Our Favorite Red Brown Hair Dyes for an Effortless At-Home Transformation

Autumn may only last a few short months, but cozy, “fall” hair colors—like a muted reddish brown—don’t need to be saved for one season. In fact, opting for a brownish red color can bring warmth and sophistication to your look year-round. This vibrant hue is equal parts earthy and rich, and it’s flattering across all skin tones. The best part is that with a high-quality red brown hair dye, you can get the look without stepping into a salon. If you need inspiration, coloring tips, or a look at the (many) different red brown hair colors available to choose from, keep scrolling. We’re sharing it all, plus details on our favorite at-home formulas, below.

What Is Red Brown Hair?

Red brown hair is a versatile shade that sits at the intersection of red and brunette, combining the richness of brown with subtle or striking red undertones. These red accents can be achieved through highlights, lowlights, all-over toner, or balayage techniques. The intensity of the red can vary, too, from fiery, vibrant tones like copper to more understated shades, such as deep cherry or auburn. 

Within this spectrum, reddish brown colors tend to showcase more prominent brown tones with just a subtle touch of red. Brownish red hair, meanwhile, tends to be more obviously red, with softer chocolate or chestnut undertones. This makes red-brown hair highly customizable, allowing you to tailor the shade to your complexion, personal style, and even the season.

Who Looks Best With Red Brown Hair?

Anyone can embrace red brown hair, but it’s especially flattering on those with warmer undertones. The natural warmth in the reddish tones enhances the skin’s golden tint, creating a balanced, harmonious look. Those with cool undertones can still make the shade their own by opting for cooler variations—think deep mahogany or cherry brown hair—to complement their complexion and prevent the color from appearing too fiery. As is often the case, those with neutral skin can rock either variation of the shade with ease. 

Red brown hair also has the added benefit of making certain eye colors pop. Green, hazel, and golden brown eyes, in particular, stand out beautifully against the sultry, warm blend of brown and red hair colors.

5 Reddish Brown Hair Colors To Try Right Now

Whether you prefer a vibrant hue or like to keep things more natural, there’s a way to make reddish brown hair work for you. Ahead, find five of our favorite ways to rock the hue, plus a look at our best red brown hair dyes to scoop up for your transformation.

Soft auburn 

This is a popular choice for anyone seeking a natural redhead look, as auburn hair makes a statement without appearing too bright or dramatic. It features a soft, muted tint with a warm, nutty brown undertone, making it feel both vibrant and effortlessly wearable. You can get the look at home with the L’Oréal Paris Excellence Crème Permanent Triple Care Hair Color in Light Reddish Brown (pictured below). The easy-to-use at-home color delivers 100% gray coverage and helps protect your hair as it colors for vibrant, long-lasting results. If you have dark hair and want to stick closer to your natural roots, go a touch darker with the L’Oréal Paris Excellence Crème Permanent Triple Care Hair Color in Medium Reddish Brown.

Copper brown

One of the boldest reddish brown shades, copper is a brighter, more vibrant take on auburn. Its shiny, penny-like glow and rosy undertones make it a standout choice, especially for those with fairer complexions or lighter eyes, where the contrast can make your eyes appear brighter and more vivid. If you’re ready to give this bright, eye-catching hue a try, we recommend using the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Medium Copper Brown. With one application, you’ll enjoy up to nine weeks of luminous, fade-defying color, even if you’re sporting more than a few stubborn grays. 

Chocolate cherry

This rich red brown shade is a sophisticated blend of deep espresso brown and cool plum tones, making it an excellent option for those with cooler skin tones. The subtle purplish undertones give the color depth and dimension, keeping it vibrant without feeling too warm or overpowering. To get the look at home, use the L’Oréal Paris Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Chocolate Cherry.

Vibrant red brown

Vibrant red brown is a lively, approachable shade that’s perfect for anyone with naturally dark hair who wants to experiment with color without having to bleach their strands. The rich red tones blend seamlessly with your brown base, adding warmth and dimension while giving your hair a bold, eye-catching pop that still feels wearable and natural. Get the look—without the salon visit—using the L’Oréal Paris Excellence Creme Universal Nudes Ammonia-Free Permanent Hair Color in Natural Dark Red.

Soft mahogany

Mahogany hair is a beautiful fusion of deep red and rich chocolate brown, creating a multidimensional shade that’s both striking and sophisticated. The shade’s coolish red undertones give the hair depth and richness, making it a flattering choice for those with cool or neutral skin tones who want a bold yet flattering look. To DIY this timeless shade, we recommend the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Dark Soft Mahogany Brown.

How To Get a Red Brown Hair Color at Home

Getting red brown hair is as easy as heading to the salon with one of these looks bookmarked to show your stylist as inspiration. Otherwise, you can grab a red brown hair dye kit and get the look on your own. If you go that route, all you need to do is follow the instructions included with your dye. We’re sharing an overview of the process below, but keep in mind that every boxed dye can be a bit different, so reading the directions thoroughly is a must. 

1. Section your hair

Start with dry hair—coloring damp or wet strands likely won’t yield the results you’re after. Part your hair down the middle to create two equal sections. Then, divide each section into two more sections, so you’re left with a total of four (roughly) equal sections. Leave one section loose, then clip the other three back to keep them out of the way while you work.

2. Mix the dye

Next, combine the hair dye and developer according to the instructions on the dye package. Be sure to mix well so the pigment is evenly distributed throughout the dye formula. 

Editor’s tip: Coloring your hair can get messy. Wear plastic gloves (included in most hair dye kits) and throw an old towel over your shoulders to help protect your skin and clothing from accidental drips and stains.

3. Apply the dye

Starting with one section, use a brush or your (gloved) fingers to apply the dye from your roots to ends. Work in small subsections to ensure even coverage. Massage the dye into your hair to saturate each strand completely. Repeat for all sections, ensuring no spots are missed.

4. Wait as directed

Check the instructions to see how long your color needs to process, which is typically around 20 to 45 minutes. For a more intense shade or to cover stubborn gray, you may need to leave it on a bit longer—but only as directed. Set a timer to remove the guesswork, since under- or over-developing can both affect the final color result.

5. Rinse and condition

Once your timer sounds, hop in the shower and rinse your hair with lukewarm water until the water runs clear. Then, apply the deep conditioner included in your hair dye kit. These are usually formulated to help repair and strengthen your hair after coloring to ensure your strands stay soft, shiny, and healthy-looking. When you’re done, rinse again, then get out of the shower and proceed with your routine as usual.

Editor’s tip: If you’re not down to mix your color or section your hair, consider snagging the L’Oréal Paris Colorsonic Hair Color Device (and the color cartridge of your choice—for reddish brown hair, we recommend Medium Brown Intense Red). The easy-to-use device automatically mixes color and developer and parts your hair while applying the color to every strand—even the hardest-to-reach areas. Learn more in our article How To Use the L'Oréal Paris Colorsonic for Salon-Quality Color at Home

How To Care For Color-Treated Red Brown Hair

Anyone who has ever dyed their hair—either at home or in a salon—knows that caring for your mane is the key to maintaining your color. This is especially true for red brown hair color, or any hue that incorporates red, since red is known for fading. Here’s how to keep your ‘do looking super fresh. 

1. Use a color-safe system

Red hair can fade quickly, and using harsh haircare products can accelerate that process. To help preserve your new hue, swap your current shampoo and conditioner for the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Protecting Shampoo and the coordinating L’Oréal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Protecting Conditioner. This gentle duo is made specifically for color-treated hair and features antioxidants and UV filters to help protect your color from premature fading. 

2. Add a hair gloss to your routine 

Hair gloss can be a game-changer for enhancing your color and adding shine. At a salon, a glossing treatment can intensify your red brown tones and give your color a vibrant, polished finish that lasts for weeks. If you’re just looking to boost shine and smoothness at home, you can achieve a similar effect with an at-home gloss like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Glossing Shampoo, L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Glossing Conditioner, and the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Glossing 5-Min Lamination Hair Mask. This color-safe system hydrates, smooths, and adds luminous, healthy-looking shine to keep your color looking fresh and vibrant.

3. Limit heat styling

It’s hard to say no to heat styling—and you don’t have to—but it’s a good idea to cut back whenever you can. Frequent curling, straightening, or blow-drying can weaken strands and cause color to fade faster, so when you do style with heat, always use a protectant. For an easy, do-it-all option, try the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Moisture 21-in-1 Leave-In Conditioner. It shields hair from heat up to 450°F while smoothing strands and reducing frizz, all without feeling greasy or heavy, helping keep your color vibrant and your hair healthy.

4. Deep condition regularly

Using a color-safe deep conditioner once a week (or as needed) is key to keeping red brown hair looking vibrant and healthy. These treatments help lock in moisture, strengthen strands, and protect your color from fading, leaving your hair soft, shiny, and resilient. Try a nourishing formula like the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Shine Protect Ultra Care Conditioner—it helps extend hair color, amplifies shine, and leaves your strands feeling soft and silky. If your hair feels brittle or damaged after repeated coloring sessions, use the L’Oréal Paris Féria Strength Repair Ultra Repair Conditioner (pictured below). The citric acid-infused formula helps strengthen fragile strands and boosts color vibrancy for salon-quality results that last long after your coloring session ends.

Next Up: How Does Box Hair Dye Conditioner Differ From Regular Conditioner?

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris