Stunning Red Hair Ideas To Try This Year

What I’m asked about the most in TV news, besides how early I wake to do the morning show, is my red hair.

I wish the question was more along the lines of how we produce the news, cultivate sources, or uphold journalistic integrity…

But no, it’s my hair.

People want to know if it’s natural or colored.

The honest answer is yes and yes.

Both my grandmothers were redheads, so I have some natural Auburn tones, but I’ve been coloring it a brighter red for over 20 years. My sister is a natural redhead as is my niece and nephew and I’ve always LOVED it.

I mean, come on, the hair color had its own Redhead Day Festival in August every year in the Dutch city of Tilburg. An estimated 5000 redheads attended last year!

Road trip anyone?

The hue also has its own National Day on November 5th.

In this post, we’ll go through some of my favorite shades of red, how to pull it off, care for it, and keep it fabulously GORGEOUS!

Red Hair color - this was my last visit to the salon where we added a few strawberry blonde highlights starting at the scalp

What is Red Hair?

Red hair is a human hair color found in 2–6% of people of Northern or Northwestern European ancestry.
It is characterized by high levels of the reddish pigment pheomelanin and relatively low levels of the dark pigment eumelanin.
Red hair can really vary in color from strawberry blonde to deep burgundy and everything in between

Red Hair color - I tend to add a little variation go for the summer, typically adding a little strawberry blonde shade starting at the scalp

The Science of Red Hair Color

The pigment pheomelanin gives red hair its distinctive color.
Red hair genetics appear to be associated with the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R). That is found on chromosome 16. It’s basically this gene that controls the type of melanin produced in the body. Melanin is the pigment that gives hair, skin, and eyes their color. It’s basically a gene mutation.
Eighty percent of redheads have an MC1R gene variant within the RHC.

Red haired woman - One of my more recent visits to the salon.

I've got some brown tones especially at the scalp but the red pulls it together with my freckles and lighter skin

Caring for Red Hair

Washing and Conditioning for Hair Color Preservation

Use color-safe shampoo and conditioner to prevent color from fading.
Limit washing to twice a week to prevent color from washing out.
Use dry shampoo in between washes to extend the time between washes.
Cover hair with a shower cap when showering or bathing to prevent color from washing out.

Styling and Protecting Red Hair

Use a heat protectant to prevent damage to red hair when using heat styling tools.
Use a color-depositing mask to refresh and revive red hair color.
Mix different color masks to create a custom color that matches individual hair color.
Leave your mask on the hair for 10-15 minutes to allow the color to go deep into the hair.

Maintaining Natural Red Hair

Root Touch-Ups for Hair Color Maintenance

Root touch-ups can help extend the time between color appointments for bottle redheads.
Use a root touch-up spray to easily and mess-free touch-up roots.
Regular root touch-ups can help prevent roots from showing too quickly.
The better you take care of your color, the higher the chance it will last longer.

Natural Hair Care for Red Hair

Use sulfate-free products on wash day to retain moisture.
Shampoo less frequently to retain moisture.
Use products like IGK Anti-Social Dry Hair Mask or Pureology’s Hydrate Shampoo and Conditioner for Dry, Color Treated Hair.

Love the brightness in the pic above

Not many women can pull off this tone of red hair but it's a beauty!

Picture above from shinecoco.com

Fall Red Hair Ideas

I always go a little darker in the fall. I like to add some deep brown lowlights to switch it up and I love a nice rich red.

You can also think of warm and cozy vibes with rich, autumnal tones like deep auburn or copper highlights that pop against the crisp, cool weather.

You could also play with adding subtle caramel or mahogany streaks to give your locks a gorgeous, multi-dimensional look. And don’t forget about fun accessories like beanies or scarves in earthy colors that complement your fiery hair—perfect for those chilly fall days.

Love the dark brown additions to this red haired beauty

Above deep red hair pic from @isthatpat

Winter Red Hair Ideas

I always go even a little bit darker in the winter with my red – even more so than in the fall.

Winter’s the perfect time to switch up your red hair game with some cozy vibes! Think about adding a rich, deep burgundy that pairs beautifully with winter’s darker palette.

For some glamour, try a subtle shimmer or gloss to make your locks shine in the low winter light.

Adding a few strawberry blonde or even blonde highlights to your other hair colors is a great way to transition to spring

Pic above from @melissamaloney

Spring Red Hair Ideas

I always switch gears in the spring and add some caramel and blonde highlights to my red hair.

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your red hair with some vibrant, lively touches!

How about adding some playful strawberry blonde highlights to bring out a sunny, fresh vibe? You could also experiment with soft, pastel hues like peach or rose gold for a light, airy look that matches the season’s blooming flowers.

Spring is all about renewal, so why not give your red hair a fresh twist and let it shine as brightly as the new season?

I prefer Blake Lively as a blonde but her auburn hair colour here screams Summer to me!

Summer Red Hair Ideas

Summer’s the ultimate time to amp up your red hair with some sizzling new styles!

Try adding some sun-kissed highlights or coppery streaks to catch the light and make your mane look like it’s glowing in the sunshine.

You might also go for a fun, fiery ombré effect with vibrant orange or coral tips for a playful summer vibe.

Hair colors in full effect here with the red and dark brown curls that really bring out her eye color

I’m obsessed with the red curls pictured above from @michellethompsonhair

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over-Washing and Heat Styling

Overwashing can cause red hair to fade faster and become dry and brittle.
Heat styling can damage red hair and cause color to fade.

Protecting Your Hair from the Sun

Use a product with UV protectants to prevent color from fading.
Cover hair when in the sun to prevent color from fading.

We can't all have natural red hair so embrace the Red hair color - $4 at the grocery store!

There are probably some hairstylists out there who may cringe but I’ve bought the $4 hair color pictured above plenty of times for touch-ups at home. I usually don’t cover my whole head with it, I’ll just pull small sections of it and color those with it. That way

Additional Tips for Vibrant Red Hair

Eat a Balanced Diet for Healthy Hair

Eating a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals can help with strong hair growth.
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and biotin can help promote healthy hair.

Stay Hydrated for Healthy Hair Colors

Drinking plenty of water can help keep hair healthy and hydrated.
Dehydration can cause hair to become dry and brittle.

girl, natural red hair, blue eyes, pale skin

National Redhead Day

As I mentioned at the beginning of this post National Redhead Day is celebrated on November 5th.

It began as a fun way to recognize and appreciate the distinctive charm of red-heads. While its origins are murky, the day has become more well-known through social media.

Honestly, I think it’s just a made-up day for fun.

But why not celebrate? Do we really need an excuse?

Only about 1-2% of the world’s population has red hair – that’s men and women.

Ideas on How to Mark the Day

On National Redhead Day, consider grabbing lunch or a manicure with your favorite red-headed gal pal.

Consider sharing redhead trivia or fun facts on social media to spread the love.

For those who prefer something more laid-back, enjoying a ginger-flavored treat or watching movies featuring iconic red-haired characters can be fun. A Julia Roberts flick anyone?

Pic from the Redhead Days Festival in Netherlands.

Now that’s a red-haired party! Pic above from the Redhead Days Festival in Tilburg, Netherlands.

Red Hair Festival

As I mentioned at the beginning of the post, the Redhead Festival is held annually in Europe.

Here are a few fun facts about this unique event:

Global Gathering:

The festival, which takes place in Breda, Netherlands, attracts redheads from all over the world. It’s a rare opportunity for red-haired folks to connect with others who share their distinctive look.

Record-Breaking Attendance:

Attracting thousands of attendees, the festival has set records for the largest gathering of redheads in one place.

Fun Activities:

The festival features a variety of fun activities, including costume contests, photo shoots, and even a redhead parade. There are also workshops and talks on topics related to red hair and its cultural significance.

Redhead Art:

The festival often showcases art and photography celebrating red hair. It’s a great opportunity for artists to display their work and for attendees to appreciate the beauty of red-haired people through different artistic lenses.

I thought the brighter tone of my red hair here appears to stand out next to the green

Thought I’d mention I think red-haired women with freckled skin look especially good in green. Rocking my Kentucky Derby week look at Churchill Downs this year.

Pin it And Save It for Later!

Conclusion

My husband and I were hoping one of our girls might be a redhead but it’s not to be. They have beautiful brown and blonde hair though respectively and I love trying new looks for fun occasions like back to school hairsyles and such.

It’s a color tone that stands out and makes a statement, and it’s no wonder that it has its own festivals and special days.

I’ve had a plethora of hair colors through the years. Blonde, dark black, brown, and various shades of red.

Red is def my fav! Who says blondes have more fun?

So, whether you’re flaunting your naturally God-given red locks or adding a pop of dyed red to your routine life, remember to enjoy every moment of this gorgeous, attention-grabbing hue!

Erica Fox

Hi I’m Erica! TV news anchor and mom to 4 littles. I’m obsessed with creating those “wow” moments in life through crafting at home, cool travel adventures and special celebrations with loved ones. Thanks for joining me on this adventure!