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Undoubtedly one of the most popular series of the year, Squid Game was Netflix’s most-watched series when it was first released, reaching 1.65 billion hours of viewing in just 28 days.

There have been certain elements of the show that spread like wildfire due to its popularity, such as the red uniforms of the guards and the green tracksuits of the players, and even Squid Game inspired nail sets.

Credit: Polygon

Another aspect of the show that was trending was the bright red hair that the main character, Seong Gi-Hun, played by actor Lee Jung-jae, dyed his hair after he won the game. In fact, “Squid Game red hair” was even one of Google’s top 10 trending hairstyle searches of 2021.

If you want to achieve Gi-Hun’s striking red hair for yourself, read on for our DIY hair dye and salon recommendations. Before that, let’s explore the significance of red hair in the film. Warning, there will be spoilers ahead!

Significance of red hair

In the series, we follow Gi-Hun as he goes through the games. Upon returning home after winning, he finds his elderly mother dead in their home. After a year has passed, he still lives with survivor’s guilt and has not even spent a single dollar of his prize money.

Credit: Forbes

When he gets a mysterious note to meet up with his friend from the games, Oh Il-Nam, whom he thought he had caused the death of, he was furious upon finding out that Il-Nam was actually the organiser of the games.

After getting some affairs in order, he dyes his hair the iconic red and heads to the airport. The series ends with Gi-Hun deciding to return to the games instead of getting on a plane to visit his daughter.

Now that you have some context, let’s dive into what the bright red hair symbolises. According to the writer-director of the series, Hwang Dong-hyuk, the stark colour was representative of Gi-Hun’s “rage”, and is a sign that he will “never be able to return to his old self”.

Gi-Hun was determined to expose the people in charge of the sadistic games and to put a stop to them, hence the decision at the end of the first season to return to the games.

“Squid Game red hair” inspiration

Still on the fence about trying out “Squid Game red hair”? Here are some celebrity looks to prove to you that going red is a decision you won’t regret.

1. Jung Ho Yeon

Credit: hoooooyeony on Instagram

Who better to inspire you to get some fiery locks of your own than Jung-jae’s very own co-star in the series, Jung Ho Yeon, who plays the famous Kang Sae-byeok? The actress sported some stunning red hair of her own several years ago, and rocked the look both on and off the runway.

2. Ariana Grande

Credit: Pinterest

Known for her stunning vocals and amazing voice now, Ariana Grande was once a Nickelodeon star, and was the iconic Cat in the Nickelodeon show, Victorious, and later on, in the spin-off series Sam and Cat. Her bright red hair made her instantly recognisable as the loveable Cat, and also marked a transition phase in the singer’s life.

3. Rihanna

Credit: today.com

The icon herself, Rihanna has always been adventurous with her hairstyles and hair colours – and is certainly not afraid to switch it up. She first dyed her hair red back in 2011 and even sported bright red curls for Coachella in 2013. Since then, the singer has returned to red hair a few more times and seems to love it almost as much as we do.

4. Bebe Rexha

Credit: beberexha on Instagram

The singer is often seen with her signature platinum blonde hair, but just last year, she decided that she wanted to take a chance on something new. She surprised her fans by uploading an Instagram video of herself dyeing her own hair a vibrant red, and seemed to love the bright change of hair colour.

5. Nicki Minaj

Credit: Pinterest

A colourful character in life, it is no surprise that her outfits and hair colours are just as colourful as Nicki Minaj herself. She rocked the fire engine-red hair and looked stunning in an all-red ensemble.

6. Joy from Red Velvet

Credit: soompi

Joy from the popular Korean girl group, Red Velvet, changed her style with her bright red hair to match the group’s comeback with their fun song Red Flavour. The brightly-coloured hair matched the cheerful theme of the song, and was certainly very memorable.

7. V from BTS

Credit: Pxfuel

A member of one of the most popular Korean boy bands across the world, V of BTS can pull off almost any look. Looking like a model fresh from the catwalk, the idol pulled off the bright red hairdo and wowed fans with the look.

8. G-Dragon

An iconic personality in the K-pop scene, G-Dragon is a pioneer in the industry and isn’t afraid to try any new looks. He looked striking with the fiery locks and definitely rocked them.

DIY box dyes

Now that you’ve seen these fire engine red looks, here are some DIY hair dyes that you can use to achieve the same results, but do note that these work best on lighter hair colours, such as bleached hair. They can also be used on black or brown hair, but the end result will be darker than the iconic Squid Game red.

L’Oreal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent Hair Color

Credit: Lazada

This was actually the hair dye that Bebe Rexha used to dye her own hair when she went red, and this formula gradually fades the more you shampoo your hair.

If you’re afraid that the red might be too bold for you, this semi-permanent hair colour is a good option for you to try. It will give you the bright red locks that you’re looking for without doing much damage to your hair.

L’Oreal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent Hair Color is available on Lazada for S$35.

Arctic Fox Poison

Credit: Lazada

A vegan-friendly and cruelty-free hair dye, Arctic Fox is known for its bright range of colours, and their formulas are also free of alcohol, ammonia, peroxide, and other chemicals that are harmful to your hair.

To get the shade you’re looking for, Arctic Fox Poison is the closest to the Squid Game red. This dye typically lasts for four to six weeks, so you can enjoy your bright hair colour for at least a month before bidding it goodbye.

Arctic Fox Poison is available on Lazada for S$18.90.

Manic Panic

Credit: Amazon.sg

Another semi-permanent hair dye, the Manic Panic Semi-Permanent Hair Color Cream will give you bright red hair for about four to six weeks, and will gradually fade with each wash.

Manic Panic also has many different shades of red available, and you can choose to mix some of the shades together for your own custom colour.

Manic Panic is available on Amazon.sg for S$21 45. 

Aprilskin Turn Up Colour Cream

Credit: Shopee

Although known for their skincare, Aprilskin also has some stunning hair dye options available, and one of them is their Red Pepper Turn Up Colour Cream. Their dyes have an ultra-conditioning formula for easy application.

Aprilskin Turn Up Colour Cream is available on Lazada for S$28.90.

L’Oreal Paris Excellence Fashion Hair Colour

Credit: Watsons

For intense colour with a stunning shine, try the L’Oreal Paris Excellence Fashion Hair Colour in the shade Spicy Red. Get fierce red hair without damaging your locks as their triple-care formula protects and strengthens your hair.

L’Oreal Paris Excellence Fashion Hair Colour is available on Watsons for S$19.90.

Salons

If you prefer getting your hair professionally done, we’ve got you covered. Check out these salons for fantastic new hair colours, and redeem coupons and amazing discounts with our Salon Finder!

Forest Salon Bedok

This salon will not only give you the vibrant hair colour you want, but will also provide you with a treatment to ensure your colour lasts for as long as it can. Enjoy a colouring session, hair cut, and hair wash all in one session with our Salon Finder coupon!

Forest Salon Bedok Hair Colouring / Highlight with Hair Treatment + Hair Cut + Hair Wash and Blow is available on Salon Finder for S$69.97 instead of S$180.

Address: Blk 84 Bedok North Street 3, #01-59, Singapore 460084
Opening hours: 9am – 8pm (Mon to Sat) | 9am – 7pm (Sun)

GC Hairdressing

Of course, we haven’t forgotten the men who also want to look as striking as Gi-Hun. Head to GC Hairdressing for a fresh new look, and colour your hair for a brand new you! This service also comes with relaxing pre-service aromatherapy.

GC Hairdressing Hair Colouring for Men is available on Salon Finder for S$78.40 instead of S$98.

Address: 52 Somme Road #01-01, Singapore 207872
Opening hours: 11am – 9pm (Mon to Fri) | 11am to 8pm (Sat & Sun)

Jin Hair

Step into Jin Hair Salon for a brand new look. Their skilled and experienced hairstylists will advise you on which shade of red to get and they even offer the option of low or no ammonia hair dye for those with a sensitive scalp or damaged hair. This package is only available for those with medium length hair.

Jin Hair Color – Medium Hair is available on Salon Finder for S$117 instead of S$130.

Address: 101 Upper Cross Street, People’s Park Centre, #B1-63, Singapore 058357
Opening hours: 10am – 7.30pm (Mon to Fri) | 10am – 7pm (Sat) | Closed on Sun

SY Hairstyle Salon

For those with long hair, you can check out SY Hairstyle Salon for their Schwarzkopf Colouring service for long hair to add some colour to your hair. Dress those long locks in stunning colour with their range of organic and top quality products.

SY Hairstyle Salon Schwarzkopf Colouring – Long Hair is available on Salon Finder for S$188. 

Address: 34 Upper Cross Street, #01-140, Singapore 050034
Opening hours: 11am – 9pm (Mon to Sat) | 10.30am – 7.30pm (Sun)

Haar Attic

Haar Attic invites you to transform your look and provides a thorough consultation for all services. Their experienced stylists will give you a hairstyle and colour that will not only fit your style but will be easy to care for.

Haarattic Hair Colouring + Haircut (Chest Length) is available on Salon Finder for S$238.

Keong Saik outlet
Address: 18A Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089125
Opening hours: 11am – 8pm (Mon to Fri) | 11am to 7pm (Sat & Sun)

Boat Quay Outlet
Address: 67A Boat Quay (2nd Floor), Singapore 049855
Opening hours: 11am – 8pm (Mon to Fri) | 11am – 7pm (Sat & Sun)