As a redhead, choosing the right hair color can be tricky. Some shadescomplement natural red hair beautifully, while others can make skin look sallow or hair appear brassy. This article will explore what hair color options tend to be most flattering for redheads.
Quick Answers
Redheads look best in hair colors that play up the red tones. Good options include:
– Copper
– Auburn
– Strawberry blondes
– Golden browns
– Warm brunettes
Cooler shades like ash blondes and light platinums are harder to pull off. Darker colors like black can overwhelm a redhead’s complexion.
Vibrant redheads with porcelain skin can experiment with more vivid shades like ruby reds. Muted redheads tend to look better in softened tones.
What Makes a Good Redhead Hair Color?
When considering hair color for redheads, keep these guidelines in mind:
– **Enhance natural tones:** Red hair has warm, golden undertones. Colors in the red, copper, auburn range build on those.
– **Flatter skin:** Fair, ruddy, or freckled complexions need warm hair colors. Cool tones can wash out redhead skin.
– **Complement eyes:** Green, hazel, and brown eyes pop against red tones. Blue and gray eyes need softer shades like strawberry blonde.
– **Avoid overpowering:** Black, dark espresso browns, and icy blondes overwhelm red hair.
– **Watch intensity:** Vibrant reds suit bold redheads. Soft cinnamons flatter muted types.
– **Consider highlights:** Subtle highlights in complementary shades add dimension. Too stark of a contrast looks artificial.
– **Go gradual:** If transitioning darker or lighter, do it in stages. Dramatic color changes are jarring on redheads.
Now let’s explore specific shades that tend to work well.
Best Redhead Hair Colors
Copper
Copper hair color adds brightness and warmth to red hair. The metallic, orangey tones make green and brown eyes pop. This lively shade suits fair-skinned redheads with a colorful complexion. Styling with waves or curls helps show off the dimensional color.
Auburn
Auburn is a rich red-brown that enhances natural red tones while downplaying brassiness. It’s especially flattering on redheads with brownish-red hair. Auburn accents fair skin nicely. Styling with loose, face-framing layers lets the color shine.
Strawberry Blonde
Strawberry blonde is ideal for redheads seeking a softer, lighter look. The peachy undertones are gentle on fair skin. Strawberry blonde can also tone down ruddiness. The romantic shade complements blue eyes beautifully. Long layers help display the blend of hues.
Golden Brown
For redheads who want to go darker, golden brown is a great option. The warm, brown sugar tones add richness without muting red hair. Golden brown enhances hazel and brown eyes. Lighter pieces around the face keep the look from being too heavy.
Warm Brunette
Warm brunette shades like mocha and caramel brown work for darker redheads. The red comes through as undertones, adding dimension. Warm brunettes play up green and brown eyes. Keeping the ends a bit lighter prevents a harsh line.
Fiery Reds
Vibrant true reds and coppers boost saturation on bright, sanguine redheads. The high-intensity shades spotlight fair skin. Balance ultra-vibrant color with loose, messy hairstyles. Tone it down with a demi-permanent gloss.
Soft Cinnamons
For low-contrast redheads, soft cinnamon shades add subtle warmth. The muted tones bring out reddish highlights. Pair with creamy ivory skin and light eyes. Frame the face with light wispy layers. Demi-permanent color conditions as it covers grays.
| Hair Color | Best For | Skin Tone | Eye Color | Styling Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper | Fair, colorful skin | Porcelain, freckled | Green, brown | Waves, curls to show dimension |
| Auburn | Reddish-brown hair | Fair, creamy | Hazel, brown, green | Face-framing layers |
| Strawberry Blonde | Seeking softer look | Fair, prone to redness | Blue, gray | Long layers |
| Golden Brown | Wanting to go darker | Light, peaches & cream | Hazel, brown | Lighter face framing |
| Warm Brunette | Darker redheads | Light to medium tanned | Green, brown | Lighter ends |
| Fiery Reds | Vibrant coloring | Porcelain, fair | Green, brown, blue | Messy, loose styling |
| Soft Cinnamons | Low contrast coloring | Creamy ivory | Blue, gray | Wispy face framing |
What to Avoid
Some hair colors tend to clash with redhead complexions:
– **Ashy browns or blondes:** Too cool-toned, which can make skin appear sallow.
– **Icy platinums:** Washes out fair skin. Roots contrast starkly.
– **Jet blacks:** Overwhelm lighter red hair and skin, creating too high of a contrast.
– **Bleached blondes:** Can make hair look orangey and brassy.
– **Dishwater blonde:** Drab shade lacks vibrancy to complement red hair.
– **Drastically darker:** Going gradually darker in stages allows skin tone to adjust.
Hair Color Techniques for Redheads
In addition to selecting an on-tone shade, certain color techniques can maximize results:
– **Subtle highlights:** Blending small highlights in copper or golden brown adds dimension without going overboard.
– **All-over color:** For softening or darkening all-over, demi-permanent color conditions as it covers.
– **Gloss treatments:** Reds lose vibrancy faster. Using a red gloss maintains saturation between coloring.
– **Balayage:** Hand-painted highlights woven through hair creates a soft, natural effect.
– **Face framing:** Leaving hair slightly lighter around the face flatters fair complexions.
– **Root smudge:** Blending out the regrowth line maintains a natural look as hair grows out.
– **Lowlights:** Adding some darker lowlights avoids brassiness and creates depth.
Finding a Flattering Redhead Hair Color
Finding the most flattering hair color for redheads comes down to working with natural coloring. Warm shades in the red, copper, golden brown family bring out the best in red hair. Cooler platinums and dark espressos are harder to pull off. Vibrant firecracker reds suit some, while muted cinnamons flatter others. With the right shade and style, redheads can achieve beautiful, luminous locks.
Conclusion
Redheads look their radiant best in hair colors that enhance natural warmth without competing. Keeping undertones complementary avoids washed out or brassy results. Working with a colorist helps find the perfect shade and technique. When hair color works in harmony with redhead coloring, it showcases gorgeous, head-turning locks.
