If you have red hair, you already have the hardest part of many costumes covered. Red hair is iconic in fairy tales, history, books and movies, so there are endless costume ideas that make your natural color the star.
Here are 20 easy red hair costume ideas for kids and adults, plus a list of famous redheaded characters and tips to pull off your look.
20 Easy Red Hair Costume Ideas
1. Little Red Riding Hood
The classic fairy tale is a perfect match for red hair. Pair a red hooded cape with a simple dress and a basket, and let your red hair peek out from the hood. It works for kids and adults.
2. Anne of Green Gables
The beloved red-haired heroine from the 1908 novel is easy to recreate with two braids, a straw hat, a pinafore dress and a carpet bag.
3. Queen Elizabeth I
Go historical with a Tudor-style gown, a ruffled collar and tight red curls pinned up. Add pearls and a little pale makeup for a regal finish.
4. Rag Doll
A red yarn-style wig or your own curls, round painted cheeks, a pinafore and striped tights make a sweet, easy rag doll costume for any age.
5. Red-Haired Mermaid
Pair loose red waves with a sequin scale skirt in teal or gold and some shells or pearls in your hair. Keep it your own by choosing your favorite colors.
6. Forest Fairy
Add a flower crown, sheer wings and a flowy dress in moss green or gold. Red hair looks magical against earthy colors.
7. Red-Haired Witch
A black dress, pointed hat and long red curls make a dramatic witch look. Add a broom or a little cauldron for fun.
8. 1950s Sitcom Star
Pin red hair into short vintage curls, add red lipstick, a polka-dot dress and pearls for a classic TV-inspired look.
9. Pirate Queen Anne Bonny
Channel the famous red-haired pirate with a tricorn hat, a puffy white blouse, a corset belt and wild red waves.
10. Viking Shieldmaiden
Braid red hair into thick warrior braids, add a fur shawl, a leather belt and a cardboard shield for a fierce look.
11. Scarecrow
A plaid shirt, overalls, a straw hat and messy red pigtails or yarn hair make a quick, cozy scarecrow costume.
12. Strawberry Costume
Red hair is perfect for a cute strawberry costume. Wear a red dress with little seed dots and a green leaf headband.
13. Autumn Goddess
Weave fall leaves and berries into loose red waves and wear a rust or gold gown for an elegant seasonal costume.
14. Fire Fairy or Phoenix
Use orange and gold wings, glitter and a flame-colored dress to make your red hair the star of the costume.
15. Renaissance Maiden
A corset bodice, a flowing skirt and red hair with a braided crown are perfect for a renaissance faire or Halloween.
16. 1920s Flapper
Style red hair into finger waves or a faux bob, add a beaded fringe dress, a feather headband and long pearls.
17. Celtic Bard
A long cloak, a simple tunic, braided red hair and a small harp or lute prop make a storybook-inspired costume.
18. Vintage Pin-Up Sailor
A sailor top, high-waisted shorts or skirt and red victory rolls make a fun, retro costume.
19. Lumberjack
For boys and men with red hair or beards, a plaid flannel, suspenders, a beanie and a toy axe make an easy costume.
20. Gingerbread Baker
A ginger-themed costume with an apron, flour dusting and a rolling pin is a playful nod to red hair.
More Famous Redheaded Characters to Try
Want something instantly recognizable? These popular red-haired characters from movies, TV and books are also easy to pull off with red hair and a few key pieces:
- Ariel from The Little Mermaid
- Merida from Brave
- Pippi Longstocking with her famous braids
- Annie from the musical Annie
- Jessie from Toy Story
- Poison Ivy and Black Widow for comic book fans
- Wilma Flintstone for a retro cartoon look
- Daphne Blake from Scooby-Doo
- Ron, Ginny or the Weasley twins from Harry Potter
- Jessica Rabbit for a glamorous adult costume
Tips for an Easy Red Hair Costume
- Let your natural red hair do the work and build the costume around it.
- Use a curling wand or braids to match the character’s signature hairstyle.
- Add volume with texturizing spray for wild or curly characters.
- No red hair? Try a temporary red color spray or a quality wig.
- Pick costumes you can make from pieces already in your closet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What characters have red hair?
Popular red-haired characters include Ariel, Merida, Anne of Green Gables, Pippi Longstocking, Annie, Jessie from Toy Story, Poison Ivy, Black Widow, Wilma Flintstone and the Weasley family.
What is an easy red hair costume for adults?
A witch, a 1950s sitcom star, a pirate queen, a 1920s flapper or a forest fairy are easy and use common pieces.
What can kids with red hair dress up as?
Little Red Riding Hood, a rag doll, a scarecrow, a strawberry or Anne of Green Gables are cute, simple costumes for kids.
How do I make my red hair stand out in a costume?
Choose costumes in contrasting colors like green, teal, black or gold, and add volume or curls to show off your color.
Final Thoughts
Red hair makes costume planning fun. Whether you choose a classic fairy tale, a historical queen or a fan-favorite character, building your look around your red hair makes it effortless and unforgettable.
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