Looking to spice up your black hair with a little edge or romance? The red-and-black combo is everything.
Whether you’re after something bold and dramatic or soft and sultry, this color pairing gives you room to play. The final vibe depends on how you wear it, and the options are seriously exciting.
Wondering how to go red with black hair? You’ve got three go-to methods: balayage for a soft, blended glow; ombre for a striking fade from dark to bold; and highlights for pops of color that catch the light.
We’ve rounded up the hottest looks using each technique, so you can head to your next salon visit totally inspired.
#1 Copper Highlights on Black Hair
Source: Unknown
Copper highlights on black hair? Absolutely stunning. The warmth and dimension they add create a gorgeous contrast that catches the light in all the right ways. But as rich as red and copper tones are, they do tend to fade faster than cooler shades.
To keep that glow looking fresh, you’ll want to schedule regular toner touch-ups. And don’t forget to treat your hair right at home too. Using color-safe shampoos, conditioners, and masks helps lock in vibrancy and keeps your strands healthy between salon visits.
#2 Short, Dark Hair with Curtain Bangs and Burgundy Highlights
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This look is small in length but big on attitude. The dark base keeps it sleek, while bold burgundy streaks sneak through like flashes of rebellion.
Curtain bangs drop in with that flirty, face-framing energy that softens the edge just enough. It’s cool. It’s current. It’s that perfect mix of moody and playful. Short hair has never felt this confident.
#3 French Roast Black with Reddish Purple Plum Babylights
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This color combo is pure richness with a twist. The French roast black sets a deep, velvety tone that feels bold and luxurious. Then come those plum babylights, subtle flashes of reddish purple that peek through like hidden gems.
They don’t scream for attention, but they catch the light just enough to keep things interesting. It’s sultry, sleek, and a little unexpected. If you’re into dark hair with just a whisper of drama, this shade is your secret weapon.
#4 Black and Red Balayage
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This black and red balayage is serving serious attitude with zero effort. The dark base keeps things smooth and edgy, while the red melts in like fire licking through the ends. Bold, moody, and a little wild.
The color placement is soft, not streaky, which gives it that seamless, lived-in vibe. Every flip of your hair reveals something new. It’s fearless, it’s fierce, and it knows exactly how to steal the spotlight without trying too hard.
#5 Black and Burgundy Hair Ombre
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This black and burgundy ombre is the definition of sultry. The deep black roots fade into rich burgundy ends like velvet melting into wine. The transition is smooth, giving the hair movement and dimension without looking too done.
It’s a moody blend with just enough heat to keep things interesting. If you want something low-maintenance but high-impact, this shade combo delivers every time.
#6 Natural Black Hair with Brownish Red Highlights
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This natural brunette look gets a fiery little upgrade with brownish red highlights woven through just right. The base keeps it soft and grounded, while the warm-toned streaks add glow and dimension without stealing the show.
It’s subtle, but not boring, just enough spice to catch the light and turn heads. The kind of color that works in any season, on any day, and still feels fresh every single time.
#7 Ash Black Hair with Bright Red Highlights
Source: Unknown
This combo is all about contrast with a kick. The ash black base brings a cool, smoky vibe, while the bright red highlights slice through with unapologetic heat. It’s sharp, it’s unexpected, and it demands attention without saying a word.
The red catches the light with every move, adding just enough drama to shake up the softness of the base. If you’re after something edgy but still polished, this color mix absolutely hits the mark.
#8 Maroon-Red Highlights on Black Hair
Source: Unknown
This look is rich, bold, and just a little bit moody. Maroon-red highlights layered over a deep black base create a sultry blend that feels luxe without being loud. The red isn’t fiery, it’s deep like crushed velvet or a glass of dark wine.
It adds warmth, depth, and just the right amount of intrigue. Whether the light hits it or not, there’s always something simmering beneath the surface. It’s low-key dramatic and totally unforgettable.
#9 Black Curly Hair with Red Streaks
Source: Unknown
This style is pure fire wrapped in texture. The black curls bring volume and bounce, while the red streaks slide through like bold little flashes of rebellion.
They don’t overpower the curls, they ride with them, adding contrast and heat in all the right places. Each twist reveals a hint of color, like a secret you want people to notice. It’s wild, confident, and totally unbothered. Just the way curly hair should be.
#10 Black Bob with Crimson Highlights
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This black bob means business with a bold twist. The sharp cut keeps it sleek and structured, while crimson highlights sneak through with flashes of intensity.
The red doesn’t shout, but it definitely makes its presence known by adding depth and drama without messing up the clean lines. It’s chic with a little bite. A perfect match for anyone who likes their style polished but far from predictable.
#11 Ginger Highlights on Black Hair
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This combo is all kinds of warm and spicy. The black base keeps things bold and rich, while the ginger highlights add just the right hit of brightness.
They flicker through like strands of sunlight, giving the hair movement, glow, and a little edge without going over the top. It’s the kind of color that turns simple into stunning. Fiery, fresh, and full of personality.
#12 Black to Wild Cherry Ombre
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This black to wild cherry ombre is pure eye candy. The roots stay deep and dark, setting the mood, while the cherry hue takes over toward the ends with a juicy, high-impact finish.
The fade is smooth, never harsh, giving that dreamy melt effect that looks effortless but totally intentional. It’s bold, a little rebellious, and definitely not shy. If you’re craving a color that brings the drama without losing the glam, this one delivers every single time.
#13 Long Hair with Red and Black Split Dye
Source: Judith Castro Creations
This split dye look is pure power move. One side stays jet black—mysterious, sleek, and timeless. The other? A bold, unapologetic red that’s all fire and attitude. Together, they create a high-contrast masterpiece that’s dramatic in the best way.
On long hair, the effect is even more striking, with every flip showing off the full split. It’s edgy, eye-catching, and made for the spotlight. Not for the shy, this look owns the room.
#14 Stunning Black Hair with Rose Gold Highlights
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This look is all glow and elegance with a hint of surprise. The black base keeps it rich and sleek, while rose gold highlights weave in softness and shimmer.
The contrast is delicate, not loud but just enough to catch the light and turn heads in the prettiest way. It’s romantic, modern, and a little bit dreamy. Perfect for anyone who loves a touch of luxury without losing that cool, effortless vibe.
#15 Mid-Length Hair with Jet Black and Red Ombre
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This mid-length style brings major attitude with a sleek jet black base that melts into a bold red ombre. The transition is smooth and seamless, creating a fiery fade that feels edgy but totally wearable.
The length gives it movement without weighing it down, letting that red shine through with every swish. It’s fierce, dramatic, and full of personality. Perfect for when you want your hair to do all the talking.
#16 Straight Hair with A Red-Black Combination
Source: Unknown
This red-black combo on straight hair is sleek, sharp, and totally unforgettable. The deep black base lays the groundwork for intensity, while bold red sections add fire and contrast that pop with every smooth strand.
The straight texture keeps the look clean and polished, letting the colors take center stage without distraction. It’s striking without being overdone, a flawless blend of edgy and refined that’s built to stand out.
#17 Black Hair Color with Dark Red Highlights
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This look is all about rich depth with a hint of drama. The black base keeps things classic and bold, while dark red highlights slip through with just enough heat to turn heads.
The red isn’t loud, it’s lowkey and luxe to add a sultry glow that catches the light in the most subtle way. It’s smooth, moody, and full of dimension. Perfect for anyone who wants to spice things up without going over the top.
#18 Intense Black with Auburn Highlights
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This combo is smooth, sultry, and full of warmth. The intense black base sets a bold, glossy backdrop while auburn highlights weave through like glowing embers.
The contrast is soft but striking, adding richness and dimension without stealing the spotlight. It’s a look that feels grounded yet radiant.
#19 Black to Copper Red Ombre
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This black to copper red ombre is straight-up fiery perfection. The dark roots keep it bold and grounded, while the copper red fades in with that warm, glowing intensity that feels like golden hour in hair form.
The blend is smooth, not streaky, giving off that effortless, sunlit melt. It’s rich, vibrant, and full of movement if you’re craving something eye-catching without going full neon. Just the right mix of fierce and sophisticated.
#20 Black Hair with Red Dip-Dye
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This black hair with red dip-dye is all about bold contrast with a playful twist. The sleek, dark strands set the stage, keeping things cool and classic up top.
Then bam, the ends burst into a vivid red that feels edgy, fun, and totally rebellious. It’s a look that says you’re polished, but not afraid to flip the script. Low commitment, high impact, and full of personality from root to tip.
#21 Brown Red and Black Hair
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This brown, red, and black combo is a total vibe: layered, rich, and effortlessly bold. The black adds depth and drama, the red brings in that fiery pop, and the brown softens it all with a warm, earthy glow.
Together, they create a multidimensional look that shifts with every turn of the head. It’s edgy, yet wearable. Vibrant, yet grounded. The kind of color blend that feels completely custom and totally you.
#22 Bright Red Highlights on Dark Black Hair
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This look is pure contrast magic. Bright red highlights on dark black hair bring instant energy, like sparks flying through midnight. The black keeps it sleek and intense, while the red lights up the strands with bold, fearless flair.
Every movement shows off a flash of color, giving the hair dimension and serious attitude. It’s daring, vibrant, and totally made to stand out in a crowd.
#23 Black Hair with Magenta Red Highlights
Source: Unknown
This black and magenta red combo is bold with a touch of glam. The deep black base keeps things sleek and dramatic, while vibrant magenta red highlights add a playful flash of color that feels edgy but still elegant.
The contrast brings movement and depth, turning even the simplest hairstyle into something unforgettable. Perfect if you want color that’s fierce, feminine, and full of personality.
