Dark red hair is one of the most popular fashion colors this year. Bolder and edgier than the common red – this shade takes on a lot of forms. What is dark red hair called? These are the deeper tones and hues of a wide red spectrum. Chestnut, auburn, burgundy, and wine red are only a few fan favorites!
One reason why women and colorists are falling for this deep red tone is how it can soften facial features. It gives your hair a multi-dimensional finish without too many dyeing processes. Dark reddish hair lets you have healthy locks while allowing you to dress your tresses in a super fashionable way.
What You Should Know When Choosing a Dark Red Hair Color 👇
- 🤷♀️ Choosing a Shade: The lighter your current hair color, the longer the process will take and the more it will.
- 💆♀️ Maintenance: Maintaining a dark red hue will require more frequent touch-ups the darker your hair is. Expect to visit your colorist every 2-4 weeks. To maintain your new red hue, wash your hair less often and use dry shampoo. If you have to wash it, use cold water.
- 💵 Average Cost: The cost of getting your hair colored dark red by a professional hair colorist ranges from $75 to $200, depending upon how it’s done. For example, an ombre or balayage will cost more than getting a solid dark red hue. The lighter your hair color, the more visits you’ll need to make too slowly darker your hair’s pigment.
- 🙋♀️ Best Skin Tones: According to hairstylist Melvin Walden, “the darker your skin tone color, the darker red your hair should be.” Medium to darker skin tones such as olive and brown are best.
- 💁♀️ Best Natural Base Color: Light brown, dark brown, and jet black.
- 🎨 Similar Shades: Mahogany, maroon, dark burgundy, dark auburn, plum, chestnut
- 🧴 Best Products: The best products to maintain a dark red tone and keep it from fading quickly are sulfate-free blue shampoo, hair masks, dry shampoo, and a deep conditioner once per week.
Is dark red hair natural? Sure, it can be! Natural redheads produce more pheomelanin, giving the hair red pigment (source). So, for women with naturally red hair, getting a darker shade will be easier and cheaper. If you have brown hair, which means you have less pheomelanin and more eumelanin (source), it’s slightly harder and will cost a little more.
Lastly, if you have blonde hair, which means you have the least amount of eumelanin, it will take longer to color process your hair, costing you more.
Before your next hair coloring appointment, check out these pictures of the most popular dark red hair color ideas!
#1: Rich Dark Red
A shade of rich dark red can enhance your natural red hair color, assuming you’re one of the natural redheads. It offers a darker tone that shines the best with long and wavy tresses.
#2: Fall-Inspired Dark Red Hair
This warm, dark color inspired by fall is a dreamy way to dye your hair, regardless of its length. This look is full of red and copper tones. You can apply it all over or just in an ombre style. This makes it a low-maintenance and versatile option that doesn’t require touch-ups at the roots. If you’re drawn to this rich color, discuss with your stylist how to adapt this look to fit your needs and your hair length.
#3: Rooted Deep Red Balayage Highlights
A rooted deep red balayage highlight is an easy way to add bright red tones to your look without much maintenance. As long as you keep the root color close to your natural hair color, you can go up to 8 weeks between appointments!
#4: Hot Red Tone on Black Hair
If you’ve got naturally dark or black hair, try a hot red-toned highlight or balayage! Hot red tones look stunning on black hair.
#5: Dark Crimson Red with Long Waves
Dark crimson-red hair with long waves is the number one way to channel your inner mermaid!
#6: Warm Caramel Red Balayage with Teasylights
Try a warm dark caramel red balayage with teasylights. To create a reflective warm red, adding highlights can help add this dimension. Toning with more than one toner is sometimes necessary to create the perfect color. Reds can get vibrant super fast. Tone them down with neutral warm, bringing them back to a balanced copper. To maintain your reds, try a red toning shampoo that your stylist recommends. Or try Hairstory New Wash Original for gentle cleansing in between a toning shampoo.
#7: Stunning Dark Cherry Hair Color
For dramatic and alluring hair color, a dark cherry red shade is a great choice for long, curly hair. This vibrant color is the perfect shade of red hair on dark skin. It will surely be a head tuner, adding a flair of sophistication to your look.
Before committing to this color, be sure to plan to have a consultation with your stylist. This way, you can discuss if this color is your best choice. Ask your stylist to evaluate the current color of your hair. Your stylist can determine if any color treatments are needed to keep up with this color.
#8: Deep Copper Red Hair
If you want a rich and radiant hair color, a darker tone of copper can be a head-turner. This hair color is gorgeous and is a great choice if you want to show off your inner fire. Aim for a color that is bright enough to bring out the copper tones but dark enough to be able to fit any occasion. If you want to try something new, this hair color is a great option.
#9: Vivid Dark Ruby Red Hair
If you’re looking for a bold color, try this vivid dark red ruby red hair. I recommend salon-quality, color-safe shampoo and conditioner. This color will compliment women with neutral and warm skin tones. To keep this as bright as possible, your best bet would be to refresh the color every 6 weeks.
#10: Dark Red Long Curls with No Bangs
Take a peek at these long dark red curls if you’ve been curious about dyeing your hair! When consulting with your stylist, try to work with them to color match the right level of red that works for you! You should keep your red hair dark to complement your brown eyes.
#11: Cranberry Red with Copper Bangs
If you have been thinking of dyeing your hair, check out this cranberry red with copper bangs on a textured bob. Color blocking has been a huge success and will live on. A hair color placement such as this paired with texture at any length is a dream team!
#12: Gorgeous Dark Red Shades for Long Hair
If you’re looking for a warm, vibrant color, I would choose a dark copper balayage. My favorite way to show off a red tone is to put it up against contrasting colors. Ask your stylist for a base color that is 1-2 shades darker than the tone of copper. Plan on washing with cooler temperatures to preserve your color.
#13: Dark Brick Red Wavy Hair
Wavy hair in a dark brick red shade is a great option. Your hair will stand out amongst the crowd. To keep your hair moisturized and healthy, treat yourself to a weekly mask.
#14: Dark Rusty Red Bob for Thick Hair
If you want to spice up your style, a dark, rusty bob is stunning, especially if you have thick hair. Don’t forget to ask your stylist which dark and rusty shade will suit your skin tone best.
#15: Dimensional Red and Brunette Balayage
A dimensional red and brunette balayage is a fun way to play with colors while transitioning back to a dark one. Going from light to dark takes time to properly fill and create a dimensional tone. With this in mind, try that bold red or copper you’ve always wanted to. There’s no commitment, and it will be more gentle on your hair as you transition back to a dark color.
#16: Red Chestnut Highlights on Brown, Natural Hair
Red chestnut red highlights on brown natural hair can improve a lady’s everyday style! The hints of reddish-brown tone bring out instant shine to dark locks. Get this brown red hair color done by requesting a balayage to achieve a natural-looking red mane!
#17: Dark Reddish Strawberry Blonde Hair
Dark reddish strawberry blonde hair is a warm color that complements pale skin. “It’s trendy, and any woman of any age can rock it,” says stylist Tori Skrot of Pennsylvania.
“We used Lanza to color the roots and pop lowlights in slices and weaves,” Skrot states. Skrot also points out that this red hair color is high maintenance.
#18: Dark Auburn Highlights
Auburn red highlights are a stunning addition to dark red hair. The payoff brings out a dimensional and glossy mane. This dark auburn hair color features the best tones on warmer skin complexions.
According to hairstylist Judy Salcido, “These dark auburn highlights are a transition from black box color to a fall auburn color blend.”
“Coloring your hair red as dark as this is perfect if you are trying to slowly go lighter or want a subtle hair color change. Dark red hair with highlights, especially with an auburn tone, is also a low-maintenance color,” notes Salcido.
#19: Dark Purple-Red Hair
Here’s a deep purple-red hair dye for dark hair that you must try. The combo of red hair and dark roots is refreshing to the eyes. When adding purple-red waves to a long haircut, the payoff is so shiny! It reminds us of red velvet cake!
#20: Shoulder-Length Dark Red Hair with Copper Highlights
Upgrade your dark red hair with copper highlights for a pinch of drama and various tones. These hues create a chic dimension to suit your shoulder-length cut.
This copper red hair color is perfect if you are trying to slowly go lighter or want a subtle red hair color change. “These auburn red hair with highlights are also a low-maintenance color,” says hairstylist Nicole Janes.
Janes’s best advice? “The dark red color needs to be touched up every 5-6 weeks to keep vibrancy and cover up the regrowth. Use a red wash no sooner than every other day to help keep the vibrancy.”
#21: Red Hair with Dark Roots
Red hair with dark roots creates a vibrant color without leaving you with a harsh grow-out line. If you have long, v-cut hair, you’ll love this shade of red! Style your red locks with voluminous waves, and see the movement intensify the color.
#22: Dark Ginger Hair
Isn’t this dark ginger hair astonishing? With your lengthy dark red locks, a combo of middle-part style and old Hollywood waves is your best option.
#23: Dark Red Highlights on Dark Hair
Traces of dark red highlights on dark hair will never do you wrong. The reddish tone pops even brighter when styled with loose curls.
#24: Black and Red Hair
This black and red hair color makes an ombre dark red hair color that matches a sleek or voluminous style. Customize your tresses with black-red hair color, and give them a fiery touch.
#25: Dark Plum Red Hair
A dash of plum red shade will keep the depth of your natural black mane. This dark plum red hair is a total match for a straight, medium-length chop.
#26: Dark Cherry Red Hair
What’s not to love about this dark cherry-red hair? The dark red is stylish and captivating, offering a flirty-looking finish. If you have a long haircut with blunt ends, style the mid-lengths with subtle waves for a soft movement.
#27: Medium Wavy Dark Red Hair
Medium wavy dark red hair is the way to go if you want to brighten up your look! Everyone should try a red hue once in their lifetime.
#28: Dark Brown Hair with Red Highlights
Ginger up your short dark brown hair with red highlights for such a chic dimension. These dark red curls accentuate even more when matched with a shoulder-length bob that keeps the curls full. Spritz a dry texture spray as a finishing touch to show off the movement better in your red hair.
#29: Short Dark Red-Purple Hair
This dark red purple is a super-easy way to spice your red hair up when craving something fun! Pair with a perfectly shaped haircut, and you’ll turn heads around!
#30: Dark Fire Engine Red
This dark fire engine red color is fire! This super hot, bright, fiery red hair will make you stand out! No matter your skin color, you can rock this one out if you’re committed to maintaining it!
#31: Dark Red-Brown Hair
This dark red-brown hair is swoon-worthy! Want an effortless-looking fire on your locks? This is the reddish brown hair color you’ve got to try. It may look subtle at night, but it’s shinier and prettier under the sun. This is also how you can color your red hair while keeping it full.
#32: Bold Red Hair with Bright Blonde Highlights
Bold red hair with blonde highlights is impressive! There’s nothing wrong with retro chunky gold streaks on your auburn red and blonde mane. This funky style is great for women who want to add some brightness to their red hair.
#33: Red Wine for Wavy Dark Hair
Red wine for wavy dark hair is the easiest dark shade to get for natural brunettes. Ask your colorist for a dark red wine hair color to match your mid-length mane. Since your base color is already dark, applying a rich red takes your colorist less time and less money.
Red wine hues can give you a sophisticated yet sweet vibe! Perfect for short to medium-length red hair for easier maintenance.
#34: Dark Copper Red Hair
Dark copper red hair is one of the most flattering shades that match almost every skin tone.
Of course, you still can have the benefits of warm red tones to go with a darker shade. This vibrant and bold hairstyle is so smooth on straight hair.
#35: Medium to Dark Red Ombre
This medium to dark red ombre “screams fire and passion,” says hair colorist Morgan Abernathy.
“This color is strategically pigmented to bring out the deepest luscious red,” she adds.
Wondering how she achieved this color? Abernathy said she used Pulp Riot color melting a 5-66 with -66 booster melted into a level 8 balayage. Then, on top of the balayage, a fireball overlapped and brought out the inner fire goddess.
“The loveliest thing about this dark red ombre is how fierce it is. This is versatile and looks amazing!” she remarks.
This ombre dark red hair goes with a true red and a deeper red. It looks amazing on all different skin types. Just consider the upkeep.
Abernathy says this color is work and maintenance. “A creative color like this ombre is also work and maintenance. However, proper at-home care can have you looking amazing and vibrant for a long time.”
#36: Dark Cherry Red Hair Color
This dark cherry red hair color is a color mix that looks like a vampire’s black cherry red.
Hair colorist Luna says, “It’s a black color melted root, which glides into bright, seductive red. It’s a great fall look for those wanting to spice up their appearance!”
Not all skin colors can pull this off. “A warmer (or neutral) skin tone and color melt is a great option if you’re anxious about wearing a vivid color. This red is perfect for brunettes who’ve never colored their hair,” Luna explains.
As with any deep red hair color, get a good deep conditioner. Luna recommends K-Pak from Joico.
#37: Natural Dark Red Hair Color
This natural dark red hair color is bold yet beautiful. It’s sure to accentuate green eyes.
According to hairdresser Emily Chadwick, you should “ask your colorist to enhance your natural red hair color with bright copper and gold tones” to get this hue.
Chadwick’s best advice? “Use professional, color-safe shampoo and conditioner to keep the color long-lasting. For shine, use Verb Ghost Oil.”
#38: Maroon Red Hair
Maroon red hair is best described as red berries and wine!
According to hair colorist Haley Banks, to get this maroon red hair, always start with your natural color. Ask your colorist for a very soft lavender, then add vivid colors later.
Banks advises women considering a maroon color like this to remember it’s a change of color and lifestyle. “If you’re a woman who likes to shampoo every day, this might not be the color for you,” she adds.
When it comes to products? Banks says, “Using professional products at home is a must. These red hair colors won’t last very long with products not made to support them. Dry shampoo is your new best friend for maintaining a wearable style. Also, when considering a hair color like this one, keep in mind this requires high maintenance.”
#39: Dark Ruby Red Hair Color
It takes a dark ruby red hair color to transform yourself into one modish redhead. The ruby-red shade appears fuller on straight locks that graze the shoulders.
Hairstylist Ayla Schapp describes this as a dimensional mulberry A-line bob with a slight wave.
Are you wondering what to ask your colorist for to get this hue? Schapp says, “3 different color formulations are used to achieve this dimension. A level 5 violet mixed with 1/3 natural level 5 was used at the roots to prevent a hot root. From the root, melt the mid-end formula (level 5 violet). It’s important to leave a veil section at the crown. Use only formulas 1 and 2 to gain depth within the color. The highlight underneath only reveals itself when there is movement.”
“If you consider this dark red color, wash your hair in cold/lukewarm water. Also, use a color-safe professional brand shampoo, such as Kevin Murphy,” she adds.
#40: Deep Red Violet Hair
Pull off this deep red violet hair, and get ready to rock and roll! The tones blend seamlessly, especially with waves. An oil or serum will surely bring out a shine in your locks.
#41: Dark Red Brown Hair for Older Women
A dimensional dark red-brown hair coloring can often make older women look younger. Bringing out a youthful glow is best done by infusing the same warmth and softness into your locks.
#42: Plum Red for Curly Hair
This is a plum red for curly hair ombre. Don’t you love how vibrant the color came out?
Long Beach, CA, hair colorist Griffin Rangel says, “This is for women looking for something new and fun. It’s something that isn’t too crazy but will get people to notice your hair.”
#43: Sangria Balayage Dark Red Color for Pale Skin
This sangria balayage dark red color screams vibrancy and is perfect for pale skin. The red color looks different in the light, and it’s a color that’s shiny and rich.
This dark red hair dye is high-maintenance. Use the right shampoo and product to conserve the color. This style/color combo can be recreated in any hair.
#44: Dark Red with Highlights
Dark red with highlights and black roots offer contrast and shine.
“With multidimensional colors, you lose vibrancy and get a more blended color,” according to colorist Devon Crawley of Columbus, IN. “Doesn’t the depth of the dark brown versus red look amazing? The red pops and gives a visible definition from the roots to the ends. Plus, it’s so shiny!” Crawley exclaims.
“Red hair colors lose vibrancy as they fade,” says Crawley. “However, if you have your natural base, everything blends nicely. This allows you to go long lengths between sessions.”
#45: Deep Auburn Red Hair Color
This deep, auburn red hair color looks a lot like dark mahogany.
Hairstylist Michelle Austin of Denver, CO, said this deep auburn hair is balanced with a warm red hue and warmer highlights over a cooler base. It may remind you of spices like cinnamon, clove, and saffron.
Austin says that if you’ve been a long-time brunette, deep reds and auburns are a beautiful way to enrich your hue.
“A soft cast of copper or burgundy hair color can easily be maintained with regular salon treatments. Glossing treatments add incredible shine. At home, use color depositing shampoos and conditioners like Celeb Luxury,” she adds.
#46: Deep Mahogany Red Hair + Dark Roots
Deep mahogany red is a popular dark red hair color. It’s a gorgeous color, most commonly done via the balayage technique.
Stylist Jennifer Lopez of Brea, CA, created this gorgeous hair color. “If you need red hair ideas, this color is an inspiration for fall. Let’s call it cinnamon spice. Nothing says fall hair like this red transformation,” she notes.
Lopez advises asking your colorist for a mixture of mahogany and chocolate by Rusk.
“Darkened roots with a dark ash brown melting into the color are beautiful,” she says. “Don’t wonder if your skin tone or hair shade is perfect for this color. However, your colorist may need to lighten your hair just a little to pull this color off. Just go for it!”
#47: Burgundy Red Short Hair
This is a rich burgundy red hair color paired with a trendy angled bob. Burgundy is a mysterious shade for women wanting darker. This is vibrant, stylish, and trendy!
According to Vanessa Gutierrez, a hair and make-up artist from Boerne, TX, “To achieve this red, slowly transition from a dark brown/damaged brassy blonde. Doing so will give you a beautiful cool-toned blonde that can be transitioned to this gorgeous color.”
Any woman can rock this red short hair. “It’s all about confidence (and your love for reds/warm tones and dedication to maintenance),” says Gutierrez.
She states, “This red color is a lot of maintenance because reds are stubborn and like to fade fast.”
Her best advice for getting this deep burgundy color?
“Wash your hair no more than 3 times a week, using cold water and sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. Then, use a dry shampoo for those in between wash days. This will help seal your hair cuticle and its color.”
When it comes to products, Gutierrez recommends Redken color hair products. “This will preserve your color until your next appointment without too much fading. Go in every 4 weeks for a root touch-up and a glaze to refresh your ends.”
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