10 Best Red Hair Dyes in 2022 (Licensed Cosmetologist-Reviewed)
Red hair is always trendy. There are vibrant colors such as ruby red, ginger, and copper red, and there are deeper hues like red velvet, dark auburn, or burgundy. Choosing which shade to go for is totally up to you, but you should also take into consideration your skin tone and eye color in order to find a shade that truly matches you. Need help with that? Scroll down to our buying guide for more information!
And if you're feeling lost among the plethora of choices available online, we've got some products for you to check out! Our favorite is Arctic Fox's Semi-Permanent Hair Color, because it's vegan, free from ingredients that might dry out your hair, and features an attractive orange-red color that can help you become the center of attention. Curious about other products on our list? Keep reading!
Quick List - Top Red Hair Dyes
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How to Choose a Red Hair Dye - Buying Guide
While choosing a red hair dye, keep in mind the shade, the formula, and also the lasting power of the dye. In this buying guide, we'll walk you through each factor so that you can make the best decision!
Choose a Red Shade That Goes With Your Complexion and Eye Color
Skin tone, undertone, and eye color are key factors to consider while picking out a red shade that matches you. In this section, we'll go through a few common red shades that match certain skin complexions and eye colors.
Take Into Consideration Your Skin Undertone
Understanding your skin's undertone will help you pick out the right red shade. First, let's determine what your undertone is. Simply look at the veins on your wrist! If they are purple or blue, then you have cool undertones. On the other hand, if your veins are green, you have warm undertones.
As a rule of thumb, similar colors compliment each other. So for those with a warm undertone, warm colors such as strawberry blonde, copper, auburn, or dusty red will surely look good on you.
Meanwhile, if you have a cool undertone, go for a red shade with a pinkish or blueish tint such as berry brunette or cherry. Deeper shades like auburn or cinnamon also work wonderfully.
For fair or lighter skin, you don't want a red that's going to wash you out. Strawberry blondes and light coppers are best suited for this skin tone! For medium skin tones, warm reds and bright reds are going to make you look glowy and healthy.
If you have olive skin, coppers and deep reds such as burgundy are going to be a great look for you. Deeper skin tones have a bit more options! Bright reds, deep reds, and dark copper colors are going to make your skin pop.
Pick a Shade That Complements Your Eye Color
Your eye color is another factor when choosing a shade of red. For warm-toned eyes like hazel or brown, deep colors such as auburn, burgundy, or merlot work like a charm in accentuating your eye color. For cool-toned eyes such as blue or green, vibrant shades like paprika, ginger, or fiery red look absolutely fabulous.
However, for those with mixed features (warm undertone yet cool-toned eyes and vice versa), choosing a red shade might be quite confusing. In this case, you should base your decision on your skin complexion as that is more noticeable than your eyes.
With brown eyes being the most common eye color, naturally, the shades of red to choose from would be endless. If you go with a cooler red, it will suit your eyes nicely, but you can also spice it up with a warm red to give your eyes even more pop.
For those with blue, green, or hazel eyes, warm reds are going to really do your eyes justice. Whether it's a copper with blonde highlights or an auburn, the warmth of the color is going to make your eyes stand out even more.
Permanent or Semi-Permanent Dyes? Your Call!
Red hair dyes can be split into permanent and semi-permanent. Each type has a different formula and lasting power. But still, how long each type will last depends largely on your hair's structure and how often you wash it.
Permanent Dyes Provide Full Coverage
Whether you want to cover up grays, lighten your hair, or change its color, permanent dyes are your best bet. They work by opening your hair cuticles to let the dye in and completely change the color and structure of your hair strands. Therefore, permanent dyes eliminate gray strands completely by changing them to a different color.
Moreover, this type of dye is usually formulated with lightening agents such as ammonia and hydrogen peroxide to help strip dark pigments from your hair and make the color true. So if you have darker hair, permanent dyes are the best option to help you achieve a strikingly red look!
Permanent dyes should last until your roots start to grow out, or about four to six weeks. So if you're aiming for an all-over look, be sure to touch the roots up. And although permanent dyes can last for a while, the color will still fade into a lighter one.
One thing to keep in mind is that permanent dyes might dry out your hair. Since the formula often contains various chemicals in order to deliver a bold, highly-pigmented color, it can be quite harsh on your hair and even make it prone to breakage.
So follow up with some hair treatment after dyeing. Or, if you have thin, weak hair, we suggest going for a natural formula. Nonetheless, permanent dyes provide full coverage for your hair and a beautiful, long-lasting color. They are definitely the best choice if you're ready to commit!
When it comes to red, permanent dyes are really only necessary if you have naturally dark hair and you're trying to avoid using bleach. Or if you need gray coverage, then permanent color is the best option for you.
Contrary to popular belief, permanent color doesn't necessarily mean the color you choose stays permanently. It just means the lift you achieve during the process is permanent. Red is one of those colors that will fade with each wash and use of heat.
Semi-Permanent Dyes Are a Quick Way to Experiment With a Shade
If you just want to test a shade out or tend to change your hair color often, semi-permanent dyes are the way to go. You may need to lift, or pre-lighten, dark hair in order to achieve the shade of red you're after, though. Check the dye's directions to make sure.
Unlike permanent dyes, semi-permanent dyes are not formulated with strong chemicals like ammonia or p-phenylenediamine which might change the structure of your hair strands. Instead, they only color the outer portion of your hair and often fade after six to 12 washes.
Semi-permanent dyes are also less damaging to your hair. If you have weak, thin, or dry hair, then choosing this kind of dye can help you try out the redhead look while preventing hair breakage.
For funs colors like red, nine out of ten times I'm going to recommend a semi-permanent dye! If you want to maintain that beautiful red, then you're going to need to reapply color from time to time. Doing this process with permanent color will ruin your hair over time.
If your hair is already lifted to the right level for the shade of red you're trying to achieve, semi-permanent color is all you need! Semi-permanent color can also help your hair look and feel healthier as well. It will give the hair more structure or have a similar effect as a moisturizing or reparative treatment.
Opt For a Gentler Color Treatment for Damaged Hair
Permanent hair dyes are often formulated with ammonia to help the color stick around for a longer time period. However, this chemical gives off a strong smell and is pretty harsh on your hair. Indeed, it can make your hair brittle over time and lead to split ends.
Peroxide is another chemical used in both permanent and semi-permanent dyes, and acts to lighten the hair. But it can be pretty irritating to those with a sensitive scalp.
So if you have dry, weak, or damaged hair, try to go for an ammonia-free and peroxide-free product. Many products nowadays are using more natural ingredients such as flower oils instead of harsh chemicals and can be a great option for those who want to eschew chemicals for health reasons.
If you're recovering from damaged hair, I absolutely do not recommend using any harsh or serious chemicals on your hair at the moment. This doesn't mean that you can't still play around with reds. You're going to want to use something that is conditioning and only deposits color.
For example, a semi-permanent color or a tinted conditioner is going to be most useful to you. If your hair is naturally dark, avoid lightening your hair until it's back to its completely healthy state. You can use a burgundy rinse to give your hair a glimmer of color.
Look for Conditioning Ingredients to Minimize Damage
Undeniably, hair dyes can inflict damage on your hair and cause brittleness, breakage, and split ends. But you can try to keep the damage to a minimum by following your dye session with hair-nourishing products.
Some dyes actually contain oil- or butter-based ingredients such as avocado oil, shea butter, and olive oil to supply important fatty acids and protein to your hair that strengthen and moisturize. Keratin is another wonderful ingredient as it fortifies your hair strands. It helps your hair look smooth, frizz-free, and shiny!
However, if the formula doesn't contain any oils, you don't want to add them on your own, since this might make the color not come out right. Instead, go for treatments and conditioners to use after dyeing.
Generally, the nourishing ingredients are added directly into the coloring cream to neutralize the drying effect of the lightening agents.
However, we suggest purchasing products that come with an after-treatment conditioner, too, since that's formulated to be especially rich to help your hair shafts recover after the application. Some packages even include pre-coloring serum to prepare it for the dyeing process.
Look for ingredients such as oils, keratin, and collagen if you're looking to minimize damage. These ingredients are known to condition and repair your hair bonds, which is what you need when going through such a serious process as coloring your hair.
It is ill-advised to add any extra oils to your hair color unless specifically recommended by your hairstylist. Also, you don't want your hair to be too heavy with extra oils and products either before applying color to your hair. That might make it harder for the color to do its job.
Find an All-Inclusive Kit for Ease of Use
Dyeing can be pretty messy and might require you to prepare some extra items such as gloves, a brush, or a mixing bowl. If you don't want to source them yourself, look for a kit that includes all the necessary items.
Most of the time, a kit will come with an applicator bottle to make your experience as mess-free as possible. There should also be an applicator brush to help you spread the cream evenly and gloves to protect your hands from the dye.
I recommend dark towels for those with red hair dye as well. It's common for these types of colors to run a bit when they are wet. You certainly don't want to ruin your white towels and linens with red stains. Black and navy towels are most commonly used in salons for this exact reason!
10 Best Red Hair Dyes
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Arctic Fox Semi-Permanent Hair Color | | Best Semi-Permanent Hair Dye With a Fiery Red Shade | |
2 | SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Go Intense | | Best Lifting Color That Works on Black Hair | |
3 | Manic Panic Semi-Permanent Hair Color Cream | | Best Blood Red Hue With a Pink Undertone | |
4 | Schwarzkopf Color Ultime | | Best One That Comes With Serum for a Radiant and Shiny Red | |
5 | L'Oreal Excellence HiColor HiLights | | Best Red Dye Formulated to Lift Brown Hair | |
6 | Clairol Nice'n Easy Perfect 10 | | Best Natural Results in Just 10 Minutes | |
7 | Creative Image Semi-Permanent Hair Color | | Best Semi-Permanent Bright Red Dye | |
8 | Revlon Total Color | | Best Permanent Dye Formula With No Ammonia | |
9 | Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color | | Best for Oils to Moisturize and Add Shine to Your Hair | |
10 | KeraColor Superior Preference | | Best Tinted Conditioner to Use Between Dye Sessions or Add Color Gradually |
Best Semi-Permanent Hair Dye With a Fiery Red Shade
Pros:
- Semi-permanent; free from peroxide and ammonia
- Gentle enough for frequent use
- To create a peach color, mix with Arctic Mist diluter from the same brand
- Vegan
Cons:
- Some reviewers complained that the dye bled out and faded after a couple of washes
This dye works for various hair colors, from light brown to medium blond and platinum blonde. But this fiery orange-red hue will look particularly vibrant on pre-lightened hair and a bit deeper on darker hair tones.
The majority of people raved about the vivid color. Some didn't even bleach first and the color still looked highly pigmented. Other buyers added that the scent wasn't off-putting and their hair felt soft and silky after application.
SoftSheen-CarsonDark and Lovely Go Intense
Best Lifting Color That Works on Black Hair
Pros:
- Made with POC in mind, with a formula that complements your hair and skin tone
- Suitable for brown to black hair
- Includes optional color booster for even more intense red
- 100 percent gray coverage
- Comes with dye, developer, conditioner, and gloves
Cons:
- Some Amazon buyers didn't receive the color booster
This permanent hair dye is designed to give even black and dark brown hair a shimmering spicy red color. Moreover, it's enriched with olive oil to prevent your hair from getting dried out. This nourishing oil can also strengthen and leave your hair glowing and shiny.
Some users noted that their color bled out after a couple of washes. However, numerous reviewers complimented the intense red tint and were pleased with the conditioning formula that kept their hair healthy. Others commented that the dye hid grays completely.
Manic PanicSemi-Permanent Hair Color Cream
Best Blood Red Hue With a Pink Undertone
Pros:
- Apply the color cream straight without having to add any developer
- Cruelty-free and contains only vegan ingredients
- Aloe vera helps moisturize your hair and reduce damage
Cons:
- Main complaint from reviewers was that the dye bled out and stained bathtubs and shirts
This semi-permanent hair dye features a burgundy, blood-red tone. But since it doesn't contain any lightening agents, this product works best on light blonde hair.
Reviewers said the vibrant red shade didn't fade away quickly, and since the dye had a pink undertone, it faded to a beautiful bright pink. Most buyers were also pleased that the dye didn't dry out or destroy their hair.
Schwarzkopf Color Ultime
Best One That Comes With Serum for a Radiant and Shiny Red
Pros:
- Comes with all the necessary tools
- Conditioning serum included to make hair shiny and lock in color
Cons:
- It didn't show up enough on some reviewers' dark hair
The conditioning serum that comes with this dye is infused with nourishing ingredients such as hydrolyzed pearl and keratin to produce a glossy result. The color is a cool ruby red that produces similar tones on light or dark hair, although dark hair will be more subtle.
The majority of reviewers loved the flattering and bright red color and vouched that the dye didn't fade quickly. Those with dark hair had mixed results, and it didn't work for some. But the conditioner did its job in keeping their hair soft to the touch and shiny!
Best Red Dye Formulated to Lift Brown Hair
Pros:
- Lifts dark hair three to four levels
- No pre-lightening or developer required
Cons:
- Contains ammonia
This permanent hair dye can help lift the color of dark hair up and give it a vibrant red color. The cream is thick and easy to work with. While many say it doesn't need any developer, most users add some to get the red shade they desire.
A great number of buyers were impressed with the red shade, saying it was particularly bright. And the best part for many was that the dye worked on dark hair even without bleaching. Plus, the color held on to the hair very well and didn't fade quickly at all.
Clairol Nice'n Easy Perfect 10
Best Natural Results in Just 10 Minutes
Pros:
- It only takes 10 minutes to set
- Promises 100 percent gray coverage
- Includes conditioning treatment
Cons:
- Contains ammonia and peroxide
This dye penetrates your hair strands quickly and delivers a rich, natural red color in just 10 minutes! The coloring cream is enriched with ingredients to keep your hair healthy and silky-smooth, and the conditioner further makes sure that your hair is getting the treatment it needs.
Some reviewers found that the product didn't cover their grays or it faded from them within days. Nevertheless, the glossy, natural-looking auburn shade of this product won the heart of many reviewers. Buyers were surprised that the color developing process really did take only 10 minutes.
Creative ImageSemi-Permanent Hair Color
Best Semi-Permanent Bright Red Dye
Pros:
- Aloe and collagen to condition your hair
- Free from harsh chemicals found in permanent dyes
- No developer needed
Cons:
- Some reviewers found it stained their skin and bathroom surfaces, so be careful
This hair dye features a bright ruby red shade. The formula is free from strong chemicals that can be drying or irritating to your hair, including peroxide, ammonia, and alcohol. This product can be used directly or combined with conditioner. You don't need to add any developer.
Whilst a few buyers were disappointed that the color stained surfaces and skin, the majority of reviewers complimented the vibrant red hue that worked even on dark hair. The dye was also easy to apply and lasted for quite a while.
Best Permanent Dye Formula With No Ammonia
Pros:
- Includes developer, color cream, and conditioning treatment with botanicals, as well as disposable gloves
- 100 percent gray coverage
- Vegan and free from parabens, mineral oil, and ammonia
Cons:
- Some found it left their hair wanting moisture
This permanent hair dye touts a vegan formula that is crafted with hair-loving ingredients such as hemp seed and camellia oils to leave your hair feeling healthy. It's also dermatologist-tested and doesn't contain ammonia. It provides 100 percent gray coverage.
Some reviewers commented that the color didn't really stay and the dye dried their hair out a little. But the majority found the product effective in covering grays. Many further added that the coloring cream had a thick and rich consistency that was easy to work with and didn't cause a mess.
Best for Oils to Moisturize and Add Shine to Your Hair
Pros:
- Includes gloves, dye, developer, treatment and fruit ampoule
- After-dye treatment has avocado oil, olive oil, shea butter and more conditioning ingredients
- Intense color even on dark brown hair
Cons:
- Not recommended for gray hair
This permanent hair dye helps supply needed fatty acids and protein to hydrate and add shine to your hair. Included in the kit is a grapeseed oil ampoule that can be added directly to the dye. Applying the dye should be a breeze as the cream doesn't drip and can be spread evenly.
Some reviewers disliked that the color came out more orange than red, but most got a rich red hue that looked gorgeous in the sun and was highly fade-resistant. The dye was able to lighten dark hair without bleaching. Users also said it left their hair feeling smooth and looking shimmering.
KeraColorSuperior Preference
Best Tinted Conditioner to Use Between Dye Sessions or Add Color Gradually
Pros:
- Shea butter, keratin, and oils strengthen and make hair glossy
- Use to keep freshly-dyes hair vibrant, tint your roots as they grow out, or add all-over color each time you use it
- Bright red color reviewers describe as "Little Mermaid"
Cons:
- Some found the conditioning to be lacking, saying it left their hair dry
- A few experienced hair loss
This tinted conditioner deposits bright red color every time you use it. You can build up your red gradually, or use it to keep your dyed color vibrant in between coloring sessions. It also can be used to cover grays or roots, although results on gray and white hair are not guaranteed by the manufacturer.
A few reviewers said it was harsh on their hair, but many say it really gives an intense red. Some say it works better if you use it on dry hair and leave it in for a half hour or so.
How to Maintain Your Red Hair Color
Compared to other hair colors, red shades tend to fade much faster. The reason is pretty simple: the red color molecule is bigger than other color molecules and can't penetrate the cortex of your hair deeply. Therefore, it can be easily washed away after each wash.
However, there are plenty of tricks to help you maintain your redhead look! The first tip is actually a classic: wash your hair less often. And when you wash your hair, try to use cold water. Hot water can open the hair cuticle, allowing the shampoo to get into the hair strands and wash out your gorgeous red color.
You should also use a shampoo and conditioner that are formulated to protect the color of your hair. Regular shampoos and conditioners often contain alcohol and sulfates, which are very effective in rinsing out dirt and grime but might make your hair color fade more quickly.
Another trick is to apply sun protection to your hair since UV rays can make the color look dull. Heat styling has the same effect, so keep that to a minimum as well! If you still prefer to use heat tools, you should apply a thermal protectant beforehand to minimize the damages.
Anyone who has ever had red hair can tell you it's a lot of work! To keep your red fresh and vibrant, there are a few things you're going to want to incorporate into your routine. Firstly, invest in a colored conditioner! Add your favorite semi-permanent red to a white conditioner. You can use this and let it sit for about 15 minutes when you notice your color is starting to get a little dull.
Also, never use hot water on your hair! Hot water causes your color to fade extremely fast. Avoid ingredients like rosemary and eucalyptus, too, as they can make your color fade faster as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Coloring your hair at home can be a daunting task. We'll try to help you out by answering some of the questions you've been "dyeing" to ask!
How can I get red hair dye out?
First, you need to consider what type of dye you've used. A semi-permanent color is designed to wash out after several shampooing sessions, so speeding that process up is not too hard. If the color still lingers, or if your hair is colored with permanent dye, you have to look into other options.
A hair color remover or color corrector can remove the red, but it won't bring back your natural color. Hair bleach will lighten the red as well. These products are used to prepare your hair for a new dye, so have that ready to go! You can also try simply covering the red dye with a darker dye, like dark brown or black. A warm color will usually cover the red best while looking natural.
A green shampoo and conditioner will tone down the red without removing it. This may be the gentlest option, and is a good one to try if you're only looking for slight color correction. A DIY trick is to mix some baking soda into your shampoo; this may help to lighten the red over several washes.
How do I get red hair dye off my skin?
Try and prevent it getting on your skin in the first place. Use petroleum jelly or lotion around your forehead and on your ears to keep color from sticking, and wear gloves while working with dye.
If some gets on your skin, remove it as soon as you notice. If your skin does get dyed, and soap doesn't seem to be helping, you can try rubbing alcohol. A less harsh option is olive oil; put some on the stain and cover it with a bandage to let it work overnight. Toothpaste, especially one with baking soda, might also help.
On your hands you can try dish detergent, baking soda or nail polish remover, but these aren't recommended for use on your face.
Does red hair dye fade to pink?
If you bleached your hair before dyeing it red, it might. Natural gray or white hair might also turn pinkish as the dye fades. But it's more likely that it will fade to an orange or brown, depending on your underlying color and the undertones of the red shade you chose.
Love Your Dyed Hair Even More With These Products
From supplies to dye your hair to shampoos that help your color last, you'll be more pleased with the results of your dye sessions if you make some small investments. Check out our articles for some suggestions!
Top 5 Red Hair Dyes
No. 1: Arctic Fox｜Semi-Permanent Hair Color
No. 2: SoftSheen-Carson｜Dark and Lovely Go Intense
No. 3: Manic Panic｜Semi-Permanent Hair Color Cream
No. 4: Schwarzkopf ｜Color Ultime
No. 5: L'Oreal ｜Excellence HiColor HiLights
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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