Red hair dye is a bold, vibrant choice that can transform your look with warmth, intensity, and personality. There is a shade to fit every skin tone and fashion preference, ranging from fiery copper and vibrant cherry reds to rich auburn and deep burgundies.
Red hair isn’t a common practice that most people follow while selecting a hair dye. However, luscious red hair can add a beautiful sense of mystery and mystique to our appearance. For this, you only need to select one of the best red hair dyes.
However, selecting the right red hair dye is more complicated than choosing a shade. From selecting the ideal shade to ensuring your color lasts as long as possible, this guide will help you navigate the world of red hair dye. Whether you’re looking for a subtle hint of red or a striking, head-turning hue, let’s find the red that’s right for you!
There are a wide variety of red dyes available in the market but each offers different benefits. To ease the process for you we reviewed dozens of red hair dyes to identify the best of the best, based on Amazon reviews, cost, and other considerations.
Red Hair Dyes Buying Guide
Picking the right red hair dye can bring your look to life, adding warmth, vibrance, and a bit of daring flair. With so many shades and formulas available, it’s helpful to know what to consider when selecting your ideal red. This buying guide covers everything from picking the right shade to understanding dye types and maintenance tips to keep your color vibrant.
Types of Red Hair Dye
Permanent Dye: Long-lasting color is provided by permanent dye, but as hair grows, regular root touch-ups are needed. Great if you’re committed to red, but keep in mind that red tones might fade, so take care of yourself.
Semi-Permanent Dye: Since it fades gradually over 4-6 weeks, semi-permanent dye is perfect for people who are experimenting with red. This option is less damaging and adds a vibrant pop of color without a full commitment.
Demi-Permanent Dye: Lasting about 20-28 washes, demi-permanent dye is a good middle ground, adding richness and shine without fully committing to permanent color.
Temporary Dye: You can try red for a short time with hair chalks, wash-out colors, and sprays. They’re perfect for trying out different shades or for special occasions.
Choosing the Right Shade
Red hair dye comes in a variety of shades, and selecting one that complements your skin tone can make a big difference in the final look.
Light Skin Tones:
Copper Reds: Golden copper, strawberry blonde, and light auburn work well.
Bright and Bold Reds: A striking contrast is produced by the vivid shades of pure red or cherry.
Medium Skin Tones:
Ginger and Auburn: Medium auburn, cinnamon, and ginger red provide depth and warmth.
Cool Reds: Ruby red or cherry cola can give medium skin a distinctive, deep tone.
Olive Skin Tones:
Deep Auburn and Mahogany: Olive skin looks good with darker reds that have hints of brown, such as chestnut or mahogany.
Wine and Burgundy: These cooler, darker reds can enhance the olive undertones beautifully.
Dark Skin Tones:
Burgundy and Plum: Rich pops of color are added by deep wine-like shades or purples like violet and plum.
Intense Red: Bold ruby or cherry reds can create a high-impact look.
Selecting the Right Formula
Cream Dye: Provides even application and is less likely to drip. Cream dyes are frequently used for permanent and demi-permanent solutions and are simple to apply at home.
Gel Dye: Gel dyes are lightweight, easy to apply, and effective for even coverage and semi-permanent color.
Foam Dye: Perfect for those with thicker or longer hair, foam dyes are mess-free and perfect for at-home applications.
Ammonia-Free and Low-Ammonia Dyes: Since red hair tends to fade quickly, ammonia-free and low-ammonia dyes are gentler to hair, minimizing damage and helping in moisture retention.
Best Red Hair Colours With Review
Below is a quick look into some of the best red hair dyes available along with their features and reviews.
1. L’Oreal Paris Feria Permanent Hair Color
With Feria, what you see is the shimmer. Multi-Faceted shimmering color with 3X highlights delivers intensified brilliant results.
Inspired by cutting-edge fashion, Feria’s prismatic color spectrum is custom-blended by L’Oreal master colorists for bold, head-turning shades – no appointment necessary.
The revolutionary Power Shimmer Conditioner hydrates and conditions week after week so hair is never wrecked or ravaged.
Reviewer says: “The box said “not recommended for gray hair” but it worked great! Using this color, I’m able to slowly allow my natural grays to blend in with my light brown hair, as it’s exactly what I wanted.” says one buyer.
2. Manic Panic Vampire Red Hair Dye
A deep, blood-red hair dye that can give burgundy tones to virgin, unbleached hair. This semi-permanent hair dye formula gradually fades in 4-6 weeks because it does not penetrate the cortex of your hair, but simply rests on top of the hair shaft.
An added benefit to this product is that its vegan-friendly formula does not contain harsh chemicals such as paraphenylenediamine (PPD).
Made in the USA, this hair color is ammonia-free, paraben-free, gluten-free resorcinol-free, phthalate-free, and PETA-accredited.
Reviewer says: “First time using this and loved it, I used vampire red and I left the color one for about an hour and 15 mins, and I used 2 4oz bottles for all my hair.” says one buyer.
3. Arctic Fox Semi-Permanent Hair Color Dye
Arctic Fox hair color is one of the best red hair dye available. It contains none of the chemicals that typically cause damage to hair so it is safe to use frequently to re-color or touch up faded hair.
The dye contains no ethyl alcohol, ammonia, PPD, peroxide, or ammonia. The color produced by Arctic Fox’s Poison is a fiery red that will be sure to make a statement.
Further, this dye contains no animal by-products and is not tested on animals which makes it a vegan-friendly hair dye. The dye itself is formulated to have a sweet smell unlike other typical hair dyes, which can have a strong chemical smell.
Reviewer says: “This is the most vibrant red I’ve ever seen. I absolutely love it and would definitely recommend it to anybody looking to go that bright vibrant fire engine red. I redo mine every two weeks more so because I want that bright to stay. It does wash out every time you take a shower and that is why dry shampoo will be your best friend LOL. And the smell is AMAZING!” says one buyer.
4. Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Permanent Red Hair Dye
Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color Nourishing Creme is specially made with shea, avocado, and olive oils. Formulated with color boost technology this product is created to deliver boldly, boosted permanent hair color, even to dark hair.
This color is formulated to cover darker shades of hair. That means that even if your hair is black or dark brown, you can use this dye without needing to bleach your hair first.
This dye is designed to be permanent and may last for longer than other dyes before fading or requiring a touch-up.
Reviewer says: “Gives a good reddish hue to previously colored darkest brown hair. Visible only in the sunlight !” says one buyer.
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5. Vidal Sassoon Pro Series Hair Dye
Created with salon color expertise, Vidal Sassoon Pro Series Hair Color lets you achieve vibrant color right at home. Featuring a specially calibrated formula, the deep black features a perfect blend of pigments, giving you rich, permanent colors that last.
The length of time this dye can last makes it a good option for those who want to try out being a redhead for a few months. The dye comes in a color kit that includes a conditioner designed to protect your hair from fading due to the effects of the water.
Reviewer says: “I love this color. Always get compliments on my hair, even though it’s been this shade for years. If you want to make an impression, this is the color for you. Makes hair super glossy and soft when freshly dyed. Will run a little first couple washes but nothing that stains.” says one buyer.
6. Adore Semi-Permanent Haircolor
Adore is a Semi-Permanent Hair Color that deposits natural-looking color while giving your hair a healthy resilient shine, leaving your hair in better condition than before coloring.
The exclusive formula offers a perfect blend of natural ingredients providing rich color, enhancing shine, and leaving hair soft and silky.
Reviewer says: “Yes! I only use colors by adore, I keep it stocked. Simple and easy to use. I perm my hair the same day and rinse it. I also have used the raspberry twist and violet gem and the sunrise orange. It lasts long and doesn’t run.” says one buyer.
7. Got2b Metallic Permanent Hair Color
Say goodbye to boring colors! Boost your hair color with trendy metallic shades. Schwarzkopf got2b Metallic Hair Color offers a multi-dimensional look that delivers unique metallic radiance. Permanent hair color that lasts.
Got2b Metallics hair dye works for all hair textures. This permanent hair color can be used on your natural hair, wigs, or extensions to express yourself!
The lighter your natural or current hair color, the more metallic the hair shade results. For best results, this hair color is not recommended for all hair shades.
Reviewer says: “I wanted this color so bad, I tried other brands and silver that didn’t take. But this took on my hair and I love it. I Will purchase every two months. Thank you!” says one buyer.
8. Berina (A23) Permanent Hair Color Dye
Berina professional permanent hair color cream contains all the products necessary for a successful color: a developer cream for an incomparable radiance and maximum coverage of white hair, an intense creme colored with high strength to preserve the burst of color and moisturizing hair day.
Berina professional permanent hair color cream ‘A20’ (Ruby Red) contains active and powerful radiants that protect and provide glamorous color to hair as desired.
Reviewer says: “This is amazing I colored over the top of faded red in a hurry and it came out perfect!! I’ll be adding this to a monthly subscription I can take warm showers again without losing color!!!” says one buyer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding the perfect red hair dye involves choosing a shade that complements your skin tone, selecting the right formula for your hair type and maintenance level, and following an aftercare routine to keep your color vibrant. With the right choice, red hair can add stunning depth and character to your look, giving you a style that’s both fashionable and uniquely yours.
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