Whether it's the way that auburn hair gleams in the sunshine, a need to experiment after months without a hair colour appointment, or classic beauties such as Julianne Moore that are inspiring us, red is tipped to be this season's go-to shade. In fact, searches for red hair have risen by 100 per cent on Google and there's a spectrum of shades to inspire you from strawberry blondes to rich berry hues.

So what do you need to know before switching up your hair colour? We spoke to the celebrity hair colourist Josh Wood and hairstylist Dionne Smith to get their advice for transforming your tresses.

"Red is the colour of the moment, with the likes of Kim Kardashian opting for a gorgeous cherry-red," says Smith. "Going red is a fun update to hair and, while it can take a little maintenance, red tones are sure to turn heads."

"I think people want to have fun this season and the most sophisticated way to experiment with colour is red," agrees Wood. "It's such a strong image and I think it gives people confidence, while also allowing them to express their personality. When I'm creating red for the catwalk, generally the images are of very strong, powerful women. I really do believe that red can transform anyone."

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"There is definitely a red for every skin tone," says Smith, "but when choosing the right red shade for you, dont just think about vibrancy, think about undertones," advises Smith.

"You need to think about the tone of the shade - either cool or warm - to match your skin," agrees Wood. Generally speaking, more full skin tones suit brighter and bolder colours, so:

Finding your exact shade can be quite tricky, so it's helpful to look online at images of individuals with your skin and eye colour, in order to get an idea of what the colour might look like on you. A consultation with your hairstylist a must whenever dyeing your hair will also help guide you in the right direction.

For a permanent hair transformation, you'll get the best results in a salon, but if you love the idea of embracing the red hair colour trend without the commitment, why not experiment with a semi-permanent finish you can achieve at home.

"If you want to try before you buy and have light brown or blonde hair, then a semi-permanent colour will last for a few weeks and can give you a chance to see if the shade works for you," says Smith. "For darker hair colours and afro hair types, I would suggest trying a wig or extensions for a quick way to get the look before you head to your stylist."

"Playing around with something that doesn't last very long is a way to try a new persona, so don't be afraid to be bold," continues Wood. "Our Josh Wood Glosses offer semi-permanent reds that only last for six shampoos, so you can have fun experimenting," whether you want a copper, cherry, rose or berry tone.

Josh Wood Gloss in Cherry

19.00

Moroccanoil Color Depositing Mask in Bordeaux

L'Oreal Paris Colorista Cherry Red Permanent Gel Hair Dye

Bleach London Super Cool Colour in Rose

Copper Gold

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A fresh take on the strawberry-blonde look, this shade utilises faded copper and apricot tones to create a warm, golden version of red.

Cherry

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The classic bright red. For anyone who wants to stand out from the crowd.

Rose Brown

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Brilliant for natural brunettes or anyone with balayage. The addition of rosy shades through the lengths lifts dark hair and is especially pretty in the summer, as the colour is more noticeable as the sun touches it.

Berry

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Deep red and wine-inspired shades are a popular way to go a little bolder with your colour without needing to go too bright.

The vibrancy of your colour doesn't just depend on the shade you choose: your current hair colour matters, too.

"The lighter you are, all the way up to bleach, the brighter the result you will get, while the darker the starting point, the less red tone you will see," says Wood. "What's great though, is if you are dark but have some balayage or natural highlights, the red pigments will be brighter on the lighter parts of your hair."

Another element to keep in mind is how much maintenance you are willing to undertake. While a dedicated at-home routine can minimise colour fade, a brighter or more intense red will lose potency over time and thus requires more regular trips to a salon or investment in at-home colour top ups.

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"Maintaining a red is pretty easy at home," confirms Wood. "Gloss products and semi-permanent solutions help you to top up the tone. I designed my glosses to use between colouring at home or in the salon, to refresh the vibrancy and condition of your hair colour so it can truly shine."

Aside from topping up your colour, you can keep it from fading in the first place by avoiding overly stripping shampoos and choosing formulas designed specifically for red coloured hair, such as John Frieda and Wella's ranges.

Keeping your hair hydrated is important, too. "Once you have gone red, keep hair vibrant and nourished with a weekly treatment," says Smith. "I recommend using a hair oil as a mask to really nourish red hair, such as Olew's Original Oil. It's is an all-natural nourishing and hydrating hair oil that is packed with antioxidants to deeply hydrate hair."

Wella Professionals Invigo Color Recharge Red Conditioner

14.80

John Frieda Radiant Red Boosting Shampoo

Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Hair Mask

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The complete guide to going red - summer's must-have hair shade - harpersbazaar.com