Red hair is unique and beautiful, but when you’re ready for a change, it can be tricky to figure out what color will actually work on top. You don’t want to end up with a color that clashes or doesn’t take well to your red base. Luckily, there are some shades that will blend seamlessly, creating a fresh look without compromising the vibrancy of your natural color.
In this guide, we’re sharing 10 hair colors that work perfectly over red, as well as 5 colors you might want to skip. Whether you’re looking to go lighter, darker, or just try something a little different, we’ve got you covered with some smart options that’ll give you the results you’re hoping for.
Rich Chocolate Brown
Rich chocolate brown captures attention with its deep, enticing hue. This color works wonders over red, offering a seamless transformation. Its earthy richness subtly blends with red undertones, creating a harmonious balance. Imagine a cozy autumn day, where leaves mirror the warmth of your hair.
Suitable for those who enjoy understated elegance, this shade evokes a sense of confidence and sophistication. It’s perfect whether you’re attending a formal event or enjoying a casual outing. The comforting warmth of chocolate brown complements various skin tones, making it a versatile and appealing choice.
Vibrant Copper
Vibrant copper dazzles with its fiery allure. Perfect for those wanting to retain a touch of red, it enhances your natural hues. Copper reflects light brilliantly, offering a lively, energetic appearance. Picture a sunset’s glow, with your hair shining like molten metal.
This color suits adventurous spirits, unafraid to make a bold statement. With its radiant shine, copper can uplift any look, adding a spark of excitement to everyday life. Ideal for creative souls, it’s a hue that evokes passion and vitality, ensuring you never blend into the background.
Golden Blonde
Golden blonde offers a sun-kissed transformation that complements red beautifully. This shade adds brightness, giving your hair a luminous glow. Imagine sunlit waves, where golden strands dance with every breeze.
For those seeking a refreshing change, golden blonde is both glamorous and radiant. Its warmth enhances your natural beauty, creating a look that’s effortlessly chic. Whether strolling through sandy shores or sipping coffee in a café, this color captures the essence of summer. Embrace the light-hearted, carefree vibe it exudes, making every day feel like a sunny escape.
Deep Burgundy
Deep burgundy embraces a rich, velvety allure that complements red undertones splendidly. This color is for those who appreciate depth and luxury in their style. Imagine a glass of fine wine, with hues echoing elegance and refinement.
Perfect for winter months, burgundy offers a warm, inviting feel. It’s ideal for anyone looking to add a touch of mystery to their appearance. The deep tones convey a sense of authority and grace, making it a favorite among professionals and creatives alike. Subtle yet striking, it’s a timeless choice for any season.
Ash Brown
Ash brown provides a cool, sophisticated shift from red. This muted shade has an understated elegance, perfect for those seeking a subtle change. Picture misty mornings where ash tones seamlessly blend with cool air.
For minimalists at heart, ash brown offers a modern, chic appearance. Its cool palette contrasts beautifully with warm skin tones, adding depth without overwhelming. Whether you’re at a corporate meeting or enjoying a quiet evening, this color exudes confidence and composure, making it a dependable choice for a refined look.
Caramel Highlights
Caramel highlights infuse warmth and dimension, working wonderfully over a red base. They catch the light, creating an inviting glow that softens and complements your look. Imagine autumn leaves, where varying shades enhance the landscape.
Perfect for adding a touch of fun, caramel highlights suit those who love playful elegance. They add movement and texture, making your hair look fuller and dynamic. Whether you’re brunching with friends or heading to a gallery, these highlights offer a stylish, versatile appeal, ensuring your hair remains a focal point of fascination.
Jet Black
Jet black hair creates a striking contrast over red, offering a dramatic, bold transformation. This color choice commands attention, with its deep, absorbing shade that can elevate any appearance.
Envision a moonless night, where darkness blankets the landscape. For those unafraid to make a statement, jet black is a compelling choice. It suits strong personalities, adding a touch of mystique and allure. Whether you’re attending a sleek urban event or enjoying a quiet night in, this color ensures you stand out with confidence and sophistication.
Honey Blonde
Honey blonde exudes warmth and sweetness, harmonizing beautifully with red hues. This shade offers a soft, inviting glow, reminiscent of late summer afternoons. Picture golden meadows where honeyed strands catch the sun’s light.
Ideal for those seeking a natural, radiant look, honey blonde adds a touch of whimsy. It enhances your features with its gentle shine, perfect for both casual and formal settings. This color infuses a sense of happiness and lightness, making everyday experiences feel a little more magical and carefree.
Platinum Blonde
Platinum blonde offers a bold, striking contrast over red, ideal for those wanting a standout transformation. Its icy hue captivates and draws attention, perfect for trendsetters. Picture winter’s frost, where light dances across a silvery landscape.
This daring choice suits those unafraid to embrace a new identity, exuding confidence and style. Whether exploring a modern art gallery or dining in an upscale restaurant, platinum blonde ensures you leave a lasting impression. It’s a color that embodies elegance and sophistication, adding an edgy twist to traditional beauty norms.
Soft Pastel Pink
Soft pastel pink offers a whimsical escape from the ordinary, blending surprisingly well over red. This playful hue adds a touch of fantasy, perfect for creative souls. Imagine a candy-colored wonderland, where pastel pink reigns.
Ideal for artistic spirits, this color exudes charm and light-heartedness. It’s a fun way to express individuality, making everyday moments feel like a delightful dream. Whether attending a themed party or casually exploring the city, pastel pink hair adds a splash of joy and creativity, ensuring you never fade into the background.
Skip – Light Ash Blonde
Light ash blonde can be a tricky choice over red. Its cool tones may clash with the warm undertones of red, creating an undesired contrast. Imagine a mismatched outfit, where colors just don’t align.
This shade often struggles to cover red effectively, potentially leading to uneven results. It’s best suited for those starting with a neutral base. While it can appear chic in the right context, on red hair, it often lacks the harmony needed for a seamless look. Consider other blonde options that harmonize better with fiery hues.
Skip – Bright Yellow
Bright yellow is another color to avoid over red. Its vividness may not blend well, resulting in a stark, jarring appearance. Picture clashing patterns that disrupt rather than delight.
This shade struggles to harmonize with red, often highlighting rather than concealing the base color. It’s best for those with a lighter, neutral starting point. While striking, bright yellow can lead to unexpected results when used over red, potentially resulting in a less cohesive look. Consider opting for warmer, golden hues that work better with red’s natural warmth.
Skip – Neon Green
Neon green is a daring choice, but one that doesn’t complement red well. Its intensity can clash, creating a discordant look that may not appeal to everyone. Imagine a neon sign that’s too bright for its surroundings.
This shade is best for those seeking an unconventional style, but it often highlights rather than blends with red undertones. While it can be visually striking, neon green may lead to unpredictable results over a red base. It’s recommended to explore colors that enhance rather than overpower your existing shade.
Skip – Pastel Blue
Pastel blue offers a serene, artistic vibe but doesn’t always work over red. Its coolness can clash, leading to a muddled effect. Imagine trying to mix oil and water; they simply don’t blend.
This shade is best for those with a pale base, where its subtlety shines. Over red, it often struggles to assert itself, resulting in an uneven, unsatisfactory appearance. For those seeking a cool shade, consider options like ash brown that offer a more coherent blend with red undertones, ensuring a smoother, more polished look.
Skip – Ice Grey
Ice grey is a cool, modern shade but may not pair well with red. Its chilly tones can contrast awkwardly, creating a disjointed look. Picture ice meeting fire, where they cancel each other out.
This color is best for experimental styles, yet often falls short when covering red. It’s better suited for those with an already neutral base, where its elegance can truly shine. For a cohesive appearance, explore colors that complement rather than compete with red, ensuring a more unified and appealing result.