Seeing Red: The Red Hair Shades Our Clients Are Asking For This Fall

Everyone's seeing red, and so are we

Red is the hair color of fall 2026. You've probably noticed it on your feed, on the red carpet, and on the street. We've noticed it in our chairs. In both our SoHo and Brooklyn Heights salons, more clients than ever are sitting down and asking for red, or a shade close to it.

The trend is catching on and colorists are seeing clients choose reds, coppers, and warm auburns over blonde.

But "red" covers a lot of ground. What our clients ask for ranges from deep burgundy to a barely-there auburn glow to full, bright red. Here are the five shades we're seeing most, how to find yours, and how to keep it glowing.

The short answer

• What's the biggest hair color trend for fall 2026? Red, in shades from deep burgundy and wine to auburn, copper, and bright red.
• What red shades are most requested? At our salons: burgundy, wine red, dark auburn, auburn brunette, and bright red.
• What's the easiest way to try red? An auburn brunette or dark auburn. Both add warmth to a brunette base and grow out softly.
• Does red hair fade fast? Yes. Red fades faster than most colors, but cool water, fewer washes, heat protection, and regular glosses keep it rich.

The 5 red hair colors our clients are asking for

The five shades below are listed from deepest to brightest.

1. Burgundy

Burgundy is a deep red with purple and brown undertones, like a glass of red wine held up to the light. It's rich and moody, and it can look nearly brunette indoors before glowing red in the sun. The Zoe Report calls its fall version "Mulled Wine", a purple-tinged red that's become a seasonal staple.

• Best for: brunettes who want a dramatic change that still stays on the darker side
• Good to know: red is hard to remove, so if you're planning to go blonde soon, talk to your colorist first
• Ask for: "burgundy," "mulled wine," or "cherry cola" if you want it a little browner

2. Wine red

Wine red is a softer, slightly lighter cousin of burgundy, with more red than purple. Think merlot, cabernet, or pinot noir. Compared to red velvet, a truer crimson, wine leans cooler and more violet.

• Best for: clients who love burgundy's depth but want more visible red
• Low-commitment option: wine-toned balayage over a darker root lets you go longer between appointments
• Ask for: "wine red," "merlot," or "wine balayage"

3. Dark auburn

Dark auburn is a deep reddish-brown that reads brunette until light hits it. It has a deep brunette base with a gleam of red. It's one of the most flattering and wearable reds there is.

• Best for: anyone curious about red who wants it to feel natural
• Bonus: auburn usually doesn't require bleaching, which keeps hair healthier and shinier
• Ask for: "dark auburn" or "deep auburn with a glossy finish"

4. Auburn brunette

Auburn brunette is brown hair warmed with copper, cinnamon, and amber, not quite brunette and not quite red. It's the shade we recommend most for a first step into red.

• Best for: brunettes who want richness and shine without a big change
• Why clients love it: it grows out softly, so the regrowth line is less obvious
• Ask for: "auburn brunette," "burnished brunette," or "cinnamon brown"

5. Bright red

Bright red is a vivid, unmistakable red, from cherry to true fire-engine red. It's the boldest shade on this list and the one that turns the most heads. Stylists say true red is firmly back on trend.

• Best for: clients ready for a statement and comfortable with regular upkeep
• Good to know: bright red fades fastest, so plan on regular salon visits and gloss refreshes
• Ask for: "cherry red," "true red," or bring a photo, which is always the clearest way to show your colorist what you mean

How to choose the right red for you

There's a red for every skin tone. The trick is matching the red's undertone to yours. Just like blonde, red comes in warm and cool versions, and colorists look at your skin and eye color to find the right one.

Your undertone —> Cool or pink

• Reds that tend to flatter: Reds with violet or blue in them
• Shades to try: Burgundy, wine red, cherry

Your undertone —> Warm, golden, or olive

• Reds that tend to flatter: Golden, copper, and apricot reds
• Shades to try: Auburn brunette, copper, cinnamon

Your undertone —> Neutral

• Reds that tend to flatter: Most reds, from deep to bright
• Shades to try: Dark auburn, wine red, true red

A few more things to consider:

• Your starting color. Brunettes can usually go burgundy, wine, or auburn without lightening. Bright red on dark hair may need some lift first.
• Your upkeep style. Deeper reds and auburns are more forgiving as they fade. Bright red needs the most maintenance.
• Your next move. If you might go blonde in the next year, say so. Red takes time and care to remove.
• Bring photos. Colorists agree a picture removes guesswork. One photo of a red you love, and one of a red you don't, is even better.

Why red hair fades, and how to keep it rich

Red fades faster than almost any other hair color. Red pigment sits closer to the surface of the hair, so it escapes more easily every time you wash, style, or step into the sun. The good news: a few habits make a big difference.

What fades red

• Water. Rinsing is the biggest cause of fading. Hot water opens the cuticle and lets color slip out.
• Frequent shampooing. Every wash takes a little pigment with it.
• Heat and UV. Hot tools and sun break down color molecules.
• Damage. Hair with a rough, lifted cuticle is more porous, so color washes out faster.

How to keep it

1. Wash less, and wash cool. Stretch time between washes and rinse with cool or lukewarm water.
2. Use color-safe products. Sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner made for colored or red hair.
3. Protect from heat. Use a heat protectant and the lowest temperature that works for your hair.
4. Book a gloss. A gloss between color appointments refreshes the tone and adds shine. Many red clients come in every four to six weeks for a root touch-up and toner.
5. Keep the cuticle smooth. A smooth, sealed cuticle holds color in and reflects light, so red looks deeper and shinier.

Whether you're ready for bright red or just want your brunette to glow a little warmer, there's a red for you. Bring us your photos, your questions, and your favorite glass of wine for reference. We'll find your shade together. Book a color consultation at our SoHo or Brooklyn Heights salon.