Red Hair Color Trends 2025: The Hottest Copper Hair Color Ideas of the Year
- Justine DiVanna
- Apr 14
- 6 min read
As we step into 2025, red hair is reclaiming the spotlight in salons and on red carpets everywhere. From deep auburn to radiant copper, red tones are proving to be the most versatile and wearable hair colors of the year. Stars like Leighton Meester, Emma Stone, Zendaya, and Ayo Edebiri are leading the charge, showcasing how red hair can be bold, natural, romantic, or edgy—depending on the shade. Whether you're looking for a low-maintenance update or a high-impact transformation, the red color family offers something for everyone. The beauty of this year’s trend lies in its flexibility—these shades can be tailored to suit any skin tone, personal style, and maintenance preference.
Stylists and colorists agree: red is no longer just a seasonal pick-me-up—it’s a defining color trend for 2025. Tom Smith, stylist and “hairvoyant,” predicted that muted auburns and soft coppers would dominate this year, replacing the brighter, bolder reds of 2024. These natural-looking hues reflect light beautifully, add depth and warmth to any base color, and pair effortlessly with soft makeup looks or more dramatic styling. From balayage to glossing treatments, the trend is not just about color—it’s about dimension, tone, and that healthy, head-turning shine.
Need help choosing the right color for your ksin tone? Check out this helpful guide and chart!
Why Red Hair Is the Color of 2025
From the Red Carpet to Real Life
The shift toward red started subtly but has fully bloomed in 2025, thanks in large part to celebrities embracing it on high-profile stages. Leighton Meester lit up the SAG Awards with a glowing auburn look that perfectly harmonized with her peach-toned makeup. Styled by Amy Huson and enhanced with makeup by Bethany McCarty, her hair reflected the soft yet confident energy red hair represents this year. At the Golden Globes, Emma Stone debuted a chic pixie in a deep auburn "nutmeg" shade created by Tracy Cunningham, proving red tones can elevate even the shortest hairstyles.
Zendaya opted for a temporary take, adding warm chestnut clip-ins to complement her golden-orange Louis Vuitton gown. Meanwhile, Michelle Yeoh and Ayo Edebiri showed how auburn can be elegant and understated, with their rich tones styled to shine without overpowering. This wide range of interpretations makes red tones not only a red carpet favorite but also a practical, stunning option for anyone looking to update their hair color.
Top 2025 Red Hair Color Trends to Try Now
1. Muted Auburn
Muted auburn is one of the standout shades for 2025. It blends brown and red in a warm, understated way that gives hair an earthy, natural look while still feeling fresh and modern. Perfect for brunettes looking to lighten up or for anyone who wants to explore red without going full fiery, this shade has universal appeal. Experts love that it’s low-maintenance—its warmth fades softly, and it complements most skin tones. According to Samantha Cusick, it’s the shade with the most range—from chestnut to fiery copper variations, there’s an auburn to suit every vibe.
Stylists also love auburn for its versatility. Whether paired with a blunt fringe like Michelle Yeoh’s or styled into cascading waves, auburn brings depth and richness to the hair. Ask your stylist for a multi-tonal approach using soft copper or caramel highlights and a semi-permanent gloss to add shine and extend the life of the color.
2. Cherry Cola
Cherry Cola is for those who want something a bit more dramatic but still sophisticated. This deep, vibrant red has hints of brown and violet that give it a luxurious, multidimensional feel. It’s ideal for anyone wanting to make a statement without venturing into neon or overly bold territory. This shade works especially well on darker hair bases and doesn’t always require intense pre-lightening, making it more accessible for many hair types.
To enhance the depth of Cherry Cola, many stylists recommend subtle balayage with lighter auburn or red hues. This gives the hair more movement and helps the color reflect light beautifully. It's a perfect winter-to-spring transitional shade that brings warmth and shine without overwhelming your natural features.
3. Sun-Kissed Copper
Sun-kissed copper is the lightest and most radiant of the trending red tones. This golden-red blend delivers a glowing effect that feels both youthful and sophisticated. Its warm undertones make it one of the most universally flattering copper hair color ideas for 2025. It’s especially great for people with fair to medium skin tones, but can be adapted to suit deeper skin tones with the right golden or caramel undertones.
To keep this color vibrant, stylists recommend using color-safe shampoos with UV protection and avoiding excessive heat styling. As copper tends to fade more quickly, a toning gloss between appointments can help maintain its brilliance. For a low-commitment version, you can even use hydrating semi-permanent glosses like the Josh Wood Copper Gold Hair Gloss.
4. Strawberry Blonde
Strawberry blonde is the perfect gateway red for blondes looking to experiment. It’s a blend of light copper and warm blonde that delivers a soft, romantic effect without fully committing to a dramatic red transformation. This shade is light, fresh, and perfect for spring and summer. It works beautifully on those with warm or neutral undertones and brings a gentle brightness to the face.
To give this shade more depth, ask your stylist to add warm blonde and light copper lowlights. These subtle additions create dimension and prevent the color from looking flat. Since strawberry blonde is more delicate, it benefits from gentle maintenance—cool water rinses, sulfate-free shampoos, and regular conditioning treatments are key to keeping it vibrant.
The Best Copper Hair Color Ideas for Every Skin Tone
How to Choose the Right Copper Shade
Finding the right copper shade starts with understanding your undertones and personal preferences. A simple test? Look at your jewelry. If yellow or rose gold flatters your skin, you’ll likely look great in warm red and copper shades. Those who gravitate toward silver may prefer cooler reds or deeper auburns. From there, consider whether you like lighter or darker hair—this can help your stylist tailor the perfect custom mix of tones.
Copper hair works best when it’s multi-tonal, so don’t shy away from adding subtle balayage or highlights. This enhances the natural movement in your hair and allows for softer regrowth, making the style easier to maintain between appointments.
Celebrity Inspiration for Red and Copper Hair in 2025
Leighton Meester wowed with a soft sunset copper look, balanced perfectly by a peach makeup palette. Her color, done by Amy Huson, showcased how red tones can be both empowering and soft. Emma Stone’s nutmeg auburn pixie, created by Tracy Cunningham, emphasized the importance of a gloss treatment for extra dimension and shine—even on short hair.
Zendaya took a more flexible approach, adding warm chestnut Bellami Hair clip-ins for a red-carpet effect without commitment. Meanwhile, Michelle Yeoh’s blunt auburn fringe and Ayo Edebiri’s russet waves proved that auburn shades can look polished, professional, and effortlessly cool at the same time.
How to Maintain Red and Copper Hair Color
Red hair looks stunning, but it does require thoughtful care. Since red pigments fade faster than other tones, it’s important to use sulfate-free, color-safe shampoos and rinse with cool water to seal in vibrancy. Experts also recommend incorporating gloss treatments or semi-permanent masks to keep your color fresh between salon visits. A gloss not only revives the tone but adds noticeable shine and dimension.
Hair perfector treatments like Olaplex No.3 can help strengthen hair and keep it looking healthy, especially for color-treated locks. Always use a heat protectant before styling and avoid over-washing. Small changes in your routine can make a big difference in the life of your color.
Final Thoughts: Should You Try Red Hair in 2025?
Red hair is more wearable than ever thanks to its diverse range of shades and finishes. Whether you're drawn to muted auburn, vibrant cherry cola, or radiant copper, there's a red for every style and season. These tones bring out warmth in the complexion and add dimension to the hair without requiring drastic changes or high upkeep.
The best part about red and copper hair color ideas in 2025 is that they can be customized to suit you. From temporary glosses and clip-ins to full transformations, there's a red tone waiting to become your signature. So if you're thinking of switching things up—this is your sign.
FAQs About Red Hair Color Trends in 2025
Is red hair hard to maintain?
Red hair requires a bit more maintenance than some other shades. Using sulfate-free shampoo, cool water rinses, and regular gloss treatments will help maintain vibrancy.
What skin tones work best with copper?
Copper works well for most skin tones, especially those with warm or neutral undertones. It can be customized with golden or caramel highlights to enhance your complexion.
Can I try red hair without permanent color?
Yes! Clip-ins, gloss treatments, and semi-permanent color masks offer low-commitment ways to experiment with red tones.
How often do I need gloss treatments?
Every 4–6 weeks is ideal to keep your red or copper looking fresh and reflective. Your stylist may adjust based on your hair type and how often you wash.
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