Bright red hair color for dark hair

Based on appearances alone, coloring your hair unicorn pink or mermaid blue may seem like a magical endeavor, but it's actually pretty straightforward, especially if you're naturally brunette. Generally, the process involves spending hours lifting your dark hair to light blonde, depositing bright color to your bleached strands, layering a gloss on top, and boom — you now look like (the cooler, grown-up version of) My Little Pony.

On the other hand, going red as a brunette doesn’t feel that simple. The color is complex, and if your hair is naturally dark, going scarlet red (like Madelaine Petsch) or creating copper tones (like Lindsay Lohan from back in the day) may seem way out of reach. But the pros say otherwise — and not only is your lifelong dream of trying out life as a redhead actually attainable, but hours of bleaching and damage may not even be necessary to get you there.

Advertisement

Ahead, we asked the experts to break down everything there is to know about transforming your strands from brunette to brick red — and every shade in between.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

We’re always seeing the dark red hair color trend blow up as we are approaching fall. If you want something low maintenance or search for a way to keep your vivid look subdued, dark red hair colors would be a great fit, as they flatter most skin tones.

We have hand-picked our favorite looks to browse through for the ultimate darker red inspo. From dark cherry to auburn hair color, see the whole dark red hair color spectrum covered.

#1: Cherry Red Hair with Bold Red Highlights

This deep red shade has merged the best of hair trends: the cherry red hair color gives depth and variation, while the bold red color adds spice and highlights the look. Perfect for women who like professional, intricate hair color.

#2: Dark Auburn Hair

This dark red hair screams fall color. The rich dark auburn shade paired with the shaggy bob is very on-trend. This type of hair color is beautiful in different lights, giving hair a warm glow in the natural light.

#3: Vivid Shade of Red with Dark Roots

This look is a true red hair color. While still falling under the darker red category due to shadow roots, it’s one of the brighter variations of dark red hair. This look adds a little drama and energy and would be great if you need a burst of vivid color in your life.

#4: Auburn and Dark Red Balayage

Can’t decide between dark and bright hair? Check out this melty auburn-red mix. With dark red hair, you get the benefit of depth at the root. Bright pops of auburn tones help you get the best out of the red balayage for this season.

#5: Ruby Dark Red Hair Color

Dimensional jewel-like tones work like magic if you want to dye brunette hair dark red. Pops of dark red highlights through a deep ruby red will certainly update any hairdo. The contrast of the highlights and lowlights paired with the lob wavy style is simply gorgeous.

#6: Dark Red Hair with Fiery Highlights

Who said never play with fire? Turn up the heat with this flaming hot medium to dark red balayage. This dark color does not only melt intense depth and true red tones but also incorporates fiery red highlights to bring that extra spectacle. A true attention grabber.

#7: Dark Red Natural Hair

This curly queen has gone for the dark red burgundy shade with an ombre effect. Dark roots paired with brighter pops on the ends do bring lots of fun and work amazingly for perky curls and dark skin tones. Texture in the hair shows off the dimensional shade of red, and we love it.

#8: Lowlights for Natural Redheads

Scared that darker red might be a little harsh on a pale skin tone? Ask your colorist to brighten up the dark red look with a bold money piece panel around the hairline that will add a softer finish for your skin tone. The style will also work great for coloring natural red hair dark.

#9: Natural Auburn Balayage Dark Red Hair Color

Are you a brunette all for natural hair ideas? Here is a look for you! Blend rich dark red with bright copper shades, giving a warm glow and a natural look. Can you see how stunning different red shades are when sparkling in the light?

#10: Dark Red Short Hair with Copper Highlights

This TWA style looks bright and sassy with a smart mix of copper and red color shades. The shorter sides and back have a deeper red hue, while the bright red ombre adds texture and definition to the curls. Keeping the base color dark really adds dimension and marries the short and long together.

#11: Two-Tone Deep Red Color

Deep burgundy and vivid red are stunning colors to add an edge to natural dark brown locks. Are the two red wine shades too good to choose between? Incorporate both in your style, so you don’t have to choose.

#12: Natural Auburn with Highlights

Don’t want your hair to have a strong red hue? This warm medium auburn hue is a great compromise for those who want to gently glow up their look with a darker shade of red. It can be a little gentler on a pale skin tone too. Perfect for those of you eager to play it on the safe side.

#13: Deep Red Wine

This deep red color has me ready for winter wine. The plummy merlot shade can add a nice twist to both blonde and dark brown strands, enriching it with a shimmery light and reflective cherry red hue. If you’re looking for a good balance of depth and tone in your hair, this might be the shade calling you!

#14: Dark Red-Brown Hair with Caramel Highlights

This dark red-brown hair works well on women looking for classy natural looks. Add in caramel and warm chocolate tones to give natural radiation to the dark hair base. Chunky caramel highlights will be a super trendy face framing.

#15: Dark Hair with Chili Pepper Spice

Deep burgundy and light red highlights are zingy and bright and add a hot flair to the look. This red balayage is both showy and low maintenance as bright shades are mixed along with natural dark hair. An excellent way to dye hair red and make your dark skin and green eyes stand out, without compromising the health of your strands.

#16: Scarlet Red Hair

Glints of a ruby hair shade powerfully bring this dark hair color to life. The dark red hair paired with the ripple wave shouts Jessica Rabbit. This super sexy warm red look is enough to give us all hair color envy.

#17: Deep Copper Hair

Welcome pumpkin spice and all things nice! This rich copper shade has all the depth you need to warm up the colder seasons. A splendid color to dye hair dark, while still keeping it on the bright, warm side. We love this natural red hair color combined with a pale skin tone and tousled curls.

#18: Dark Burgundy Locks

The velvety burgundy shade of red hair certainly gets a thumbs up from us. This dark red hair is a good idea for dark skin tones, as it reflects the yellow undertones, bringing out warmth in your face.

#19: Deep Auburn Dark Red Hair

This dark red hue is on the natural spectrum, which makes it great for those looking for an auburn glow. It is a keep-it-chic choice bringing a burnt brown flair to your look.

#20: Dark Red Hair with Highlights and Lowlights

Light red tones in this dark red hair add glimmers of it all. Mind that color ideas like this one depend not only on the shade that you go for but also on the mastery of the colorist that is dyeing your hair red. One thing is sure: if you like dimension, these highlights and lowlights are the fun dark red hair color you’re looking for.

We hope you have saved a few hot ideas featuring deep dark red hair to show to your hair stylist. Play around with deep auburn, burgundy and copper tones to create a stunning dimension in your dark red hair. Reserve a dark shade for the roots and spice up the look with bright or subtle highlights to hit the latest hair trends.

What red hair dye works best on dark hair?

Can you put red hair dye on dark hair?

Can you dye dark hair red without bleach?

What happens if you put red hair dye on dark brown hair?