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 Best Bright Hair Colors for Summer Sunlight

Summer is officially here, and you know what that means! Longer days, warmer nights, and zero excuses not to have the most stunning hair of your life. Your hair is literally the main accessory to every single look this season, so why not go bold? We rounded up our top picks for bright, head-turning hair colors that absolutely slap in the sunlight. Whether you're poolside, festival-bound, or just living your best life, these shades are made for the spotlight. Let's get into it.

Our Favorite Bright Hair Colors for Summer

From rich purples to neon greens, these are the shades we're obsessing over this season. Whether you're going all-in on a full color or just dipping your toes in with an accent shade, there's something here for every kind of bold.

Purple: Purple AF

@sophiaxnova in Purple AF

If you've ever wanted to feel like royalty and the life of the party at the same time, then Purple AF is your shade, babe.

This rich, true purple delivers vibrant, saturated color on lighter hair and deep, moody purple tints on darker hair, making it one of those rare shades that works across the board. From platinum to light brown, Purple AF shows up and shows out.

The vibe? Think alternative CEO energy. The kind of person who runs the meeting and then closes down the dance floor. When the sunlight catches this color, you get a luminous, jewel-toned glow that makes it impossible to look away. Every eye in the room (and on the street) will be on you, and honestly? You deserve it.

Best results: Apply on platinum to light brown hair for the most vibrant purple payoff.

Blue: Aquamarine

@yana_kaminskaya in Aquamarine and Arctic Mist Diluter

Close your eyes. You're standing on the shore, salt in the air, waves rolling in, and your hair is giving full mermaid-just-stepped-out-of-the-ocean. That's Aquamarine.

This highly pigmented blue dye is loaded with teal undertones that make it glow in ways that should probably be illegal. On platinum or blonde hair, you'll get that bold, vivid aquamarine everyone stops to stare at. On darker hair, it develops into a deep, jewel-toned teal with the kind of rich dimension that looks like it took hours to achieve (spoiler: it didn't).

In the summer sun, Aquamarine absolutely glistens. It's whimsical, it's dreamy, and it was basically made for people who spend their summers mentally on a beach even when they're not.

Best results: Apply on platinum or blonde hair for true aquamarine tones.

Orange: Ginger Flare

@hadar_kawaii_hair used Ginger Flare

You want a color that walks into the room before you do? Say hello to Ginger Flare.

This high-impact orange-red is the perfect balance of punk and posh. On pre-lightened blonde hair, it delivers a true, fiery bright ginger that turns heads from across the street. On darker hair, it develops a deep, spicy orange-red tint that's rich, warm, and absolutely stunning.

When the sun hits Ginger Flare? You will literally be turning heads. It's warm, it's bold, and it somehow manages to feel both edgy and completely polished at the same time. This is the shade for the person who is all business Monday through Friday and front row at a music festival on Saturday. You contain multitudes, and your hair should too.

Best results: Apply on pre-lightened blonde hair for the truest, most vibrant ginger hue.

Green: Space Cowgirl

@gucciphoto in Space Cowgirl

Okay, we need to have a serious conversation about Space Cowgirl, because this shade is not playing around.

This bold, neon green is for the babes who are extra AF and completely proud of it, as they should be! With bright, leafy undertones and a neon intensity that actually glows under blacklight, Space Cowgirl is in a category of its own. On pre-lightened blonde hair, you get the full neon green experience. And in the summer sun? Sunglasses are basically mandatory to look at it directly. We wish we were exaggerating.

This is the hair color for someone who doesn't just want to stand out; they want to be a moment. If that's you (and we hope it is), Space Cowgirl is calling your name.

Best results: Apply on pre-lightened blonde hair for maximum neon green payoff.

Red: Wrath

@gabriellesydneyy in Wrath

Every friend group has that one person who is effortlessly cool, completely down to earth, and somehow always the most magnetic person in any room. Wrath was made for them.

This classic cherry red has deep berry undertones that can lean pink on platinum or light blonde hair, giving it a stunning range depending on your starting point. For the most vibrant cherry red with pink tones, apply it on pre-lightened hair. On darker hair, expect a dimensional magenta tint that adds serious depth and drama.

When the light hits Wrath, you get a cherry glow that radiates like a halo around your head. It's romantic, it's bold, and it somehow feels timeless even though it's anything but basic. This is the shade for the rockstar of the friend group. You know who you are.

Best results: Apply on pre-lightened hair for vibrant cherry red with pink tones.

Pink: Virgin Pink

@yo_im_jo_ in Virgin Pink

Hot pink but make it dreamy. That's Virgin Pink in a sentence.

This hot pink dye delivers deep, rich magenta tones that look absolutely stunning across different hair types. On pre-lightened platinum or blonde hair, you get the brightest, most vivid pink possible. On darker hair, it creates a deep magenta tint that adds bold, dimensional color with a serious wow factor.

In the sunlight, Virgin Pink turns you into a full neon dream. It's the hair color equivalent of a manic pixie dreamgirl who is also thriving, put-together, and living her absolute best life. If you've been on the fence about going pink, consider this your sign.

Best results: Apply on pre-lightened platinum or blonde hair for the brightest hot pink results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the hair trends for summer 2026?

Summer 2026 is all about self-expression, vibrant color, and embracing your unique personality through your hair. The biggest hair color trends this season include bold, saturated brights like electric blues, neon greens, vivid pinks, and punchy oranges. Dimensional, gemstone-inspired colors like rich purples, deep teals, and cherry reds are also huge right now. Basically, if it catches the light and makes you feel like the main character, it's on trend. 

What is the best color for summer 2026?

The best hair color for summer 2026 is honestly the one that makes you feel most like yourself! That said, bright, warm, and vivid shades are having a major moment. Neon greens, bold pinks, and rich reds are everywhere this season.

What are the top 3 summer hair colors?

Our top 3 summer hair colors this season are bright pinks, vivid blues, and bold oranges. From Arctic Fox's lineup, Virgin Pink, Aquamarine, and Ginger Flare hit all three of those notes perfectly. Whether you're after that sun-kissed warmth, a cool beachy blue, or an eye-catching pop of pink, these are the shades dominating summer 2026.

What hair color looks best in summer?

When it comes to seasonal color theory, people with a "summer" complexion typically have cool, soft undertones with lighter or medium features. Cool-toned hair colors tend to complement this beautifully, like soft pinks, muted lavenders, cool blues, and berry reds. That said, hair color rules are truly meant to be broken, and the best color is the one that makes you feel incredible every time you look in the mirror. Don't let a color season stop you from going full neon green if that's your vibe!

Ready to Glow This Summer?

There you have it! Six bright, bold, beautiful shades that were practically made for summer sunlight. Whether you're going full neon in Space Cowgirl or leaning into luxe vibes with Purple AF, your hair is about to be the star of the show all season long.

Follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @arcticfoxhaircolor for endless summer hair inspo, tutorials, and all the color content your feed deserves. And when you're ready to shop these shades, head to arcticfoxhaircolor.com to grab your colors and get the summer started. ☀️

Arctic Fox Hair Color's Best Selling Shades: Your Guide to Bold, Beautiful Hair

If you've spent any time scrolling through hair transformation videos or browsing color inspo, you've probably seen Arctic Fox pop up. There's a reason this brand has such a loyal following: it actually works, and it doesn't trash your hair in the process.

Here's what sets Arctic Fox apart: the formula is genuinely easy to use at home (no professional skills required), it's loaded with conditioner so your hair stays soft and healthy, and it's designed to give you those vibrant, eye-catching results on pre-lightened hair at level 8 or above. The best part? No peroxide, no ammonia, no PPD; just clean, vegan, cruelty-free ingredients that treat your hair right while delivering serious color payoff.

So let's get into the shades everyone keeps coming back for. These are the five best sellers that have earned their spot for a reason.

Arctic Fox Hair Color’s Best Sellers

So let's get into the shades everyone's obsessed with. These five colors consistently fly off the shelves, and once you see them, you'll understand why they've earned their cult-favorite status.

1. Purple AF

@violet_ocampo in Purple AF

If you're after a true, rich purple, this is it. Purple AF works across different hair levels, which makes it pretty versatile. On platinum or blonde hair, you'll get vibrant, saturated purple. On light brown hair, it creates deep purple tints with nice dimension. It's straightforward, reliable, and consistently gorgeous.

2. Aquamarine

@morganmckain in Aquamarine

Aquamarine is for anyone who's ever wanted mermaid hair. This highly pigmented blue has strong teal undertones that give it that underwater vibe. Apply it to platinum or blonde hair for bold, vivid aquamarine tones. On darker hair, it shifts into a deep, jewel-toned teal with rich dimension. Either way, it's stunning.

3. Virgin Pink

@skylastormx in Virgin Pink

Virgin Pink is a hot pink that leans magenta and doesn't hold back. For the brightest, most electric pink, use it on pre-lightened platinum or blonde hair. On darker hair, it creates a deep magenta tint that adds bold color and dimension. It's vibrant without being overwhelming, and it photographs beautifully.

4. Wrath

@mariijantunez in Wrath

Wrath is a classic cherry red with deep berry undertones that give it extra depth. One thing to know: it has strong pink undertones, so on platinum or light blonde hair, it can read pink (which honestly looks amazing). For the most vibrant cherry red with those pink tones, apply it to pre-lightened hair. On darker hair, expect a dimensional magenta tint that's rich and multidimensional.

5. Sunset Orange

@tamaracamps in Sunset Orange

If you want warm, bold color, Sunset Orange delivers. This bright red-orange is eye-catching and energetic. Apply it on pre-lightened blonde hair for that full, fiery red-orange effect. On darker hair, it creates a deep coppery tint that's equally gorgeous, just more subtle. Perfect for anyone wanting to add warmth and dimension.

FAQ: Your Arctic Fox Questions, Answered

Is Arctic Fox hair dye damaging for your hair?

Nope. The formula is actually conditioning, so it's adding moisture while it colors. It's easy to apply at home, works best on pre-lightened hair (level 8+), and doesn't contain harsh chemicals like peroxide, ammonia, or PPD. Plus, it's 100% vegan and cruelty-free.

What is the most recommended hair dye brand?

Arctic Fox Hair Color semi-permanent hair dye consistently ranks as a top choice for at-home color.

How do you get the best results with Arctic Fox hair dye?

Since everyone's hair is different, do a strand test first to see how the color will turn out on your specific hair, and do a patch test to check for any sensitivities.

Here's the process:

1. Shampoo and dry your hair thoroughly. Don't use conditioner.

2. Apply coconut oil around your hairline and ears to prevent staining (optional but helpful).

3. Remove the bottle cap and inner seal.

4. Put on gloves and pour the amount you need into a bowl.

5. Apply color evenly with a color brush. Start at the roots and work through to the ends, beginning at the nape of your neck and moving upward. Make sure every strand is saturated.

6. Cover your hair with a plastic cap and leave the color on for at least 30 minutes. Want more vibrant results? Leave it on longer—Arctic Fox won't damage your hair since it has added conditioner.

7. Rinse with tepid water until it runs clear. For the first rinse, use your kitchen sink with cold water instead of the shower for best results.

Make sure your hair is completely dry before going to bed to prevent color transfer. If you get color on your skin, rubbing alcohol will take it right off.

Go Bold with Arctic Fox’s Best Sellers

Whether you're going full mermaid with Aquamarine, embracing your bold side with Virgin Pink, or keeping it classic with Wrath, Arctic Fox has you covered. The best part about semi-permanent color is that you can experiment, have fun, and switch things up without commitment! Shop these best-selling shades and explore the full collection at arcticfoxhaircolor.com, and follow @arcticfoxhaircolor for real transformation photos, application tips, and endless color inspiration from our community.

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! ✨

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!