7 Gorgeous Red Hair Color Ideas That Are Universally Flattering

From cowboy copper to dark cherry.

Figuring out what color to dye your hair next is an exciting adventure ripe with hours of online scrolling (it’s research!) and the promise of that slow-motion moment when you walk out of the salon feeling like a million bucks. Whether you’ve been a redhead for years and want to slightly shift away from your go-to hue or you’re contemplating a major deviation, consider one of these top red hair colors.

Cowboy Copper

The cowboy copper hair color trend is going strong, likely because this perfect versatile hue complements a wide range of skin tones.

“Cowboy copper typically refers to a brighter, more vibrant shade of red with warm undertones, often associated with the fiery red hair seen on cowboys or western-themed media,” explains professional hairstylist Chrissy Danielle, an ambassador for TRUSS Professional. It’s then infused with rich copper hues, hence the clever name “cowboy copper.” The combination of these warm-tone colors radiates a sense of warmth, vibrancy, and allure.

Dark Cherry Red

“Dark cherry red is a deep, vibrant, and intense blue-based red with burgundy or mahogany undertones,” says Lauren Paglionico, a New York City colorist and the founder of LRN Beauty. “This red is impactful and works well for someone who has a bold personality and isn't afraid to stand out.”

She says she likes this color on those with olive skin tones, as it really complements the greenish undertones in their complexion. It also looks beautiful on people with deep complexions with warm or neutral undertones, she notes, as it “creates a striking contrast and gives the skin a glow.”

Auburn Red

Auburn is a darker variation of red hair that’s infused with warm brown undertones. In that sense, it’s less fiery and instead takes on a more muted and earthy appearance.

“It's a popular choice for those seeking a red hair color that's not too vibrant or flashy, but still adds warmth and dimension to their overall look,” Danielle says. “The great thing about this hair color is its versatility as well in that it can be customized to suit the person’s preference, whether it be a subtle hint of red or a more dramatic, standout look.”

Burgundy

While auburn is infused with golden brown tones, burgundy leans much cooler on the color spectrum with purple and red undertones that create a beautiful multidimensional look. And as you might have guessed, this red hair hue is named after the rich color of burgundy wine.

“Burgundy hair color is versatile and can be customized to suit different preferences and skin tones. Lighter shades of burgundy can add warmth and dimension to fair skin tones, while deeper shades can create a striking contrast on darker skin tones,” Danielle notes.

Fire Engine Red

Classic fire engine red hair is an ultra intense hue that’s not for the faint of heart. Bold, vibrant, and eye-catching, this shade of red is highly saturated and can range from a true primary red to slightly orange-red tones depending on the look you’re trying to achieve.

“It’s important to know that if you want to achieve a fire engine red hair color, this often requires pre-lightening or bleaching the hair to a lighter base shade,” notes professional stylist Asil Simsek, global ambassador for TRUSS Professional. “This process helps to ensure that the vibrant red color appears bold and true to its hue.”

Light Golden Copper Red

Light golden copper red is in the same family as strawberry blondes and apricot reds. “This hue is a warm, golden-toned red as opposed to a vibrant, bright red. It has lots of dimension and looks great as an all-over color or a highlight” Paglionico says. “It is a striking but soft red.” She says it works best on those who are fair with cool or pinkish undertones, and anyone who wants to make a more soft and feminine impression.

Copper Penny

If you prefer that your red hair leans more on the orange-y red side of the spectrum, then copper penny is the hair color for you. “This color is characterized by warm, fiery tones that can range from light copper to deep, intense red,” Simisek notes. “The hue adds warmth and depth to the hair, creating a bold and eye-catching look.” He adds that it's often chosen by those who want to make a statement with their hair color while still maintaining a natural appearance.

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