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  3. 10 Best Red Hair Dyes UK 2023 | Garnier, L'Oréal and More
  • 10 Best Red Hair Dyes UK 2023 | Garnier, L'Oréal and More 1
  • 10 Best Red Hair Dyes UK 2023 | Garnier, L'Oréal and More 2
  • 10 Best Red Hair Dyes UK 2023 | Garnier, L'Oréal and More 3
  • 10 Best Red Hair Dyes UK 2023 | Garnier, L'Oréal and More 4
  • 10 Best Red Hair Dyes UK 2023 | Garnier, L'Oréal and More 5

10 Best Red Hair Dyes UK 2023 | Garnier, L'Oréal and More

Whether you want a bright red do or prefer dark, auburn hues, you can never go wrong with being a redhead. Not quite on a celebrity salary? Dye kits that you can do at home can save you tens, if not hundreds of pounds, and still give you a beautifully vibrant and professional-looking colour whether permanent or not. And yes, they still provide coverage for those pesky greys, even for dark hair.

One of the appealing things about red as a hair colour is that its diversity means it can suit any skin tone — you just have to figure out which shade to go for. Today we’ll guide you through the gingers, coppers, chocolates and cherry reds to find your ideal red hair colour, as well as sharing our top online buys in the UK, from Amazon and eBay including L’Oreal, Schwarzkopf, Manic Panic and even natural henna. Redheads really do have more fun!
Last updated 20/07/2023
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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Red Hair Dye in the UK

Key Points to Note
  1. Consider How Long You Want the Colour to Last - Permanent, Semi-permanent or Temporary
  2. Keep Your Skin Tone and Hair Colour in Mind When Choosing Your Ideal Shade
  3. Identifying Shade Numbers Can Assist You in Choosing the Right Color
  4. Go for Products Without Harmful Additives to Minimise Damage
  5. Seek Out Dyes With Added Conditioners and Other Handy Supplies

① How Long Do You Want the Colour to Last? Choose Between Permanent, Semi-Permanent or Temporary

How Long Do You Want the Colour to Last? Choose Between Permanent, Semi-Permanent or Temporary

Permanent Hair Colours Can Last for 2 Months and Are Best for Covering Greys

Permanent dyes usually last up to 8 or 9 weeks, although after 4-6 weeks you will notice some regrowth from the roots that you may want to attend to, especially if the dye colour is very different to your own. Go for permanent if you are ready to commit, if you have darker hair that needs a more intense treatment to show, or if you don’t have the time to retouch as frequently.


Whether you’ve got a full head of silver or a few strands peeking through, permanent red dyes will also cover greys most effectively, so if this is your goal, try to choose those that promise 100% grey coverage.


Bear in mind that natural red hair colours are the most difficult to imitate in and out of salons, so if you’re a redhead-gone-grey you may not be able to completely match your true shade. However, this does mean that you can experiment with all sorts of fiery hues!

Semi-Permanent Dyes Are a Great Way to Test Out a Shade or Change it Up Often

Semi-permanent dyes normally work in washes and can refer to single-use products known as temporary dyes, those that fade after 6-12 washes, or some longer-lasting kits that stick for up to 25 washes.


They’re a great way to try out the redhead look or a new shade before taking the permanent plunge too, plus they allow you to change up your look seasonally (autumn is the perfect excuse to go red!) or as often as you like.


They may not last as long as permanent shades, but as semi-permanent dyes don’t use as many strong chemicals, they won’t inflict as much damage on your hair. This also makes them a good pick for those with weak or dry hair, or those who can’t live without heat styling tools.

② Pick the Shade of Red You Want to Go For While Considering Your Skin Tone and Colouring

Pick the Shade of Red You Want to Go For While Considering Your Skin Tone and Colouring

Try Dusty Reds, Coppers and Strawberry Blondes if You Have Fair Hair and Skin

Coppery and dusky natural-looking shades perfectly complement fairer skin types, especially those with yellow or pink undertones. They’re a great subtle change for natural blondes, too. Because orange is a contrasting colour to blue, these golden redhead tones also really suit those with blue eyes.

Darker Ginger, Orange and Auburn Will Suit Most Skin Tones as Well as Natural Brunettes

These fiery orange-red tones that spring to mind when we think of the term “ginger-haired” of course look great on English roses with fair skin and red undertones, but they actually look great on darker skin tones too, such as olive.


Often described as reddish-brown, auburn has blue undertones so it will suit cooler skin tones nicely. A darker auburn can also suit those with medium complexions and is often the best bet for those with brown or brunette hair wanting to go red.

Go Vibrant With Bright Reds, but Bear in Mind You’ll Need Lightened Hair for It to Pop

Medium skin tones can pull off practically any shade of red, such as the bold, fire engine reds that are bang on trend and more accessible than ever to achieve at home. These statement reds and paprikas will pop on most medium to dark skin tones, and look fabulous with any eye colour, but particulary blues and greens.


To get a true vibrant red, you’ll need a base of light or bleached hair, so remember to factor this in if you want to go as bright as possible. You can always use these reds on the ends of your hair or in streaks to avoid bleaching your whole head.

Dark, Purpley and Cherry Reds Complement Dark Skin Tones and Brown Eyes

Shades that include these sumptuous purples and deep reds look gorgeous on darker skin tones and colourings, as well as those with brown eyes. There are also various wine-related shades to consider for these skin types, such as burgundy and merlot, or for the teetotalers, one of the latest dye creations, cherry coke.

When it's time to go blonde, we'll be here for you too with the best blonde hair dye suggestions!

③ Understand the Shade Numbers on the Box to Help You Choose the Perfect Colour

Understand the Shade Numbers on the Box to Help You Choose the Perfect Colour
Stylists and beauty companies use numerical charts to determine hair colour, which do vary slightly between brands but are more or less similar. The number is usually listed next to the name of the shade, which you may find handy when choosing your red dye and understanding some of the tones we have referred to previously.


The first number denotes how light or dark the base colour is, as follows:


  • 0/1: Black/darkest 
  • 5: Light brown 
  • 6: Dark blonde 
  • 7: Medium blonde 
  • 10: Lightest blonde


The second number, or sometimes letter, denotes the tones or nuances in the colour:


  • 1: Blue
  • 2: Violet
  • 3: Gold
  • 4: Copper
  • 5: Mahogany
  • 6: Red
  • 7: Matte
  • 8: Mocha

Thinking of going purple instead? We got you covered (as always) with our favourite purple hair dyes!

④ Opt For Dyes Without Ammonia and Peroxide to Limit Damage and Irritation

Opt For Dyes Without Ammonia and Peroxide to Limit Damage and Irritation
More often than not, permanent dyes use ammonia to help the colour penetrate the hair shaft more deeply, and thus keep your dye around for longer. Apart from the odorous smell, some people avoid ammonia for health reasons, because it doesn’t sit well with permed or relaxed hair, or because it can make the hair brittle and unhealthy over time.

Fortunately, lately some of the biggest brands are producing permanent dyes without this chemical addition. The chemical used in replacement of ammonia, however, isn’t too wonderful for your hair or scalp either, and does not cover greys as successfully, but it can be a good alternative for those wishing to avoid it.


Peroxide is another chemical found in most permanent and semi-permanent dyes, added to lighten the hair and help the colour to develop. It can also be an irritant to sensitive scalps and a general turn off for those who prefer chemical-free cosmetics, so if you want to eschew it you will have to opt for a wash in/out variety or completely natural dye such as henna.


Browse here for our top picks for henna hair dyes in the UK.

⑤ Look Out for Formulas With Added Conditioners and Other Handy Kit Inclusions Like Brushes and Gloves

Look Out for Formulas With Added Conditioners and Other Handy Kit Inclusions Like Brushes and Gloves
If you’re concerned about the damage a dye may do to your hair or you have dry or thick hair, we’d recommend looking for formulas with added oils, conditioners or vitamin complexes to help minimise the harmful effects of chemicals. Dyes that include additional sachets or tubes of conditioner for you to treat your hair to after you’ve rinsed are a bonus, as they help to protect and nourish the hair after dying.


On a related note, it’s also worth noting exactly what else is included in the kit, such as gloves and applicator brushes. You may have to source them yourself if some useful items are not included and it always pays to be prepared with home dye jobs.

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10 Best Red Hair Dyes in the UK

This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

Clairol

Natural Instincts Semi-Permanent Hair Dye

Clairol Natural Instincts Semi-Permanent Hair Dye 1枚目

Gentle Yet Effective Dye Made With 80% Natural Ingredients

2

Garnier

Olia Bold Permanent Hair Dye

Garnier Olia Bold Permanent Hair Dye 1枚目

A Gorgeous Bold Ginger for Blonde to Mid-Brown Tones

3

Schwarzkopf

Live Intense Permanent Hair Colour

Schwarzkopf Live Intense Permanent Hair Colour 1枚目

The Best Permanent Red for Dark Hair

4

L'Oreal

Infinia Préférence Premium Hair Colour

L'Oreal Infinia Préférence Premium Hair Colour 1枚目

For Glossy, Salon-Quality Colour That Covers Every Last Grey

5

L’Oreal

Colorista Permanent Gel Hair Colour

L’Oreal Colorista Permanent Gel Hair Colour 1枚目

A Long-Lasting Bright Red With Added Shine

6

Naturtint

Permanent Hair Colour

Naturtint Permanent Hair Colour 1枚目

A Natural, Ammonia-Free Option Enriched With Plant Oils

7

Manic Panic

High Voltage Semi-Permanent Hair Dye

Manic Panic  High Voltage Semi-Permanent Hair Dye 1枚目

Vegan-Friendly, Low-Chemical Colour in Dozens of Shades

8

Clairol

Nice’n Easy Permanent Hair Dye

Clairol Nice’n Easy Permanent Hair Dye 1枚目

The Ideal Permanent Dye for Those Who Prefer the Natural Look

9

La Riche

Directions Semi Permanent Hair Colour

La Riche Directions Semi Permanent Hair Colour 1枚目

A Budget-Friendly Way to Try Out Pillarbox Red

10

The Henna Guys

Deep Red Henna Hair & Beard Dye

The Henna Guys Deep Red Henna Hair & Beard Dye 1枚目

Pure, Chemical-Free Henna in a Classic Deep Red Shade

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No.1

ClairolNatural Instincts Semi-Permanent Hair Dye

Natural Instincts Semi-Permanent Hair Dye Image 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£5.50

Gentle Yet Effective Dye Made With 80% Natural Ingredients

Natural beauty is more popular than ever, so we’re happy to see big brands providing dyes with fewer chemicals and more plant-based goodness that we know will leave hair in a good condition – while colouring it a beautiful dark red, of course.

This gentle semi-permanent dye lasts for 28 washes so you can change up your hair as often as you like. It seamlessly blends away greys and is suitable for dark or brunette locks too. All in all, this is an excellent at-home dye that cares for your hair.
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No.2

GarnierOlia Bold Permanent Hair Dye

A Gorgeous Bold Ginger for Blonde to Mid-Brown Tones

With 60% plant and seed oil and an ammonia-free formula, this permanent dye shuns chemical smells for a lovely floral scent and leaves the hair and scalp nourished and healthy. While other dyes might dry out your hair, this product improves it, producing shiny, gorgeous locks after use.

This vibrant and bold ginger is designed for blonde to mid-brown hair, covers greys and would shine on most skin tones. The dye itself is a non-drip cream with an ergonomic applicator for accurate and even colour.
No.3

SchwarzkopfLive Intense Permanent Hair Colour3 Pack

The Best Permanent Red for Dark Hair

A British favourite for as long as we can remember, Schwarzkopf’s Live colour will give even dark brown hair a gorgeous cherry-wine red colour that lasts, for a bargain price. There’s also a scarlet shade and a gingery mango for lighter hair types.

This hair dye produces vibrant results by activating colour pigments at the core of every strand. Full of moisturising oils and vitamins for damage prevention, it also covers every last grey and lasts up to 28 washes.
No.4

L'OrealInfinia Préférence Premium Hair Colour

For Glossy, Salon-Quality Colour That Covers Every Last Grey

L’Oreal’s Préférence dye has a fade-defiant promise of up to 10 weeks of glossy, professional colour that masks 100% of greys, in a range of shades from the natural to the statement. This autumnal copper-brown just toes the line between the two perfectly.

You’re given a weekly conditioning treatment and a colour extender too, and the dye itself is enriched with a UV filter to protect from the sun, a high shine elixir, and added vitamin E for overall hair health.
No.5

L’OrealColorista Permanent Gel Hair Colour

A Long-Lasting Bright Red With Added Shine

Ready to commit to a statement red? Nothing beats L’Oreal’s permanent Colorista range. The formulas last forever and leave your locks glowing with shine, plus there’s a hydrating post-colour mask included too.

Although it's ammonia free, you will get striking results in just 20 minutes that will last up to 8 weeks. This punchy red is designed for medium-blonde to brown shades, or you could opt for their cherry red or copper if you’d like something more suited to your tones.
No.6

NaturtintPermanent Hair Colour

Permanent Hair Colour Image 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£10.49

A Natural, Ammonia-Free Option Enriched With Plant Oils

Naturtint’s ammonia- and peroxide-free permanent dye is a winner for those who want the convenience and impact of a box dye but without the harsh chemicals. With no silicones, parabens or SLS either, it's also a great option if you have a sensitive scalp or dry, curly hair.

This stunning auburn-copper promises 100% grey coverage and is packed with organic plant and seed oils to hydrate, strengthen and even reduce ageing of the hair. It comes with shampoo, conditioner and a CC cream too.
No.7

Manic Panic High Voltage Semi-Permanent Hair Dye2 Pack

High Voltage Semi-Permanent Hair Dye Image 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£19.99

Vegan-Friendly, Low-Chemical Colour in Dozens of Shades

Manic Panic are loved worldwide for their incredible range of vegan-friendly hues that are also free from ammonia and PPD, the ingredient in permanent dyes that causes allergic reactions. We particularly rate this Rock ‘n’ Roll Red which would suit most skin types with its blue undertones, but there are dozens of others to try. 

Like other similar dyes, this one will show up best on light or bleached hair, though it will still add a cherry-ish hue to brunettes. However, it’s not recommended for those with more than 10% of grey hair as results might not be that effective.
No.8

ClairolNice’n Easy Permanent Hair Dye

The Ideal Permanent Dye for Those Who Prefer the Natural Look

While it promises to cover 100% of greys, this light auburn would look equally as gorgeous on fair-skinned teens as it would on older generations. Perfect for those who prefer the natural look, it blends three shades and highlights and works best on blonde to light brown tones.

Another plus is that, although permanent, it's free from ammonia and formulated to be gentle against allergies. There are also added conditioners in every step for not just luminous colour but healthier hair, too. 
No.9

La RicheDirections Semi Permanent Hair Colour4 Pack

Directions Semi Permanent Hair Colour Image 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£13.75

A Budget-Friendly Way to Try Out Pillarbox Red

Save a few pennies with the ever-popular Directions and try out their ultimate pillarbox red shade before you commit to something permanent. It will show up on brunette or darker hair, but to achieve the true vibrancy, hair will need to be fair or bleached.

Much more gentle on the scalp than you’d assume, there are also added conditioners that leave the hair soft and nourished. You’ll have to stock up on your own equipment, though, as neither a brush nor gloves come with this one.
No.10

The Henna GuysDeep Red Henna Hair & Beard Dye

Deep Red Henna Hair & Beard Dye Image 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£13.95

Pure, Chemical-Free Henna in a Classic Deep Red Shade

Henna is as natural as it gets when it comes to hair dye and this is no exception. It’s free from peroxide, alcohol, ammonia and every other chemical additive as well as being vegan and cruelty-free, making it a great choice for sore scalps and the eco-conscious alike.

This trending brand offers a few more shades for the modern age, but this deep red shade is a classic everyone should sport at some point in their life. Just bear in mind that each hair type reacts differently to henna colour-wise, and avoid using on pre-dyed hair.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Remove Red Hair Dye at Home?

While we would always advise speaking to a hair professional first, there are some ways you can help to lift the colour at home. Try applying lemon juice or mixing baking soda in equal amounts to shampoo; these both have acidic properties which can neutralise colour intensity. Always follow-up with a treatment to reduce damage.

How Long Does Red Hair Dye Last?

Red is notorious for fading very quickly, so you should expect to be topping up the colour every 4-6 weeks. Nevertheless, there are things you can do to slightly slow down the process; consider not washing your hair as often and when you do, using cool water and leave-in conditioners.

How to Remove Red Hair Dye From Skin?

Hair dye should fade from your skin within a few days, but if you don’t want to wait, you can try gently rubbing makeup remover or a facial cleanser into the skin and rinsing. Otherwise washing up liquid mixed with baking soda is another option if you don’t have sensitive skin.

Written and researched by Natasha Dziubajlo

Top 5 Red Hair Dyes

No. 1: Clairol | Natural Instincts Semi-Permanent Hair Dye

No. 2: Garnier | Olia Bold Permanent Hair Dye

No. 3: Schwarzkopf | Live Intense Permanent Hair Colour | 3 Pack

No. 4: L'Oreal | Infinia Préférence Premium Hair Colour

No. 5: L’Oreal | Colorista Permanent Gel Hair Colour

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