Determining if you will suit having red hair can be tricky. With so many different shades of red hair color to choose from, it’s hard to know if a bold copper or auburn hue will complement your complexion and features or if you should stick to something more subtle like strawberry blonde. Here’s a guide to knowing if you’ll look good as a redhead.
Assess Your Skin Tone
The most important factor in choosing a red hair color is considering your skin’s undertone. Cool, pinkish complexions look best with deep reds and burgundies. Warm, peachy complexions are flattered by coppery auburns. Neutral or olive skin tones can go both ways. Stay away from orangey reds if you are warm-toned as this can make you look ruddy.
If you aren’t sure about your exact skin tone, check the color of your veins. Blue veins indicate a cool undertone. Greenish veins mean a warm undertone. Hard-to-tell veins mean a neutral tone. You can also drape colored fabric under your chin – silver for cool, gold for warm. The tone that gives your face a glow is probably your dominant undertone.
Determine Your Eye Color
Your natural eye color is also a factor when selecting a red hair color. People with light blue or green eyes can pull off fiery reds more easily. Darker blue, brown and hazel eyes look better with medium red tones like auburn or strawberry blonde. Very dark brown or black eyes pair best with subtle reds like maroon or burgundy.
If you aren’t sure which shade of red complements your eye color, hold swatches of red fabric underneath your face. The shades that make your eye color pop are most likely your best options.
Consider Your Natural Hair Color
Transitioning to red hair color works best starting with certain natural shades. People with fair, strawberry blonde hair only need subtle reddening, while those with medium to light brown hair can go a bit bolder. Dark brunettes and black-haired beauties make the biggest impact going red.
Keep in mind your natural hair color’s tone too. Cool-toned hair like ash brown or mousy blonde does better with blue-leaning reds. Warm hair with golden or brassy tones pairs well with orangey reds.
Analyze Your Skin Undertone
Warm skin: Peachy, yellow, golden brown
Best red shades: Copper, ginger, strawberry blonde, auburn
Avoid: Burgundy, maroon, purple-red
Cool skin: Pink, rose beige, pale
Best red shades: Deep red, burgundy, violet-red
Avoid: Orangey copper, ginger, strawberry
Neutral skin: Olive, beige
Best red shades: Both warm and cool reds
Avoid: Overly bright/neon shades
| Skin Undertone | Best Red Shades | Red Shades to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Warm | Copper, ginger, strawberry blonde, auburn | Burgundy, maroon, purple-red |
| Cool | Deep red, burgundy, violet-red | Orangey copper, ginger, strawberry |
| Neutral | Both warm and cool reds | Overly bright/neon shades |
Try Temporary Color First
Before committing to a permanent red dye job, do a test run with temporary color. Semi-permanent and demi-permanent dyes fade within a few weeks. Temporary sprays last just a day or two. Trying out red hair this way lets you see if you like the shade against your skin tone before making a drastic change.
Look for temporary formulas specifically for red tones. These deposit color more vividly than typical temp dyes. Apply the color and wear it for a couple days. Pay attention to how the red interacts with your complexion in different lighting. Ask trusted friends for their honest opinion on the look too.
Consult a Stylist
Discussing red hair options with a hair stylist is highly recommended. A skilled colorist can evaluate your skin tone, eye color and base shade to recommend specific red hues that will be most flattering. They can also advise on formula and application techniques to achieve a natural-looking red.
A professional hair color service is safest for permanently transitioning to red. The stylist can also tone and gloss your hair afterwards to perfect the shade and tone. Book a consultation ahead of your service to go over the pros, cons and upkeep needs for your desired red look.
Maintain the Color
Red hair dye has a tendency to fade quickly. The vibrant color molecules are larger than darker shades and have trouble penetrating the inner hair shaft. Follow your stylist’s advice on maintaining your color. Use a prescribed shampoo and conditioner made for color-treated hair. These contain pigments to help prolong the red tones.
Avoid washing with hot water, as this opens the hair cuticle and allows dye to escape. Rinse hair in lukewarm to cool water instead. Limit washing to every 2-3 days if possible, and use dry shampoo to refresh in between. Getting a gloss or glaze treatment every 4-6 weeks will also keep your red hair color vibrant.
Try Red Highlights First
If you want to experiment with reddened locks but aren’t sure about dyeing all your hair, start with highlights or lowlights. Face-framing highlights around the hairline and part soften strong red tones. Subtle red lowlights blended underneath add dimension without a drastic change.
Partial red foils are another option. Concentrating bold red pieces under top layers creates a peekaboo effect when hair moves. This technique allows you to test out wearing red without completely committing to one solid shade all over.
Conclusion
Trying a red hair makeover can be intimidating. While bold red hues look amazing on some people, they can make others appear washed out or ruddy. Consider your natural coloring and skin tone when selecting a red shade. Seek input from stylist and experiment with temporary colors before permanently dyeing for best results. Proper application and diligent upkeep are also key to successfully rocking red locks. Follow these tips and you’ll know if making the fiery change is right for you.
