There is something about red hair that makes a person stop and look twice. It’s a bold color move, both warm and surprising, with a way of making you feel like the star of your own movie.
If you have been doing some scrolling online in your spare time and getting your hair dyed red is starting to sound like the right move, you may be wondering how you can pull it off and what tone of red to choose. We are glad you are here with us at Blonde Faith Salon. Red is one of the most rewarding colors you can wear, and we can help you find a shade that works for you.
Meet Every Shade of the Red Family
Red is on a spectrum, and just like our patients, each shade has its own personality. Here’s a quick introduction to the color to help you get started:
- Copper: This tone is bright and glowing, and it is full of warmth. It leans more toward the orange side of red and looks like it catches fire in the sunlight. It is playful and energetic and is more noticeably red than many options. If you want something that turns heads right when you walk in, this might be your shade.
- Auburn: With auburn, red and brunette become best friends. It keeps a rich, brown base, but with overtones of red. It is grounded and a touch mysterious. This shade is a favorite of clients who want to try red, but aren’t ready to jump into the deep end.
- True Red / Cherry Red: This tone is red at its most blunt and confident. It is a saturated, true red that makes a statement. Cherry red is for clients who are ready for a dramatic look and all of the attention that comes with it.
- Strawberry Blonde: This shade is soft, rosy and sweet and is the lightest member of the red family. It blends golden blonde with a wash of red and is sunny and romantic. This shade is perfect for those with lighter complexions who want a summer glow and a new look.
- Burgundy / Cherry Cola: Burgundy and cherry cola bring wine-inspired tones that are richer than other options and a little bit moody. These shades can be perfect for the cooler months or those who crave a darker color with more depth.
- Ginger and Mahogany: Ginger is warm with spicy overtones that are earthy and natural. Mahogany is a deep red-brown that looks like polished wood. Both of these options are cozy and sophisticated and are a good middle ground when you want something that is both warm and deep.
Should You Choose Warm Red or Cool Red?
Every red is somewhere on a scale from warm to cool. Warm reds have more orange or yellow undertones (think copper, ginger and strawberry blonde), while cool reds lean more purple or blue (think burgundy and cherry cola). Your skin will tend to favor one or the other, and once you understand what suits you, it is easier to choose the right tone of red.
Can Red Hair Be For Everyone?
The red family is so wide that there is a version that suits every skin tone, eye color, preference and personality. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you can’t wear red just because someone once told you it wasn’t for you. The important thing is finding the red that is made for you, and a skilled colorist can adjust tone and depth to customize results for you.
How to Choose Your Red
Your Skin Tone and Undertone
If your skin has warm, golden undertones, shades like copper and ginger will light you up. If you lean cool, with pink or blue undertones to your skin, you can get away with richer shades like burgundy. If you hold up a piece of white paper to your skin and it looks pink or bluish-red, you likely have cool undertones. If your skin looks more yellow or gold, you likely have warm undertones. Some people have more neutral undertones and can look good with both.
Your Eye Color
Certain tones can make your eyes pop. Copper and ginger look great against green and hazel eyes, while deeper shades like auburn and mahogany bring out the richness in brown eyes. Cooler reds can look striking in their contrast against blue eyes.
Your Natural Hair Color
Where you start from can make a difference in how easy it is to reach your desired shade and which reds can be accomplished. If you are coming from blonde, it can be easier to get to soft red and strawberry tones without too much lifting. Brunettes can often go easily to auburn and mahogany since the depth is already there. Going from very dark hair to a bright copper can take a few steps, but the destination is often worth the trip.
Your Lifestyle and Maintenance Commitment
Be honest with yourself about how well you can maintain a new hairstyle. Reds often require frequent touch-ups and gloss appointments to stay vibrant when compared to more blended shades that can grow out a little more gracefully. If you’re looking for a more low-key routine, we can point you to shades that will stay lovely between visits, even if it takes you a while to come back.
Your Personality and the Vibe You Want
At the end of the day, we want you walking out happy with your new look. We’ll listen to what you’re drawn to, whether bold or subtle, vibrant or soft, and then guide you to an option that will look great and help you feel confident. Tell us what mood you’re going for, and we’ll help you get there.
A Few More Things to Know Before You Commit
- Red Fades Faster: Red molecules are larger than other color molecules, which means they tend to wash out sooner than blondes or brunettes. However, with color-safe products and a toning gloss, plus cooler water during cleansing, your hair can still stay vibrant.
- Climate Can Impact Color: Here in Austin, our sunshine is generous, and strong sun can speed up fading. Protect your new look with a hat on the sunniest days.
- The Lightening Process: If you are trying to get a brighter red from darker hair, we always prioritize the health of your hair and will find the gentlest path to get there.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Red?
If your heart is set on a little red adventure, we would love to be part of it. Our stylists at Blonde Faith Salon will help you find the shade that feels like it was made just for you, and we will care for your hair every step of the way. Come say hello, bring your inspiration photos and let us create something you will fall in love with. Book your consultation today and let us make a little magic together.
