5 Colors That Look Fabulous On Redheads

In recent years, after celebrities like Kendall Jenner dyed their hair red and other celebs you never realized were natural redheads finally embraced their vibrant hue, red hair has become increasingly popular. Red hair became one of 2023's hottest hues, and while copper-toned hair certainly makes a statement of its own, natural redheads will tell you that it can be a challenge to find the right colors to complement it. 

For natural redheads, their distinctive hair color often sparks conversation about which shades suit them best, and there's no shortage of online advice dictating the so-called "no-nos" for redheads to avoid. Pastels, oranges, and yellows in your wardrobe are often deemed off-limits, but there are some colors that can make red hair look strikingly beautiful. It may take some work to avoid color clashes, but when matched thoughtfully, these vibrant hues can look particularly magnificent.

According to experts, redheads can have warm or neutral undertones, while eye colors range from blue-green, green, hazel, or brown. This remarkable genetic diversity can make creating visual harmony all the more difficult. But fear not — there's a way to make it work.

Fall is a great season for redheads, known for its earthy tones and warm glow. Among those earthy hues that draw attention to red hair is brown — chocolate brown in particular looks fabulous on redheads. Chocolate brown is recognized as a versatile shade that belongs in any redhead's wardrobe. It is considered a neutral tone that can be a great foundation to pair with other autumnal tones, including greens, reds, and oranges. Chocolate brown also pairs well with brighter garments, and can balance different yellow tones — notorious for washing out redheads with cooler skin tones.

However, it's not only dark chocolate brown hues that look best with red hair. Tobacco, cinnamon, and other deep brunette shades are also a great addition to any wardrobe. In fact, experts have even found that the warmth of most brown hues can darken red hair and draw attention to its unique warm glow. "Also referred to as British tan and cinnamon, tobacco is a powerful neutral that deepens and darkens red hair in a way that grounds it," Elizabeth Kosich, certified image stylist, shared for Elizabeth Kosich Styling. "Try tobacco suede pants, a British tan handbag or a cinnamon gauze maxi dress," Kosich added.

Redheads will be pleased to know that blue can complement any shade of red hair, making it one of the best, if not the best, fashion color for red hair. Lighter shades, such as turquoise, sky blue, and cornflower blue, can enhance fairer complexions. However, darker blue hues, namely navy, cobalt blue, and denim blue, can also provide a deep contrast that highlights the glow of red hair. It's really no secret that most denim pieces are made using a blue fabric, and whether it's a light or dark wash you're after, blue is a great color for redheads — and one that's incredibly easy to incorporate into any wardrobe.

It has been said that most natural redheads have already discovered the art of wearing blue. After all, blue is a complementary color to orange. Blue is extremely versatile, and its many shades can be easily manipulated to mirror any neutral shade. Yes, the darkest blue shades can replace black, and the lightest blues can act as a substitute for white and gray. What's more, the undertones of blue also differ between shades. From purple, green, and silver undertones, there's surely a blue hue for everyone. Of course, when trying to get the most out of wearing blue, your shade of red hair must be taken into account. For darker redheads, purple blues work best. But for lighter hues, including ginger and strawberry-blond shades, green-blues are ideal.

While blue is great, green has long been considered a redhead's best bet when it comes to enhancing their red hair. Like the many ways to dye your hair red that work for any vibe, there are several green hues that make redheads look stunning. Green is actually a complementary color to red, so there is room for experimentation when it comes to wearing green as a redhead.

Avocado green has long been favored for its versatility, since it looks great matched with most neutrals. However, it can also be used to make a fashion statement when paired with a vibrant pink or neon hue. Similarly to blue, different shades of green can carry a range of undertones. From blue to yellow, these undertones fall along a spectrum, with "true" green sitting somewhere in the middle. For those with darker red hair, greens with yellow undertones, namely khaki, moss green, and atomic green, work best. For lighter redheads, blue-greens like aquamarine, turquoise, and teal can balance vibrant hair shades.

The different shades of green that redheads choose to wear also impact complexion and even skin undertones. For redheads with a fairer complexion, they want to avoid lighter shades of green like pistachio and mint, as they could wash them out. However, darker greens, including forest green and emerald provide a warming contrast. Darker complexions are best suited to lighter greens.

Despite the controversy surrounding redheads and wearing red, when worn with intention, red can look great with red hair. "My tip for wearing red as a redhead is simply to forget the notion that you're not 'supposed' to wear it," Catherine Summer, one redhead who spoke to High Altitude Style, said. "If you like red then just go for it — experiment with different shades until you find one that suits you and that you feel confident in," Summer added. It seems wearing red is specific to each redhead, but when it works, oh, it works.

Red actually featured as a favorite color in 2025. The range of red shades garnered attention for elevating outfits and for being easily paired with white and black. As with blue, shades of red with purple undertones, namely wine red, grape red, and burgundy, are known to complement redheads with darker hair. Copper, strawberry blond, and other red hair shades with a vibrant orange hue look amazing when paired with shades of red with orange undertones — take carrot red, ginger, and rust for example. "Redheads should not be afraid to wear red," Jessica Jannenga, another redhead who discussed her locks with High Altitude Style, said. "Make sure there is enough of a difference between the red of your hair and the red of the garment," she advised.

It should be no surprise to hear that purple can also flatter redheads. However, the color should be worn with caution. Redheads have long been warned to steer clear from wearing pastel hues, and that includes softer shades of purple such as lavender. In 2026, royal purple emerged as one of the most popular fall color trends, and like much of the fall color palette, the shade is among the deeper hues that are well-suited to redheads. While it's mostly deep purples with blue undertones, including plum and mauve, that can make red hair look even more gorgeous than it already is, vibrant purples like violet can also work well. While blue-purples add warmth, red-purples help balance green undertones.

Since purple is a complementary color to yellow, it can blend seamlessly with red and orange hues — great news for redheads! As with blue, purple is also an extremely versatile addition to any wardrobe, since the color's different shades can also supplement neutrals. Lighter shades of purple can replace gray, while darker tones can mimic black. Not only can redheads incorporate purple into their wardrobes, but purple makeup looks equally as good. The power of purple eyeshadow should never be underestimated — just ask any fashion icon from the '80s. Whether it's a dash of eyeliner, a sprinkle of eyeshadow, or a hint of lipstick, adding a touch of purple directly against red hair can help draw attention to its warm glow.