8 Ways To Dye Your Hair Red That Work For Any Vibe

There's something about red hair that's so eye-catching. The way the light hits the locks so that the shade glistens is something unique to those with crimson strands. If you were born with copper hair, you're one of the few lucky ones, as only about 2% of the world has the gene. However, even Chappell Roan's iconic red hair isn't her natural color, and if you're hankering for a change-up, you can rock the shade as well with the help of some dye.

Red is one of the hardest dye shades to maintain as it fades easily, so be sure to treat it gingerly. Try to skip shampooing as often as possible, and when you do wash your hair, use color-protecting products with lukewarm water. Red hair is always going to be the hottest hue, so be sure to find the right shade for you. Whether you're going for a fiery scarlet like Rihanna during her "Loud" era or a more muted copper a la Amy Adams, who is nearly unrecognizable with her natural hair color, these looks will have you seeing red in the best possible way.

If Ariel is your favorite Disney princess, you can totally recreate her iconic red hair. Since this is such a bright color, doing a dye job at home may be tricky (and messy), so it's best to make a trip to the salon and consult with a professional. This shade of crimson is universally flattering, but it looks best on medium to dark skin. And, if you have blue eyes, they'll look dazzlingly bright, as your red hair will bring them out even more.

There was a time when people used to cover up their freckles, but these days, folks are embracing them. Some are even creating the most realistic faux freckle look with makeup. If you're lucky enough to have a smattering of dots on your face, enhance them with warm, coppery red strands with a hint of highlights. For more depth, ask your colorist to add a slightly darker shade along your roots, which has the added benefit of making growth appear more natural. Fewer trips to the salon is a win in our books. 

A rich crimson red looks great on all hair types, but it looks especially awesome on curly hair. "I think when you have curly hair and want to go red, the key is dimension," colorist Rachel Bodt told Allure. To achieve this, keep your roots dark while adding a luxe burgundy shade as the base, and then have your stylist disperse a brighter red color as highlights. The light and dark colors will complement each other and bring even more life into your curls.

Red hair dye is quick to fade because the larger molecule doesn't absorb into the strands as well, making the color high-maintenance. However, if you're not into frequent salon visits for touch-ups, try a ruby ombré with dark peekaboo roots. This look totally has a '90s vibe when chunky highlights and exposed roots were in, so lean into it with daisy hair accessories popularized by Drew Barrymore. And bonus — when this color fades, you'll be left with a pretty rose shade.

For a subtle take on red hair, try a deep burgundy wine color with a hint of purple. This unusual shade looks especially gorgeous on medium skin with olive undertones. If you have dark hair and want to rock this shade, you're in luck, as you may not have to bleach your strands. "This deep, multidimensional color works especially well on brunettes or those with darker hair, adding warmth, depth, and an artistic flair. Burgundy can be used in highlights, lowlights, or as an all-over color to create eye-catching contrast and a glowing complexion," hairstylist Jennifer Korab shared with Glamour.

Want to try a new color but don't feel like straying too far from your natural brunette shade? Try cinnamon, which is one of the most natural red shades you can find. It has just a hint of red that changes depending on the light and looks good on every skin tone. "If you have more of an olive complexion, go for a deeper and [richer] tone; fair skin should aim for a lighter, warmer [shade]," salon owner Linsey Barbuto advised Byrdie. And, cinnamon is perfect for those who want an easy color. "It literally requires the least amount of touchups," she revealed.

Dying your hair auburn instantly adds luxe glam to your look, but adding blond highlights elevates it even more. The contrast of colors adds depth, making this combo ideal for those with fine hair. Auburn isn't just one-note either. Many stylists like to use a mixture of light and dark dyes to create dimension. Colorist Tina Deeke shared with Glamour, "With auburn, I always love doing some balayage or foil highlights to create a multicolored auburn red, glossing over with a lighter copper or strawberry for some insane shine."

Ginger is one of the most popular red hair colors out there, with celebrities like Florence Welch and Sophie Turner known for their cinnamon-hued manes. Bordering on orange, ginger is a versatile shade that you can make warmer by adding rust notes or cooler with a hint of strawberry. Depending on your skin's undertone, you can go either way, and your colorist will know best by assessing your features. Ginger is perfect for any season, but if you're looking for a fresh color upgrade, this one will give you all the cozy fall feels.