Whether you’re a natural redhead or looking to color your freshly painted red hair with blonde highlights, you’ll find some awesome inspiration below! When it comes to red, you have all sorts of shades available, all depending upon your natural base color. Dark reds paired with platinum blonde highlights is just the contrasting look some are going for. But perhaps you want to go more subtle with a medium red hue with dark caramel blonde. The options are almost endless, aren’t they? As you browse through these photos of the best red hair with blonde highlights, note that the darker reds and brighter blondes will take more time (and potentially money) to achieve. You’ll also want to talk with your colorist about whether to use traditional foils or balayage to fit your budget and lifestyle needs.
Crimson Red Hair with Blonde Highlights
This look can be described as a deep red blended into a coppery red and blonde balayage with a long layered cut. The loose waves give a casual yet elegant feel and can be worn for either setting.
I truly believe in what Audrey Hepburn said, “There is a shade of red for every woman.” Red is so fascinating in that there are many variations: coppery orange-based reds, violet reds, and even rich brown reds. Depending on how bright of red the client is wanting, sometimes pre-lightening the hair is a necessary step. Olaplex is a great way to maintain the integrity of the hair during the lightening or color process.
As beautiful as these bright reds are, they fade very quickly and home maintenance is key. I recommend using shampoos with red boosters (Pravana has a great option) every other wash, as well as a color-caring shampoo for regular use. Olaplex also has a Step 3 at-home treatment which is great for keeping the hair healthy and vibrant.
Ash Blonde Highlights
This is a truly unique color blend on a shoulder-length choppy cut featuring platinum streaks and a vibrant rose base. It’s dimensional and edgy, and would require lots of TLC for it to last long.
Cherry Red Hair with Blonde Highlights
If you’re ready for something new and fun, this sexy shoulder-length layered lob with a deep auburn shade is what you’re looking for! Add just a pop of blonde at the front and tips for spice!
Bright Red Hair with Caramel Blonde Highlights
This is a hue easily worn by anyone regardless of skin tone. It’s a fun way of lightening your hair and giving definition to your lovely locks.
Natural Red Hair with Bright Blonde Highlights
When done right, vibrant colors like this gorgeous redhead shine just beautifully when accentuated with warm blond streaks. It brightens the whole look and provides it with magnificent contrast.
Burgundy Hair with Blonde Highlights
If you have a deep rich red hair and would love to have effortless warm tones, this might just be the look for you. It’s a subtle combination of soft and bold, and it brightens and adds texture to the whole look.
Brownish Red Hair with Blonde Highlights
Partner a soft brunette hue with warm blond streaks for a beautiful and feminine appearance. This shoulder-length cut styled with a side part proudly shows off the charming blend these colors create especially under natural light.
Cinnamon Red Hair with Blonde Highlights
The sweet ginger hair is coupled with subtle warm highlights to create gorgeous contrast and depth. They’ve been meticulously placed all throughout to create a very natural and brightening look.
Light Red Hair with Golden Blonde Highlights
A few soft and light streaks and loose waves complete this lived-in neck-length cut. This combination beautifully brings out the pink in warm skin tones.
Dimensional Fall Bob
Q&A with style creator, Kacie Brantley
Hair Colorist @ Salon Mirror Mirror in Elgin, OK
How would you describe this look?
This look is a “Dimensional Fall Bob.” The loveliest part about it would be all of the different tones you see throughout the hair even with it straight. I think dimensional colors are absolutely beautiful and are some of my favorites to create!
Any advice for someone considering it?
For this particular look, I used Framesi’s color line and they have some of the most beautiful reds. I did babylight slices of foils for the highlight. Since reds can sometimes tend to fade faster, I would recommend washing the hair with professional color safe shampoo recommended by your stylist and washing it in cooler water, both of which will prevent fading. Since it is a highlight, I would inform them that upkeep for this look would be every 6 weeks to touch up the blonde and refresh the red if necessary.
As for this cut, I feel it’s one that most people will style a lot whether straightening it or curling it. Both methods of styling are beautiful but I would definitely recommend they take home a heat protectant as well to keep the hair safe from the hot tools and to never use above 350 degrees on any of them.
Layered Bob with Light Blonde Highlights
Q&A with style creator, Ashley Brinker
Hairstylist @ The New You Styling Salon in Erie, PA
How would you describe this look?
I love the touch of brightness these blonde highlights add to her beautiful red hair color.
Any advice for someone considering it?
This client has naturally curly hair so we have to be very careful about preventing damage. That’s why I only put a touch of blonde highlights throughout. When I retouch the highlights I’m very careful not to touch any of the previous blonde ends. Make sure you’re using good products at home that your stylist recommends. Some of my favorites include Paul Mitchell’s Marula Oil line and the Bassu Hydrating line from Surface. Also, most importantly, find a good stylist who is concerned about the integrity of your hair.
Caramel Blonde Highlights
Q&A with style creator, Brittany Mackin Jasper
Hair/Makeup Artist @ Pavlova European Salon & Day Spa in Traverse City, MI
How would you describe this look?
This fun, playful color reminds me of the beautiful fall leaves here in Northern Michigan. I love this color because it is vibrant but still soft and subtle. The balance of contrast between the blonde and red blends nicely without being over the top.
The best thing about creating this color was the reaction on my client’s face when I turned her around and revealed her new look. This is why I love my career, and I am thankful that I get to create beautiful pieces of art like this every day!
Any advice for someone considering it?
Consider the work it takes to keep it looking beautiful and vibrant. Red is such a hard color to keep up with as it fades fairly quickly. Find the best products (shampoo, conditioner, styling products) to make sure that you are protecting the color for as long as you can.
Also, wash your hair less often, and when you do wash, use cool water. Of course, you don’t have to follow all of these steps, but they are going to give you the greatest longevity. This style can be great on everyone as long as they are willing to commit to a few changes in routine and products.
Platinum Blonde Highlights
Q&A with style creator, Makayla Mardis
Owner @ Studio M Salon in Columbia, KY
How would you describe this look?
The loveliest thing about this look is that it is unique! You see red and blonde but not that many red and blonde highlight/lowlights! Mainly because it is hard to prevent the red from bleeding into the blonde or turning the blonde pink! I simply foil it all and rinse with cold water and wash with color safe shampoo and have no issues with it bleeding!
Any advice for someone considering it?
This is a high-maintenance look! The red will fade. If you don’t wash with color safe shampoo and cold water, the red will bleed and turn the blonde pink. However, if you’re willing to shampoo it the correct way, this would be a beautiful look for anyone who loves red hair or wants a more fall/dark look for autumn! This is also something I wouldn’t recommend to someone whose hair is damaged.
Mahogany Hair with Blonde Highlights
Q&A with style creator, Janessa Foley
Co-owner @ Teal Monkey Salon in Anthem, AZ
How would you describe this look?
This look is a mixture of several different reds. I used a copper mixed with mahogany red and toned her blonde highlights with a strawberry blonde. (9AA Shades Eq) It kind of reminds me of a raspberry swirl!
Any advice for someone considering it?
For anyone looking to take their color up a notch, I’d say mix a bunch of different tones (especially with reds). Using gold/copper/red combo always looks more natural and suits most people’s skin tones. This is also good for a client who doesn’t want a ton of work to maintain it. Must have a firey personality to pull it off!
Short Red Hair with Blonde Highlights
If you prefer more vibrant shades of color but still want to keep your natural hair, this style strikes a nice balance of vibrancy that stands out. It can be easier to maintain if you keep it in a short wavy hairstyle like this.
Q&A with style creator, Tatiana Khweiss
Stylist @ Icon Salon in Newton Centre, MA
How would you describe this look?
This look is a shaggy playful asymmetrical bob filled with texture and movement, channeling a variety of creative looks. It stands out in the crowd and is never boring. Playing it up is the best part!
Any advice for someone considering it?
This is the look for people with a bit of a fun seeker lifestyle and adventurous personality! This trendy haircut gives appeal best on a square-shaped face, highlighting the bone structure and strengthen the jawline. This cut works best with any hairstyle, as long as it is maintained properly.
I had so much fun creating the dimensional colors incorporating the copper and red blonde and adding depth to allow automatic texture with or without styling. Her base color was brought to a deepened mahogany. These colors combined were chosen to complement her fair porcelain complexion which carries a bit of neutral, which allowed me to go a little brighter than too neutral!
Wearing this look – texture spray is my go-to! It’s easy, fun, and keeps the hold and volume throughout the day, recreating the style any way you like. In this photo, I used Oribe Texture Spray to add the fluff first as the base and then began to play and created the style best suited for this rock chic! Once you begin playing with the texture spray, it may take a minute until you find your desired look. It will just happen without you even trying! Finally, to polish out the look, I took Glossing Wax from R+Co and only using my fingertips, I twisted the ends of her hair as I fluffed for a bit of a grungy look and boom! She is rock star famous!
Deep Red Hair with Blonde Highlights
Q&A with style creator, Cassandra Jimenez
Color Specialist @ Beauty Within Salon in Glendora, CA
How would you describe this look?
This is a Red Sangria with copper and blonde highlights. I love the dimension that the fine highlights give. You would also be able to see a lot of texture when she wears it in an updo.
We decided on a long layered haircut for the simplicity and to show off the red intertwined with the copper and blonde highlights. I used Matrix Airy Builder Dry Texture foam for her blowout then curled with a 1 1/4 inch wand and finished with Matrix Oil Wonders.
Any advice for someone considering it?
Use professional products at home to help extend the red tones and to help keep the highlights from getting brassy. Keep in mind that red fades fast, so this look will need to be maintained every 4-6 weeks.
Fire Red Hair with Blonde Highlights
Q&A with style creator, Ashley Brinker
Hairstylist @ The New You Styling Salon in Erie, PA
How would you describe this look?
This beautiful fiery red is one of my favorites! I love the way the blonde highlights add even more brightness. When I color I love to add different levels of light and dark through to keep it dimensional. For her hair cut, I chose a layered bob which looks nice both straight and curled.
I am really loving Surface hair products for styling. They are made from natural organic ingredients and are great for people with sensitivities. I have noticed a big difference in the health of the hair. I used the Surface Bassu hydrating shampoo, hydrating masque, and their Bliss smoothing cream and Bassu oil for extra hydration on her naturally curly hair.
Any advice for someone considering it?
Copper reds look best on clients with fair to medium skin tones and who have blue or green eyes. It’s just stunning! This haircut is perfect for almost anyone. The shortest length would depend on your face shape, which your stylist can help you out with. Some people tend to stay away from a bob if they have a round face, but as long as you keep the length below your chin you can rock it!
The color is on the higher maintenance side. You’ll want to get a retouch at least every 4-6 weeks in order to keep the red looking beautiful. I would recommend a retouch every 2-4 weeks if your over 50% gray. Have fun rocking this fiery red and definitely opt for some blonde highlights!
Copper Hair with Strawberry Blonde Highlights
Q&A with style creator, Sara Kunkel
Cosmetologist & Nail Tech @ Flawless Finish by Sara in Tamaqua, PA
How would you describe this look?
The color is a medium natural copper with light golden copper blonde highlights. It’s a natural sunkissed look that provides super low maintenance for the client.
What I love most about it is that it provides a natural look with super low maintenance, and it’s a very vibrant and fun look.
Any advice for someone considering it?
I would suggest this look for a light-skinned light eyed client. I would suggest a copper depositing shampoo or conditioner such as viral to maintain the color in between services.
Dark Red Hair with Bleach Blonde Highlights
Q&A with style creator, Desiree Henderson
Stylist @ Kristina Michele Salon in Hackettstown, NJ
How would you describe this look?
I call this look Amber Love! The deep red base that melted into a golden balayage reminds me so much of the gemstone. Her long hair is complemented by medium length layers and a face frame which allows for a lot of movement and versatility when styling.
The loveliest thing about this is the blend I’ve achieved with the color. Even with the big contrast between the dark base and light ends, the transition is seamless. I believe the key to a great balayage is the blend.
Any advice for someone considering it?
Go for it! Especially if you already have red hair, simply adding the balayage will give you a whole new look with little maintenance. The balayage only has to be touched up 2-3 times a year. Otherwise, it’s just a base touch up every 4-8 weeks depending on your hair growth, natural starting color, and if gray hair is present.
Professional products are always a must to ensure proper care and condition of your hair and maximum longevity of your color. If you don’t have one already, find a stylist who has experience with color and balayage and is willing to offer you their professional opinions and guidance. It’s also equally as important to have a stylist who is excited to be a part of your hair journey. Remember, any hairstyle you have should always make you feel beautiful and confident!
Dark Auburn Hair with Blonde Highlights
Q&A with style creator, Sylvia Barson
Stylist @ Rumors Salon in Jackson, MI
How would you describe this look?
This dark auburn hair with blonde highlights is one of my favorites. My client has natural level 7 strawberry blonde hair, so I did a lowlight with two different reds – one a red copper and the other a red violet.
Just this last appointment, I added highlights along with those two lowlights for extra dimension. I created this by weaving baby fine and close together foils, for the blend looks so natural.
The greatest thing about this is all the dimension and contrast from the warm red next to the cool blonde. With it being red, it’s so natural yet rich and intricate.
Any advice for someone considering it?
Auburn red can be a commitment. A beautiful stubborn commitment. Red fades fairly sooner than other more “natural” shades but stays better the more you color it like that. You’ll get a better life out of the 3rd time your hair is colored red than you would the 1st or 2nd. Washing in cold water definitely helps the red color lifespan. A sulfate-free/color safe shampoo is also a huge help as well. The less you wash is always a great way to keep the color locked in.
I think if you’re thinking about going red, there are so many different variations of red that you or your stylist could find one that would complement your skin tone, especially if it’s paired with a highlight for dimension.
I would also suggest baby steps approaching red hair. Start with a few lowlights before you jump in completely, especially if you’re on the fence because using lightener (bleach) over top of freshly colored or once’s colored red can take time to lift past that orange stage.
In my opinion, red is always trendy, it can be soft, subtle and sophisticated or deep, bright, and show-stopping depending on the look you’re wanting to achieve. Red paired with blonde is the perfect combination.
