You see them at award shows and premieres. Those stunning hair colours that make celebrities look absolutely radiant under the lights. You screenshot them, save them, maybe even show your hairdresser. But translating red carpet glamour into something you can actually achieve at home feels like another story entirely.
This guide breaks down seven standout red carpet hair colours that you can recreate yourself. From rich copper tones to icy platinum blonde, each shade comes with real celebrity inspiration, a detailed colour breakdown, and practical advice for achieving it with Smart Beauty products. You’ll discover which tones suit your natural base, what maintenance each look requires, and exactly how to get salon-worthy results from your bathroom. Whether you’re after subtle champagne highlights or bold berry hues, these celebrity-approved shades prove that red carpet hair is within reach.
1. Smart Beauty copper red glow
This warm, dimensional red creates an instant glow that looks stunning under any lighting. Copper red combines rich auburn tones with bright, reflective highlights that catch the light beautifully. You get depth and vibrancy in equal measure, making it one of the most flattering red carpet hair colour ideas for those who want to make a statement without going too bold. The colour appears to shift between warm copper and deep red depending on how light hits it, giving your hair natural movement and dimension.
The red carpet inspiration
Emma Roberts has showcased gorgeous copper tones that perfectly demonstrate this shade’s versatility. Her light chestnut base transitioning to honey blonde tips at various events proves how copper works across different styles. Drew Barrymore has also rocked copper shades that complement her warm complexion beautifully. These celebrities show how copper red flatters olive and warm skin tones whilst adding freshness to any look.
Shade breakdown and tone
Copper red sits in the warm spectrum with orange and red undertones that reflect light intensely. The base colour typically reads as a medium to dark auburn, whilst the brightest copper sections create dimensional highlights throughout. This isn’t a flat, single-tone red but rather a multi-dimensional shade that mimics natural variation.
Who this colour suits best
You’ll achieve the best results with this shade if you have warm or neutral undertones in your skin. Those with green or hazel eyes find copper particularly striking. Starting from a light to medium brown base makes the colour easier to achieve without excessive bleaching.
Upkeep and colour maintenance
Copper fades faster than cooler tones, so plan to refresh your colour every 4 to 6 weeks. Use colour-depositing treatments between full applications to maintain vibrancy. Protect your hair from sun exposure, as UV rays accelerate copper fading significantly.
How to get this look at home
Begin with clean, dry hair and section your hair into four quadrants for even coverage. Apply colour from roots to ends, working quickly to ensure consistent processing time. Leave the product on for the full recommended duration to achieve true copper depth rather than a lighter, brassy result.
Smart Beauty shades to try
Smart Beauty’s copper and red collection offers several options for achieving this look. Select shades with warm, orange-based undertones rather than cool reds for authentic copper results. Layer different tones if you want added dimension, applying lighter shades to face-framing sections.
2. Champagne blonde balayage lights
Champagne blonde delivers sophisticated warmth without the harshness of platinum. This buttery blonde shade features soft, painted highlights that blend seamlessly from darker roots to lighter ends. The balayage technique creates natural-looking dimension that mimics sun-kissed hair, making it one of the most requested red carpet hair colour ideas at salons worldwide. You get all the glamour of blonde without the stark contrast that can look artificial under harsh lighting.
The red carpet inspiration
Jennifer Lopez has embraced increasingly lighter blonde tones, showcasing ash and golden blonde combinations with soft dark roots at recent award ceremonies. Her champagne blonde proves how this colour illuminates the face whilst maintaining sophistication. The subtle graduation from root to tip creates movement that looks expensive and polished on the red carpet.
Shade breakdown and tone
Champagne blonde sits between warm honey and cool ash tones. The colour reads as a soft, buttery blonde with slight golden undertones that prevent it from appearing too icy. You’ll notice beige and cream notes throughout rather than bright yellow or white blonde shades.
Who this colour suits best
This shade flatters those with warm to neutral skin undertones and light to medium brown starting hair. Blue or grey eyes create beautiful contrast with champagne tones. Your natural base needs to be light enough to lift without excessive damage, typically level 6 or lighter.
Upkeep and colour maintenance
Expect to refresh your balayage every 8 to 12 weeks, as the gradual blend means regrowth appears less obvious. Purple-toning treatments prevent brassiness between colour sessions. Invest in bond-building treatments to keep lifted hair healthy and strong.
Balayage requires less frequent touch-ups than traditional highlights, making it a practical choice for maintaining blonde hair at home.
How to get this look at home
Section your hair and focus colour application on the mid-lengths to ends rather than starting at the roots. Paint the colour onto the surface of each section using sweeping motions. Vary your placement to create natural dimension instead of uniform stripes.
Smart Beauty shades to try
Look for blonde shades with warm, golden undertones in Smart Beauty’s bleach and blonde range. Mix lighter and medium blonde tones for dimensional results. Apply the lightest shade to face-framing pieces for maximum impact.
3. Glossy espresso brunette shine
Rich, dark brunette shades never go out of style on the red carpet. This deep espresso tone delivers maximum shine and sophistication with its cool, almost black base that reflects light beautifully. Unlike flat black dyes, espresso brunette contains subtle brown undertones that add warmth and dimension. The glossy finish makes hair appear healthy and thick, creating that coveted red carpet polish that photographs beautifully from every angle.
The red carpet inspiration
Zendaya has showcased stunning dark brunette shades with her groovy curly styles at various award ceremonies. Her deep chocolate tones with glossy finish demonstrate how espresso brunette creates definition in textured hair. The colour enhances curl patterns and adds visual weight, making it particularly striking for those with natural texture.
Shade breakdown and tone
Espresso brunette reads as a deep brown with cool undertones that prevent it from appearing too warm or red. The shade sits between level 2 and 3 on the hair colour scale, making it dark enough for drama whilst remaining distinctly brown rather than black.
Who this colour suits best
You’ll find this shade particularly flattering if you have cool or neutral skin undertones. Those with brown or dark eyes achieve especially cohesive results. Starting from medium to dark brown hair makes the transition seamless and requires minimal processing.
Upkeep and colour maintenance
Espresso brunette holds colour well, so plan touch-ups every 6 to 8 weeks to cover regrowth. Use shine-enhancing treatments to maintain the glossy finish. Protect against sun exposure to prevent unwanted warm tones from developing.
Deep brunette shades require less frequent maintenance than lighter colours whilst delivering maximum impact.
How to get this look at home
Apply colour to dry hair, working from roots through to ends in small sections for thorough coverage. Process for the full recommended time to achieve true espresso depth. Rinse with cool water to seal the cuticle and enhance shine.
Smart Beauty shades to try
Browse Smart Beauty’s brown and copper collection for deep, cool-toned brunette shades. Select colours labelled as espresso, chocolate, or deep brown. Avoid shades with red or auburn descriptors if you want authentic espresso results.
4. Ice queen platinum blonde
Platinum blonde represents the ultimate commitment to blonde hair. This ultra-light shade sits at the palest end of the blonde spectrum, creating a striking, high-contrast look that demands attention on any red carpet. Unlike warmer blondes, platinum carries cool, almost white undertones with minimal yellow or gold. The colour delivers maximum drama and works particularly well under professional lighting, making it a staple choice among red carpet hair colour ideas for those ready to embrace bold transformation.
The red carpet inspiration
Lady Gaga demonstrated the power of platinum blonde at the 2019 Grammy Awards with her bleach blonde tousled waves and intentional dark roots. Her stripped-back approach to platinum proved that this shade doesn’t require perfection to look expensive. The contrast between her pale blonde lengths and darker regrowth created an edgy, modern take on classic platinum that felt fresh rather than overly polished.
Shade breakdown and tone
Platinum blonde achieves level 10 or higher on the hair colour scale, appearing almost white with cool, silvery undertones. You’ll notice violet or ash tones rather than any warmth, which prevents the brassy yellow cast that plagues poorly maintained blonde hair.
Who this colour suits best
This shade suits those with cool or neutral skin undertones and naturally light hair. Blue, grey, or green eyes create beautiful contrast. Your starting base ideally sits at level 7 or lighter to minimise damage during the lifting process required for platinum results.
Upkeep and colour maintenance
Platinum demands dedication. Plan for touch-ups every 4 to 6 weeks as regrowth becomes visible quickly against such pale lengths. Purple-toning treatments prevent yellowing between colour sessions. Use bond-building treatments weekly to maintain hair strength after the intensive lifting process.
Platinum blonde requires the most maintenance of any blonde shade but delivers unmatched impact when properly cared for.
How to get this look at home
Pre-lighten your hair using Smart Beauty’s bleach products before applying platinum toner. Work in small sections to ensure even lifting. Process carefully and check your hair every few minutes to avoid over-processing and potential breakage.
Smart Beauty shades to try
Select the lightest shades from Smart Beauty’s bleach and blonde range, focusing on products with violet or ash toning properties. Combine bleach with platinum or ice blonde toners for authentic cool-toned results that match red carpet platinum.
5. Rose gold and strawberry blonde
This delicate blend of pink and blonde creates an ethereal, romantic look that photographs beautifully. Rose gold combines warm peachy tones with soft blonde base shades for a colour that reads as both subtle and striking. You get the warmth of copper with the lightness of blonde, creating a dimensional finish that appears different in various lighting conditions. This shade has become one of the most sought-after red carpet hair colour ideas for those wanting something feminine yet modern.
The red carpet inspiration
Multiple celebrities have embraced rose gold variations at recent events. The colour appears in soft, diffused applications rather than bold, saturated pink, making it wearable for formal occasions. Stars showcase this shade with everything from loose waves to sleek updos, proving its versatility across different styling approaches.
Shade breakdown and tone
Rose gold sits between level 8 and 10 on the colour scale with pink and peach undertones. The blonde base carries warmth rather than ash tones, allowing the rose pigments to show through without appearing muddy. You’ll notice coral and copper hints that add complexity to the overall effect.
Who this colour suits best
This shade flatters those with warm or neutral skin undertones and light starting hair. Fair complexions with pink undertones find rose gold particularly harmonious. Your base needs to be pre-lightened to at least level 9 for the rose tones to show properly.
Upkeep and colour maintenance
Rose pigments fade quickly, so refresh your colour every 3 to 4 weeks to maintain vibrancy. Use pink-toning treatments between applications. Limit heat styling and sun exposure to preserve the delicate rose tones.
How to get this look at home
Pre-lighten your hair to a pale blonde base before applying rose gold tones. Mix pink and blonde shades together for custom depth rather than using pre-mixed formulas. Apply to damp hair for softer, more diffused colour distribution.
Smart Beauty shades to try
Explore Smart Beauty’s pink and red collection for rose-toned options. Blend these with lighter blonde shades from the bleach and blonde range. Test your mixture on a small section first to ensure you achieve your desired rose gold balance.
6. Deep berry and plum red
Deep berry and plum tones bring rich, jewel-like colour to red carpet hair colour ideas. This shade combines burgundy base tones with purple undertones for a sophisticated take on red hair that appears almost wine-coloured in certain lighting. Unlike bright, fiery reds, berry and plum hues offer depth and complexity that reads as elegant rather than bold. The colour works particularly well for evening events where dramatic lighting enhances the purple-red shift.
The red carpet inspiration
Celebrities have embraced berry tones for winter events and evening galas. The shade appears in glossy, polished finishes on sleek straight styles that maximise the colour’s reflective properties. You’ll notice this tone frequently paired with sophisticated updos that showcase the rich, multidimensional colour.
Shade breakdown and tone
Berry and plum red combines level 3 to 5 base tones with strong purple and burgundy pigments. The colour leans cool rather than warm, distinguishing it from copper or auburn shades. You’ll see magenta and violet notes throughout.
Who this colour suits best
This shade suits those with cool or neutral skin undertones. Fair to medium complexions find berry tones particularly flattering. Starting from medium brown to dark blonde hair allows for easier colour deposit without excessive lightening.
Upkeep and colour maintenance
Berry tones fade to softer pink hues, so refresh your colour every 4 to 6 weeks for consistent depth. Use colour-depositing treatments between applications. Limit washing to twice weekly to preserve the rich pigments.
Berry and plum shades deliver maximum drama whilst remaining sophisticated enough for formal occasions.
How to get this look at home
Apply colour to clean, dry hair in small sections. Process for the full recommended time to achieve proper depth rather than lighter, pinker results. Rinse with cool water to seal colour molecules.
Smart Beauty shades to try
Browse Smart Beauty’s plum and purple collection for berry-toned options. Select shades with burgundy or wine descriptors. Layer purple tones over red bases for authentic plum results.
7. Bold dip dye and ombre ends
Dip dye and ombre techniques bring dramatic colour contrast to your lengths whilst keeping roots natural. This approach transitions from your natural base colour to vibrant ends, creating a striking gradient effect that grows out gracefully. Unlike traditional all-over colour, dip dye focuses intense colour on the bottom third of your hair, making it one of the most commitment-friendly red carpet hair colour ideas for experimenting with bold shades. You get maximum impact with minimal root maintenance.
The red carpet inspiration
Jessie J demonstrated the potential of dip dye with her sleek black hair transitioning to vibrant purple tips at various events. Her super straight styling drew attention to the colour transition. Drew Barrymore and Jessica Alba have also showcased stunning ombre effects with darker roots melting into honey blonde ends. These celebrities prove dip dye works across casual and formal occasions.
Shade breakdown and tone
Dip dye creates clear demarcation between your natural colour and chosen ends, whilst ombre offers softer blending. The contrast can span from subtle (two to three shades difference) to dramatic (dark roots to bright ends). You control the intensity and placement entirely.
Who this colour suits best
This technique suits everyone, as you can adapt the colour choice to complement your skin tone. Those hesitant about full colour commitment find dip dye particularly appealing. Your natural base remains untouched, minimising damage to your roots.
Upkeep and colour maintenance
Refresh your ends every 6 to 8 weeks as colour fades or grows out. Trim split ends regularly to maintain clean colour lines. Use colour-depositing treatments on the dyed sections only to preserve vibrancy.
How to get this look at home
Section your hair horizontally at your desired colour line. Apply colour only to the sections below this point, blending slightly upward for softer transitions. Process according to product instructions before rinsing thoroughly.
Smart Beauty shades to try
Choose any shade from Smart Beauty’s collections for your ends, from subtle browns to bold purples. Consider your natural base when selecting. Layer multiple tones for dimensional ombre effects rather than single-colour dip dye.
Final thoughts
Red carpet hair colour ideas no longer belong exclusively to celebrities and their salon teams. You can achieve these same stunning shades from home using Smart Beauty products designed for safe, ethical, and professional results. From warm copper tones to icy platinum blonde, each of these seven looks offers something different whilst remaining entirely achievable with the right preparation and products.
Start by identifying which shade complements your natural base and skin tone. Consider your maintenance commitment before diving into platinum or rose gold, as these shades require more frequent care than darker tones. Berry and espresso options offer lower maintenance whilst delivering impressive results.
Your perfect red carpet shade awaits, whether you want subtle champagne highlights or bold berry depths. Browse Smart Beauty’s full collection to find everything you need for transforming your hair into red carpet perfection.