11 Captivating Dark Red Hair Color Ideas To Elevate Your Look

Dark red hair color trends to peak in popularity during the chillier months, but if you ask us, this rich hue is an excellent option all year round. Though lighter red hair colors are often considered best for those with fair skin, dark red hair can flatter just about anybody—it’s far more versatile than you may think. The sultry, spicy tones of deep red hair colors such as chocolate cherry and cinnamon work well for a wide range of skin tones (and undertones), and make a bold statement no matter the season.

Whether you're looking to embrace a major change or simply put a fresh spin on your go-to hue, dark red hair is a great option. Plus, with the right hair dye kit, you can DIY your new ‘do from the comfort of your bathroom. Ahead, we’ll share 11 of our favorite dark red hair color ideas and offer tips on how to achieve—and maintain—your vibrant new mane.

1. Dark Burgundy 

This deep, wine-inspired red hair color features cool violet undertones, making it an excellent option for those with cool-toned skin. To achieve the rich, dimensional hue at home, snag the 

L’Oréal Paris Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Burgundy Blush. The gentle formula is suitable for all hair types and is designed specifically for those with light brown to black hair—no pre-bleaching necessary.

2. Chocolate Cherry 

Those seeking a subtler approach to red would do well to keep chocolate cherry hair on their radar. The tonal hue blends a rich chocolate brown with warm, deep red tones for a bold, unexpected hair color that still feels natural. Get the look with the L’Oréal Paris Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Chocolate Cherry. 

3. Garnet

A slightly deeper take on ruby red, garnet hair fuses vibrant crimson tones with a dark, neutral-toned brown base for a rich and deep red hair color that can flatter any complexion. To achieve the jewel-toned hue at home, use a permanent hair dye, such as the L’Oréal Paris Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Ruby Rush. 

4. Dark Auburn 

Similar to cinnamon but with a darker overall tone, dark auburn is a warm-toned dark red color with a decidedly autumnal feel. Because of its bronzy undertones, this spicy hue is a great pick for those with warm-toned skin. Embrace the natural-looking dark red hue with the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Dark Auburn. 

5. Black Red 

If you have naturally dark hair and want to embrace a new hue without lightening your strands too much, consider a blackish-red hair color. This ultra-dark hue fuses inky black with moody red for a subtle, toned-down take on the red hair trend. To DIY the moody hue, reach for L’Oréal Paris Féria Twisted Crystals Multi-Faceted Permanent Hair Color in Black Cherry.

6. Deep Copper 

Copper hair traditionally skews lighter, but adding warm brown undertones to the metallic shade lends the trendy hue depth and dimension. This warm and fiery dark red hair color suits most skin tones, but works particularly well with fair and medium skin tones, against which it creates plenty of striking contrast. Get the look at home with the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Medium Copper Brown.

7. Maroon Money Piece

If you want to experiment with red hair but aren’t ready to commit to a full transformation, consider sprucing up your existing color with face-framing highlights. The pop of color around your face will help warm up your complexion, but doesn’t require as much maintenance as a traditional all-over color. Test-drive the playful look with a semi-permanent red hair dye, such as the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent Hair Color in Bright Red. 

8. Cool Crimson Ombré 

For the best of both worlds, try a bold crimson shade in a trendy ombré. This gradient of darker roots to lighter ends is great for those looking for a high-impact color that still has a soft, natural transition. You can also go for more of a dark red hair color with highlights by dyeing your hair dark red and using the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Bleach to lighten your mid-lengths and ends.

9. Cherry Brown

For a transitional color that's easy to wear, this stunning deep red-brown hue is a great option. The luxe blend fuses the warmth of brown with the subtle drama of a deep red, giving the overall color visual depth. Use the L’Oréal Paris Excellence Creme Crème Permanent Triple Care Hair Color in Medium Reddish Brown for a rich, radiant color that's sure to have the compliments come pouring in.

10. Red Velvet 

Red velvet is an excellent color for those looking to experiment with a fantasy hue. The blood-red shade isn’t as bright as a pure crimson, but delivers just as much impact, albeit with a moodier, sultrier feel. To score the show-stopping color at home, snag a box of the L’Oréal Paris Feria Midnight Bold Multi-Faceted Permanent Hair Color in Blood Moon. The custom-blended formula delivers intense, brilliant color without the need for bleach—so you can achieve your red hair goals without ravaging your strands.

11. Spiced Nutmeg

For a natural dark red hair color, turn to spiced nutmeg. This cozy hue sits at the junction of medium brown, copper, and dark red, and flatters warm complexions beautifully. Use the L’Oréal Paris Excellence Universal Nudes in Natural Dark Red to achieve the luminous hue at home.

How To Maintain Dark Red Hair

To keep your dark red hair color looking vibrant and rich, there are a few key maintenance practices to follow. For one, you'll want to reach for a color-protective shampoo and conditioner, like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Protecting Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Protecting Conditioner with Antioxidants. This duo is formulated to gently cleanse and condition color-treated hair and help seal in color vibrancy for up to eight weeks. It’s also a good idea to shampoo less frequently, when possible, since lathering up can accelerate fading. 

Similarly, limit your use of hot tools to avoid damaging your hair or interfering with your color. If you can’t part ways with your blow dryer, be sure to prep your mane well with a heat protectant to help shield it from unnecessary damage. We’re fond of the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Blow Dry Primer for 48HR Frizz Control, which protects against temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit while smoothing the hair and enhancing shine.

Keep in mind that, even if you’re using a permanent hair color, you’ll need to commit to regular touch-ups to deal with regrowth. Depending on how quickly your hair grows, you can expect to need to touch up your roots roughly every six to eight weeks. If that’s not feasible, consider getting a root smudge or opting for a red balayage —both techniques can help make regrowth less noticeable. 

Next Up: How to Achieve a Natural Red Hair Color

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris