Dark Red Hair Colors Look Good on Every Skin Tone and Eye Color—These Pics Are Proof
Never thought I'd consider going darker for spring, but this just convinced me.
I dyed my hair red in September, and I've never received more compliments on anything in my life. I have to wonder: Is this what Dua Lipa feels like? Nothing has made me feel confident like a fresh red dye job—so much so, I can't imagine ever going back to blonde again. But the next hair color trend I have my eye on right now? A dark red hair color, whether that's burgundy, cherry cola, reddish brown, chestnut, or red velvet.
Red hair has been a trending hair color for a few years, starting with the copper craze, followed by endless ginger and maroon iterations from celebrities like Zendaya, Emma Stone, SZA, and more. This new, deeper hue can suit every skin tone and eye color, if you choose the shade correctly (remember, this is always something you can work out with your colorist). It's an expensive-looking hair color; although you don't need to be a celeb to achieve it with the below tips and inspo.
Classic Dark Red Hair Color
Chappell Roan's now-iconic dark red hair has fully become her signature (remember when she wore a black wig to watch Faye Webster's set at Gov Ball unnoticed?). And that's exactly why this classic deep shade is totally mood-board worthy. It's still very much a red hue—not too orange or too violet–but the deepened shade adds dimension.
Reddish Brown Hair
Whether you're lucky enough to rock naturally red hair or just have a really good hair stylist, this all-over reddish-brown look is timeless. And it's pretty easy to achieve with an at-home hair gloss in a red shade to give your brown hair a warmer look.
Dark Burnt Orange Hair Color
If you want to keep that orangey look to your red hair but take it a bit darker, don't freak—SZA shows it's totally doable. SZA's stunning red hair has a burnt orange undertone that automatically adds dimension (and complements her skin tone) without going too dark that you lose the terracotta shade.
Deep Reddish Brown Hair
This deep hue is warm and cozy, with a hint of sass, thanks to the red. This rich, earthy look blends those sultry brown tones with a splash of red that catches the light just right. The color is perf for anyone who wants to channel an effortlessly chic energy while keeping it low-key.
Red Velvet Hair Color
Due Lipa's deep red hue is so full of depth and proof that your hair doesn’t need highlights to have dimension. Trust, this velvety color catches the light all on its own.
Warm Chestnut Red Hair
The red tones in Zendaya's hair are soft, even though the color itself is quite dark. That's the magic of this warm, chestnut brown shade she had for the 2025 Golden Globes. This is a perfect way
Deep Ginger Hair Color
A dark red hair color doesn't have to veer from your natural tone. Case in point: Leighton Meester's darkened ginger hair color. This is a solid way to add depth to your color without going for a whole new shade (like if you already have a copper or strawberry blonde hair color).
Merlot Hair Color
You can have your glass of red wine and wear it too. This vampy look is a 10/10 in my book. It pulls in plum tones that create so much dimension (and look fantastic with brown or green eyes, like Cami Mendes here).
Copper Red Melt
I'm obsessed with this fiery copper look. The deeper red tones up top go into a soft orange copper at the ends for super vibrant locks that are sure to get a ton of compliments.
Cherry Cola Red Hair
It was impossible not to include Dua Lipa's gorgeous red hair twice. But she's had a few different tones that we're obsessed with, including this cherry cola version. Closer to a burgundy color, this hair color incorporates dark cherry red tones throughout with a blackened base.
Red Copper Curls
If you have gorgeous curls like these (jealous!), adding this vibrant color to your mane is a sure sign that you're ready to bring on the flair and drama. I especially love that the reddish hue is understated while still making a statement.
Why trust 'Cosmopolitan'?
Chaise Sanders was an associate editor at Cosmopolitan with years of experience writing a range of beauty, fashion, and lifestyle news. She's an expert at researching and writing hair stories, like the best color-depositing conditioners or highlighting the best dirty blonde hair colors that look good on sooo many different skin tones.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with more than seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing hair stories.
Chaise Sanders is a NYC-based writer with a knack for all things lifestyle, beauty, entertainment, and style. Her work has graced the pages of Cosmopolitan, Country Living, InStyle, and more. When she's not busy crafting words, you can find her on Instagram roaming the streets of New York City, hunting down the best food spots, hidden gems, and deals.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
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