There’s just something about red hair in the fall that feels right. Maybe it’s the way those warm tones echo the changing leaves, or how a rich copper or burgundy shade instantly adds depth and drama to your whole vibe. Either way, if you’ve been eyeing a hair color change, autumn is the perfect time to go bold. Red hair isn’t one-size-fits-all, though—there are so many directions you can take it.
From soft strawberry tones to rich wine-inspired shades, here are 20 red hair color ideas that’ll make you want to book that salon appointment (or grab a box dye and go rogue—we won’t judge).
Merlot Wine
Dark, dramatic, and a little moody in the best way. This deep red shade with purple undertones is a fall favorite for good reason. Looks luxe, feels bold.
Sunset Auburn
This shade is like a sunset bottled into hair dye—vibrant reds and oranges blended together with auburn depth. You’ll turn heads with this one.
Pumpkin Spice
Yes, it’s a little basic—but in a good way. Think golden copper with hints of orange and a little brown. If fall had an official hair color, this would be it.
Rusty Red
Muted, earthy, and understated—this one’s for the “lowkey bold” girlies. Works well on deeper skin tones too, and doesn’t scream look at me (but people will anyway).
Fire Engine Red
Not subtle. Not sorry. This is the kind of red that says, “Yes, I am the main character.” Works best if you’re confident and don’t mind standing out.
Rosewood Red
Soft and elegant with a little edge—rosewood red has just enough pink to be interesting, and just enough brown to be grounding. Great on short or blunt cuts.
Mahogany
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This deep brown-red shade gives serious richness and dimension. Perfect if you want something dark but not black. Adds warmth to cool skin tones.
Cranberry Crush
More pink-toned than cherry but still rooted in red. This is for the playful ones who like a pop of unexpected color in the colder months.
Copper Cinnamon
This one’s cozy, warm, and gives total PSL energy without being too orange. It works beautifully on medium to light skin tones and looks great with hazel or green eyes. Not too bright, not too dark—just that sweet spot of spiced glow.
Cherry Cola
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Deep, dark red with a hint of burgundy and brown mixed in—like the drink, but on your head. It’s subtle under indoor light but glows red in the sun. Bonus: It grows out super gracefully.
Strawberry Blonde
This is for the “I want red but not too red” crowd. A soft, peachy hue that flatters lighter skin and looks especially pretty when paired with a little wave or curl.
Gingerbread Red
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Imagine the warm tones of fresh-baked gingerbread—yeah, this color nails that. It’s richer than copper but lighter than auburn. Super wearable, super fall.
Spiced Sangria
Think burgundy meets mulled wine. This red is deep, spicy, and perfect for cozy sweaters and long scarves. It pairs so well with fall makeup looks too.
Garnet Glow
More jewel-toned than natural, garnet red has a cool, dramatic vibe. If your wardrobe leans black, leather, or edgy—this shade will match your aesthetic.
Copper Balayage
Don’t want to fully commit? Balayage is your best friend. This version blends warm copper highlights into your natural or dark base. The result? A soft, lived-in fall look.
Rustic Rose
Somewhere between rose gold and burnt orange, this tone feels modern and artsy. Works especially well with wavy or textured hair that catches light differently.
Burnt Sienna
Slightly deeper than your standard copper, burnt sienna is earthy and rich. It looks especially stunning in golden hour lighting—hello, fall photo shoots.
Chestnut Red
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This one’s perfect if you’re usually a brunette but want to ease into the red family. Chestnut adds just enough reddish warmth to feel seasonally on point.
Ruby Velvet
This luxurious red is saturated and sleek, almost like a lipstick shade. It can be super striking on straight hair or paired with a dramatic bob cut.
Mulberry Melt
If you’re into bold but mysterious, mulberry brings red, purple, and a bit of black together in a way that’s dramatic but wearable. It’s like a red wine with secrets.
Real Talk Before You Dye
Here’s the thing about red hair—it loves to fade. So if you’re going red this fall, just be ready to touch it up or embrace the faded version (which honestly still looks cool in most cases). Red shampoo, color-safe conditioner, and washing your hair less often will help a lot.
Also: talk to your colorist about undertones. A copper red on cool-toned skin will hit different than on warm-toned skin. You don’t have to follow any “rules,” but it helps to understand what works best with your natural base color and skin tone.
