When you hear “red highlights”, you might think of bright fire engine red! But just wait until you see the variations of red highlights below. They can be bold and bright, fiery copper, wine-colored like burgundy, or soft shades of strawberry blonde highlights. Your stylist can place highlights red all through your hair, or strategically to enhance your haircut and face shape. The options are endless!
Edgy Red Highlights on Dark Hair
Opt for a color that’s edgy, but cautious. Kind of contradictory, right? My favorite thing about this look is that its vibrant color gives it a bold and fearless feel, but in reality, it’s a little more conservative!
Considering the ombre-style highlights don’t go directly to the root, this look is great in that it lets a client be expressive without going too crazy by going all-over red.
To create red highlights on dark hair, the essential products needed are a lightener that is balayage-friendly, a red direct-dye or semi-permanent color of your choice, and your favorite bowls/brushes to paint with. I used the Oligo Black Light Lightener with 40 volume developer to paint my client’s highlights, lifting her to a level 8. I then applied Goldwell Elumen’s red direct dye in the shade RR@all.
When it comes to maintenance, consistent at-home care is key! For fashion colors like this, a color-safe shampoo is absolutely necessary for long-lasting results. A great choice for this look would be a shampoo that contains red pigment to keep the color fresh in between salon visits. Pamper your hair the same way your stylist does and it will thank you!
One thing I love most about red hair color is that there are so many ways to customize it. Not everyone likes the same tone of red for their skin type, but that’s okay because there is always a way to tweak it!
While some people might prefer a very warm-toned red hair color, others might benefit more from a red with a pink or purple tone to it. Shades like a red-violet or a red-brown are deeper in tone, making them great options for clients who want a hint of red in their hair but don’t want to go too crazy!
One great thing about these highlights in red hair in particular is that they don’t come directly from the root. They are softer, more natural-looking and easier to maintain. As time goes on, a client’s color service could be as simple as toning the red again for a refresh when it fades rather than having to first touch up the highlights. That’s the beauty of balayage: it grows out effortlessly!
This is the perfect look for someone looking to go a little crazy with their red hair color with highlights without committing to a root touch-up every few weeks. Clients have busy lives as it is. As a hairstylist, I like to make it my mission to make their hair care as easy as possible!
Straight Dark with Red Highlights
Red streaks in hair work great on any hair color especially a dark one, as it brings your hair to life with its vibrancy. A head-turning hue that suits anyone with the confidence to rock it!
Red Highlights on Dark Brown Hair
The bold striking rich red highlights on dark brown hair really make the base stand out without effort and add dimension and movement to your hair especially with those elegant curls at the ends. This medium-length cut would also be a great transition style if you’re going from a long hair to a short one.
Red Highlights on Short Hair
Have fun under the sun especially with these vibrant favorite red highlights on short hair painted on this layered stacked wavy bob that helps make the colors stand out amazingly! Hair painting for red hairstyles will help you bring out your inner fiery side!
Red and Brown Highlights
Red and brown highlights are for someone looking to stand out and have fun with her hair. The color placement will grow out nice and easy. Maintenance depends on the hair’s amount of grey and how bright you like the color.
Red Highlights on Brown Hair
Q&A with style creator, Cassandra Jimenez
Color Specialist @ Beauty Within Salon in Glendora, CA
How would you describe this look?
This chocolate cherry look was actually a color correction. It can be recreated on most red highlighted hair. I used a medium brown for her shadow root and glazed the rest, including the highlights, with a red violet.
We decided on a textured A-line lob for versatility. I used Matrix Airy Builder Dry Texture foam for her blowout then curled with a 1 1/4 inch wand and finished with Matrix Texture Builder. I love that this highlighted effect can be worn spicy or subtle and is great for all seasons.
Any advice for someone considering it?
Use professional products at home to help extend the red tones of the highlights. Red highlights on brown hair fade fast, so this look will need to be reglazed every 4-6 weeks. A red shampoo may be used to maintain vibrancy between salon visits.
Copper Red Highlights on Light Brown Hair
Opt for the chunking method because copper red highlights on light brown hair come out best when you have medium golden brown hair as the base.
Chunky copper red highlights blend in so nicely with her natural hair color, yet it creates the perfect pop of color for the spring and summer!
You will have to use a color-safe shampoo to help keep the copper red hair vibrant, and even as it fades over time it will still have a nice natural red tone to it.
Red Highlights on Curly Hair
Q&A with style creator, Samantha
Hairstylist @ Population Hair Salon in Kanata, ON
How would you describe this look?
This look is a textured, tapered bob, with lots of dimension from the red highlights that complement the versatility for the styling.
What I love about this look are the texture and movement. This cut and color both work with many hair types. I have a few clients that love it with their natural curl, and for a more “done up” look, they can touch up their natural curl with a curling iron in a few areas to give it a more polished look.
This also could work with straight hair since the tapered back creates fullness at the crown to create bounce and controlled movement. Red highlights are a great option for fair skinned, olive skin tones, and blue eyes, as it pulls out some of the warmth from those features.
Any advice for someone considering it?
This look is great for long faces as the longest parts end around the jawline, creating a rounder look. This is great for fine hair as well since the texture adds volume and bounce.
To recreate this look I would use a minimal product, either a light mousse or styling creme and a salt spray to finish. I touched up her natural curl with a 1″ curling iron to create a defined curl. This look is quite easy to maintain so it is great for the active, busy lifestyle, while still feeling flirty and fun.
Red Highlights on Dirty Blonde Hair
Q&A with style creator, Melissa Coker
Designer & Owner @ Fusion Hair Salon in Easley, SC
How would you describe this look?
This is a long layered haircut with peekaboo blonde and red highlights added to create dimension and brightness. What I like about this look is the versatility of the layers and the pops of copper.
Any advice for someone considering it?
This cut/style is great for all hair types. The light interior layers help to slim the look of the cut in thick or curly hair, yet add movement within the haircut. The long layers still allow the hair to be pulled back, which is great for more active lifestyles.
However, if the hair is very fine/thin, a shorter or blunter cut may be a better option. If the hair is curly, achieve a smooth look by applying a smoothing serum (like Pureology’s Smooth Perfection smoothing serum) before blowdrying.
Also, I always recommend a color-preserving shampoo and conditioner to my color guests, to extend the life of the color and keep the hair in optimal condition. Besides red and blonde highlights, natural red highlights will also benefit from this.
Auburn Red Highlights
Q&A with style creator, Brittany Lavoie
Hair Artist and Nail Technician @ Hairaholic Salon in Mansfield, MA
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
This auburn red hair is simple. The cut is forgiving and can be worn in any style, and is even long enough to still be pulled back. I am seriously in love with the different red tones in her hair / highlights and the way they really come alive with her curls.
What products do you recommend to create and maintain this look?
I always recommend a heat protectant when using heat tools, so if you love your curling iron or curling wand and want to recreate this style, definitely start there. I spray the hair lightly with All Nutrient’s flat iron spray first (it works for curls too!). After curling, I usually break up the curls with my fingers while spraying with a medium hold hairspray (I like Kenra’s #13) to create a more relaxed, tousled curl.
If it’s the highlights you’re loving, I definitely always recommend a sulfate-free, professional, color-safe shampoo. Red highlights tend to fade quickly, so we carry tinted, color depositing shampoos by All Nutrient to keep the color fresh at home.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
This look usually works the best for anyone with thick, wavy or curly hair. Having some density to the hair helps keep the haircut’s structure.
The color always works for someone with a warm or fair skin tone, and especially someone with green or hazel eyes. Red is a complimentary color to green, so the contrast really makes your eyes pop!
The haircut by itself is relatively low maintenance and easy to style. The red tone is a little higher maintenance as you might need to refresh the ends more often than a brown or a blonde hair color.
Vibrant Short Brown Hair with Red Highlights
Q&A with style creator, Jess Gibson
Hairdresser @ Bespoke Hair in Brisbane, QLD, AU
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
This is a balayage using reddish tones, where some of the foils have been taken up quite close to the roots. My favorite thing about this look is that it is strong, yet still softly blended. I love that the foils accentuate the inner part of the haircut to create texture.
What products do you recommend to create and maintain this look?
To maintain this look and keep red hair streaks vibrant, I recommend using an at-home color refresher to protect against color fade. Some clients will need to refresh more than others, it just depends on the hair and the client’s lifestyle.
For this particular client, I mixed a custom take home toner in the salon so they would have the perfect shade of red for home use. As for the rest of the look, use a volumizing mousse or shine serum then blow dry/style as you wish.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
I recommend these highlights for many different women. I would however change the tone of the red to warm or cool depending on the client’s skin tone. There will also be a little at home maintenance with this color as discussed before, so the client needs to be willing to do the upkeep.
This look is very versatile as it is fun and bold, yet is still quite professional.
Vivid Red Highlights
Q&A with style creator, Jennilyn Michel
Hair Artist @ Honey Salon in Bellingham, WA
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
I would describe this look as a vivid red balayage. My favorite thing about this look is how nicely it grows out with the natural root.
What products do you recommend to create and maintain this look?
I hairpainted with Solaris lightener and 40 volume developer until at a level 8-9. I applied Pulp Riot Fireball from roots to ends. After rinsing, I applied Finest Pigments Red for that shine! I recommend using a color-safe shampoo or even a color depositing shampoo like Viral Extreme Red color wash to keep the red fresh!
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
This look is great on someone with darker hair because it will make the grow out beautiful. It is also perfect for anyone wanting to express themselves in a bold bright way!
Bob with Red Highlights
Q&A with style creator, KaLynn Fisher
Hairstylist @ Alexander’s Salon & Color Specialists in Little Rock, AR
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
I would describe this as the perfect fall look for someone who wants something fierce and daring, but still wearable. My favorite thing about this look is the haircut and the way it compliments the color and highlights so well. I also love that it can look fabulous straight or with a little curl.
What products do you recommend to create and maintain this look?
This haircut requires minimal product if worn straight. I used Raha (in house brand) Nice Body for volume and Kenra’s Blow Dry Spray for a smooth blowout and heat protectant. The color is a little more high maintenance and would need a color guard shampoo and conditioner, and/or even a color depositing shampoo or conditioner such as the Keracolor “Clenditioner” for red hair.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
This look is best suited for someone with fine to normal hair. This wouldn’t be a great look for someone who doesn’t want to be in the salon often because it requires maintenance. Highlights in red shades typically fades quickly, so it requires time, effort and money to keep this look fresh.
Gorgeous Amber Red Highlights
Q&A with style creator, Naomi Chriscoe
Creative Hairstylist / Updo Specialist @ Sky Parlor Salon in Raleigh, NC
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
I feel like this is the perfect warm look for the upcoming chilly season. I love all of the gorgeous amber tones. My favorite thing about this look is that there is so much dimension and depth to the strawberry red hair with blonde highlights. It’s even prettier up close than it is from far away.
What products do you recommend to create and maintain this look?
My favorite styling products I used on her were the KMS 2-in-1 Hairspray to create her beach waves and protect her from the heat, as well as the KMS Spray Wax to give her that beachy texture without the tangled feeling of a salt spray.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
This look is great for light to medium skin tones. It works best for anyone with medium to dark brown hair (or someone who already has dark red hair). I used a permanent dark auburn color for her base color, so getting the roots touched up and keeping the ends toned to the perfect maple syrup color is a once every six weeks maintenance.
Reflective Red Highlights in Brown Hair
Q&A with style creator, Nicole Sand-Stelzer
Owner @ Rose Colored Glasses Salon in Manitowoc, WI
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
To keep her color as low maintenance as possible, we made her base a reflective neutral version of her natural level. I refreshed some of her previous balayage in select areas and added babylights around her face for reflection using Lupe Voss’s Power Painting technique.
For added depth and dimension, I color melted a deep, blue-based red (to keep the tone more of a true red knowing it will fade between bi-yearly maintenance appointments to her mid-lengths) in diagonal panels in the back and medium diagonal slices through the top, backcombing lightly to diffuse.
I love the added depth that the red hair color gave back to her sun-lightened locks and the way the neutral base allows the red and copper to take the spotlight. The true champion of this look are the seamless layers I created using the Head Shape Matters cutting system. We are able to achieve movement without compromising her perimeter strength.
What products do you recommend to create and maintain this look?
To maintain the beautiful shine and prevent fading, she uses Aveda Color Conserve shampoo and conditioner. To protect her hair from heat styling, I added Aveda’s Pure Abundance Style Prep as well as Phomollient for volume and shine, along with a few spray of Aveda’s new Texture Tonic (my new personal favorite for every hair type).
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
This beautiful woman leads a very active lifestyle. As a referral program we’ve used in the past, we partnered with a local gym and exchanged gift certificates. This referral was a life changing motivator for this woman. She has lost over 120 lbs in the past year and a half. So curly or straight, this cut and color looks great going to the gym six days a week, or kayaking and wilderness camping for a week in the Boundary Waters.
With the neutral base tone, this low maintenance color is perfect for grey coverage and minimizing the contrast at her new growth. This allows the wearer to have beautiful reflective dimension that is maintained every six to eight weeks for grey coverage at her base and twice a year for mid-lengths to ends.
Soft Copper-Red Highlights
Q&A with style creator, Chauncey Brelin
Licensed Hair Stylist @ Bellissimo Salon in Sandy, OR
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
I would describe this look and highlights as ready for fall. It is warm and inviting and adds a sexy twist to the traditional all over color. The soft balayage copperlights are my favorite part. This look can be worn every day, but also styled to make a statement.
What products do you recommend to create and maintain this look?
I recommend Joico Color Lover shampoo and conditioner to all of my bright reds. For styling, I recommend always usimg a heat protectant before adding curls with a flat iron and Paul Mitchell Smoothing Serum to finish.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
This red hair with highlights can be created for anyone with the balayage technique, however I would recommend this color of red for someone who is wanting to make a statement or a pop with their everyday style.
Mahogany Red Highlights
Q&A with style creator, Makenzie Dellinger
Stylist @ Salon Blu in York, PA
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
This is a great fall hair color, especially if you’re a woman over 40. It has a dark brown base with a blended mahogany red balayage. It mixes the desire for warmer fall tones with the very popular balayage technique!
The shoulder-length hair complements the style with the soft waves! My favorite thing about it is the different tones within the red balayage.
What products do you recommend to create and maintain this look?
I recommend Aveda Madder Root shampoo and conditioner to help maintain that rich mahogany color. To create this look, I recommend products for texture and hold. I used Aveda Pure Abundance and Thickening Tonic to give the hair more volume and grip and Aveda Controlforce Hairspray once I curled the hair for hold.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
This hairstyle with highlights would be great for a variety of clients. It’s great for the low maintenance client because balayage grows out gracefully. It’s great for someone looking for a change of color for fall because the mahogany is a nice, warm tone that is easily changeable by the next appointment.
Fall hair colors like this mahogany, are great for women over 50, too.
This look can be achieved on anyone with extremely thick to finer hair. That’s the beauty of a blended balayage! Ideally I would recommend this color on a warmer skin tone with a little more pigmentation. The darker root would be a little too harsh on a very fair skin tone.
Medium Brown Hair with Red Highlights
Q&A with style creator, Kristi Laychak
Co-owner @ Classic Hair and Makeup in Pittsburgh, PA
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
These highlights and hair color were created as a transition out of a summer balayage. We were going for a multi-tonal red hair color with fall vibes. I used a color melt technique to give a ton of dimension, blending permanent root color through the mid shaft with two demi permanent glosses over the ends.
My favorite thing about medium brown hair with red highlights is how versatile it is. Depending on the light, different colors will pop through the ends. The best part of this look is that it can be maintained with a simple root touch up and gloss.
What products do you recommend to create and maintain this look?
To achieve this red hair color, I formulated using Kenra Reds and Kenra Metallics:
Roots melted through midshaft with permanent – 1 oz 6RR, 1 oz 6RC, 1/2 oz of 6N, 2 1/2 oz 20 volume
Two different Demi glosses melted over ends – 1 oz 8BrM, 2 oz 9 volume, and 1/2 oz 8C, 1/2 oz 7VM, 9 volume
To keep color at its most vibrant, I recommended rinsing hair with cooler water and shampooing with Kenra Color Charge. We used IGK’s Sunday Funday to style these textured beach waves that were created with a 1 1/2-inch iron.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
This particular hair color would look best on someone with a golden or olive complexion. It is a very warm and rich red color. The same look with violet-based red tones would be great for client with pink undertones in her skin.
I think color melts work best on longer haired clients. The model in this picture is a busy mom and teacher who loves to work out. Her long hair is easy to pull up during her workouts, but can be styled down with curls for a fun yet professional look. The maintenance is as simple as a root touch up, and her ends can change tones at each visit if she gets bored with her color.
Violet and Copper Red Highlights
Q&A with style creator, Kari Donahue
Color Specialist @ Japa Salon in Stillwater, MN
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
This is a red violet and copper balayage with highlights. I love this look because I love the richness of the tones. I love the dimmension and depth it gives the hair to accentuate the texture in the cut.
What products do you recommend to create and maintain this look?
My favorite product for this look is Shu Uemura’s Texture Wave. It gives great texture and definition for beachy waves.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
Balayage like this is great for low maintenance clients as well as the “every six weeks” client. Using a shadow root color that is close to the natural color allows the client to wear this color a little longer if they choose.
I love that it allows clients who don’t love being a slave to their hair appointments to wear a more high fashion look!
Intense Violet Red Highlights
Q&A with style creator, Kellie Paige Tiffin
Hairstylist / Make-up Artist @ Salon Bliss in Ocala, FL
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
I love doing reds, especially violet red hair colors! For this look, I used an intense violet red at her base and a lighter more intense red to add the pops along her part and around her face.
My favorite thing about this color is that it has so many dimensions and, in different lighting, it looks so completely different. Adding some dimension adds movement and shift to the hair and keeps it from looking so flat.
What products do you recommend to create and maintain this look?
I always recommend using professional products to maintain the color, vibrancy and condition of the hair. With color treated hair, you should always use sulfate-free products. I really like the Joico red shampoo and conditioner. It’s a pigmented shampoo that adds color back into the hair to help maintain the color in between appointments.
Also, you want to use low heat when flat ironing or curling the hair.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
I wouldn’t recommend red for someone who wants something low maintenance or if they spend a lot of time outside in the sun or in the water. Red requires a lot of maintenance and can fade very quickly if not properly maintained.
I would recommend this color to someone who has medium to coarse texture hair and who can get their hair color refreshed every six to eight weeks. It’s good for anyone with fair to medium skin with neutral skin tones to add warmth.
Multi-Dimensional Red Highlights
Q&A with style creator, Krista Skaggs
Hairstylist / Colorist @ The Dandelion Salon & Barbershop in Clovis, CA
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
This is a multi-dimensional red. I love how the different tones compliment her cut to create that perfectly tousled and lived-in look, yet it all still looks fresh and rich with the warmth we added.
What products do you recommend to create and maintain this look?
I used Joico Lumishine to create this look. On the base to mid shaft, I used equal parts of 5nwb and 5nc. On the pre-lightened sections, I weaved 6nc from the mid shaft to ends, making sure to leave some pre-lightened areas out.
I finished off with a glaze at the bowl using Lumishine Demi Permanent liquid 7nwb. For maintenance, I recommend a sulfate-free shampoo to prevent fading.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
When applying warmth, I am always careful to notice warmth in skin tone and eye tone. If the skin tone and eye tone are both warm, I would not recommend this look to avoid being too warm.
In this case, my guest had warmth in her skin tone and beautiful green eyes. The red tones complimented the green in her eyes making them stand out. I loved the end result for her.
Red Highlights in Dark Black Hair
Q&A with style creator, Sarah Cabral
Stylist / Independent Booth Renter @ Mg Salon in Medway, MA
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
This red balayage with loose waves is the hottest hair trend of today! What I love most about this lived-in red highlights on black hair is that it enables you to have a fashionable and trendy hairstyle with low-maintenance upkeep.
The shadowed root erases all harsh grow-out lines that you would have with traditional foil highlights.
What products do you recommend to create and maintain this look?
To get this look, I first used Goldwell Topchic color 5N and 4B with 10 volume developer for the base color and melted it down. I then balayaged with Oligo clay lightener at the same time. For the final all over red tone, I used Goldwell Colorance 5RB.
To style, use a heat protector first, then a light hairspray and 1-inch curling iron. Lastly, gently brush out the curls with your fingers.
Reds tend to fade fast, so make sure you use a professional color-protecting shampoo and conditioner. Tinted shampoo and conditioner can also be used to help the color last longer.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
Black hair with red highlights is ideal whether you have a fair skin tone or an olive complexion, blue eyes or brown. If you’re looking for red hair coloring ideas for a hot new look, this red balayage is for you!
Cool Red Highlights in Braids
Q&A with style creator, Joey Gomes
Hairstylist in New York, NY
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
My inspiration came from all of the very cool girls who want a cool and fashionable look. Keeping the natural color in the base brings balance for her overall look!
What products do you recommend to create and maintain this look?
First of all, I recommend high-quality bleach (not hydrogen peroxide like using in foiling or frosting) to get a uniform result. You don’t need to let the hair get too blonde because the toner will be red. For the toner choose a very bright red line 6.66 and red intensifier to get a very bright red on the balayage!
To maintain this example of red highlights, the client will need to return once a month to repeat the toner. I always recommend at-home treatments between appointments to keep the hair healthy.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
I recommend this look for people who have a very cool fashion sense because this is a rock star look. Since we kept the natural base color, this look works well for most skin tones.
Fiery Bright Red Highlights
Q&A with style creator, Jenifer Pessina
Hairstylist / Hair Color Specialist @ Foiled Rotten Salon in Jacksonville, FL
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
This is a bayalombre technique. Her hair was prelightentened months ago which gives us the ability to create different looks each visit. I love the color graduation from a warm brown to a fiery red.
She has a conservative job but a carefree lifestyle, so I feel her hair color really reflects who she is and what her life is like.
What products do you recommend to create and maintain this look?
Sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners are a must when wearing bold colors! Daily shampooing is a no no. I recommend Redken Color Magnetics Shampoo and Conditioner and Pillow Proof dry shampoo.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
I honestly feel like any client can wear bold color. If it makes you feel pretty, go for it! This fiery red is best on warmer skin tones and darker eyes. If you have fairer skin and lighter eyes, I like the cooler, more violet tones.
Golden Light Brown Hair With Strawberry Red Highlights
Q&A with style creator, Sebastian Langman-Kirtley
Owner/Master Colorist @ The Keep Salon in Falmouth, MA
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
This look is both vibrant and soft, featuring a high luster copper base with accents of strawberry and gold.
I love that the hair has tons of contrast yet still plays in the copper tonal family keeping the look natural. I also love the placement of the highlights. Less is more with balalyage!
What products do you recommend to create and maintain this look?
To create light brown hair with red highlights, I recommend using L’oreal Platinium Plus paste lightener with 20 volume, followed by a Dia Light gloss (acidic based demi) in a sheer golden tone.
When highlighting red bases, it’s important not to “over lift” the highlights. You want to leave warmth to complement the base color.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
Balayage is great for everyone. It’s low maintenance and can be completely personalized for the client’s haircut, texture and face shape.
In general, coppery red and blonde highlights on brown hair looks best on those with warm ivory skin, and also those with freckles. Mahogany, maroon, and violet-based reds are a great alternative to copper for those with cool skin tones.
Autumn Red Highlights in Blonde Hair
Q&A with style creator, Katelyn Greer
Hairstylist @ Amber Rene Salon in Sandy, UT
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
This is an autumn melt. My favorite thing about these red highlights on blonde hair is how dimensional it is. It has so many different tones to give it depth and make it look rich.
What products do you recommend to create and maintain this look?
I definitely recommend a color-safe shampoo and conditioner. We used Kevin Murphy Angel Wash. Angel Wash gives volume to finer hair and adds moisture without weighing it down.
Heat protection is also so important for blonde hair with red highlights. We used Kenra Blow Dry Spray which is my favorite! It protects the hair from heat and adds incredible shine.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
Color melts or smudged roots really work well with every hair type. What I love about this look is how low maintenance it is. You can go a little longer in between appointments because there are no lines and it blends down as it grows out.
Reds work well with lots of skin tones. With this red copper melt, fair skin will really make it pop.
Dimensional Red Highlights
Q&A with style creator, Alejandra Jim
Certified Hair Colorist / Owner @ Eternity Beauty Salon & Supply in Pembroke Pines, FL
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
This is a dimensional red balayage done with my favorite hair product, Olaplex. In the sun, this dimensional look is a vibrant color, but it stays classic and elegant at night.
What products do you recommend to create and maintain this look?
To maintain this look, I recommend Fire Opal Cooper + Ruby Red color wash shampoo Gem Lites for 10 minutes and conditioner every two weeks. Also, you can create these soft waves with a 1 1/4-inch Hot Tools iron at 375 degrees after applying Moroccanoil Heat Protection. Finish with Moroccanoil Hairspray in medium hold.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
This hair color is perfect for warm skin or fair to golden-toned skin.
Dark Chocolate Cherry Melt
Dark chocolate cherry melt gives black hair an incredible shine and an added fun pop of color. Stylist Lauren Hassinger of Pennsylvania recommends it for darker natural brunettes. “It’s lower-maintenance if the shade is similar to your natural base,” she explains.
Red tones like a dark cherry may fade quickly, so Hassinger suggests the Lakme Teknia Ultra Red shampoo. “When added into your at-home haircare regimen, the black with red highlights color will look brand new in between salon appointments.”
Red Highlights in Brunette Hair
Q&A with style creator, Estefany Bouché
Hair Artist @ Studio 209 in El Paso, TX
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
This is a dimensional balayage. I love how blended the red highlights look and how the brown makes the red appear so bright.
What products do you recommend to create and maintain this look?
To create this look, I used Syncro Lift from Paul Mitchell, Paul Mitchell the color level 3 for the brown and Paul Mitchell XG level 5 for the red, as well as a PM Shine to make the color last longer and give it that shiny look.
To maintain this look, I recommend Awapuhi Ginger. It will protect the color from fading and adds protein that the hair needs.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
I recommend this look for any hair texture and any skin tone. I do not recommend this for anyone who needs to keep natural tones in their hair for work.
Dark Plum Red Highlights
Q&A with style creator, Dezarae Isaacson
Color & Cutting Specialist @ True Aveda Lifestyle Salon in Las Vegas, NV
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
This is a dimensional red. It’s a darker plum red faded into a lighter vibrant red on the ends. My favorite thing about this color is how dimensional it is. I used certain partings ND two different formulas for this look. You can’t beat the Aveda shine!
What products do you recommend to create and maintain this look?
I created this look with Aveda Demi Permanent Hair Color which is 99% naturally derived. The products I recommend to maintain this look are the Aveda Color Conserve shampoo and conditioner.
For styling, I used Aveda Color Conserve Daily Hair Protect to protect against heat, add shine and moisture, all while making the color last. I also used Aveda Confixor liquid gel to help hold the style. After curling, I used NEW Aveda Texture Tonic to add texture and boost shine.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
This look is perfect for the client that has a busy lifestyle and needs something very low maintenance. She came in with blonde balayage that I had done about five months ago and wanted a drastic change without the commitment of permanent haircolor. This way it will fade gradually, and when she is ready for something new it’ll be easy to switch up!
This type of red looks great mostly with tan skin. If the guest has more fair skin, I would add a little copper to the formula.
Red Violet Highlights
Q&A with style creator, Kamee Kwak
Hair and Fashion Stylist @ Kamee Style in Montgomery, AL
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
The base has a dark red/brown hair color with red violet highlights. I love how the highlights create dimension and show off the texture of the haircut.
What products do you recommend to create and maintain this look?
Always recommend a color-safe shampoo and conditioner like Unite 7 Seconds to help maintain your color. Red hair has a tendency to fade, but if you use a shampoo and conditioner that is paraben-free and sulfate-free, it will last longer.
To style, I started with Unite Smooth and Shine and applied it from mid shaft to ends. I then sprayed Unite Liquid Dust on her roots and used a large round brush to blow dry the hair. After hair was completely dry, I used a 1-inch barrel curling iron to create beach waves. I sprayed each curl with Unite Texturiza and brushed her hair. We finished with Unite Go 365 Hairspray.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
Red violet hair color is perfect for someone with a light to medium skin tone with pink undertones. I recommend having a stylist to help you maintain your hair color. It will need to be refreshed every six to eight weeks. Subtle dark red highlights will work with any hair type and texture, but I love it best on naturally curly hair.
Chocolate Brown Hair with Red Highlights
Q&A with style creator, Marissa Cazares
Balayage Specialist @ Blush At Bishop Arts Salon in Dallas, TX
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
This is a red balayage aka brown hair with red highlights. My favorite thing about balayage is that it is very dimensional and it’s true colors come out when the hair is waved. It does look great straight as well!
What products do you recommend to create and maintain this look?
I would recommend not washing your hair ever yday. When you do wash your hair, I recommend using a sulfate-free shampoo as well as a color-treated shampoo for reds. Joico has some great ones!
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
Brown with red highlights is higher maintenance, so I wouldn’t recommend it for the person who doesn’t have the time to come into the hair salon every six to eight weeks to refresh the color. This is a great color for any hair type/thickness. I personally think all skin tones can wear these tones except for those who have red cheeks or rosacea because it can bring out more redness in the skin.
Sangria Red Highlights on Black Hair
Q&A with style creator, Emily Bethlehem
Hairstylist / Colorist @ Accents from Head to Toe in Bethlehem, PA
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
This is a red sangria balayage! This deep rooted red is the perfect color for fall. Everyone is jumping on the balayage trend right now, but adding a red tone is a little different!
Reds are so fun and daring and I love how they can take on different tones in different lighting.
What products do you recommend to create and maintain this look?
To create this look, I first colored her regrowth with Framesi Eclectic 2NE +basic. It’s an ammonia-free color and will slowly fade outk, but will help to blend grays. Starting in the front, I backcombed angled balayage sections and applied lightener. We kept the lightener heavier on the ends of the hair and diffused it to the top for a softer, grown out look.
On clean dry hair, I applied Framesi Eclectic 5ME+ 7RE + extra to all lightened pieces. After washing, I loved the color but wanted an extra pop of color, so I added a glaze of Matrix Color Lacquer RED over towel dried hair. We then styled loose waves with 1-inch curling iron.
To maintain this type of color I suggest a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. Hair color is an investment and you really should use quality washing products so you don’t wash the color down the drain! I love Framesi Color Lover shampoo and conditioner, as well as Davines Alchemic Red shampoo and conditioner. Additionally, washing less often and with cool water will help the color last even longer.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
Red hair color is so versatile. It can work with almost any skin tone. A dark base helps to make the red more dramatic.
I do consider this a fashion color meaning it will be a little more work to maintain. Plan on returning to the salon to refresh the red color with a glaze in about four to six weeks.
Deep Magenta Red Highlights
Q&A with style creator, Rachel Menchken
Designer @ Hair To Dye For in Easton, PA
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
This is a rich red balayage. I love the dimension of the darker base and the pops of brightness coming through.
What products do you recommend to create and maintain this look?
I always send my clients home with a color-safe shampoo, otherwise I can’t guarantee the color won’t fade. I love the Arrojo Color Care shampoo and well as the Pureology Hydrate shampoo. I recommend coming into the salon every six to eight weeks for a glaze or toner to refresh the red. This will keep it rich and shiny.
Balayage is an awesome technique because as the hair grows, you don’t get a hard line but more of a softer grow out. After I touched up her gray, I handpainted the lighter pieces with Wella Free Lights, then toned with Goldwell Colorance. I’ve worked with a few different color lines, and Goldwell’s reds are just beyond comparison.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
I honestly believe that any skin tone can pull off red. I have very fair skin and had it for years! My client in the picture has gorgeous olive skin that complemented her hair so well. I love that this color is vibrant and fun, but still not quite an in-your-face fantasy color. Whether you work in a office or an art gallery, I believe anyone can rock this!
Dimensional Deep Red Hair Balayage
Q&A with style creator, Hope Toyra
Hairstylist @ Bliss Salon & Spa in Lafayette, IN
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
This look is a dimensional red balayage with big, soft curls. These are organically handpainted highlights with a deep red from base to ends. The highlights set the base for the red allowing it to be brighter in some spots and darker in others to create a dimensional, color melting, eye catching fall color!
My favorite thing about this color is the balayage affect. It adds movement and pop to any color or style!
What products do you recommend to create and maintain this look?
To create this look, I recommend a 1.5-inch barrel iron with AGHair tousled texture spray for volume, AGHair argan oil for shine and hydration, and Pravana Super Shape hairspray to make it last!
For maintaining the color, I recommend GemLites Colorwash in Ruby to keep that red vibrant in between salon appointments. Also, I like any Aquage shampoo and conditioner because they are all color-safe.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
The beautiful thing about red hair color is there are so many different shades, making it beautiful on so many skin tones! From peachy pale skin to warm darker shades, red can work for all of them.
For lighter skin, I would recommend orange-red, rich copper red, or dark auburn red shades. For deeper skin tones, try berry or wine shades of red.
Red is a fun hair color, but in order to make a statement, you have to keep up with the maintenance. Red isn’t a color i would recommend to someone who is looking for salon appointments only once or twice a year. Red requires consistent salon visits to touch up or refresh your color!
Autumn Chic
Q&A with style creator, Carlie Lynch
Hairstylist @ Salon Thairapy in Niagara Falls, ON
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
I would describe this dark brown hair with red highlights as a chic way of putting fall and sass into your hairstyle. I has a pop of color, but is still super professional and wearable!
My favorite thing about this look is how the dark natural color transitions into the red.
What products do you recommend to create and maintain this look?
To maintain this look, I definitely recommend a color-safe shampoo, a deep conditioner to keep the ends strong, and maybe even a red tinted shampoo or conditioner to keep the ends looking fresh!
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
I recommend this style to someone who wants a bold look that can still be worn casual. It’s best for darker skin tones so the client doesn’t look too washed out, and someone who can maintain a good relationship with their stylist so the cut and color stay in good shape as well!
Blended Caramel and Red Highlights
Q&A with style creator, Shelby Kay Shankula
Licensed Cosmetologist / Stylist @ La Bella Hendersonville in Hendersonville, TN
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
This is a blended red caramel balayage, and it’s my favorite blend to do in the fall season. It’s a great way to add something different without fully committing to a whole new look. It also easily transitions into the Christmas season!
What products do you recommend to create and maintain this look?
We used Original Mineral Project Sukuroi which is a shooting balm. This goes on towel dried hair to help smooth and condition before styling. It can also go on dried hair as a finishing product. We love it!
To create the curls, we used a 1 1/4-inch curling iron. Run your fingers through the curls and finish with a sea salt spray to add some texture and hold while giving a loose, beach waved look.
The majority of my clients are Latina or Asian, so when you have an olive skin tone or a darker complexion, these warmer blends really complement the features and add dimension to the naturally dark hair with red highlights without having to break the base.
Do not wash your hair every day and cooler water is key with red hair color!
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
Every client is different, but this red highlights hair is great for anyone wanting to change it up while keeping it blended and subtle.
