12 Vibrant Colors for Red Hair Every Redhead Should Try
Finding the right colors for red hair can make a world of difference in enhancing its natural beauty. Whether you’re rocking a fiery copper hue or a deeper auburn shade, choosing the perfect color palette for your wardrobe and makeup is key to making your red locks shine.
From bold jewel tones to softer neutrals, the right colors can highlight the warmth or coolness of your hair, creating a harmonious look. In this guide, we’ll explore the best color choices that can elevate your style and make your red hair the star of any outfit.
Best Colors for Red Hair with Warm Undertones
If your red hair has warm undertones, you’re in luck! The right colors can bring out the golden, copper, and fiery shades in your hair, creating a radiant and harmonious look. Earthy tones and rich, warm hues tend to complement red hair with warm undertones perfectly. These colors not only enhance the natural warmth of your hair but also make you look glowing and put-together.
1. Gold
Gold is a natural complement to red hair with warm undertones. The richness of gold brings out the fiery, coppery shades in your red hair, enhancing its vibrancy.
Whether it’s a metallic gold top, jewelry, or accessories, this color adds a radiant glow that creates a harmonious look, emphasizing the warm undertones of both your skin and hair. Gold also pairs well with a variety of other colors, making it a versatile option for styling.
2. Olive Green
Olive green is an earthy, warm color that contrasts beautifully with red hair, particularly those with golden or coppery undertones. This color has a muted, rustic quality that makes it a perfect pairing with vibrant red shades.
The soft, rich tones of olive green help balance the intensity of red hair, giving you a sophisticated, natural look. Whether in a sweater or a jacket, this earthy color will make your hair stand out in a subtle, flattering way.
3. Terracotta
Terracotta is a warm, reddish-brown color with earthy undertones, making it a natural fit for red hair with warm undertones. This color mirrors the shades found in red hair, and when paired together, it creates a seamless, radiant look.
Terracotta tones are perfect for adding depth and warmth to your outfit without overpowering your hair color. Think of terracotta dresses, scarves, or even footwear that can bring out the richness in your red locks.
4. Warm Browns
Warm browns, like caramel, chestnut, and mocha, work exceptionally well with red hair with warm undertones. These shades not only complement the natural warmth of red hair, but they also add a sense of depth and sophistication to your overall look.
Caramel, for example, will highlight the golden undertones in your red hair, while chestnut gives a deeper, more grounded contrast that makes the red hair pop. Whether in a cozy sweater, a chic blazer, or boots, warm browns are an easy-to-style option for redheads.
Best Colors for Red Hair with Cool Undertones
Red hair with cool undertones is a striking and unique look, and choosing the right colors can make all the difference. To highlight those cooler shades in your hair, opt for colors that contrast beautifully while enhancing your hair’s vibrancy. Jewel tones and cool neutrals, for example, work especially well for those with cool undertones, creating a sophisticated, balanced style that showcases your red hair in the best possible light.
1. Emerald Green
Emerald green is a striking jewel tone that pairs wonderfully with red hair that has cool undertones. The deep, rich hue of emerald green provides a sophisticated contrast to the coolness in red hair, making both the color of your hair and outfit pop.
Emerald is bold and eye-catching, perfect for making a statement, whether in a dress, blouse, or accessory. This color will highlight the subtle cool undertones in your red hair, bringing out its vibrancy in a flattering way.
2. Lavender
Lavender is a soft and refreshing color that works especially well for red hair with cool undertones. The delicate hue of lavender complements the cool shades found in red hair, creating a fresh, balanced contrast.
Lavender has a calming, soothing effect and can soften the intensity of red hair, creating an elegant and chic appearance. Whether in a blouse, sweater, or even makeup, lavender is a cool-toned color that will highlight the beauty of your red locks without clashing.
3. Cool Blues
Cool blues, such as cobalt or navy, are fantastic choices for red hair with cool undertones. These deep, rich blues create a sharp contrast against the cool tones of red hair, adding a touch of sophistication and drama to your look.
Navy blue is a classic color that pairs well with many skin tones, while cobalt blue is more vibrant, offering a bold, striking combination with red hair. Whether in a jacket, dress, or accessories, cool blues are a great way to enhance your red hair and make it the focal point of your outfit.
4. Charcoal Grey
Charcoal grey is a chic, neutral color that complements red hair with cool undertones beautifully. The muted nature of charcoal grey creates a modern, edgy look that pairs effortlessly with red hues.
Unlike lighter grays, which can wash out cool-toned red hair, charcoal adds depth and contrast without clashing. This color works well in both casual and formal settings, whether in a sweater, suit, or scarf, making it a versatile option for any occasion.
Best Colors for Red Hair with Neutral Undertones
If your red hair falls into the neutral undertone category, you’re lucky enough to have the flexibility to pull off a wide range of colors. Neutral undertones in red hair allow for a more versatile wardrobe, as they can look great with both warm and cool tones. From soft beiges to deeper, richer colors, these shades can create a chic and balanced appearance while making your red hair the star of your outfit.
1. Blush Pink
Blush pink is a soft, subtle color that enhances red hair with neutral undertones. The delicate nature of blush pink strikes a perfect balance, complementing both warm and cool undertones in red hair without being overpowering.
This color is light, feminine, and romantic, making it ideal for both casual wear and more polished outfits. Whether it’s a blush pink top, dress, or accessories, this color will complement your red hair and bring out its natural vibrancy.
2. Teal
Teal is a rich, medium blue-green that works wonderfully with red hair, especially those with neutral undertones. The balance of blue and green in teal makes it versatile enough to enhance the complexity of both warm and cool red hues.
Teal creates a stunning contrast with red hair, adding depth to your look without overwhelming it. Whether it’s a teal blouse, skirt, or accessories, teal is a color that will make your red hair stand out while maintaining a balanced, stylish appearance.
3. Soft Beige
Soft beige is a neutral, calming color that works exceptionally well with red hair with neutral undertones. It complements the warmth of red hair without clashing with its cooler undertones, creating a harmonious and refined look.
Soft beige adds subtle sophistication and can be paired with virtually any other color. Whether it’s a beige sweater, coat, or handbag, this color is an easy and chic way to complement your red hair without drawing too much attention away from it.
4. Warm Taupe
Warm taupe, a mix of brown and gray with subtle warmth, is an excellent color for red hair with neutral undertones. It doesn’t lean too heavily on either the warm or cool spectrum, making it perfect for creating a balanced, understated look.
Warm taupe works beautifully in both professional and casual settings, adding sophistication and subtlety to your wardrobe. Whether it’s in a coat, dress, or shoes, this versatile neutral will enhance your red hair without overwhelming it, allowing your hair’s natural beauty to shine.
Makeup Colors to Complement Red Hair
When you have red hair, selecting the right makeup shades can elevate your look, enhancing the natural beauty of your hair and creating a cohesive, stunning appearance. Your makeup choices, from foundation and blush to eyeshadow and lipstick, should complement the undertones in your hair to create balance and harmony. Here’s how to choose makeup colors that pair perfectly with your red locks:
1. Foundation and Blush
For redheads, finding the right foundation can make a significant difference in achieving a natural look. If you have warm red hair, opt for foundations with a yellow or golden undertone to match your skin’s warmth. For cooler redheads, a foundation with a pink or neutral undertone will work best.
When it comes to blush, stick to shades that complement your undertones. Warm-toned blushes, such as peach or coral, are ideal for redheads with warm undertones.
On the other hand, if your red hair has cooler undertones, look for blushes in pinks or soft mauves, which create a beautiful contrast without overwhelming your complexion. For neutral undertones, both warm and cool blushes can work well, but be mindful of choosing shades that don’t clash with your overall look.
2. Eyeshadow
The right eyeshadow colors can bring out the vibrancy of your red hair. If you have warm red hair, go for eyeshadow shades with rich, earthy tones such as gold, copper, bronze, and warm browns. These shades will enhance the golden and coppery notes in your hair, creating a harmonious look.
Cool redheads can make their hair pop with jewel-toned eyeshadows like emerald, amethyst, and cool-toned blues. These shades create a striking contrast with red hair and emphasize its cool undertones, making your eyes stand out beautifully.
For neutral-toned red hair, experiment with both warm and cool shades. Neutral browns, soft taupes, and muted purples can work well, offering balance and sophistication while letting your red hair take center stage. Don’t forget to blend well and avoid using too many bold colors, as this can compete with your hair.
3. Eyeliner and Mascara
The right eyeliner can make a huge impact on your overall makeup look. For redheads, deep browns or soft taupes are a great alternative to the traditional black eyeliner.
Brown eyeliner enhances the natural warmth of red hair, creating a softer, more natural look. For a bolder statement, redheads with cool undertones can try a dark plum or charcoal eyeliner, which complements their cool-toned hair beautifully.
When it comes to mascara, black or dark brown mascara works best for redheads, as it defines the lashes without overpowering the delicate balance of color in your hair and eyes. If you want a more dramatic look, consider using a navy or dark plum mascara to subtly enhance your eye color and create depth.
4. Lipstick
Lipstick is a key makeup item that can truly transform your look. Redheads can wear a variety of lip colors, but the key is to find shades that don’t compete with the red tones in your hair.
For those with warm red hair, opt for warm-toned lipsticks such as coral, peach, or orange-red. These shades will enhance the warm undertones in your hair, creating a balanced and radiant look. If you prefer something a little bolder, a classic red with an orange or yellow undertone will be a perfect match.
Cool-toned redheads should steer toward lipsticks with blue or purple undertones. Shades like berry, raspberry, and cool reds will contrast beautifully with your hair color, making your lips pop while still maintaining a harmonious look.
Neutral-toned redheads can wear a wide range of lipsticks, from soft pinks to deeper berry tones. The key is to pick a shade that complements your personal style and doesn’t overwhelm your natural features. A nude pink or warm rose will work perfectly to create an elegant and natural look.
5. Highlighter
Highlighter is an essential product for adding a touch of glow to your skin. For redheads with warm undertones, opt for a golden or champagne highlighter, which complements your complexion and brings out the warmth in your hair.
For those with cooler red hair, try a highlighter with a pearl or pink undertone, which adds a subtle shimmer and enhances the cool tones in your hair. Neutral-toned redheads can go for a universally flattering peachy or soft golden highlighter that adds just the right amount of radiance.
6. Brows
Don’t forget about your eyebrows, as they play a crucial role in framing your face. For redheads, it’s important to choose an eyebrow color that complements the warmth or coolness of your hair. If you have warm red hair, choose a brow pencil or powder in shades of auburn, soft brown, or golden brown.
Cooler redheads may prefer a more neutral-toned brow product, such as a taupe or cool brown. Neutral redheads can often pull off both warm and cool brow colors, so choose the shade that best suits your look.