When it comes to choosing the right shade of red hair color for brunettes, there are a few key factors to consider. The depth and undertones of your natural hair color, as well as your skin tone, will help determine which red hue will be most flattering. Reds come in a wide range of shades, from bright copper to deep burgundy, so selecting the one that complements your complexion is important. In this article, we will break down the best red hair color shades for brunettes, provide celebrity examples, and give tips on how to make the transition to red hair seamless.
Determine Your Skin’s Undertone
The first step in choosing a red hair color is determining your skin’s undertones. Skin undertones fall into three main categories:
| Undertone | Characteristics |
| Warm | Golden, peach, yellow |
| Cool | Pink, red, blue |
| Neutral | No strong undertones |
Knowing whether your complexion leans warm, cool, or neutral will help guide you to the most harmonious red hue. Warm skin tones look best with red shades containing golden, orange, or yellow undertones. Cool complexions are complemented by shades with blue or violet undertones. Neutral skin works well with both warm and cool reds.
To determine your undertone, check the color of your veins – green indicates warm skin, while blue veins mean cool skin. Neutral skin will have veins that appear greenish-blue. You can also do a jewelry test – silver jewelry complements cool skin, while gold flatters warm complexions.
Factor in Your Natural Hair Color
Along with your skin tone, your natural hair color will impact how red hair dye turns out. Darker brunette shades with black lowlights will blend into deeper burgundy and auburn reds. Medium brown hair can go a touch lighter, into the strawberry blonde to copper color range. Very light level 7-8 brunettes can experiment with brighter ginger shades.
It’s crucial to lifts your hair high enough with highlights first before applying red hair color. This helps the red tones show through vividly. If you put red dye directly on top of dark hair, the result will look darker with muted red tones. Lightening up a few shades first allows the fiery hue to really pop.
Best Red Hair Colors for Brunettes
Here is a breakdown of the most flattering shades of red hair color for brunettes:
| Red Hair Shade | Best For |
| Deep Burgundy | Dark brown to black hair with medium to tan skin |
| Chestnut Auburn | Medium to dark brunettes with neutral to warm skin |
| Cherry Cola | Medium brown hair with fair skin |
| Strawberry Blonde | Light brown hair with cool pink undertones |
| Copper | Light brunettes with peachy undertones |
| Ginger | Very light brown hair with neutral skin |
Let’s go through some of the most popular shades of red for brunettes and who can pull them off:
Deep Burgundy Red
For those with naturally dark brown to black hair, deep burgundy reds are an ideal choice. This shade has a subtle warmth while still reading as an alluring, sultry red on darker hair. Burgundy contains hints of plum that flatter medium to tan skin beautifully. It’s bold without being overpowering.
Celebrity examples: Christina Hendricks, Eva Mendes
Chestnut Auburn Red
Chestnut auburn reds are a mixture of brown and red tones that work well on medium to dark brunettes. The brownish base keeps the color from looking overly brassy, while red highlights peek through to give dimension. This shade flatters those with neutral to warm skin tones. The red-brown blend creates a harmonious, natural-looking result.
Celebrity example: Emma Stone
Cherry Cola Red
For brunettes with medium brown hair and fair skin, cherry cola reds are striking. This vibrant red-brown hue contains hints of burgundy and copper. It’s an attention-grabbing shade that radiates against lighter skin. Keeping the base a slightly dirty, muted red prevents the color from clashing.
Celebrity example: Amy Adams
Strawberry Blonde
Light brunettes with an already warm, golden base to their hair can transition beautifully to strawberry blonde shades. This mixes golden blonde and rosy red tones for a refreshing, yet natural look. Strawberry highlighted reds flatter those with cool pink undertones in their skin. The contrast between hair and complexion creates a lively glow.
Celebrity example: Isla Fisher
Copper Red
For brunettes who already have light brown hair with peachy undertones, boosting the copper in your hair is stunning. The metallic, orangey-red hue brightens fair skin with yellow undertones radiantly. Copper red straddles the line between bold and natural on lighter brunettes. Keep roots darker to prevent color from looking overly uniform.
Celebrity example: Julianne Moore
Ginger Red
Already very light blondes are ideal candidates for punchy ginger shades. Going fully red can be tough for darker brunettes, but light brown hair can take on a vivid orange-red appearance seamlessly. Ginger pairs best with neutral medium skin tones. The eye-catching color creates a striking contrast.
Celebrity example: Geri Halliwell
Tips for Transitioning to Red Hair
When going from brunette to redhead, follow these tips to make the process as smooth as possible:
– Get a consultation. Meet with a colorist to determine the right red tone and technique.
– Lighten hair first. Lift your brunette base by several shades before applying red color for brightness.
– Go gradually. Stagger your color change over a few appointments so the contrast isn’t overly drastic.
– Use color-protective products. Shampoos and conditioners that contain keratin, oils, and UV filters prolong vibrancy.
– Adjust your makeup. Switch out cool tones for warmer earthy hues to complement your new hair color.
– Enhance your brows. Lighten brow color to match your red hair so facial features harmonize.
– Book follow-ups. To maintain your new red hue, make touch-up appointments every 4-6 weeks.
Conclusion
Finding the most flattering red hair color for brunettes depends on your individual complexion and base shade. Darker brunettes can rock deeper burgundy or auburn hues, while lighter brown hair sparkles in warmer copper and strawberry tones. No matter what your skin tone, keep the red tones warm to prevent washout. Schedule regular gloss treatments and use color-safe products to keep your new redhead status going strong. With the right shade choice and proper maintenance, red hair makes a gorgeous statement on brunettes.
