. Ellie Kemper's darker shade is elegant, effortless, and just a little bit daring.

Brunettes, there's no need to go overboard if you want a simple change: Try using a tinted conditioner to intensify the existing reds in your hair for a look inspired by Karen Gillian's natural red locks.

Kate Bosworth's dreamy color is an excellent option for any blonde hoping to add a little fire to their look. (Also, how gorgeous is that updo? We're getting more than just color inspiration here!)

If you're afraid of commitment, mimic FKA Twigs and opt for deep, dark roots that result in a two-toned shade. Yes, it's edgy, but it'll grow out more quickly, too.