Is there a season that doesn’t suit a shade of red hair? In spring and summer, take it lighter for that fresh strawberry blonde, Nicole Kidman-esque vibe. Come autumn, shift that tone just a slight bit darker in what can only be described as an Isla Fisher worthy-inspired shade switch. And of course, as the temperatures totally plummet Julianne Moore becomes the absolute queen of glossy garnet inspo. See, what’d we say?! Red hair is the true all-rounder when it comes to hair colour.
So, we’ve got our muses (thanks Julianne), but trying to afford a colourist to achieve these red-haired dreams at the moment is on the trickier side. In other words, it’s time to turn to your second favourite hairdresser: yourself. We sincerely hope your magazine stash and head massaging skills are up to scratch.
So whether you’re already naturally blessed with flaming auburn locks and simply after a radiance refresh, or you’re down to make a dramatic change something akin to akin to Ariel from The Little Mermaid, we’ve rounded up the best at-home dye kits for red hair. They’re bound to help you on your DIY endeavour to take your strands any red shade from strawberry to scarlet.
Honestly, we think the colour (and of course, the gloves you’ll be wearing to apply) will look an absolute treat on you. So, let’s check out some of the best red hair dye options on the market…
2024’s Top 3 Red Hair Dyes
- Garnier Nutrisse in ‘Fiery Red’ , $16.99, Catch
- Clairol Nice’n Easy Repair in ‘Light Auburn’ , $15.99, Priceline
- L’Oréal Paris Casting Crème Gloss in ‘Amber’, $19.99, Priceline
Garnier
From $16.99 at Catch
This nourishing non-drip formula is enriched with grape seed and avocado oils to provide silky, shiny colour for up to eight weeks. Good thing it’s glossy; jewel-toned shades like garnet and ruby have gotta be gleaming.
Want to read more? Read Garnier Nutrisse Reviews here…
Key features:
- Enriched with avocado oil
- Offers deep nourishment (enriched with 5 natural oils)
- Works to provide stronger hair
Available at:
- $10.99 (usually $16.99) from Catch
- $17 from Woolworths
Clairol Nice’n Easy Repair in ‘Light Auburn’
From $15.99 at Priceline
Concerned your colour is causing damage? Fair. But don’t worry – this dye is loaded with ‘Repairaplex’, a strengthening solution that helps to prevent breakage, so your hair will be a stunning shade of autumnal auburn, and as healthy as ever.
Want to read more? Read Clairol Nice’n Easy Repair Reviews here…
Key features:
- Repairplex technology strengthens strands
- Formula features ME+ a molecule that protects against developing a hair dye allergy
- ColourSeal Conditioning Gloss works to boost shine
Available at:
L’Oréal Paris Casting Crème Gloss in ‘Amber’
From $19.99 at Priceline
Okay, back to classic cremes. This dye is enriched with royal jelly, so consider gloss its middle name; and if the luminosity factor isn’t enough to convince you, know that it’s also super long-lasting, staying put for up to 28 shampoos.
Want to read more? Read L’Oréal Paris Casting Crème Gloss Reviews here…
Key features:
- Infused with natural ingredients (royal jelly and goji berry)
- Ammonia free
- Lasts up to 28 shampoos
Available at:
- $11.99 (usually $19.99) from Priceline
- $17 from Big W
- $9.99 (usually $19.99) from Chemist Warehouse
Schwarzkopf Brilliance in ‘Red Passion’
From $22 at Healthy Life
If you’re feeling brave, burgundy locks are just about as gorgeous as it gets. This long-lasting cream dye contains a diamond gloss serum to leave hair looking ridiculously radiant.
Want to read more? Read Schwarzkopf Brilliance Reviews here…
Key features:
- Includes diamond gloss sealer for shine
- Intense colour lasts for 10 weeks
- Enriching keratin and apricot kernel oil
Available at:
- $15.40 (usually $22) from Healthy Life
- $13.20 (usually $22) from Priceline
- $10.99 (usually $22) from Chemist Warehouse
Revlon ® ColorSilk™ in ‘Medium Auburn’
From $9.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Looking for a rich red with golden undertones? Auburn is ideal. This formula delivers colour that lasts up to six weeks and features a clever UVA and UVB filter to prevent fading.
Want to read more? Read Revlon ® ColorSilk™ Reviews here…
Key features:
- Features 3D colour
- Enriched with silk amino acids
- UVA and UVB filter to protect strands from sun damage
Available at:
- $7.99 (usually $9.99) from Chemist Warehouse
COLOR & SOIN Permanent Hair Dye in ‘Terracotta Blonde’
From $19.95 at French Beauty Co
Enriched with a nourishing blend of oleo-complex, this vegetal extract permanent dye is ready to cover any greys the first time round. The mix of plant and essential oils work to protect and respect the structure of your strands, specifically designed to ensure your natural oils aren’t impacted by the dying process.
Want to read more? Read COLOR & SOIN Permanent Hair Dye Reviews here…
Key features:
- 100 per cent grey covered after first dye
- Made from pure pigments and enriched with natural ingredients
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Available at:
- $19.95 from French Beauty Co
- $19.95 from Color & Soin
Main Image Credit: Getty
Are you touching up your natural shade? Or will you make a giant auburn leap?
I just adore red hair but it doesn't suit me. My mum was a true redhead and her hair was magnificent . All the colours showcased are just gorgeous!
I should not have read this article, now I want to get a bit crazy during isolation and go copper because it looks so pretty.
I'll have to check back on this article when my greys start becoming more obvious. I'm strawberry blonde so everyone says they don't notice but I definitely do.
I love the idea of the Lush henna. Too shy for red, but it comes in brown too.
Ha, this is reminding me of when I went bright copper last year. The image in the article is actually the colour I wanted to end up before I talked myself into going much more vibrant. Pity my colour didn't quite fade out to that shade above – it looked like a melange of copper, my natural ashy roots & grey, not pretty. I've still got coppery tones in my hair now, but have gone back to something more manageable.
Autumn is always a great time to go to a red hue if it suits your complexion. All you redheads out there embrace it and have fun!
I love red hair. My natural hair colour is light-medium brown with a reddish tinge. I do colour it to hide grey hairs, but use a colour close to my natural colour. My product of choice is L’Oréal Casting.
I am so glad that hairdressers are still open. I have never been good with at home dyes, however, they seem to be a lot more user friendly these days.
I feel like it must be hard to find the right colour when you're dying your hair.
I've been using the Clairol Nice n Easy for years and am very happy with the results. It's super easy to apply and the results last for months.
Not a Red Head but there are certainly a lot of brilliant hair colours for beautiful Red Hair.
Despite the unfortunate name (I mean 'Caca'? Why.), the vegan henna dye from Lush certainly sounds good.
I love red hair. But because I'm blond, the colour just washes right out.
I really like red hair as well, but have never tried it or even thought about changing to red.
Red hair does not suit my complexion but it looks beautiful on others
That is a nice colour
Will never change from my natural hair (I do add some sun kissed highlights over, as I must avoid sun, so my hair goes all flat in colour). My sis went red from natural dark blonde. Eeek…luckily she is back =D Red colour is great for those with super pale complexion and who have natural coppery pigment
Lovely colour but red hair doesn't suit me.
I used this a few years back and while it was very gentle on the hair, I could NOT get foils in my hair after it and had to wait until it grew out as the hairdresser said it has metallic components in it and would disintegrate my hair.
I always wanted to be a red head. My daughter who is a colourist says it wouldnt suit me with my rosacea as it would make it seem worse. darn 🙁
Im someone who gets a really red face a lot of the time. I dyed my hair red and it really made it a lot worse. She is definitely right. It's a shame though because I love red hair.
Love that colour. Red hair is gorgeous.
Red does suit me but I have a highly sensitive scalp and all I can tolerate is henna (and is has to be a good quality pure one, minus the metallics)
My hair has been so many shades of red over the years. But now I find it hard to colour the grey – I can’t believe how resistant it is to dye. Hair salons do a better job than I do at home but not really an option at the moment. Using this as a chance to grow out the colour and maybe start again going lighter.
I love the idea of red but I don’t think it suits me
I've always wanted to be a redhead but my hairdresser says it's not for me. Up until my late 20s I had a lot of natural copper highlights throughout my hair.
Not a redhead or have the colouring to suit red hair but I always admire the pops of bright haired people in the crowd.
I have not dyed my hair red for years, I used to in my 20's. I went through a faze of purple hair days as well.
Great for those who it suits. Not for me though.
I have bottled dark brown hair. Last month I was feeling like I needed a change. I tried out a Copper colour. It looked good except down my part so I toned it down with a darker touch-up dye to give it a streaked look.
I love the colour in the article photo! Very difficult to achieve though… I'm a natural redhead so putting pigment on can be unpredictable in outcome!
Such beautiful colours but I am not brave enough for these!
Lots of fun doing it at home
I've marked Cobet Davidson above as SPAM!
I've marked jeff2322 above as SPAM!
I've dyed my hair just about every colour except red. The closest I got was a very dark burgundy in the 90s. With my lily-white complexion, red hair would probably suit me physically, but not my personality.
Love some of these shades but red doesn't suit me and I don't colour at home anymore either
I have red hair , only good thing about it is. I won't go grey . It's sliver . I'm only just getting a tiny bit of sliver.
A dye brick.. It's my first time seeing them.
First time for me too.
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I’m a brunette, I don’t think red hair would suit me
I dyed my hair red in my teens, with redhead inlaws I know it can fade with age.
Hard to get a good red colour unless it is natural and then it is so beautiful.
I like red but it’s quite difficult to maintain, I just stick with brown shades close to my natural hair
Red hair looks great when just done but on me it faded very quickly
I love red hair and have often experimented in the past.
that is a unique colour to dye your hair.. unless that is your original hair colour and your starting to get grey hair
Ooh love the red shades
Red is so NOT my colour
I dyed my hair red for ages, but I’ve gone to a more subdued brown lately.
The terracotta blonde shade looks pretty!