15 Bright Red Hair Ideas to Inspire Your Next Bold Look

karol g with bright red hair — @karolg / INSTAGRAM

Bright red may be a statement hair color, but it's also surprisingly versatile, which might be why we're seeing it everywhere. With all the shades of red there are, it's easy to find a bright red hue that perfectly suits your skin tone, and according to our experts, that's the trick to wearing this bold hair color so well. However, perks aside, there are a lot of factors to consider before committing to bright red hair.

Meet the Expert

Angela Soto is a colorist and owner of Baja Studio in New York City.
Chase Kusero is a celebrity colorist and co-founder of IGK Hair.
Chad Kenyon is a celebrity colorist and Olaplex ambassador.

The biggest consideration is how difficult it can be to remove red from your hair once the dye is applied. That's why taking the time to find your perfect red shade is of the utmost importance. "Be specific about the shade of [bright] red you desire when consulting with your colorist and have pre-selected photos ready to discuss," Kenyon suggests.

If you're considering trading in your current hair color for bright red, we've got you covered with inspiration and advice. Below, find 15 ways to wear bright red hair and expert-approved tips for maintenance.

Bright Red Hair

CHOOSING A SHADE: The ultimate goal is to select a shade of bright red that best complements a client’s skin tone, says Kenyon.

MAINTENANCE LEVEL: High. Bright red hair fades rapidly, according to Kusero, and will need a touch-up every 4 to 6 weeks.

GOES GREAT WITH: Red is such a versatile color, allowing it to complement a bold beauty look (think: red lipstick) or subtle glam.

SIMILAR SHADES: Strawberry Blonde, auburn, and copper

PRICE: Soto says a maintenance appointment to touch up or gloss over bright red hair can range from $125 - $250. Doing a single process on virgin hair can initially cost around $450, and color corrections will generally be $200/hour, depending on the pre-existing damage.

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Bright Red Waves

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 18: Bella Thorne attends The 22nd Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on November 18, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Denise Truscello/Getty Images for The Latin Recording Academy) — Getty Images

There is a wide variety of bright red shades, making the color suitable for a spectrum of styles and aesthetics. The haircut type and length accompanying your hair color will support the look you're going for. Soto points out that with longer hair, like Bella Thorne's, bright red hair has the potential to offer a more sultry vibe.

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Bold Red Bob

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 13: A guest wearing blue coat, suit outside Cos on September 13, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Christian Vierig/Getty Images) — Getty images

"All reds are high maintenance," says Soto. "Bright red is definitely the most high maintenance of all red shades." She says this is due to the frequent salon visits required to maintain that vibrant, bright tonality. You'll need to visit the salon for a color gloss every 4-6 weeks.

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Low Intensity Red Curls

Singer Rihanna arrives at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena May 22, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. — getty images

There are plenty of ways to get bright red hair, according to Kenyon. "Red can be applied as a gloss, a semi-permanent or permanent dye," he explains. For something with a lighter intensity, like we see here on Rihanna, doing a gloss is the way to go.

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Bright Red Crop Cut

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 16: Arlo Parks attends the GQ Men Of The Year Awards 2022 on November 16, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Marsland/WireImage) — Getty images

"Any variation of red that is more artificially vibrant is done with a direct dye," Soto points out. However, it's important to note direct dyes fade drastically with every wash. After your first handful of washes, Soto says, "The color can brown out or lose that sort of wow factor." When it comes to keeping your bright red hair looking vibrant, washing it less often helps. "When you do [wash], use a color-safe, sulfate-free shampoo," Soto notes.

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Red and Straight

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 05: Shania Twain attends the 65th GRAMMY Awards on February 05, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The Recording Academy) — Getty Images

Using color-safe products is especially important when trying to achieve (and maintain) an electric red hue (like Shania Twain's hair here). "Color-safe shampoos and conditioners [don't contain] ingredients that can strip the color [out of your hair]," says Kusero. "IGK's Legendary Hydrating Shampoo ($32) and Conditioner ($32) offers shine and body, is perfect for all hair types, and is safe for color-treated hair."

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Dynamic Red Tousled Waves

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 16: (UK TABLOID NEWSPAPERS OUT) arrives at The Brit Awards 2010 held at Earls Court on February 16, 2010 in London, England. (Photo by Dave Hogan/Getty Images) — Getty Images

If you're a natural redhead like Florence Welsh, bumping up your shade of red to be brighter and punchier can be a very quick adjustment. Her hair's mix of deep red, copper, and fiery red shades creates such a dynamic hair color overall.

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Electric Red Waves

A frequent question many clients will get asked at the shampoo bowl during a color appointment is whether or not they want to do a glaze. This isn't a step to skip when working with hues like bright red. "A glaze will lock in the color and enhance the vibrancy," says Kusero. Doing a glaze can ensure your hair remains bright and shiny longer.

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Bright Red Half-Up Half-Down

cardi b with bright red hair — @iamcardib / INSTAGRAM

Committing to bright red hair isn't just a style choice. It's a lasting decision that could stick around for years. If the prolonged relationship with hair color is too hard to sign up for, take a note from Cardi B and try a bright red wig like the ones from MAYVENN.

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Bright Light Waves

megan fox with red bob — @meganfox_italy / INSTAGRAM

To get bright red hair like Megan Fox, you need to start by lightening your hair. "It's a multi-step process," Kusero explains. "If you naturally have dark hair and want a vibrant red, you'll need to bleach your hair first." This crucial step makes it possible for your new shade of bright red to deposit itself into each strand and achieve the desired outcome.

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Bright Red Sculptural Bun

megan thee stallion with red hair — @theestallion / INSTAGRAM

Using a color conditioner or mask at home once a week will help keep your red hair bright and bold like Megan Thee Stallion. "Leave it on for about 10-20 minutes," Soto says. She recommends color conditioning treatments from Christophe Robin and Davines.

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Bright Red and Shadow Roots

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 20: Kehlani attends the 2019 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards at Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel on June 20, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for ASCAP) — Getty Images

Kehlani's dark roots paired with bright red, straight hair is such a striking look. The subtle shadow roots create a seamless contrast, giving the singer's hair depth and dimension.

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Red Textured Loose Curls

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 06: Taraji P. Henson and American Express Launch #ExpressThanks Pop Up Cafe at Grand Central Station on March 06, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images,) — Getty Images

"[Bright] red is one of those tones that can be worn with any haircut style or texture," Soto says. Soto explains that adding a natural texture to the mix makes the color feel even more impactful and cool. Case in point: Taraji P. Henson's fluffy, loose curls.

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Two-Toned Bright Red

dua lipa with black and red hair — @dualipa / INSTAGRAM

For a more spunky look, opt for this dual-tone red and black look like Dua Lipa. Manic Panic offers fun shades of semi-permanent red—Rock 'N' Roll Red is the perfect bright shade.

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Red and Wavy

bella hadid with wet and wavy red hair — @bellahadid / instagram

This is one of Bella Hadid's boldest looks to date. Her eye-catching wet and wavy red hairdo is equal parts cool and chic.

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Bright Red Pixie Cut

Singer Monica attends BET Awards with a long blunt bright red pixie — Getty images

As you can tell from the above examples, the key to selecting the best shade of bright red boils down to skin tone. Choosing a shade of red that complements your skin tone and undertones will help you achieve the most stunning outcome. Monica's multidimensional bright red pixie cut is the perfect example.

36 Ways To Wear Red Hair Color