From Strawberry to Copper, Here’s How to Choose Between the 12 Shades of Red Hair (2024)

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Dylan Marino

From Strawberry to Copper, Here’s How to Choose Between the 12 Shades of Red Hair (1)

Dylan Marino

Dylan is a freelance writer and director of social media & digital strategy at Loverboy. She has contributed to Betches, Westchester Magazine, and more.

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Published on January 27, 2024 07:00AM

From Strawberry to Copper, Here’s How to Choose Between the 12 Shades of Red Hair (2)

If you follow pop culture trends, you've probably seen your favorite celebrities experimenting with different shades of red hair. So, it should come as no surprise that red hair is popping up more IRL, too. "Once you see models such as Kendall Jenner and Emily Ratajkowski [with red], we see an uptick in clients coming in looking for the best red" for themselves, says colorist Staci Barton.

While going red is probably not something you want to try at home—"[Shades of red] are custom bespokecolorsachieved best by a professional colorist," notes hairstylist Michelle Cleveland—if the idea of high-maintenance hair color doesn't scare you away, this may be your year to go bold. "Red is timeless; it's just about finding the right red for you," says Barton.

Read on to find your perfect shade of red with help from Barton and Cleveland.

Meet the Experts

01of 12

Strawberry Blonde

From Strawberry to Copper, Here’s How to Choose Between the 12 Shades of Red Hair (3)

How many hair colors can Rachel McAdams pull off? The limit does not exist. Both experts note that this strawberry blonde is typically most flattering on a fair skin tone and can be a good transition shade for your intro to red hair. "If you're blonde considering going red, try warmer tones in the blonde family first to let your eye adjust to the tone difference before committing to the depth," suggests Barton.

To achieve this look, use level 9 with golden reds, says Cleveland.

02of 12

Light Copper

From Strawberry to Copper, Here’s How to Choose Between the 12 Shades of Red Hair (4)

Much like strawberry blonde, Emma Stone's light copper best suits a fairer skin tone. Unlike strawberry blonde, however, copper sits more at a neutral red (as opposed to leaning warm).

To achieve this look, use level 8 with a brown-red tone, Cleveland shares.

03of 12

Light Bold Red

From Strawberry to Copper, Here’s How to Choose Between the 12 Shades of Red Hair (5)

While we're on the subject of iconic red-haired women in Hollywood, we'd be remiss not to mention Lindsay Lohan, who has made us envy her natural locks since The Parent Trap days. Lohan's light but bold red hair is the perfect melt of copper and strawberry.

The experts warn that this look may give your colorist a run for their money, and once you start getting into this level of red, you'll need to be ready to commit. To achieve this look, use level 7 with a red-brown tone.

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"If I can give any advice as a stylist to anyone looking to go red, step away from the box dye," advises Barton. "Consult a stylist, and highly consider semi- or demi-permanent color. I warn blondes, especially, because getting your previous blonde back is difficult to achieve once you go red and typically will require multiple appointments."

04of 12

Medium Copper

From Strawberry to Copper, Here’s How to Choose Between the 12 Shades of Red Hair (6)

Jourdan Dunn's copper curls were practically made for her and are the perfect subtle red. Ideal for an olive to brown skin tone, this look can be achieved by mixing a level 5 with medium red to achieve a barely-there tint.

And if you aren't ready to fully commit, this is a shade that can be achieved with less: "If you are a brunette without highlights and virgin hair, it's your lucky day," reveals Barton. "Depending on your desired outcome, [this look] can possibly be done with just a glaze or toner."

05of 12

True Red

From Strawberry to Copper, Here’s How to Choose Between the 12 Shades of Red Hair (7)

If you're wondering how to achieve Sadie Sink's true red hair—same. One might argue that you must be born with such a color for it to look this good; the experts say your best bet is mixing neutral and warm medium reds with a level 5 or 6 to secure this look.

Bring extra inspo photos to your stylist if you want to go this bold, and note that it won't be easy to upkeep. "In general, reds, coppers, auburns, and mahogany will all be high-maintenance colors," Barton notes. "They require cold water when shampooing, color-treated shampoo, and possibly even a color-depositing conditioner. This is all between your regularly scheduled [glazing and toning]."

06of 12

Bold Cherry

From Strawberry to Copper, Here’s How to Choose Between the 12 Shades of Red Hair (8)

Megan Thee Stallion's bold cherry locks are, in fact, real hot girl sh*t (IYKYK). Reds with violet undertones are especially complementary against darker skin tones and really pop against them.

With a shade this vibrant, there's even more of an imperative to have an expert color your hair (no matter how tempting it might be to use a box dye). Plus, this look will likely require bleaching of the base first—so a salon visit is a must.

07of 12

Bold Copper

From Strawberry to Copper, Here’s How to Choose Between the 12 Shades of Red Hair (9)

We are thoroughly convinced Zendaya could dye her hair any color in existence and make it look flawless, and this bold copper is no exception. Copper-based reds are great for olive or light brown complexions, the experts note.

To achieve this look, use a level 5 with a medium brown-orange tone.

08of 12

Auburn

From Strawberry to Copper, Here’s How to Choose Between the 12 Shades of Red Hair (10)

Tyra Banks has never been afraid to go big and bold with her style, and the same goes for her hair. This throwback Tyra look is the perfect auburn that strikes the ideal balance between red, brown, and golden tones.

To achieve this look, you'll want a level 4.5 base mixed with brown-red.

09of 12

Dark Auburn

From Strawberry to Copper, Here’s How to Choose Between the 12 Shades of Red Hair (11)

Blink twice, and you might miss the hints of red in Shay Mitchell's dark auburn hair, making this the perfect intro to red for those with darker hair looking to dabble in something new. This shade is perfect for a range of olive to darker skin tones.

To achieve this look, mix level 4 with a dark red-brown tone.

10of 12

Dark Cherry

From Strawberry to Copper, Here’s How to Choose Between the 12 Shades of Red Hair (12)

Dubbed "cherry cola" hair by TikTok users, Kelly Rowland's signature 2001 hue has made a major resurgence. We can't say we're surprised—it's an iconic shade that looks flawless against darker skin tones. And in case we haven't reminded you enough, it's best to hit the salon for this color so you know it'll be executed right.

The experts note that achieving this type of look will be a process, combining a dark base (likely level 3) with blonde highlights dyed with a bold cherry red to get the extra pop of color.

11of 12

Wine

From Strawberry to Copper, Here’s How to Choose Between the 12 Shades of Red Hair (13)

Some shades of red can complement all skin tones—from fair to deep—and wine red is among them. Sophie Turner is serving Queen of the North energy with this fierce look, which can be achieved with a level 5 base with cherry red and warm toner.

12of 12

Burgundy

From Strawberry to Copper, Here’s How to Choose Between the 12 Shades of Red Hair (14)

Lala Anthony's burgundy hair keeps coming back in style (and for a good reason). The gorgeous blend of deep red and purple complements her hazel eyes and neutral undertones.

24 Drool-Worthy Red Ombré Hair Ideas

From Strawberry to Copper, Here’s How to Choose Between the 12 Shades of Red Hair (2024)

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