Best Red Hair Dyes for Your Undertone: A Complete Guide

Red hair has main character energy, and it always has. But here's the thing nobody tells you before you commit: not every red is your red. The difference between "this looks incredible" and "something feels off" almost always comes down to undertones. Cool-toned skin tends to glow next to blue-based reds and berry tones, while warm undertones light up with orange-based coppers and fiery shades. Neutral undertones basically get to run wild. It's less about finding "the best red" and more about finding the red that was built for you.

Rihanna's been through basically every red era imaginable, Cardi B's iconic red bob broke the internet, and Emma Stone made classic auburn look effortless. Red just hits different. So let's figure out your undertone, then find the Arctic Fox shade that was basically made for you!

How to Find Your Skin's Undertones

@iamcolur.slayer used Wrath

No dermatologist appointment needed. Grab two minutes and try these three tests.

1. The Vein Test

Flip your wrist over and look at your veins in natural light. Greenish? You're warm. Blue or purple? You're cool. Both? Congrats, you're neutral, and you get to skip ahead knowing pretty much anything works on you.

2. The Jewelry Test

Raid your jewelry box for a sec. Gold making your skin look like it's glowing from within? That's warm undertones talking. If silver is what actually lights you up instead, you're cool toned. Both metals equally flattering? You guessed it, neutral.

3. The White Paper Test

Hold a plain white sheet of paper up next to your face in natural light and really look at your skin against it. Yellow or peachy tones showing up? Warm. Pink, red, or blue tones? Cool. Somehow this simple trick works every time.

Warm vs. Cool Hair Color, Explained

@jezzharding in Poison

Here's the short version: warm and cool hair colors are basically built on totally different pigment foundations, and that's what makes one shade feel like "you" and another feel slightly off no matter how good it looks on someone else.

Warm shades are rooted in gold, orange, and red pigments. Think copper, honey, peach, and fiery red, the kind of colors that look like they're catching sunlight even indoors.

Cool shades are built on blue, violet, and green pigments instead. Think icy platinum, ashy brunette, jewel toned purple, or moody blue green mermaid vibes.

Match your undertone to your hair color's undertone and something almost magical happens. It just works. Mismatch them and you'll notice, even if you can't always explain why.

Best Red Hair Dyes for Your Undertone

Quick Guide: Best Arctic Fox Hair Color Red Dye for Your Undertone

1. Cool undertones → Ritual

2. Warm undertones → Wrath or Poison

3. Neutral undertones → Ruby Red

@sophia.vog in Wrath and Poison

Okay, the part you're actually here for. Once you know your undertone, choosing your red basically picks itself.

Best Red Hair Dyes for Cool Undertones

Ritual on level 10 platinum blonde hair

Cool undertones were made for depth. Jewel toned reds, especially anything leaning burgundy or wine, create that rich contrast that makes cool skin look absolutely lit up.

AF hair dye recommendation: Ritual

Ritual gives you a deep, velvety burgundy with serious jewel tone richness, basically red velvet cake energy for your hair. Apply it on pre-lightened hair for the boldest, most saturated burgundy. On darker hair, it settles into a rich wine tinted stain instead.

Best Red Hair Dyes for Warm Undertones

Left: Wrath on level 10 platinum blonde hair Right: Poison on level 10 platinum blonde hair

Warm undertones already have that natural golden glow going on, so lean into reds that amplify it rather than fight it. This is where you get to have some real fun.

AF hair dye recommendations: Wrath and Poison

Wrath is a classic cherry red with deep berry undertones running through it. Heads up, it does carry strong pink tones, so on platinum or light blonde hair it can read pretty pink. Pre-lightened hair gets you the most vibrant cherry with pink dimension, while darker hair takes on more of a moody magenta tint.

Poison is the one for anyone who wants maximum impact. It's an ultra vibrant candy apple red with a fiery undertone that does not hold back. Light blonde hair gets you the brightest, most electric red, while darker hair mellows into a deep, rich red instead.

Best Red Hair Dyes for Neutral Undertones

Ruby Red on level 10 platinum blonde hair

Neutral undertones basically mean you won the hair color lottery. Almost any red works on you, so this pick is less about "what will look good" and more about "what feels the most you."

AF hair dye recommendation: Ruby Red

Ruby Red is a rich, classic natural looking red that somehow manages to feel timeless and unforgettable at the same time. It's warm, it's striking, and it looks good without trying too hard, which is honestly the whole point.

FAQ

What color red hair is best for cool skin tones?

Lean into jewel toned reds like burgundy or wine. Arctic Fox's Ritual delivers that deep, velvety richness that makes cool undertones pop.

What color red hair is best for warm skin tones?

Go bold with fiery, vibrant reds that play up your natural golden glow. Wrath and Poison both deliver, whether you want a classic cherry or a full on candy apple statement.

What color red hair is best for neutral skin tones?

Honestly, almost anything works, but Ruby Red is a foolproof pick for a rich, classic red that flatters neutral undertones without overthinking it.

Find Your Red

Whether you're drawn to a moody burgundy, a fiery cherry, or a classic ruby red, your undertone just made the decision way easier. Now go make it official.

Shop the perfect red hair color for your undertone at arcticfoxhaircolor.com, and follow us @arcticfoxhaircolor for more red hair tips and inspo! 🦊

The holiday season is here, and you know what that means: endless parties, festive get-togethers, and that fresh-start New Year energy! Whether you're planning your holiday pics or prepping for your NYE debut, there's no better time to switch up your look with a hair color transformation. We're talking bold, beautiful, and totally doable at-home shades that'll have everyone asking, "Who does your hair?" Keep reading for our top holiday hair color picks that'll take your glow up to the next level!

Holiday Hair Colors You Can Do at Home

From frosty ice queen vibes to warm, cozy tones that feel like a hug in a cup, we've rounded up five show-stopping shades that capture every holiday mood. Each color is designed to be achieved at home with easy-to-follow steps, so you can skip the salon appointment and still get that professional-level glow up. Whether you're drawn to bold metallics or subtle, romantic hues, there's a shade here that'll match your energy and have you feeling like your most confident self all season long. Let's dive into your options!

Icy Platinum: Your Winter Wonderland Moment

Think Elsa meets editorial. This ultra-cool, frosty blonde is the ultimate winter flex. Icy platinum is bright, luminous, and gives major ethereal vibes with just a hint of lavender shimmer to keep those brassy tones in check. Cool-toned blondes are having a major moment right now, screaming sophistication and confidence while photographing like a dream under those twinkling holiday lights. If you're all about that clean, modern aesthetic and ready to fully commit to the blonde life, this one's calling your name. Perfect for platinum lovers, bold beauty enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to stand out and isn't afraid of a little maintenance.

How to Get the Look:

1. Bleach like a boss: Take your time lifting your hair to a level 9 or 10. Patience is key here, you might need multiple bleaching sessions to get there safely, so don't rush it! Your hair health comes first.
   
   

2. Tone it down (in the best way): Mix our Periwinkle shade into your conditioner for a soft, gradual tone that neutralizes any unwanted yellow hues. This gentle approach keeps your hair healthy while achieving that dreamy icy finish.
   
   

3. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: After washing and drying, follow up with a leave-in conditioner to replenish all that moisture. Bleached hair needs extra love!
   
   

4. Maintain the magic: Touch up roots with bleach as needed and refresh warm tones with your Periwinkle conditioner mix whenever you notice any brassiness creeping in.
   
   

Mulled Wine: Cozy, Rich, and Oh-So-Seasonal

Imagine the deep luxurious color of your favorite holiday drink, Mulled Wine. This gorgeous blend of burgundy and plum creates a rich, dimensional shade that's warm, inviting, and totally festive. Deep berry tones are everywhere this season because they're sophisticated, low-maintenance, and give off those cozy winter vibes we all crave (plus this color literally looks good on everyone.) Whether you want a dramatic change without going super bright, you're a brunette looking for a rich jewel-toned twist, or you simply love a moody, romantic aesthetic, this is your winter mood in hair color form.

How to Get the Look:

1. Start with your base: Begin with a level 7 or 8 base. If you're darker, use bleach to lift your hair to the right starting point.
   
   

2. Mix it up: Create a 50/50 blend of Wrath and Ritual. This combo is chef's kiss for that perfect mulled wine hue.
   
   

3. Apply and wait: Slather that gorgeous mix all over your clean, dry hair. Let it sit for at least 45 minutes to let the color really soak in.
   
   

4. Rinse and reveal: Use cold water to rinse out the dye (cold water helps seal the color!), then dry, style, and prepare to slay the holiday season!
   
   

Metallic Silver: Futuristic Glam for the New Year

Silver with a metallic sheen that catches the light like literal chrome. This shade is sleek, modern, and gives off major futuristic energy that's perfect for ringing in 2026. Metallic hair is having its moment, and silver is leading the pack as the edgy, fashion-forward choice that screams confidence. This shade is for the trendsetters and risk-takers who want to make a statement and those ready to be the main character at every holiday event. If you love turning heads, Sterling is your new best friend.

How to Get the Look:

1. Get to platinum: To achieve this metallic magic, you need to start with a level 10 platinum blonde base. Use bleach to get there if needed. Yes, it's a commitment, but the results are so worth it.
   
   

2. Apply Sterling: Once you've got that perfect platinum canvas, apply Sterling all over your clean, dry hair.
   
   

3. Let it marinate: Leave the dye on for at least 45 minutes, or even longer if you want maximum color absorption and that intense metallic finish.
   
   

4. Rinse and shine: Rinse with cold water, dry, style, and get ready to be the absolute life of your NYE party. You're about to sparkle, literally.
   
   

Spiced Copper: Warm, Vibrant, and Full of Fire

A fiery, warm copper hair color with reddish-orange undertones that practically glows. Spiced Copper is cozy, vibrant, and seriously eye-catching. Warm tones are back in a big way, with copper shades at the top of the list, bringing energy, warmth, and a pop of personality to the cold winter months in a way that's bold without being too intense. Perfect for redhead enthusiasts, warm-toned beauties, and anyone who wants a color that feels alive and exciting, this shade is ideal if you want to bring some heat to your holiday look.

How to Get the Look:

1. Prep your base: Start with a level 8 or higher base. If you need to lift your hair, use bleach to get to your desired starting point.
   
   

2. Apply Ginger Flare: Slather this gorgeous copper shade all over your clean, dry hair. The formula is super pigmented, so you'll get rich, vibrant color.
   
   

3. Wait it out: Let the dye sit for at least 45 minutes before rinsing. The longer you wait, the more intense your color will be!
   
   

4. Rinse and rock it: Rinse with cold water, dry, style, and prepare to turn heads everywhere you go. This color is a serious showstopper.
   
   

Rose Brown: Subtle, Sophisticated, and Effortlessly Chic

Rose brown is basically the definition of understated elegance. This custom blend creates a dimensional hair color that's pink-toned but not too sweet, think modern, grown-up rose gold. Subtle, wearable hair colors are having a renaissance, and rose brown is sophisticated enough for any setting but still interesting enough to feel special, making it the perfect "I woke up like this" shade. This hair color is ideal for those who love a natural-looking color with a twist, professionals who want something office-appropriate but fun, or anyone who appreciates a more subtle transformation.

How to Get the Look:

1. Get to level 7: Start with a level 7 base using bleach if needed. Keep in mind: the brighter your blonde base, the pinkier the final result will look!
   
   

2. Create your custom mix: This is where the magic happens. Mix 95% Arctic Mist Diluter, 2% Ritual, 2% Iris Green, and 1% Sunset Orange. This precise formula creates that perfect rose-brown tone.
   
   

3. Apply carefully: Paint this custom blend onto clean, dry hair, making sure to saturate every strand for even color.
   
   

4. Wait and rinse: Let it process for at least 45 minutes before rinsing with cold water.
   
   

5. Style and celebrate: Dry, style, and bring in the New Year with the chicest hair color around!
   
   

FAQ: Your Holiday Hair Color Questions Answered

What are the biggest holiday hair color trends for 2025?

The biggest trend for 2025? Custom, dimensional colors that look natural yet elevated. We're seeing a mix of cool metallics (like our Sterling), warm coppers, and subtle blended shades (hello, Rose Brown!) that give you that expensive, salon-quality look at home. The key is personalization, colors that reflect your unique vibe.

What colors are in for winter 2025?

Winter 2025 is all about rich jewel tones, icy cool blondes, and warm metallics. Think deep burgundies like Mulled Wine, frosty Icy Platinum, chrome-inspired Metallic Silver, and vibrant Spiced Copper. These colors complement the season while making a bold statement.

What is the hair color trend for December 2025?

December is peak party season, so the trends are leaning into show-stopping shades! Metallic silvers are dominating for NYE, while rich berry tones like Mulled Wine are perfect for cozy holiday gatherings. We're also seeing lots of people embrace icy platinum looks and warm copper shades that photograph beautifully in holiday lighting.

Ready to Glow Up?

Your holiday hair transformation is just a few steps away! Whether you're going full ice queen with platinum, warming things up with spiced copper, or keeping it chic with rose brown, these shades are guaranteed to make your holiday season unforgettable. Shop all these 2025 holiday hair color trends at Arctic Fox and get ready to ring in the New Year with your best hair yet!

Want more holiday hair inspo, tips, and behind-the-scenes color magic? Follow us online @arcticfoxhaircolor we're serving up fresh ideas daily. Your dream holiday hair is waiting! ✨

So you're rocking some seriously fiery orange hair, but now you're ready for a color switch-up? We've got you covered, babe! Whether your orange came from a previous dye job or an unexpected toning situation, finding the perfect shade to cover it doesn't have to be a guessing game.

Color Theory 101: The Basics You Need to Cover Orange Hair

Before we dive into the juicy color coverups, let's talk color wheel basics. When you're transitioning from one hair color to another, the color wheel is literally your best friend. Here's the tea: you want to choose a shade that sits to the left or right of your current color on the wheel. Why? Because if you pick something directly across from orange (we're looking at you, blue), they might cancel each other out and leave you with some seriously muddy, unwanted tones. Think of it like mixing paint – you want colors that play nicely together and don’t throw shade at each other!

What Color Covers Orange Hair?

Got orange hair that needs a makeover? Your best bet is going with reds or pinks, they'll actually work with the orange instead of against it. Blues, purples, and greens on the other hand? Yeah, those'll turn your hair into a muddy mess real quick. Keep reading for the Arctic Fox shades we swear by for covering orange.

Sunset Orange + Virgin Pink = Hot Pink Hair Color

Let's start with Sunset Orange – the beautiful and bright red-orange hair dye that literally glows like, well, a sunset! It's vibrant, it's bold, and it's absolutely stunning on its own.

But if you're ready to shift into something new, Virgin Pink is about to become your new obsession. Here's why this combo is chef's kiss: This hot pink hair dye with magenta undertones layers beautifully over bright orange hair. The orange undertones add warmth and dimension to the pink, creating a custom color that looks naturally blended. The result is a fiery hot pink with depth that you can't get from just one color alone. It's the kind of shade that makes people ask, "Wait, how did you get that color?"

Important: We recommend doing a strand test first! Test on a small section underneath your hair to make sure you love the result before applying it to your entire head.

Peach Prosecco + Electric Paradise = Dreamy Pastel Coral Pink

Now let's talk about Peach Prosecco – this shade is basically summer in a bottle! It's a soft, pastel peachy-orange with delicate golden undertones that give major beachy vibes. It's much lighter and more muted than Sunset Orange, but still packs that gorgeous peachy punch.

Now here's where it gets interesting: Electric Paradise is a neon hot pink that's incredibly vibrant and eye-catching. But when you layer it over the pastel base of Peach Prosecco, something pretty magical happens. The warm peachy undertones mellow out that electric intensity, transforming it into a soft, dreamy coral pink that's way more wearable than straight neon. You get this beautiful pastel coral shade that has just enough pink to be playful and just enough peach to feel warm and lived-in, think springtime sorbet vibes.

Since Peach Prosecco is a lighter, more pastel shade, it acts like a filter for Electric Paradise – softening the neon punch into something more romantic and subtle. But we still recommend a strand test first! The final result can vary depending on how saturated your Peach Prosecco is.

Ginger Flare + Ritual = Deep Auburn

Last but definitely not least, let's chat about Ginger Flare – this is for our redheads with serious warmth! Ginger Flare is a vibrant orange-red with copper undertones that's basically liquid fire. It's bold, it's spicy, and it's got that true ginger energy we're obsessed with.

To transform this fierce flame into something deeper and more mysterious, Ritual is your go-to shade. Ritual is a stunning deep burgundy-red with jewel undertones, and when you layer it over Ginger Flare, prepare for magic! The result? A rich, multidimensional auburn that has serious depth and complexity. The copper tones from Ginger Flare add warmth to Ritual's cooler burgundy base, creating a color that shifts and changes in different lighting. You'll see hints of copper in the sun and deep wine tones indoors – it's literally like having multiple colors in one!

This combination works great if you want to go darker while keeping some of that fiery warmth. As always, we recommend performing a strand test first – the depth of color will vary based on how bright your Ginger Flare is and your processing time.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

What color can I dye over orange hair?

Depending on your specific shade of orange hair, red and pink hair dyes work really well. These hair colors complement your orange base instead of fighting against it.

What color cancels out orange hair?

Blue cancels out orange on the color wheel. However, unless you're toning or want to risk muddy results, it's usually better to work with your orange hair color rather than trying to cancel it out completely.

What color covers orange hair without bleach?

Red and pink shades layer beautifully over orange hair without needing to bleach first, making them perfect for a damage-free color change.

What's the hardest color to get out of hair?

Blue and green hair colors are notoriously difficult to remove. These shades tend to stick around long after you're ready for something new, so keep that in mind when planning your next hair color.

Ready to Transform Your Orange Hair?

Whether you're going for peachy-pink, hot neon vibes, or rich auburn, there's a shade that'll work perfectly with your orange hair.

Want more hair tips and color inspiration? Follow us @arcticfoxhaircolor on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest, Facebook, X, and Threads. Tag us in your hair transformations for a chance to be featured, we love seeing your color creations!

There's something undeniably magical about crystals—the way they catch the light, their vibrant hues, and the energy they're believed to carry. For centuries, these gorgeous gems have inspired everything from jewelry to fashion to makeup palettes, and now they're taking the hair color world by storm. This holiday season, why not channel that same crystal energy into your hair? We've rounded up 5 of our favorite crystal-inspired hair colors using Arctic Fox so you can achieve the gemstone hair of your dreams for the holidays. Get ready to bedazzle yourself from root to tip!

What is Gemstone Hair?

Gemstone hair is a dazzling trend that brings the mesmerizing beauty of crystals and precious stones to your locks. Inspired by the rich, multidimensional hues found in nature's most captivating gems—think amethyst purples, rose quartz pinks, sapphire blues, and emerald greens. This color technique creates hair that literally shimmers like a jewel. Unlike flat, single-tone colors, gemstone hair captures the depth and luminosity of actual crystals through carefully blended shades and light-reflecting tones. The result? Hair that catches the light from every angle and transforms your look into something truly precious.

Gemstone Hair Colors

Amethyst Purple Hair Color: Channel Your Inner Royalty

Picture the deepest, most mesmerizing purple you've ever seen—that's amethyst, and that's exactly what your hair is about to become. This stunning violet gemstone has been treasured for ages, believed to promote calmness, clarity, and spiritual growth. Perfect for when you need to zen out during those chaotic holiday gatherings, right?

To get this regal, gem-worthy look, reach for Purple Madness. This rich, vibrant shade captures all the luxurious depth of amethyst crystals, giving you that "I woke up like this (but actually I'm a mystical queen)" vibe. Whether you're rocking a full head of purple or just adding some amethyst highlights, this shade is guaranteed to turn heads at every holiday party.

Emerald Green Hair Color: Bring the Luxe

Okay, let's talk about emerald—the green so lush and opulent it literally screams "I'm fancy." This precious gemstone represents prosperity, love, and renewal (hello, New Year energy!). Emerald green hair is for the bold, the daring, and anyone who wants to make a serious statement this holiday season.

Emerald Fortune is your ticket to achieving this show-stopping look. This jewel-toned green is as rich as the actual gemstone, giving you that bedazzling, crystalline finish that'll have everyone asking, "How did you get your hair to look like an actual gem?" Trust us, this shade is pure holiday magic in a bottle.

Blue Topaz Hair Color: Cool, Calm, and Completely Stunning

If you're all about those icy, ethereal vibes, blue topaz is calling your name. This crystal is known for promoting communication, creativity, and self-expression—basically, it's the gem equivalent of being your most authentic self. The cool blue tones are perfect for winter, giving you that fresh-off-the-slopes chic look.

To capture this crystalline blue beauty, grab Aurora Kiss. This dreamy shade mirrors the soft, luminous quality of blue topaz, creating a multidimensional look that shifts and shimmers in different lighting. It's like having your own personal Northern Lights right on your head. Winter wonderland? More like winter wonder-YOU.

Ruby Red Hair Color: Be the Main Character

Ruby red is THE power color—bold, passionate, and impossible to ignore. This precious gemstone symbolizes love, courage, and vitality, making it the perfect choice for anyone ready to own the holidays like the absolute gem they are. Ruby hair is classic yet edgy, timeless yet totally on-trend.

Ritual is the shade that'll give you that deep, luxurious ruby tone that looks straight out of a jewelry box. This rich red has serious depth and dimension, creating that gemstone-inspired shine that makes people wonder if your hair is actually bedazzled with real crystals. Spoiler alert: it's just that good.

Rose Quartz Pink Hair Color: Soft, Sweet, and Seriously Pretty

Let's bring it down to earth with the gentle, loving energy of rose quartz. This crystal is all about self-love, compassion, and positive vibes—basically everything we need more of during the holiday season (especially during family dinners). Rose quartz hair gives you that soft, romantic look that's effortlessly gorgeous.

Frosé is your go-to for achieving this crystal-inspired pink perfection. Think of it as your hair's version of rosé wine—sophisticated, pretty, and always a good idea. This dusty pink shade captures the subtle, luminous quality of rose quartz, giving you that "I'm soft but make it fashion" energy that's perfect for holiday photos.

FAQ

How to wear your hair on holiday?

The holidays are a great time to experiment with fun hairstyles, and there are so many lovely options to choose from like cozy braids, elegant buns, or soft Hollywood curls. No matter what hairstyle you choose for the holiday occasion, a gemstone hair color will take it to the next festive and glamorous level. Your crystal-inspired shade will literally glow in those twinkling holiday lights!

What color is amethyst hair?

Much like the crystal, amethyst hair color is traditionally a dark yet vibrant purple shade. Think royal purple with serious depth and dimension—the kind of color that looks like actual magic captured in your strands.

What is the healthiest hair dye for your hair?

Arctic Fox Semi-Permanent Hair Dyes are vegan, cruelty-free, and free of harsh chemicals, making them a healthier option for dyeing your hair. Your hair gets gorgeous gemstone color while staying happy and healthy—it's a win-win!

What hair color makes you look expensive?

Dark, rich colors that exude shine and look high-maintenance—like ginger or dark maroon red—tend to look luxurious without having to cost a fortune to achieve. Gemstone-inspired shades like rose quartz or emerald also give off major expensive vibes thanks to their jewel-toned richness.

Gemstone Hair for the Holidays: Time To Transform

Ready to bedazzle your way through the holidays with gorgeous gemstone hair? Whether you're team purple, green, blue, red, or pink, these crystal-inspired shades will have you sparkling all season long. Follow us @arcticfoxhaircolor on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest, Facebook, X, and Threads, and make sure to tag us in your gemstone hair transformations for a chance to be featured. Now go forth and shine like the gem you are! ✨

Okay, let's talk about red hair highlights for a sec, they're literally the hair equivalent of that perfect filter that makes everything look better. We've been obsessed with this timeless technique forever, and for good reason! Highlights add dimension, brightness, and that effortless "I woke up like this" vibe that we're all chasing. Now, you might be thinking highlights are strictly a salon thing, but plot twist: you can totally achieve magazine-worthy results right from your bathroom (yes, really!).

And as if we couldn't already love this hair coloring technique enough, here comes red highlights to make our jaws drop even more. We're talking about that perfect pop of warmth that can transform your entire look from basic to absolutely stunning.

In this blog, we're going to break down different types of highlights, show you exactly how to achieve them at home, and spill all the tea on the best color pairings for red hair highlights. Trust us, your hair game is about to level up.

Different Types of Highlights

Classic Highlights

Classic highlights are all about brightening your overall look, adding lightness and dimension, and creating that gorgeous sun-kissed effect, and what better shade to do that than red? This is the perfect look for anyone who wants to add some spice in a more subtle and timeless way. Think effortlessly chic with just the right amount of drama.

How to get the look at home:

1. Use hair clips to section out the pieces of hair that you want to be colorful. Pro tip: Weave in and out while sectioning so you're dyeing different layers and adding extra dimension – this is what separates amateur hour from professional-looking results!

2. Use brushes to evenly dye the sections with your desired shade of red. Bright cherry, dark maroon, or fiery red with a hint of orange are a few of our favorite choices! Pro tip: Wear a designated dye shirt, apply petroleum jelly around your hairline, and wear protective gloves to prevent staining (trust us on this one – red dye has a mind of its own).

3. Leave it in for at least 30 minutes (but longer saturation time doesn't hurt!). For the best results, cover your hair with a plastic cap and use heat or blow dry for up to 15 minutes.

4. Rinse your hair in cold water until it runs as close to clear as possible.

5. Style as desired, pose for a picture, and share your new look with us!

@aveda.candance used Wrath and Frosé

Chunky Highlights

Ready to make a statement? Chunky red hair highlights add bold contrast with a serious pop of color. This look was super popular in the Y2K era and gives off fun, youthful, and rebellious energy that we're absolutely here for. This is also a great look for anyone who's more low-maintenance since it's easy to keep up with – win-win!

How to get the look at home:

1. Use hair clips to section out large chunks of hair that you want to pop! Pro tip: Lighten your highlight sections with bleach before going in with red for extra vibrancy – this step is a total game-changer for getting that intense color payoff.

2. Use brushes to evenly dye the sections with your desired shade of red. Bright cherry, dark maroon, or fiery red with a hint of orange are a few of our favorite choices! Pro tip: Wear a designated dye shirt, apply petroleum jelly around your hairline, and wear protective gloves to prevent staining.

3. Leave it in for at least 30 minutes (but longer saturation time doesn't hurt!). For the best results, cover your hair with a plastic cap and use heat or blow dry for up to 15 minutes.

4. Rinse your hair in cold water until it runs as close to clear as possible.

5. Style as desired, pose for a picture, and share your new look with us!

@jessss_wildandsavvy used Wrath

Color Pairings That Actually Work

Natural Hair Color

This is the most common and foolproof approach since all you have to deal with is one shade and leave the rest of your hair virgin. Whether you're brunette, blonde, or already rocking some natural red tones, red hair highlights blend beautifully with your base color for a look that's striking but never overwhelming.

@colored_byvee used Wrath and Poison

Vivid Hair Colors

Here's where things get really fun! Analogous shades (colors that sit next to each other on the color wheel) are the best choice when experimenting with blending vivid colors because if bleeding occurs, they won't turn muddy. With color theory in mind, some of our favorite vivid options to go with red highlights are pink, purple, orange, and yellow. These combinations create that rainbow effect that's perfect for anyone ready to fully embrace their colorful hair era.

@hairpaintedwithlove used Virgin Pink, Electric Paradise, and Wrath

FAQ

What kind of highlights should a redhead get?

Pink, orange, red, and yellow highlights look effortlessly amazing on redheads! These warm tones complement natural red hair beautifully and enhance your existing color story.

What to know before getting highlights?

Before getting highlights, we recommend knowing what kind of highlights you want (classic or chunky) and what shades you want them to be. Having a clear vision helps ensure you get the results you're dreaming of!

Is it hard to maintain red highlights?

Not necessarily! As long as you mix red hair highlights with your natural hair color or shades that go well with them, like pink or orange, you won't have to worry about bleeding and muddiness. Wash your hair with cold water and color-safe shampoo and conditioner to easily maintain your red highlights.

Do red highlights need bleach?

Yes, depending on your desired outcome and how vivid you want your red highlights to be, you will need to bleach first. We always recommend performing a strand test first to ensure you get your expected color!

Ready to Transform Your Look?

There you have it – everything you need to know about creating gorgeous red hair highlights that'll have everyone asking where you got your hair done! Whether you're going for subtle classic highlights or bold chunky statements, red is always a mood and never a mistake.

Now go forth and create some hair magic! Don't forget to tag us in your hair transformations and follow us online @arcticfoxhaircolor for more vivid hair tips and inspiration. We seriously live for seeing your colorful creations, so show us what you've got!