Red hair is hotter than ever, with celebrities like Megan Fox, Chrissy Teigen, Julia Fox, and Emily Ratajkowski showing off fiery locks that turn heads everywhere. Professional hairstylists say the red hair craze isn’t slowing down anytime soon, and it’s clear why—red shades are bold, versatile, and undeniably striking.

Shvonne Perkins, master colorist and lead educator at Madison Reed, notes that people are embracing more nuanced shades of red. “For a long time, it was all about brunettes versus blondes in ads and media,” she explains. “Now, with celebrities and influencers experimenting, people feel more confident breaking the mold.”

If you’re ready to make the switch, here’s everything you need to know—from picking your perfect shade to maintaining it at home.

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How to Choose the Right Red Shade for You

There’s a red hair color for everyone. Golds and coppers are universally flattering, but cooler, blue-based reds suit people who prefer violet lipsticks or black eyeliner, while warmer reds with golden undertones pair beautifully with brown-to-neutral tones in clothing and makeup.

Your lifestyle and willingness to maintain the color also matter. Rich auburns and true reds need touch-ups every 6–8 weeks, which can cost anywhere from $75 to $200+ depending on the technique. For lower-maintenance options, reddish-browns and copper-highlighted brunettes are trending. “We’re seeing a lot of reddish brunettes this year,” says Jennifer Korab, celebrity hairstylist and owner of Renaissance Salon & Spa.

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Salon Touch-Ups

Permanent red shades require root touch-ups every 4–6 weeks, primarily for gray coverage. Toners and glazes are usually refreshed every 6–8 weeks, especially for vibrant or high-maintenance reds like amber or neon tones. Using sulfate-free, color-safe shampoos and conditioners is essential to maintain brightness.

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At-Home Red Hair Care

Proper home care is key to keeping reds vibrant. Perkins recommends using bond-building treatments like Madison Reed’s Bonding Time, along with color-depositing conditioners and monthly glosses. Korab adds that kits like Pureology’s Hydrating and Color Protecting Hair Kit, or Kerastase Chroma Absolu Hair Masque, help maintain shine, health, and vibrancy.

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Trending Red Hair Shades for 2025

No matter your hair type, length, or skin tone, there’s a red for you. Here are the top shades to try:

True Copper

A vivid, reddish-brown with warm orange undertones, this copper hue continues to dominate.

Faded Burgundy

Allows dark red to grow out naturally, offering a seamless transition from roots to tips.

Ash Bronde

A subtle red twist on ash blonde, ideal for those with cool undertones.

Merlot

Inspired by red wine, this warm shade works best with darker roots for added dimension.

Cotton Candy

A pastel pink-red, perfect for light blondes wanting a soft, playful look.

Orange Macaron

A light copper with vibrant warmth, ideal for medium to light bases but requires frequent salon visits.

Cinnamon Spice

Great for curls and coils, showing off multi-dimensional tones beautifully.

Sexy Red

A bold, attention-grabbing red that pairs perfectly with voluminous blowouts.

Red Bixie

A wispy, layered cut with deep red and warm highlights, made popular by Emma Stone.

Cherry Cola Red

Deep red with chocolatey undertones, suitable for all skin tones and hair textures.

Soft Ginger Red

A lighter, approachable red, ideal for beginners or those easing into warmer tones.

Deep Copper

A rich mix of brunette and copper, offering a trendy, natural-looking dimension.

Pantone Peach

A subtle peach-red for soft, juicy highlights that brighten up any complexion.

Amber Red

A warm, amber-toned red that reflects beautifully in sunlight, perfect for a glowing effect.

Hot Taki Red & Blood Orange Red

Neon-inspired shades for adventurous color lovers, ranging from muted volcanic reds to bright orange-reds.

Auburn Red & Mermaid Red

From classic auburn to multicolored mermaid hues, these shades balance boldness with sophistication.

Pumpkin Spice Red & Amber Glaze Red

Warm, customizable reds that are perfect for seasonal changes or transitioning from brunette to red.

Cowboy Copper & Burgundy Plum

Reddish auburns with subtle gold or purple undertones for unique, head-turning tones.

Golden Red & Strawberry Auburn

Warm, wearable reds that suit a variety of skin tones and offer softer, natural-looking growth.

Ruby Copper Red & Cherry Coke Red

Deep, lived-in reds with subtle highlights for a balanced, everyday-friendly look.

Chocolate Cherry Red & Auburn Brunette

Warm, reddish-brown shades that add depth without fully committing to bright red.

Ginger Spice Red & Cinnamon Brown Red

Perfect low-maintenance reds that enhance natural brunette or highlight features.

Strawberry Blonde & Tangerine Peach Red

Lighter, peachy reds ideal for fair to medium skin tones, giving a soft, glowing finish.

Cinnamon Copper Red & Vibrant Ginger Red

Bold, copper-infused reds that are easy to achieve at home with semi-permanent formulas.

Auburn Balayage Red & Carnelian Auburn

Balayage and copper-infused auburns offer long-lasting vibrancy with minimal upkeep.

Apricot Bronde & Ruby Burgundy Red

Soft, wearable reds that blend with natural tones while offering a touch of brightness.

Vibrant Ginger Red

A pink-based copper perfect for summer, balancing warmth with a subtle strawberry hue.

Whether you want fiery neon tones or subtle, natural reds, 2025 has a red hair color to match your style. From bold statements to low-maintenance hues, the trend is all about customization, creativity, and vibrancy.