Molly Ringwald’s iconic red hair is making a comeback! From deep auburn tones to vibrant copper hues, red hair is set to be the biggest hair trend of 2026, and according to a celebrity hair colourist, there’s a shade to suit everyone.
While Molly’s red hair has been her trademark since the eighties, she now sports a darker auburn shade than the copper bob you may recall from The Breakfast Club days. Other celebrities who have embraced red hair recently include Leighton Meester, who rocked glossy auburn hair, Dua Lipa, who transformed her dark tresses with a cherry red tone, and Ashley James, who has dyed her hair from blonde to auburn. Meanwhile, A-lister Emma Stone is a natural blonde who has long embraced warm auburn tones.
But what’s behind the red hair resurgence, and what should you ask for at the hair salon if you want to try the bold look for yourself? We caught up with celebrity colourist and hair care expert Abby Haliti, who has over 23 years of experience, including creating signature looks for stars such as Olivia Palermo, Rita Ora, Jane Krakowski, and Sigourney Weaver, to get the lowdown on the eye-catching hair trend.
Why red hair is back for 2026
According to Abby, red hair is becoming increasingly popular because people want a warmer look after embracing cooler hair tones. Red hair can also make a statement and help you to stand out if you’re used to being blonde or brunette.
“Red is having a major resurgence because beauty is shifting toward individuality and warmth. Inspired by iconic ’80s tones like Molly Ringwald’s copper, today’s red feels modern, dimensional, and wearable,” she tells HELLO!.
“After years of cooler blondes and brunettes, clients are craving richness, vibrancy, and personality. Red photographs beautifully, enhances skin tone, and makes a confident statement without feeling artificial.”
Why red hair is for everyone
© Variety via Getty ImagesThe good news is, red hair is incredibly versatile, and there is a shade to suit all skin tones. However, the best shade doesn’t come out of a box dye at home, and is best achieved through consulting with an expert in a salon, who can tailor the shade to suit you.
“Red can be tailored to almost anyone. The key is choosing the right undertone. Copper and strawberry tones complement fair to medium skin with warm or neutral undertones,” Abby says. “Deeper auburn and cherry tones flatter olive and deeper complexions. The consultation is everything. Red should enhance the skin, not compete with it.”
How to get the look
© Getty Images for GucciAre you keen to try the look for yourself? To ensure your colourist finds the right red to suit you, there are some specific things to ask your hair colourist for, according to Abby. “Ask for a customised copper or auburn tone designed for your skin undertone, not a ‘box red.’ Request dimensional subtle highlights or lowlights to prevent the colour from looking flat,” the celebrity colourist explains.
Meanwhile, you may need to consider extra hair treatments to keep your colour looking its best, and maintain shine and tone, as Abby shares: “Also discuss maintenance; red fades faster than other shades, so gloss appointments every four to six weeks are essential to keep it luminous.”
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