Red hair color shades for brown skin

If a hair change is on the horizon, convince yourself to try a new color while you're at it. You've been looking in the mirror at the same hair color (opens in new tab) for some time now, it's time to live a little. (opens in new tab) Just like a new cut will change your life, so will a fresh new color. Black women, this message is for you: there are no rules (opens in new tab) when it comes to hair color. Even Beyoncé's hairstylist, Kim Kimble, (opens in new tab) says so: "Women of color come in different shades and tones—there's really no set list of colors that will work across the board for all Black women," she confirms."My recommendation is to always consider your skin tone and undertone first to determine which shade will be the most flattering. I also like to use eyes as a reference when choosing color."

As you're mapping out your hair color mood board, allow these shades suggested by Kimble and celebrity hairstylist Nafisah Carter  (opens in new tab)to serve as inspiration to send to your stylist. Along with the right products (opens in new tab) and a skilled stylist, you'll feel brand-new in no time. Also, as sad as it sounds, summer is ending and fall is approaching. Enter into the new season with a new shade. Hello new hair!

We’ve all thought about dyeing our strands red at one point in time, but not all of us can pull off the same shade. Our skin tone plays a huge role in determining which shade of red hair will work for us.

We reached out to Christine Tran, hairstylist and color specialist at Ultrafade by Rich in Australia, to get an expert opinion on the matter. Below, Christine revealed the best shade of red hair for every skin tone. Discover the color that’ll correctly complement your complexion now!

Very Pale Skin Tone: Strawberry Blonde & Copper Tones

“Very pale skin ladies will suit the strawberry blondes and copper tones,” Christine mentions. If you happen to have a pink undertone to your complexion, Christine recommends going a little bit darker with the shade.

“There are some slight variations for ladies with a pink undertone,” she says. “To draw out the pink from their skin to allude to a younger glow, a dark strawberry blonde or adding a rosy touch to a copper would make a huge difference.”

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Pale Skin Tone: Spiced Pumpkin Copper

No, it’s not the name of a new Starbucks drink for the fall; spiced pumpkin copper is a blend of copper and auburn tones. “Regardless of undertone, ladies with pale to medium skin tone will suit spiced pumpkin copper hair,” Christine says. “This involves variations of copper and warm auburn tones.”

A brighter auburn will work better for those with pale, neutral skin tones. And those with cool undertones will look best in a blend of hues. “Pale neutral skin tones will suit bright auburn, as this color has a balance of both cool and warm tones,” Christine notes. “For pale to medium skin tones with a cool undertone, a mix of strawberry blonde, copper, and ginger tones will best complement the skin.”

Anyone with a yellow undertone in their complexion will look best with a take on golden copper. “Yellow undertones would suit multi-toned golden copper hair, as this will accentuate the glow of their warm skin,” Christine shares.

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Medium Skin Tone: Dark or Golden Copper

Medium skin tones have a few more options than just dark or golden copper, especially depending on the undertones in your complexion.

“Those that have yellow undertones will look best in a fire engine red or dark/golden copper hue,” Christine mentions. “Pink undertones would suit a dark copper shade and cool undertones would look best in a luscious cherry red.”

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Olive Skin Tone: Rose Gold

Looking to stay light in your color? Christine says a rose gold will look great on anyone with an olive complexion. “If you’re staying on the lighter side, the best red shade that will avoid feeling washed out will be a rose gold tone,” she notes. “Olive skin tones suit reds with a blue-violet under, such as auburn, burgundy, and mahogany.”

But, Christine makes it clear there is an undertone to avoid. “It is recommended to stay away from reds with orange undertones,” she states.

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Light Brown Skin Tone: Cool Red Shades

A light brown complexion should choose their shade around wine colors. Yes, you read that right. “To enhance the glow of light brown skin tones, cool red shades that have a blue-violet tinge, reminiscent of a merlot wine, would be best,” Christine shares.

Though for your skin tone, Christine does have a warning on which hue to avoid. “All brown skin tones should steer clear of golden copper undertones when going red,” she says.

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Brown Skin Tone: Auburn Brown

An auburn brown hue will always look stunning on brown skin tones, no matter the undertone. “For a more natural and subtle look, a rich and deep brown combined with a touch of red forms the perfect option,” Christine shares.

Looking for something a little more daring? Christine recommends a dark, burgundy red. “A bolder choice that would also compliment brown skin tones would be a dark, burgundy red,” she says.

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Dark Brown Skin Tone: Mahogany

Those with dark brown skin tones can pull off mahogany better than anyone.

“Mahogany is a brunette shade that resembles a rich, reddish-brown,” Christine shares. “Adding the touch of red to your brown will complement a deeper complexion. It’s similar to burgundy, which has a combination of red and purple tones to form a deep tonal red color that reflects well against dark brown skin tones.”

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Black Skin Tone: Purple-Red Tones

Another red hue inspired by a classic drink, Christine shares that Black skin tones would look great in a Cherry Coke color–think Rihanna red.

“Purple-red tones, such as Cherry Coke, also work on darker skin tones,” she says. “It creates deep wine and plum tones that compliment the skin and deeper eye colors.”

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Are you still on the fence about dyeing your strands red? Maybe THESE nine celebs who look better with red locks will help make a case for the color?



Red hair color shades for brown skin
Red hair color shades for brown skin

Ashley Locke

Ashley Locke is the not-entirely-natural blonde Digital Content Coordinator here at Mane Addicts who will try any hair product once. As a vegan of over 10 years, she enjoys sharing her favorite plant-based and cruelty-free brands with MA readers. Ashley has written for Ipsy, Instyle, Sweety High, and more. When she isn't writing about the latest TikTok hair trends or the haircare world's buzziest new ingredient, you can find her shelled away at home, either listening to The Maine or watching The Office. Follow along @punk.rock.prom.queen

Does red hair look good on brown skin?

Red hair on dark skin If your skin is darker, the deeper or brighter the shade of red, the better! Rich, purplish reds will complement your skin (think dark burgundy or magenta). Alternatively, go bold with a bright red hair shade of coral or fire engine to accentuate your features.

What red looks good on brown skin?

Dark skin can handle more intense color like deep reds and reds with blue undertones. Go for wines, berries, and brick reds—they're the perfect complement to your deeper shade.

How do I find the right red hair color for my skin tone?

For fairer skin tones, Trado suggests opting for a strawberry or copper hue. As for medium/tan tones, a poppy or terra cotta hue will do, and he also recommends that darker skin tones opt for rich auburn or ruby tones.

Which hair color looks good on brown skin?

1. What are the best suited hair colors for brown skin? If you're looking for hair colors for brown skin, take a pick from dark lilac blonde, silver blonde, champagne blonde, dark auburn, chestnut and red copper. These colors would look surreal against your complexion.