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22 Strawberry Hair Color Ideas You’ll Want to Try Right Now

 

If you love being blonde but want to experiment with red, copper, or auburn—or the other way around—strawberry hair color just might be the perfect shade for you.

The trendy shade is ideal for indecisive beauty lovers too. By combining the best of both color families, strawberry hair color allows you to embrace your inner redhead and blonde self at the same time.

As for what it looks like? “Strawberry hair color is a delicate blend of warm red and soft blonde tones, creating a sun-kissed, peachy hue,” Chase Kusero, celebrity hairstylist and cofounder of IGK Hair Care, tells Glamour. “It’s different from traditional red, auburn, or ginger as it leans more golden and lighter, rather than deep or fiery.”

It’s also the lightest version of red you can get, adds Christine Bellemare, cofounder, owner, and lead stylist at Maven A Collect. “It’s within the blonde family but still reflects some copper and auburn tones.”

Despite how light the color is, however, it works with a variety of skin tones and palettes. “It’s a really fun hair color that can be nicely customized to your skin tone,” says Jenna Perry, celebrity hairstylist and R+Co collective member. “You can really enhance your natural features with it.”

That being said, it does require upkeep since red pigments tend to fade more quickly. “It’s a high-maintenance hair color,” Perry says. “You really have to take care of it with the right shampoo and conditioner.”

Ahead, see everything you need to know about experimenting with strawberry hair color—from finding your best shade to how to care for the color—before you hit the salon.

What is strawberry hair color?

“Strawberry hair is a soft, warm shade that blends golden blonde with hints of red, offering a lighter and subtler alternative to vibrant red, deep auburn, or bright ginger,” says says Jennifer Korab, celebrity hairstylist, colorist, educator, and founder of Renaissance Salon & Spa.

It’s also the lightest shade of red, adds Lauren Mildice, a colorist specialist at Maxine Salon. “This actually makes it it more of a peachy or golden copper color. Think of a watered-down strawberry drink,” she says. “It brings a warm watercolor-like effect over the blonde hair.”

As for why everyone’s so obsessed with the shade? “Blondes naturally turn warm, so adding a coppery pink hue helps to style it up a bit and embrace the warmth your hair is already fading to,” Mildice says. “It’s also a nice subtle change if you’re not looking for anything drastic because it eventually fades out.”

How to find the best shade for your skin tone

“Strawberry hair color is a youthful, glowing hue that can be customized to complement fair, medium, olive, or dark skin by adjusting the balance of red and blonde,” says Korab. So no matter what, don’t fret: You’re sure to find a look that works for you.

“If you have a rosy undertone to your skin, I would recommend deepening the roots so you don’t feel washed out,” says Mildice. “If you have cooler skin, add more more golden and copper hues within your strawberry blonde mixture. If you have a warmer complexion, I suggest using more pinkish undertones.”

For a quick guide, here’s what Kusero recommends: “If you have fair skin, opt for lighter, peachy strawberry shades with soft golden highlights. Medium skin, go for a rich, coppery strawberry shade with a warm undertone. If you have deep skin, embrace a bold, golden strawberry hue with deeper red or bronze undertones to complement darker tones.”

Strawberry hair maintenance

Feeling inspired? I know I am. Ahead, see 22 trending strawberry hair color ideas. Get ready to embrace your inner blonde redhead.

True Strawberry

Mildice cites Sydney Sweeney’s recent red shade as an ideal example of “true” strawberry blonde, and Bellemare agrees. “Strawberry blonde typically comes in one tone—a light golden shade with a subtle touch of copper,” she says.

Strawberry Ginger

For something a little softer, consider a soft ginger hue. “Soft ginger is going to be the new hype,” Mildice says, adding that it’s a great fresh start for the new year because it’s a lighter tone that’s easy to try.

It’s also an ideal starter shade for anyone looking to test the waters. “If you were too nervous to try out cowgirl copper, this is a great way to introduce those warmer tones into your color,” the expert adds. “Soft ginger complements fair to medium brown skin the most, and all textures and cuts work with this color.”

Strawberry Clementine

For a warm strawberry hair color that works well on light to medium natural hair, Maxine Salon colorist Rex Jimieson suggests a subtly spicy orange shade like strawberry spice. “Whether it’s warm and orangey, primary and vibrant, or cool and moody, it’s time to start putting pigment back in your hair,” he says. “This trend looks exceptional on those with fair to medium skin tones.”

Strawberry Brunette

Kendall Jenner’s strawberry brunette is one of the most popular takes on the shade in recent years. “This color is a blend of gold and copper hair colors,” Perry says. “It could also be described as ginger.”

As for how she customizes it for her clients? “Lighter skin tones look best with more gold copper,” she says. “Dark skin tones typically look better with a red copper.”

Bronzed Strawberry

Kusero points to this Zendaya-inspired bronzed strawberry as another chic and natural-looking way to wear the shade. “This sun-kissed color mimics natural highlights you would get from spending time in the sun,” adds Richy Kandasamy, vice president of color development and R+Color Collective Member at R+Co.

Rich Copper Strawberry

Kusero says Jessica Chastain’s rich copper strawberry is a nearly perfect color. “It’s a vivid coppery red with subtle golden accents,” he says. For a similar look, Perry suggests using equal parts of R+Color Stellar Demi-Permanent Liquid Hair Color in shades Treasure and Buttery for 10 minutes.

Strawberry Auburn

“Auburn is a hair color that can transform in different light,” says Perry. “It’s the chameleon of all hair colors. Sometimes it appears browner, and sometimes more red.”

One of her favorite ways to work with the hue, however, is a gorgeous strawberry auburn, much like the one she created for Maude Apatow.

Strawberry Blush

Strawberry blush—a creamy strawberry blonde created by Mildice—mixes pale strawberry blonde, taupe, and a hint of soft rose within the hair. “This palette contains hues that all complement each other and softly swirl together seamlessly,” she says.

Golden Strawberry

Golden strawberry, as seen on our patron saint of red hair, Lindsay Lohan, is a “mixture of apricot, strawberry blonde, and copper hues,” says Mildice.

Mahogany Strawberry

Strawberry’s “earthier sister,” according to celebrity hair colorist and Evo creative director Tom Smith? A chic shade of celebrity-approved mahogany. “This shade has copper and gold elements with a touch of rose that makes it extremely pretty and unusual,” he says. “Its warm-cool nature makes it flattering for many skin tones.”

Strawberry Blonde

If you want go warm but aren’t quite ready for pink or bold red, consider opting for strawberry blonde, or medium blonde with red undertones. “The perfect way to nail this color is with our Radiant Hair Color Kit in Genova Red, and then refresh the color at home with Color Therapy Mask in Zucca and Color Reviving Gloss in Cannella," says Madison Reed master colorist Shvonne Perkins.

Strawberry Cherry

According to Pinterest’s recent trend report, online searches for cherry blonde hair color have increased by a whopping 6,300%, so it’s no surprise strawberry variations of the look are trending too.

“Cherry blonde is a beautiful shade that can vary slightly in depth and saturation, but it’s generally characterized by a soft red-copper hue with a warmer pink undertone,” says Renée Valerie, a hair colorist, R+Color Collective Member, and the director of R+Color Education. “This color is more intense and vibrant compared to pastel shades and offers a rich tone with a more unique feel.”

Strawberry Honeycomb

“This trend can come in many different shades and offers warm, rich colors that are perfect for the fall season,” Kandasamy says of honeycomb-inspired reds. “It’s a great transition color for anyone looking to add a bit of warmth into their hair.” Think: Madelaine Petsch’s signature hue.

Strawberry Balayage

When in doubt, look to Rihanna for beauty inspo—especially since balayage is making a comeback. “These looks are popular because they are changing the norm of heavy balayaged hair,” says Lorena M. Valdes, a colorist at Chicago’s Maxine Salon. “It’s usually dark at the roots to extremely blonde on the ends, but that is time-consuming. Now people want more simplicity.”

Another plus (besides channeling Rihanna)? Because light strawberry and red ombré look so good grown out, you don’t have to worry about frequent touch-ups.

Strawberry Bronde

Milice also points to Ariana Grande’s strawberry bronde for Wicked as a fantastic take on strawberry hair color. “Strawberry bronde is a deeper strawberry blonde color with a slight beige undertone,” Mildice says of the shade.

Strawberry Ombré

Strawberry balayage combines the best of strawberry and brunette hair trends. “Fiery ombré or balayage techniques add dynamic dimension, while bright, contrasting highlights enhance the overall vibrancy,” says Korab. “A glossy finish gives the hair a polished touch and makes the color stand out even more.”

Strawberry Apricot

If you’re looking for something a little more bold than strawberry blonde hair but slightly less drastic than neon pink or mushroom blonde, Perkins suggests golden apricot “bronde.” It features a light brown base with apricot golden and red tones woven throughout.

“A touch darker than strawberry blonde, this color will beautifully warm up your skin tone and complement a natural makeup look,” she says.

Strawberry Peach

“The color peach has been secretly trending with hair color professionals,” says Maxine Salon colorist Tina Deeke. “Some versions of peach hair color are spicier like an actual peach; others are creamier. In hair, the spicier version will add more shine, but either way it’s a fun way for juicy peach hair.”

Gilded Strawberry

According to Kusero, Emma Stone’s gilded strawberry hair color is “an amazing example” of the color’s potential. “It’s become her signature shade.”

It’s not hard to see why. "It’s flattering with the right customization, adds brightness and a youthful glow, and is perfect for soft, romantic looks,” Kusero says.

Burnt Strawberry

Prefer your strawberry hair color a little more toasted? “Medium skin tones pair well with vibrant burnt orange infused with hints of red,” says Kim Kimble, celebrity stylist and Clairol brand partner. “If your hair is dark, pre-lighten it with a bleach kit to ensure the color appears vibrant.”

To get the perfect burnt-orange hue, Kimble suggests using Clairol Textures & Tones in Sunset Copper for a rich, bold finish.

Strawberry Frost

According to Valdes, we can also expect to see an influx of “frosted berry” over the next few years, which she defines as a beautiful strawberry blonde like Meghann Fahy’s.

Strawberry Contrast

I repeat: Just because your hair is naturally dark doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate strawberry shades into your hair. “We are seeing a lot of reddish brunettes this year,” says Korab. “Brunettes are adding highlights of red to accentuate and create a warm, vibrant look.”

One of our favorite takes on this particular trend? Marsai Martin’s strawberry highlights.