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24 dark red hair colours to add to your autumn/winter moodboard

Trust, these looks are to ~dye~ for!

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Somebody ring the alarm because dark red hair is on fire RN! Whether you're going for a sultry deep crimson or a playful hair colour for autumn, dark red shades are trending for a reason: they make a stunning statement. With a whole spectrum of reds to choose from, this hair colour flatters a variety of styles and skin tones.

But let's be real – this colour isn't just about looking good. It's about the confidence and fiery charisma it brings (okay, fine, and it looks amazing). From glossy locks to vibrant ombres, dark red hair is having a serious ~moment~ but if you're thinking, "Um, I could never pull that off," let me stop you right there! Sure, dark red hair might mean a trip to the salon and some serious TLC (hello, colour-depositing glosses), but trust me, the results are well worth it.

Last autumn, hairstylist Tom Smith spilt the tea to Cosmo about 2023's hottest hair trends, and guess what – they're still going strong for 2024! He emphasised warm, rich tones and high-maintenance candy-cane red colours – exactly what you'll find in the stunning looks we've rounded up below.

So, whether you're looking for a total style switch-up or you're a seasoned redhead looking to refresh your look, you're in the right place. Dive in for the ultimate dark red hair inspo for all your autumn/winter mood boards and beyond.

Cherry cola red hair

Cherry cola hair is all the rage RN and this iteration teeters on the mauve side with purple undertones. Taking this picture to my hairdresser as inspo ASAP.

Chappell Roan red

Arguably the most famous redhead at the moment, it's Chappell Roan! While her shade changes from time to time, it holds a true red tone and fades to a cowboy copper hue.

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Embracing the red hair fade

Speaking of fading red hair, no need to fret when the time inevitably comes because Sophie Floyd demonstrates that it's a look in itself. The perfect brassy-copper tone.

Deep red hair with dark roots

Long red hair looks sooo good with edgy dark roots peeking through. It's bold, fierce, and exudes confidence. Just be ready to turn heads with this look.

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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. Just keep in mind that while this shade looks a-m-a-z-e on Sadie Sink, it's key to go with a shade that works for you and your skin tone for the best results.

Dimensional red hair

Major slay alert. A mix of neutrals, bright highlights, darker lowlights, and a high-shine hair gloss makes for a red hair shade that's truly *chef's kiss*.

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Chestnut red curls

There's something about having curly red hair that takes your look to a whole other level. Trust, if it's done right you won't look like Merida from Brave. I mean just look at Beyoncé absolutely slaying the look.

Light reddish brown hair

While we're allll for a bold red look, a more toned-down version can make just as much of an impact. If you want to add more flair to your light reddish brown hair, opt for a layered cut with cute wispy bangs similar to Madelaine Petsch's.

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Deep reddish brown hair

This deep hue is the ultimate fall vibe – warm and cosy, 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 colour is perf for anyone who wants to channel an effortlessly chic energy while keeping it low-key.

Copper red melt

We're 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 tonne of compliments.

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Cherry cola red 2.0

If I had to duplicate one of these deep red shades, it'd 99.99 per cent be this cherry cola hue. Closer to a burgundy colour, this shade truly quenches my thirst for a seasonal makeover and incorporates dark cherry red tones throughout.

Classic scarlet red hair

For a dimensional, all-over red look, this scarlet shade is (and will always be) a true winner. By combining this particular colour with longer hair, you really get to show off the warm colour.

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Red ombre

For the ultimate showstopper, go for this reverse ombre – a dark red into true red gradient. The tips add a tonne of drama to the overall look and are a fun way to experiment with more bright colours.

Cool toned reds

Cool-toned red hues are v popular for autumn and winter. Why? Because it's a chic way to bring a splash of colour to your life. This look, in particular, incorporates peekaboo strands of brighter red, but the cool burgundy hue looks just as good all over.

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Red wine hair

You can have your glass of red wine and wear it too, bb. This vampy look is a 10/10 in my book and is a more subdued way to rock a red hue since it's close to a dark brunette shade.

Red streaked locs

Not ready to commit to a fully red-protective style? No worries because adding a few strands of the fiery color looks just as good in your locs as doing an allover red hairdo.

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Red highlights

If you're not ready to commit to the full red look, this one is dedicated to you. Adding red highlights throughout your dark hair is a gorg way to experiment with the vibrant color without committing to it fully. It's a win-win situation!

Vibrant red roots

Billie Eilish has experimented with almost every colour in the rainbow, but this fierce red look is easily in my top three. Her red roots prove that you don't have to dye your whole head to make a statement.

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Red velvet hair

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.

Long red twists

I've always wanted to try a colour other than black for my protective styles and this is just the inspo I needed. Whether it's adding a few strands of red or going all in, red twists—long and short – are always gonna be a certified vibe.

Headshot of Chaise Sanders
Chaise Sanders
Associate Editor

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.

Headshot of Lia Mappoura
Lia Mappoura
Beauty Writer

Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).

In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn

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