>

How to Choose the Best Red Hair Color for Your Skin Tone

Let’s be real with each other. There’s a reason fiery hair usually comes with an equally fiery personality. With less than 2% of the world's population being natural redheads, whether you’re ruby red or a copper blonde, your mane will be sure to grab attention. If you aren’t part of the lucky 2% that hit the genetic hair lottery, you can call your stylist to change that!

First determine if you’re looking for a subtle shift or a more vivid red tone. When determining what shades will be most flattering, there are a few things to keep in mind. From specific red hair for skin tones to natural auburn hair to red hair color for cool skin tones, here are the best colors for redheads.

Ginger & Cinnamon Red Hair Color

ginger cinnamon hair 

Skin Tone Match: Ginger or cinnamon hair color shades like Christina Hendricks look best on fair, cool skin tones.

The trick to keeping this color believable is balancing copper and gold in the hair. Avoid any abrasive orange tones, especially if you’re looking to do ginger hair on dark skin.

Make your hair color last: To keep your hair fresh between appointments use gentle shampoo and conditioner formulas that are color-friendly with zero sulfates.

Auburn Hair Color

auburn red

Skin Tone Match: This color looks great on fair to medium neutral skin tones.

Classic and rich, auburn hair color with flecks of warm toffee highlights is a great way to transition a natural brunette to a warmer hue. When coloring your hair this shade, ask for some face-framing highlights or a balayage service to add some dimension.

Metallic Red Hair Color

metallic red hair

Skin Tone Match: Medium neutral skin tones look great in more pink-red shades.

Metallic  shades are definitely still having a moment and it’s the perfect way to warm up your blondes. Transitioning your warmer honey blonde hair to a more bronzy hue is a great way to shake things up. Think Isla Fisher for a rosy metallic perfection.

Make your hair color last: Use color safe shampoo and rinse with cool water — hot water leads to faster color fading. Refresh color four to six weeks.

Fire Engine Red Hair Color

fire engine red

Skin Tone Match: The brighter, bolder, more purposely artificial-looking scarlet shades look best on medium to deeper skin tones with undertones of yellow. They can be too overpowering on fair skin.

Fire-engine red hair has, and will always, stand out in a crowd. Typically, this tone comes from a bottle; it’s pigment sitting on the cooler side of red. Keep in mind fashion shades like this generally require more maintenance and are more apt to fade and wear.

Make your hair color last: Using Color Obsessed hair care system will help protect cherry hair’s vibrant tone.