Jennifer Love Hewitt’s 'Holiday Junkie Red' — Winter Hair Colour Inspiration

Jennifer Love Hewitt’s recent switch to a warm, festive red—nicknamed by fans as “Holiday Junkie Red”—has landed at the perfect moment for winter colour inspiration. The shade is neither too bright nor too muted: a rich, warm red with golden undertones that reads seasonal and sophisticated. For readers thinking about making a similar change, this piece breaks down what the colour is, who it suits, and practical advice for achieving and maintaining the look without unnecessary damage.

What is ‘Holiday Junkie Red’ and why it works now

The tone we see on Hewitt is a warm red with subtle copper-gold glints. Unlike vivid scarlets or auburns with heavy brown depths, this hue hits a comfortable middle ground: warm and glossy rather than neon or muddy. It flatters winter wardrobes because it reads rich against deeper fabrics and natural holiday lighting, while the golden undertones keep skin tones bright rather than washed out.

Choosing the right version for your skin tone and base

Red is famously personal — the wrong red can look harsh, while the right one seems to glow. Use these simple rules when deciding which variant of this warm red to pursue:

• If you have fair skin with cool undertones, ask for a red with a hint more blue or berry to prevent warmth from looking too orange.
• If you’re warm or olive-toned, the golden-copper elements of Holiday Junkie Red will likely complement your complexion beautifully.
• If your natural base is dark brown or black, expect an in-salon lightening step (and a conversation about maintenance) to reach the same richness.
• For grey or previously coloured hair, a bespoke consultation is essential: a colourist may recommend a demi-permanent gloss first, or a careful pre-lightening depending on porosity.

How colourists achieve the shade (and how to discuss it at your appointment)

Professional colourists rarely rely on a single box dye. The look often comes from layering—lowlights to add depth, warm mid-tones for the main colour and a glossy sheen to finish. When booking, bring reference photos (good lighting, close-up of the hair) and be prepared for a consult on the day about your hair’s starting level and health. Useful questions to ask your colourist:

• What baseline level do I need for this shade?
• Do I require lightening? If so, how many sessions and how will you protect my hair?
• Will you use a permanent or semi/demi-permanent formula to achieve the shade?
• How long will my colour last, and what maintenance will you recommend?

At-home considerations and safer alternatives

If you’re not ready for a salon service, consider gentler routes to the look: a professional demi-permanent gloss can give warmth and sheen without the commitment. Colour-depositing conditioners and temporary tints also offer a preview without long-term consequences. Avoid aggressive box dyes if you plan to transition gradually; they can leave brass or uneven tones that are hard for a colourist to correct quickly.

Maintenance: keep the red vivid without over-processing

Red fades faster than other pigments because the molecules are larger and wash out more readily. Practical maintenance tips that balance vibrancy and hair health:

• Use a sulphate-free shampoo formulated for colour-treated hair and wash less frequently—aim for 2–3 times a week where possible.
• Rinse with cool water to help seal the cuticle and slow pigment loss.
• Invest in a weekly colour-depositing mask or gloss you can apply at home to refresh tone between salon appointments.
• Minimise heat styling and always spray a heat protectant when you do use tools.
• Book a glaze or gloss every 6–8 weeks with your colourist to restore depth without re-bleaching.

Styling and makeup to complement the colour

When you switch to a bold warm red, wardrobe and makeup choices can make the shade sing. Jewel tones—emerald, deep navy and warm burgundy—create a polished contrast. For makeup, warm bronzes, peachy blush and neutral lips complement rather than compete with the hair. If you prefer a bolder lip, choose a shade that shares undertones with your hair to create harmony.

Key Takeaways

• Holiday Junkie Red is a warm, gold-tinged red that sits between copper and auburn—seasonal but adaptable.
• Consult a professional: achieving and maintaining the shade often requires bespoke lightening and colour layering.
• Expect higher maintenance: red fades faster, so use colour-safe products, cool water and periodic gloss treatments.
• At-home alternatives like demi-permanent glosses and colour-depositing masks can preview the shade with less commitment.
• Pair the colour with warm-toned makeup and complementary clothing shades for the most flattering effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this red suit my skin tone?
Yes, but the exact variant matters. Cooler complexions may benefit from a red with berry undertones, while warm or olive skin generally suits golden-copper hues best. A colourist can tailor the shade to flatter your unique undertone.

How long does red hair colour last?
Demi-permanent and semi-permanent reds can last 4–6 weeks before noticeable fading; permanent reds may retain pigment longer but still require regular refreshes. Frequency depends on hair porosity, washing habits and UV exposure.

Can I get this colour if my hair is dark brown or black?
Yes, but you’ll likely need lightening first. That may require one or more sessions to preserve hair integrity. Discuss step-wise colouring with your stylist rather than demanding a single, aggressive lift.

How do I prevent my red from going brassy?
Use colour-safe shampoos and occasional clarifying only when necessary. Cooling glosses and purple/blue-based maintenance products are less relevant for warm reds; instead, use warm-toned refreshers and occasional glosses to enhance shine.

Is it safe to dye hair red at home?
Box dyes can give satisfactory results for some, but they’re unpredictable when shifting base colour significantly. If your hair has prior colour or is dark, a professional is safer and will help avoid uneven tones or damage.