12 Best Red Hair Dyes to Create Bright, Bold Locks at Home
If you're ready for a Ree-inspired makeover, look no further.
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Trying out new hair dye ideas is beyond fun, especially when you decide to take the plunge and do something new, like going red. Even if you're a natural redhead like Ree Drummond, you might want to switch up your shade of red now and then. Her stylist, Amber Southern, often lightens her hair in the summer and switches to darker shades in the colder months. If you're wondering how these red hair color ideas will turn out on you, then check out these best red hair dyes that'll give you a gorgeous new look!
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There are so many shades to consider when dyeing your hair at home. Looking for a hue that's cool or warm in tone? The best drugstore hair dyes have options for both. Choosing the right red hair color also depends on your natural color, but it's an achievable look whether you have blonde hair or a dark or light brown hair color. Even if you were on the recent natural gray hair color train, no problem! Many of these options offer total coverage, so you can switch up your look without worrying about fly-away grays.
Ahead, discover a dozen amazing red hair dyes ranging from pale strawberry blonde to rich auburn. If you're not quite ready to permanently become a redhead, we also found a semi-permanent option so you can still get in on the fun. And before you get to dyeing, check out these helpful tips for how to get hair dye off your skin!
Pros
- Bright, bold color
Cons
- Not for subtle color change
Ready to have a bit of fiery redhead fun? This shimmery hair color will most definitely help. If you're a natural brunette, a red-toned auburn will bring you all the attitude of a bright red with half the maintenance.
| Number of process steps: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Application type: | Gel |
Pros
- Most affordable option
Cons
- May require extra conditioning
This bestselling brand offers a delicious cherry red color that's sure to grab attention. With an easy-to-apply cream, you get a rich, vibrant shade that covers grays. It is ammonia-free and super affordable, which is great if you want to dip your toe in the dye pool for the first time.
| Number of process steps: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Application type: | Cream |
Pros
- Natural looking shade
Cons
- May have strong odor
Get the recognizable strawberry blonde tones of Emma Stone and Jessica Chastain with this gentle box dye. This light shade goes well with cooler skin tones or freckles and has a softer hue for a gentler look. In addition to depositing dreamy reddish-blonde color, it promises total gray coverage, too.
| Number of process steps: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Application type: | Cream |
Pros
- Great for brunettes
Cons
- May drip when applied
Looking to wade into becoming a redhead before completely diving in? This reddish-brown dye will be the perfect segue into the red color family. The mixture of avocado, olive, and shea oils will make sure your hair is extra nourished.
| Number of process steps: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Application type: | Cream |
Pros
- Easy and fast to use for touchups
Cons
- Does not cover whole strands
Already have color-treated red hair but need a solution for your grown-out roots? This easy-to-use kit delivers permanent color to seamlessly blend your roots with the rest of your hair.
| Number of process steps: | 1 |
|---|---|
| Application type: | Cream |
SoftSheen-Carson Dark & Lovely Fade Resist Hair Color
Pros
- Specifically formulated for hair of African decent
Cons
- 14-day waiting period after relaxing hair
Give your curls some "red hot rhythm" with this vibrant copper-red dye. Formulated specifically for natural hair of African decent, Dark & Lovely protects your curls with major hydration while adding vibrancy to the color. You can also use it with chemically treated hair, but you should wait two weeks before coloring.
| Number of process steps: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Application type: | Jelly |
Pros
- Intense color
Cons
- Color may fade
This eye-catching color will help you transform your tresses into the likes of Jessica Chastain's. And because the dye is formulated with a 60 percent blend of oils, your mane could be just as shiny as hers.
| Number of process steps: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Application type: | Cream |
Pros
- Best for sensitive skin
Cons
- Color may look darker than expected
A dark red hair color that looks rich and delicious? Yes, please. Beyond the gorgeous shade it creates, this box dye does so without ammonia, silicone, or alcohol, ensuring a healthier (and safer) at-home dyeing experience.
| Number of process steps: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Application type: | Cream |
L'Oreal Paris Superior Preference Hair Color in Auburn Brown
Pros
- Rich, long-lasting color
Cons
- May be runnier than other creams
If Debra Messing is your red hair idol, look no further than this reddish-brown hair dye. The rich formula is designed to deliver eight weeks of fade-resistant color, simultaneously concealing all grays in the process.
| Number of process steps: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Application type: | Cream |
Pros
- Anti-breakage formula
Cons
- Color may bleed
If you prefer to have dark hair, you can try this deep color that has a hint of red. The formula also works to prevent breakage, cover grays, and strengthen strands from roots to ends.
| Number of process steps: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Application type: | Cream |
Pros
- Fastest process
Cons
- May have strong odor
This stunning, natural-looking dye kit takes just ten minutes to totally transform your hair and lasts up to 60 days. Just make sure you use it immediately after mixing because it activates quickly!
| Number of process steps: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Application type: | Cream |
Pros
- Takes only 10 minutes
Cons
- Works better on light hair
Not ready to actually dye your hair red? Consider testing the waters with a color-depositing conditioner instead. This ginger one will deliver a coppery color that'll last for a few washes.
| Number of process steps: | 1 |
|---|---|
| Application type: | Conditioner |
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