From ginger to strawberry blonde, we believe that anyone can find their perfect red shade. While this hair color has often been maligned (never by us, we may add), it seems like this warm hue is finally getting the celebration it deserves, largely thanks to lots of celebrity fanfare. You don't need to be a born redhead to join in on the fun, because these days, coloring services and dyes are so high tech that getting natural-looking hair has never been easier. So if you're considering adding russet tones to your strawberry-blonde hair, thinking about turning your blonde strands into a shade of copper, or fancy adding a wash of rich auburn to your brunette locks, we've compiled a comprehensive list of red hair looks for you to show your hairdresser.
Choosing a Shade: "Your skin color and eye color need to be the number one thing taken into consideration," says Joico celebrity colorist Jill Buck. "As a stylist I like to look to the flecks of color in my clients eyes as a good indicator to their natural undertones."
Maintenance Level: High. "Red is tricky," says Nicole Tresch, senior colorist at Rita Hazan in NYC. "It’s the first color to fade and needs to be maintained for its vibrancy often with glosses."
Goes Great With: According to Buck, "The warmer and lighter bright reds compliment someone with a fair complexion and more neutral and deeper red shades are good for darker complexions."
Similar Shades: Copper, midlight red, auburn, pumpkin spice, strawberry-blonde, cinnamon
Price: Cost will vary depending on the techniques your stylist will use. "It’s helpful to bring in multiple pictures during the consultation and your stylist can quote you before the service begins," says Buck.
Florence Welch
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There's a real brightness to Florence Welch's red hair, which flatters the pinky undertones in her skin. If you want to try this style yourself, find a balm or serum that will add definition to the braid, like Morrocanoil Hydrating Styling Cream ($14).
Zendaya
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Here you'll find Zendaya sporting the red ombré of our dreams. Her wine-colored locks elegantly turn into copper down to the tips of her hair, creating a warm, rich color story. "Ask your colorist to keep the base richer/ deeper than the ends," suggests Buck. "This will keep it natural looking and avoid what we call in the biz a 'hot root.'"
Blake Lively
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This dark strawberry blonde looks so incredible on the classically dirty-blonde Blake Lively. To get her mega-watt shine, try misting on Ouai Hair Oil($28).
FKA Twigs
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FKA Twigs has always been a trendsetter, and the way she uses this bright-red hue to frame her face has us, once again, taking notes. She keeps her roots raven except for a few strands shaping her face, which are a gorgeous rust shade, matching the rest of her beautiful ombré.
Scarlett Johansson
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Was this look inspired by her very own name? Scarlett Johansson's unfussy up-do is an elegant (you guessed it) scarlet shade.
"Using permanent [dye] will give you the richest reds, however it comes with a grow out maintenance as well," says Buck. "A Demi permanent will give you a rich tone, however rinses within 6-8 weeks."
Joséphine de La Baume
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Want to give your light blonde locks a bit of a red hue? Take your inspiration from Joséphine de La Baume. If you try this look on your own, keep the curls intact with Joico JoiMist Firm Finishing Spray 09 ($17). It will get the job done, without any crunchy stiffness.
Blood Orange
We love a good transformation. This blood orange red is a fun deposit color to add to any grown out blonde. Lightened strands are the perfect canvas for bold and bright colors. Before you go back to touch up your roots on your bleach-and-tone, you might want to consider using that lightened hair to your advantage.
Rihanna
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While Rihanna has worn many different styles and hair colors over the years, this bold Merlot hue still sticks out in our minds. This shade is so rich and intoxicating, and was the perfect match for Rihanna's bouncy curls.
Emma Stone
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Emma Stone has always been one of our favorite redheads, despite the fact that she's a natural blonde! This short hairstyle held away from the face with an Alice in Wonderland-style headband complements her face shape, while the ginger shade brings out the natural flush in her cheeks.
Christina Hendricks
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Want a true ginger color? Then this hue sported by actress Christina Hendricks should be your guide. We love her soft waves and bangs, and she proves that bright red hair goes perfectly with an even brighter red lipstick.
A Bold Buzz
If this color isn't bold enough on its own, try pairing it with a buzz-worthy clipper cut.
Connie Britton
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It's not hyperbole to say that Connie Britton's golden, strawberry-blonde hair is famous (seriously, Google it), so adding her to the list was a must. While mimicking her exact mane may be impossible without genetics, we can share what products she uses to maintain it.
Isla Fisher
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Isla Fisher and red hair go together like Tina Fey and Amy Poehler at the Golden Globes—has there ever been a better pair? While she has sported different hues over the years, this dark ginger is one of our favorites. When paired with a classic emerald colored earring, this look feels totally glamorous.
Tyra Banks
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Supermodel Tyra Banks is most known for brunette and honey blonde hair, but she's been a redhead several times over. Here, she rocks a caramel base with auburn streaks.
To maintain red hair, Tresch recommends using a gloss about once a week to keep the tone in tact. She likes Rita Hazan True Color Ultimate Shine Gloss in Red ($26).
Riley Keough
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Riley Keough pulls off any color she tries, but we're particularly obsessed with this curly copper look. If you're going to make the brunette-to-red switch, be sure to invest in color-saving shampoo. We like Rossano Ferretti Parma Splendido Color Maintenance Shampoo ($35).
Vivid and Vibrant
After going through a major hair color transformation, the way you care for your hair is extremely important. Be sure to use heat protectants before any heat styling. Deep conditioning treatments will also help to strengthen your strands if heat styling is a part of your daily routine.
Added Warmth
Transitioning to red from a darker natural base color will not only provide some added warmth to your complexion, but it will also take a while to get there. Be inquisitive and learn about how your colorist is going to approach the transition. Going with a low developer and using a bonder like Olaplex, are signs that your colorist has your hair's health and integrity at the forefront of their approach.