If you're contemplating whether you can pull off red hair, just go ahead and stop right there. You heard it here first: It doesn't matter if you're the fairest of fair or melanin-rich — there's a fiery hue out there that will work for you, and will earn you oodles of compliments to boot. Still skeptical? Give us a chance to change your mind.
Look to A-listers like Emma Stone, our girl RiRi, and Lupita Nyong'o, all of whom have managed to slay the scarlet hair game at one time or another. Even better, we tapped a few hair-color experts to help set the record straight once and for all because, well, it helps to have someone in the know when you're talking about hair color. Now get those fingers to scrolling and read on about how to find the perfect shade of crimson just for you. Here are 41 red hair color ideas for every skin tone.
FAQs
How do I choose the right red shade for my hair? ›
But overall, Bradford's rule of thumb is this: the fairer you are, the lighter a shade of red you should go with. “The great thing about red is the versatility and shade range — you may be able to pull off multiple shades of reds and coppers especially if you have a neutral skin tone,” says Bradford.
What is the most flattering color for redheads? ›Avoid pastels since these colors tend to wash out those with red hair. Also avoid most oranges, yellows, and burgundy-reds. (Yellow is the wild card color— on some it looks unbelievably good and others it washes out.) Never be afraid to be bold with the colors you wear.
Which hair color makes you look younger? ›Caramel, honey, gold, copper, and strawberry give a healthy brightness that makes us look and feel younger. (Framing your face with lighter shades draws the eye away from any complexion concerns, as well.)
Why red hair makes you look younger? ›According to Korab, "A rich red, such as auburn or copper, will enhance brunettes and redheads. This gives the appearance of younger and more radiant skin by reflecting light around the face with its warm tint. The deep red has a kick of fiery vibrancy no matter if you go subtle or ultra-bright."
Does red hair make you look older? ›Too brassy
Too much of a reddish orange undertone in your hair can make it look dull and damaged—the typical signs of aging hair, says celebrity hairstylist Gabriel Samra. The red tones can also make your skin look redder and rob skin of a youthful glow, adds Kyle White, senior stylist at Oscar Blandi.
Cool complexions look best with peach, pink, ginger, auburn, cinnamon, cool copper and more saturated red hair colors. If you have a warm undertone, you should consider bright and bold shades of red, such as a copper, chestnut, burgundy and chocolate cherry hair color. For neutral undertones, there are no restrictions.
What color not to wear with red hair? ›As a gentleman with red, or reddish, hair you want to avoid any pale, colorless fabrics (like heather grey, off-white, cream or pale khaki) as well as citrus colors of any kind (like orange, red, yellow, etc).
Do guys prefer blondes or redheads? ›According to a survey of 1,000 men, 54 percent would prefer a brunette as their wife, 16 percent prefer a blond, and 30 percent have no preference. Apparently, redheads were left out of this survey, but don't fret you fiery-maned ladies—it's probably best to be left out of this nonsense.
What eye color goes with red hair? ›Blue, brown, green or hazel. Everyone has a different shade and all eye colors look drop dead gorgeous with red hair.
What hairstyle makes you look younger? ›Loose waves are more younger-looking, while straight hair can be aging. Play around with face-framing layers to give your hair some softness and movement. Layers can also make your hair appear to be more luscious and healthy. Parra recommends asking your stylist for perimeter layers that are cut in a straight line.
What hair makes you look older? ›
Limp and lifeless hair will make your face look drawn, while highlighting laugh lines and crow's feet. And, if you are using a flat iron to achieve this look, you are subjecting your hair to damaging heat, making hair strands themselves look older.
What color makes you look older? ›Colours to avoid for aging include blacks and greys which can throw shadows on the face and make you look older. 'If you simply love black, then consider pairing with a scarf, statement necklace or a faux collar for a pop of colour,' she says. There is a shade of red that works for almost every skin tone.
What is the lifespan of a redhead? ›Lifespan: up to 20 years in captivity, 5-10 years in the wild. Special Adaptations: Males have an elaborate courtship dance where they throw back their heads, almost touching their tail!
What hair color is in for 2023? ›“All shades of red will be popular in 2023, ranging from fiery reds and deep burgundy to warm auburn, “ says Petty. “In particular, copper will be the standout colour. It can act as a midpoint for blondes and brunettes who are not ready to go fully dark or light - and it's a great colour to brighten up your locks.”
Which parent determines red hair? ›Both parents can display recessive gene characteristics, and they can pass those to their children, too. For example, if both parents have red hair, a child receives mostly the genetic information for red hair, so the chances they will have red hair is almost 100 percent.
Does lighter hair make you look younger as you get older? ›Lighter hair can make you look younger, as long as you use the right tones. Add some warmth with golden highlights and go for shades like honey to give your complexion a healthy, youthful glow!
What makes me look older? ›Unhealthy food choices can eventually show its effects on your skin. Fatty food, coffee and even sugary drinks are not the best options if you want to have radiant and youthful-looking skin. Junk foods can also load your system with free radicals, which are those nasty buggers that can only hasten the process of aging.
What makes a woman look younger? ›Drinking enough water each day replenishes your skin's tissue and cells, allowing for younger and healthier looking skin. Another key to maintaining a youthful appearance is to simply get some rest! When you sleep, your body continuously releases hormones that promote cell turnover and renewal.
What skin tones can pull off red hair? ›The trick is to finding the right red for your skin tone. “Freckles, pale skin and light eyes work best with strawberry blonde and copper reds. Darker eyes with cooler skin tones work best with deeper true reds and violet tones,” Rick explains.
What skin tones look good with red? ›If you have a warm skin tone, you'll look great in organic, warm colors like red, coral, and amber. If you have a cool skin tone, reach for shades of red that are closer to maroon or rose. If your skin has a neutral undertone, avoid reds with orange undertones and choose bluer shades or a bright, true red instead.
What color does red hair turn with age? ›
When red hair follicles stop producing their gingerish pigment, the colour fades from red through a glorious spectrum of faded copper to rosy-blonde colours, through to silvery-white. It's a sight to be seen, giving an almost autumnal effect as your red hair moves into its 'silver fox' phase.
Do redheads look better in white or black? ›Black works fabulously for redheads, and a variety of browns are appropriate, too. Look for chocolates, cinnamon browns and rich tans. Navy blue should be in the closet of every red-tressed woman.
Do redheads look better in gold or silver? ›For cool-toned redheads
You'll look best in silver, platinum, and white gold.
Henna is the perfect hair color for redheads. It is a natural colorant that will give your hair beautiful, rich red tones. Unlike chemical dyes, henna does not contain any harsh chemicals or toxins that can damage your hair.
How can a redhead be more attractive? ›- Wear brown eyeliner. ...
- Choose peach and brown shades for your eyeshadow. ...
- Have plum shades in your eyeshadow and eyeliner collection. ...
- Mineral foundation is a must. ...
- Deep blushes look great on redheads. ...
- Only put a small amount of mascara on your lashes.