12 Black Hair with Red Highlights That Will Turn Heads
If you’re looking for a bold yet stylish way to transform your look, black hair with red highlights is the perfect choice. This trend blends the richness of black hair with the fiery vibrance of red, creating a stunning contrast that works for all hair lengths and textures. Whether you prefer a subtle pop of color or a dramatic, full-on statement, there’s a red highlight style for everyone.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up 12 black hair with red highlights ideas that will inspire your next salon visit. From deep burgundy streaks to bright cherry tips, these styles are chic, versatile, and perfect for any season.
Why Choose Black Hair with Red Highlights?
Black hair is naturally striking, but adding red highlights gives it dimension, personality, and movement. Here are a few reasons this look is a top choice:
- Versatile Shades: Red highlights come in many tones — burgundy, auburn, cherry, copper — so you can match your vibe.
- Low Maintenance Options: Dark red shades blend seamlessly with black hair, meaning fewer salon visits.
- Perfect for All Skin Tones: The mix of red and black complements light, medium, and deep skin tones.
- Eye-Catching but Classy: You can go as bold or as subtle as you like.
Now, let’s dive into the 12 gorgeous styles you can try.
1. Deep Burgundy Highlights on Black Hair
For those who want a more understated look, deep burgundy highlights are perfect. This shade adds a subtle wine-red tone that shines beautifully in the sunlight. Burgundy pairs especially well with straight or wavy black hair, giving it depth without looking too loud.
2. Bold Cherry Red Streaks
If you’re ready to make a statement, go for bright cherry red streaks on black hair. These vivid, eye-catching highlights create a rocker-chic vibe and look incredible on layered cuts. Pair this look with beach waves for a playful, edgy finish.
3. Black Hair with Red Peekaboo Highlights
Peekaboo highlights are a fun way to add color without fully committing to an all-over look. The red is placed underneath the top layer of hair, only showing when you move or style your hair in a certain way. This style is perfect for professionals who want to keep things subtle during the workweek but still enjoy color on weekends.
4. Black Bob with Auburn Highlights
Short hair can look even more stylish with auburn highlights framing the face. A sleek black bob with warm auburn streaks creates a sophisticated and fashion-forward vibe. This is a great choice if you want something low-maintenance yet chic.
5. Ombre Black Hair with Red Tips
The black-to-red ombre is one of the most popular ways to wear red highlights. The transition from dark roots to fiery tips creates a stunning gradient effect. This works particularly well on long, straight, or wavy hair, as it shows off the smooth blend of colors.
6. Black Hair with Copper Red Highlights
For a warmer, sun-kissed look, try copper red highlights. These golden-red streaks add brightness and warmth to black hair, making it perfect for summer or fall. Copper red looks fantastic on curly hair because it catches the light beautifully.
7. Balayage Red Highlights on Black Hair
Balayage is a hand-painted technique that creates a natural, sun-kissed look. Red balayage on black hair gives a softer, more blended finish than chunky highlights, making it ideal for those who want a more natural-looking color shift.
8. Black Hair with Magenta Highlights
For a bold and trendy twist, magenta highlights are a perfect choice. This purple-red shade looks especially striking on cool-toned skin. Magenta adds a fun pop of color without being too neon or overwhelming.
9. Curly Black Hair with Red Highlights
Curly-haired beauties can absolutely rock this look! Red highlights scattered throughout natural curls create a multi-dimensional, lively style. It works beautifully on both loose curls and tight coils, adding depth and vibrance to your hair.
10. Black Hair with Red Money Piece
The “money piece” trend — face-framing highlights — is a great way to add red to your black hair. Bold red streaks around the face brighten your features and add a trendy touch without coloring your entire head.
11. Black Hair with Red Underlights
Underlights are similar to peekaboo highlights but more dramatic. The red is hidden underneath the black hair, only showing when you tie your hair up or flip it to the side. It’s like having two hairstyles in one — subtle for work, bold for fun nights out.
12. Black Hair with Scarlet Highlights and Waves
Scarlet highlights are vibrant and fiery, perfect for those who love to stand out. When styled with soft waves, the color catches the light and creates a glamorous, red-carpet-ready finish.
How to Maintain Black Hair with Red Highlights
Once you get your dream highlights, you’ll want to keep them looking fresh. Here are some maintenance tips:
- Use Sulfate-Free Shampoo: This helps maintain the vibrancy of your red color.
- Cold Water Rinse: Washing your hair with cool water helps prevent fading.
- Regular Touch-Ups: Red tones can fade faster than other colors, so plan salon visits every 6–8 weeks.
- Deep Conditioning: Keep your hair hydrated and shiny with weekly masks.
Final Thoughts
Choosing black hair with red highlights is a bold yet versatile way to refresh your look. From subtle burgundy touches to daring cherry streaks, there’s a style for everyone — whether you want professional sophistication or rockstar energy.
Experiment with different shades and placement techniques to find the one that matches your personality. No matter which look you choose from these 12 black hair with red highlights ideas, you’re guaranteed to turn heads.
