26 Rich Red Hair Colors for Your Fall Mood Board

As the leaves turn crimson and the fall breeze grows crisp, it might feel like time for a change in your look, too, particularly when it comes to your hair color. If you’re yearning to infuse your lengths with an added dose of warmth that channels the season, you might consider the current go-to hue: red.

From the runway to the red carpet, celebrities have embraced this passionate shade. Stars like Megan Fox and Lucy Boynton have proved that red hair is the ultimate fall accessory. But it's not just about the star-studded appeal—red hair in the fall offers practical benefits, too. As temperatures drop, fiery locks can add a radiant warmth to your overall look, complementing cozy scarves and autumn wardrobes. 

So, why is red hair trending? The answer lies in its timeless appeal and vast shade range. “There are so many shades of red, which makes it the perfect hue for fall,” says celebrity stylist Dimitris Giannetos. “Whether you opt for a fiery auburn, a sultry copper, or a deep burgundy, there’s a color that will suit you.”

If you’re wondering if the world of red hair is for you, we’re here to help you decide. We reached out to a few experts to share everything you need to know about red hair, along with some of their favorite looks.

Best Red Hair Colors for Different Skin Tones

The spectrum of red is broad, so knowing what color will work for you can be challenging. Our experts advise seeking professional advice, but there are a few general tips that can help with your decision.

For dark skin tones, deep, rich coppers and violets have a way of bringing a beautiful glow to light, say the experts. “Darker skin tones can also pull off quite the range of vivid reds. The main thing here is making sure the style you go for complements the vivid red,” says Brown. “One look I love to see on darker skin tones are dimensional reds. Whether the dimension is created with different reds, or even using the red to create pockets of dimension while keeping the natural color in there as a lowlight. This is exceptionally beautiful on individuals who have curls and coils.”

“When it comes to medium skin tones, your options are pretty endless,” says Brown. “As long as you don't have a lot of underlying red in your complexion, you can literally run the gambit on reds. Try any and everything.” 

For medium-to-light skin tones, Brown recommends rich coppers or more vivid and vibrant reds. However, if you have a lot of red in your natural skin tone, or if you suffer from something like rosacea, the stylist says vivid reds can sometimes make this more obvious. 

“For skin tones that are on the fairer side, you'll want to stick with soft copper or ginger reds, or even rich strawberry tones that have some depth to them,” says Brown. “If you're not a fan of copper or strawberry, you can still dive into more pigmented reds if you have fair skin, you'll just want to stick to the more neutral reds.”

How to Maintain Red Hair

All the experts agree that dyed red hair is prone to fade and requires regular maintenance. “Red hair fades fast, so using a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner is a must,” says Michael. “I would also recommend using a color depositing glaze at home to maintain the color and keep it vibrant.”

If you have straight hair, Brown recommends Redkens Color Extend Magnetics Sulphate-Free Shampoo, and for waves, curls and coils, she recommends Mizani Press Agent Smoothing, Frizz Control Blow Dry Styling Serum. “Both of these lines are sulfate-free and color-safe, so you aren't stripping the red from your hair," says the stylist.

Using heat protection is also a must if you want your red hair to stay damage-free and healthy. “Whether you have straight, wavy, curly, or coily hair, avoid putting heat on your red every day — try to space it out,” says Brown. “When you do use heat, be sure to use heat protection like Mizani Style Shifter Society Heat Screen, which protects from up to 450°F of heat styling. I also like to use the Sam Villa Sleekr Iron, this is a must for reds. The flat iron has ceramic plates that are coated with tourmaline, which provides even heat distribution across the plates. This results in extra shine and smoothness, while being gentle on the hair."