How To Get a Natural-Looking Red Hair Color

While there are plenty of fun hair colors to experiment with, season after season, red hair proves to be one of the most sought-after hues, and understandably so. Whether bright copper or deep burgundy, red is bold, versatile, and decidedly unique—in fact, only 2% of people sport a natural redhead color. Fortunately, you don’t have to be part of that lucky minority to rock a red hair color: hair dye will get the job done, too. If you’re considering embracing this warm hue, keep reading. Ahead, we’ll share some of our top tips for achieving a natural red hair look, plus details on the best at-home hair dyes to kick-start your transformation.

1. Choose a Natural-Looking Red Hair Dye

Fire engine red hair is undeniably eye-catching, but it’s not what you want to go for if you’re after a “born like this” look. Natural redhead colors are typically more muted—they can range from pale strawberry blonde to deep natural auburn hair, with dozens of variations in between. The first step toward looking like a natural redhead is finding a hair dye that looks, well, natural. See some of our top picks below.

Natural-looking light red hair

If you’re craving a natural-looking light red hair color, we suggest picking up a dye with both blonde and red tones. The L’Oréal Paris Excellence Creme Créme Permanent Care Protection Hair Color in Medium Reddish Blonde fits the bill—and delivers rich, radiant color from root to tip (even if you’re sporting grays). If you’re starting with a darker base, you may want to lighten your hair a few levels before applying the dye.

Natural-looking medium red hair

Those seeking a natural red hair color that’s neither distinctly light nor dark can get the look with the L’Oréal Paris Excellence Creme Universal Nudes Ammonia Free Permanent Hair Color in Natural Copper. It’s a vibrant, natural ginger hair color with mahogany and gold reflects infused into the formula for a luminous, natural-looking result. Plus, the caring formula is ammonia-free and designed to be gentle on your scalp and hair. If you’d prefer something a bit more muted, give the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Medium Auburn Brown for up to nine weeks of fade-defying color.

Natural-looking dark red hair

If you’re ready to step into bold territory with a natural-looking dark red hair color, grab the L’Oréal Paris Excellence Creme Universal Nudes Ammonia Free Permanent Hair Color in Natural Dark Red. The rich, indulgent hue leans more burgundy than copper and boasts soft neutral undertones that complement a range of skin tones. The formula is also designed to cover up to 100% of grays, and it’s suitable for all hair types and textures.

Editor’s tip: If you’re unsure which red hair color will suit you best, the L’Oréal Paris Hair Color Concierge can be a great resource. With this online tool, you can live chat with professional colorists and even do video consultations to help you find the right shade for the look you desire—all right from your home.

2. Maintain Your Natural Red Hair Color

Neglected blonde or brunette roots are one of the biggest giveaways that your natural redhead color is, in fact, not the hue you were born with. To keep your newly red hair looking its best, be sure to touch it up frequently (usually every six weeks or so). Keep in mind that you don’t have to re-dye your entire head—you can also use a root coloring kit, such as the L’Oréal Paris Magic Root Permanent 10-Minute Root Coloring Kit in Dark Auburn, to help blend new growth.

If dyeing your hair isn’t an option, consider using a temporary color spray to help hide new growth. The L’Oréal Paris Magic Root Cover Up in Red can be used to quickly conceal root regrowth, with results lasting until your next shampoo.

3. Pay Attention to Your Brow Color

Though some recommend dyeing your brows to match your eyebrows to your hair color, doing so isn’t always necessary. Natural redheads typically have brown or dark blonde brows—a look that you can easily achieve with eyebrow makeup.

If you opted for a light red hair color, use a warm-toned brow pencil, such as the L’Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Definer Mechanical Waterproof Eyebrow Pencil in Light Brunette, to fill in your arches. Those with medium to dark red hair may want to try a slightly deeper hue, like the L’Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Definer Mechanical Waterproof Eyebrow Pencil in Auburn. If you favor brow gels, reach for the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Volumizing 24H Wear Brow Mascara in Light Brunette. It works like a brow gel and pencil in one and provides up to 24 hours of transfer- and smudge-resistant wear.

4. Complete Your Natural Redhead Look With Earthy Makeup

In order to really sell the natural redhead color, we suggest swapping out your black eyeliners and mascara for softer taupe and brown options. Black eye makeup can sometimes look harsh on natural redheads, as they often have fair skin and lighter eyes. Instead, try defining your eyes with a medium brown eyeliner, such as the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner in Brown Denim—it’s softer and subtler-looking than pure black. For fluttery fringe, we’re partial to the L’Oréal Paris Paradise Big Deal Buildable Washable Mascara in Black Brown and the L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Panorama Washable Mascara in Black Brown (though burgundy mascara makes for an eye-catching look, too).

Next Up: How To Dye Hair at Home in 8 Easy Steps

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris