Maybe it’s a new season. Or a milestone birthday. Or you just feel like shaking things up.
You know you want to try red hair, but if you are like me, the feeling of excitement is mixed with confusion, as the idea of having to choose between “auburn” and “mahogany” makes your head spin.
So I have come up with a guide to the fiercest shades of red hair color that will help you distinguish the differences without the stress.
1. Copper
I am obsessed with this shade because it looks just like the metal. It is essentially a mix of red and orange tints.
You have to be careful though because it can look like a bad dye job if you aren’t careful. Think Hayley Williams, not bleached mistake.
Ask your stylist for lowlights to add that necessary dimension. It is one of the most beautiful and rich shades out there when done right.
2. Deep Red
This is hands down one of my personal favorites. It is basically a dark and vibrant reddish brown.
It leans toward the natural side of the spectrum but still feels bold and rich. It is the perfect option if you want something vibrant.
3. Strawberry Blonde
This is the lightest shade on our list and offers so much versatility. It is technically blonde hair with red undertones, but you can also consider it a very light red.
You can find permanent colors in this shade or achieve it in the salon. My suggestion is to bleach your hair to a light color and use a red based toner.
4. Fire Engine Red
If you are looking for something that does not look natural at all, this is the one. It is incredibly bright and vibrant.
The name says it all since it should be the same color as a fire truck. Just keep in mind that it usually washes out over time since it is typically only possible with semi permanent lines.
5. Auburn
This is a mixture of brown and red hair color that is much lighter than mahogany.
It should look way more natural too. It tends to be more brown than red and might even lean a little bit on the orange side.
6. Raspberry Red
This shade is so bright and cheerful. It has distinct pinkish undertones that are just too good.
Ultimately, it should look exactly like fresh picked raspberries.
7. Burgundy
If you love a glass of Pinot, this might be your vibe. Burgundy is a beautiful rich shade of reddish purple.
It mimics the color of Burgundy wine, which is A OK in my book.
8. Titian
We have finally arrived at titian. This color is actually composed of a brownish orange shade that looks reddish.
It often gets confused with auburn, but auburn actually has red in it. It should be very natural looking yet bright and bold. You can add dimensional highlights for a more finished look.
9. Bright Cherry Red
This one looks similar to maroon but features less brown.
It has more purple undertones. It should be a dark purplish shade of red that mimics the color of cherries.
10. Natural Red
Can you believe that only 2% of the world has natural red hair? The color varies from person to person.
I have seen it range from dull brownish red to a super vibrant dark red. They are all so beautiful.
11. Maroon
This shade is similar to burgundy but has more reddish brown tones than purple.
It is considered a light reddish brown color. However, it tends to have way more red pigment than brown.
12. Red Orange
This can be pretty similar to copper hair but way more vibrant.
It has way more orange in it. Technically, it should be a shade of bright orange with just a hint of red.
13. Mahogany
Mahogany is a rich, dark reddish brown color that features more red pigment than brown.
It is similar to deep red but lighter. It also has more brown pigment and should look an awful lot like mahogany wood.
14. Crimson Red
Wikipedia defines this as a strong red color inclining to purple. It is quite similar to cherry red but with more red than purple.
People often associate it with the color of blood. It is also worth noting that there is some heavy underlying symbolism tied to the color.