If you’re looking for a bold and eye-catching hairstyle, red hair with black highlights is a stunning choice. This dramatic color combination creates a striking contrast, offering endless styling possibilities to showcase your unique personality. Whether you prefer a subtle infusion of red or daring, vivid streaks, there’s a perfect style for you.
From balayage and ombre blends to peekaboo highlights and color-blocking techniques, red and black hair is a favorite among trendsetters. You can keep it sleek and sophisticated or opt for an edgy, high-impact look. Plus, modern coloring techniques ensure your new style is vibrant, long-lasting, and easy to maintain.
In this guide, we’ve curated 16 mesmerizing red and black hair color styles to inspire your next transformation. Each style is described in detail to help you visualize the final look. Whether you want an Instagram-ready vibe or a runway-worthy aesthetic, these ideas will spark your creativity.
1. Vivid Crimson Strands on a Midnight Black Base
For a sleek and balanced contrast, go for straight black hair with thin, evenly spaced crimson-red highlights. This style works well for both casual and formal settings.
2. Cherry Red Balayage with Black Undertones
Blend deep cherry red from mid-lengths to the tips while keeping the roots black. Soft highlights create a smooth gradient effect, adding dimension and elegance.
3. Black Hair with Fiery Red Streaks
Chunky fire-red streaks on jet-black hair create a bold, high-contrast look. Concentrate the streaks on the crown and outer layers for added volume and dimension.
4. Subtle Red Hues with Black Lowlights
Start with a vibrant red base and incorporate black lowlights underneath for a shadowy depth. This works beautifully on wavy or textured hair.
5. Scarlet and Ebony Ombre
Achieve a seamless transition from deep black roots to scarlet red tips. This ombre style exudes elegance, especially on long, flowing locks.
6. Crimson Highlights Framing the Face
Add crimson highlights around the front sections to frame your face. This pop of color draws attention while keeping black as the dominant tone.
7. Jet Black Hair with Magenta Red Tips
Maintain jet-black roots while dyeing the ends a vibrant magenta red. This edgy look shines best on sleek, straight hair, enhancing the color contrast.
8. Peekaboo Red Underneath Black Layers
Dye the underlayers of your hair a bright red while keeping the top layers black. This playful effect reveals flashes of red as you move.
9. Candy Apple Red Highlights on a Black Base
Chunky candy apple red highlights add boldness to a glossy black base. This style works well with sleek, shiny hair to enhance vibrancy.
10. Fine Red Strands Throughout Black Hair
Thin, needle-like red streaks woven throughout black hair create a refined yet striking effect—perfect for a more minimalist approach.
11. Red and Black Alternating Color Panels
For a structured and artistic look, alternate panels of deep black and vivid red throughout your hair. This style is ideal for those who love bold statement looks.
12. Soft Burgundy Waves with Black Highlights
A burgundy red base with strategically placed black highlights adds depth and dimension. This style is especially flattering on loose waves.
13. Red-Tinted Tips on Black Hair
For a low-maintenance yet striking effect, add a subtle red tint just at the tips of your black hair. This works beautifully with layered haircuts.
14. Black Hair with Rose Red Babylights
Ultra-fine rose red babylights on a black base create a soft, shimmering effect. This delicate look adds warmth and movement to your hair.
15. Fiery Red Highlights with Black Roots
Keep your roots jet black while incorporating intense, fiery red highlights throughout. This high-energy look is perfect for daring personalities.
16. Glossy Black Hair with a Red Halo Effect
Highlight only the outermost strands with red while leaving the inner sections black. This technique creates an ethereal glow, especially when styled with curls or waves.