So, you want to go red?  Red hair comes in different shades.  It is important that you choose a shade of red hair that is flattering to your complexion, as well as makes you feel beautiful.  Feeling beautiful tends to give a person that extra bit of self confidence to go out of their comfort zone.  Stepping out of that comfort zone can change your entire world.

Red Hair Tips for Choosing the Right Shade

1. Determine if you SHOULD go Red – While you may love the look of red hair on someone else, this does not mean red hair will look good on you.  Determine if you should go red or not by figuring out if your skin has warm or cool undertones.   To determine your skin coloring, hold up a piece of paper to your face. If your skin appears to be pink, you have cool undertones.  If your skin appears to be yellow or olive, you have warm undertones.  Red hair looks best on people with warm skin tones, rather than cool skin tones.  Cool skin tones can still look beautiful in red; however, red hair will bring out the pink in their skin tone.    
2. Light Skin Tones should Go Light – Blondes who have pale skin should consider a lighter shade of red, such as strawberry blonde.  Dark reds will wash out your skin coloring.   Light brunettes and dark blondes with light skin tones should add in just a touch of red.   Highlights of red that can be blended in with the natural hair color will give a visible boost to people with these natural hair colors.  The perfect way to introduce red hair is to start with some warmer shades of red highlights.

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3. Medium Skin Tones should Go Medium – Medium skin tones should consider medium red hair color.  Shades of auburn are perfect for people with medium skin tones, as these shades are not too light and not too dark.  A great way to introduce your natural hair to red hair is to add in lowlights that are slightly darker and redder than your natural color.  People with medium skin tones should avoid bright reds, such as coppers or light orange reds.  A good choice for people with medium skin tones is a medium reddish brown.
4. Dark Skin tones should Go Dark and Cool - People who have darker and olive skin tones should try the cooler shades of red.  People with these skin tones will look fabulous in burgundies and violet based colors.  Stay away from light reds, like strawberry blonde and bright auburn.  Try deep mahogany reds when introducing red hair to your natural color.  Dark skin tones can get away with that more “wild” look.  Try the dimensional look of applying slightly different reds throughout your hair.
5. Choose Red-Orange for a Natural Red Look – With all the different shades of red, it can be confusing on which one to choose.  While there are many shades to choose from, only those that are red-orange based will look the most natural.  Other shades of red are blue-red or red-red based.  These will definitely look amazing on the right person with the right skin tone, but they will not look the most “natural.”  If you are looking for that more natural red look, you will want to choose a light strawberry for a subtle change or copper for a more vibrant change.
6. Consider Natural Hair Color Shade – While skin tone is a huge factor to consider when choosing a red hair shade, your natural hair color shade is also a big factor.  The red hair color you choose will have different results depending on your natural hair color.
7. Consider your Reasons for Going Red – If you simply want a subtle change, then it is important to take into consideration your skin tone and natural hair color.  However, if your reason for going red is to make a dramatic statement, skin tones and natural hair colors may not be a factor.  For example, if you have a punk or short emo hairstyle, dark red is a great place to start.  If you are looking for a subtle, yet vibrant change, then consider dark red highlights.  The color is dramatic, yet the highlights make it a more subtle look.
8. Choosing a Red Hair Home Coloring Kit – For pale skin tones, choose a red hair color kit that is labeled reddish blonde or strawberry blonde.   For medium skin tones, choose a red hair color kit that is labeled medium auburn or reddish brown.  For dark skin tones, choose a red hair color kit that is labeled burgundy red or violet red.
9. Experiment with Temporary Red Hair Colors – This is the best way to find the perfect shade of red hair for you.  After you determine which type of red hair is best for you, try it out with a temporary hair color at first.  Then, once you find the perfect red hair color for you, go with the permanent coloring.
10. Seek the Advice of a Professional Stylist – If you are unsure of what shade of red hair will look best for you, contact a professional stylist.  A professional stylist will work with you to determine the right red hair color that is best for you.   Once you have your hair colored by a professional, you will likely be more confident in your decision when it is time to color again.  This way, you will not have to pay a professional stylist to tell you what looks best on you again.  You will already know what red hair color is best for you, and you can color it yourself.

These red hair tips will help you find the right shade of red for you.  Red hair fades faster than other colors; therefore, red hair needs more maintenance to help to keep the color in longer.  Reducing how often you wash your hair, using a color treated shampoo, and conditioning your hair will help to keep your red hair looking fabulous.

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