Wondering which red hair shade will light up your complexion, not drown it out? This guide hands you the answer in minutes, clear steps, no fluff.
1. Find Your Undertone
| Test | Warm | Cool | Neutral | Olive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veins on wrist | Green | Blue / purple | Mixed | Green-blue |
| Jewelry that flatters | Gold | Silver | Both | Gold |
| White-paper bounce | Face looks peachy | Face looks rosy | Even | Slight green cast |
Quick checks
- Look at your wrist in daylight.
- Hold plain white paper to your face.
- Notice which metal looks better on you.
If your results split between columns, you’re likely neutral.
2. Match the Shade Family
| Shade | Best Undertone | Depth (1-10) | Fade Care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strawberry Blonde | Cool, Neutral | 7-9 | Gloss every 4 wks |
| Rose Gold | Cool, Neutral | 7-8 | Add pink drops weekly |
| Soft Copper | Warm, Olive | 6-8 | Blue-blocking shampoo |
| True Ginger | Warm | 6-7 | UV spray daily |
| Cowboy Copper | Neutral, Warm | 5-6 | Tone at week 5 |
| Auburn | Cool, Olive | 4-5 | Clarify before recolor |
| Burgundy | Cool | 3-4 | Violet mask every 10 days |
How to read the table
- Depth 1 = black, 10 = platinum.
- Lower fade-care numbers mean less upkeep.
- Stay within your undertone column for the most natural result.
3. Stylist Tips You’ll Use
“Bring photos shot in natural light, not salon lighting.”
—Sara N., colorist, NYC
- Ask for a strand test before the full service.
- Say “soft copper with medium depth, golden base” instead of “I want copper.”
- If your roots lift red-orange, request a cool filler to avoid hot roots.
4. Downloadable Swatch Guide
- Click the button below.
- Print on matte photo paper at 100% scale.
- Cut the squares, stand near a window, hold each swatch to your face.
Pick-Your-Red Swatch Guide – Blufashion
(Cool / Neutral)
(Cool / Neutral)
(Warm / Olive)
(Warm)
(Neutral / Warm)
(Cool / Olive)
(Cool)
(Neutral / Cool)
(Warm)
5. Find Your Shade in 60 Seconds
Paste the code block below into any HTML page on your blog (it is fully responsive). When readers finish, they get a shareable result.
What’s Your Perfect Red?
6. After-Care Basics
- Wash with sulfate-free shampoo twice a week.
- Apply a color-depositing mask on week 2 and week 4.
- Use SPF spray on hair when you’re outdoors.
- Sleep on a silk pillowcase to cut fade.
7. Brows & Makeup That Sync
| Hair Shade | Brow Pencil | Blush | Lip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strawberry Blonde | Taupe | Soft pink | Peach gloss |
| Soft Copper | Warm blonde | Coral | Terracotta |
| Auburn | Soft brown | Rose | Berry |
| Burgundy | Ash brown | Mauve | Plum |
Keep brows one shade deeper than your roots, never darker than your ends.
8. Mini-FAQ
Why do reds fade fast?
Red dye molecules are larger; they escape the cuticle sooner.
Can I go red while pregnant?
Ask your doctor; most stylists switch to ammonia-free formulas.
Do I need to lift my dark hair first?
Yes, if your natural level is 3 or darker and you want copper or ginger.
9. Wrap-Up
You now know your undertone, the shade families that match, and how to keep them bright. Print the swatches, try the quiz, and take your result to your stylist. Post your new color with #BlufashionRed, we feature reader photos every month.
Iskra Banović is our seasoned Editor-in-Chief at Blufashion. She has been steering the website’s content and editorial direction since 2018. With a rich background in fashion design, Iskra’s expertise spans across fashion, interior design, beauty, lifestyle, travel, and culture.
