Honestly, if you’ve spent any time scrolling through Pinterest for "copper hair" or "strawberry blonde" inspiration, you’ve definitely seen her. Brittany Snow has become the unofficial patron saint of the red hair transition. It’s funny because, in her own words, she’s "had every hair color." But there is something about that specific, warm ginger hue she wore as Chloe Beale in the Pitch Perfect franchise that people just cannot stop talking about.
It’s iconic. It’s also a bit of a lie.
Most people assume Brittany is a natural redhead because the color suits her porcelain skin so perfectly. She’s actually a natural blonde—or a "bronde" depending on which year of her childhood photos you’re looking at. But the brittany snow red hair color isn't just one single look. It’s a whole spectrum she’s been navigating for over a decade.
The Pitch Perfect Red That She Actually Hated
Here’s the thing that usually shocks fans. Brittany Snow actually wasn't a fan of her hair in Pitch Perfect 2.
While we were all running to our stylists with screenshots of that deep, vibrant crimson, Brittany was reportedly struggling with it. In interviews with Yahoo Style, she admitted that the producers really pushed for a "dark red" for the sequel. She personally preferred the lighter, more strawberry-toned ginger she had in the first movie.
"They really wanted me to be dark red and I wanted to be lighter," she said. She ended up "rocking" the light red for a year afterward once the dark dye finally faded.
It’s a classic salon dilemma. Sometimes the boldest colors on screen are the ones the actors find the most high-maintenance in real life. Red hair molecules are larger than blonde or brown ones, meaning they don't penetrate the hair shaft as deeply. They wash out faster than a summer fling, yet somehow, the "stain" of the red is a nightmare to get rid of when you want to go back to blonde.
The Evolution of the "Snow Ginger"
If you look at her timeline, she doesn't stay in one lane.
- The OG Chloe (2012): A bright, true copper. This was the "ginger" look that launched a thousand salon appointments.
- The "Hated" PP2 Red (2015): A much deeper, almost auburn-burgundy. It was moody. It was intense.
- The Reddish-Brown Era (2017): Spotted at LAX and on Instagram, she went for a more grounded, "cowboy copper" vibe before the term even existed.
- The Strawberry Honey (Present): She often circles back to a "strawberry-blonde, honey color," which she’s called her favorite.
Why It Works: The Science of Her Skin Tone
You can't talk about brittany snow red hair color without talking about her undertones. She has what stylists call "cool-leaning" skin with very bright blue eyes.
Normally, you'd think cool skin needs cool colors. But copper is inherently warm. The reason it looks "natural" on her is the contrast. The warmth of the red makes her blue eyes pop in a way that her platinum blonde hair sometimes washes out.
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It’s about the "saturation" level. When she goes too dark, like in 2015, the color starts to "wear her" instead of her wearing the color. When she stays in that medium-copper or strawberry-blonde range, it looks like she was born in a field of ginger root.
The Stylist Behind the Scenes
Brittany has been vocal about her hair journey being a team effort. She’s worked with colorists like Rick Henry and stylists like Jacob Dillon and Glen Oropeza to maintain the health of her hair through all these shifts.
She once joked that her colorist has a "thick folder" of records for every shade she’s ever had since she was 15. That’s the secret. You don't just "go red." You have a documented history of how your hair reacts to developer and pigments.
How to Get the Look Without the Regret
If you're trying to replicate the brittany snow red hair color, don't just buy a box of "Ginger" at the drugstore. You'll end up with hot roots and a sad face.
- Start with the Base: If you're a dark brunette, you’re going to need a "lift." You can't put copper over dark brown and expect it to look like Brittany.
- The "Formula" Vibe: You’re looking for a Level 7 or 8 Copper Gold. It needs that "gold" component so it doesn't look like a stop sign.
- Maintenance is a Beast: Brittany uses Kérastase masks to keep her hair from turning into straw. Red hair is notoriously drying.
- The Gloss Factor: In 2026, we’re seeing a lot of "high-shine" treatments. Using something like the L’Oréal Elvive Glycolic Gloss can give that "celebrity" finish to a red shade.
Is the Red Coming Back?
Lately, for her role in The Hunting Wives, she’s been leaning into different looks, but the red carpet still sees her experimenting. Just this year at the 83rd Annual Golden Globes, she showed up with a "soft yet voluminous bob." While she was rocking more of a polished blonde/bronde look there, the "redhead" version of Brittany Snow is never really gone. It’s more of a dormant volcano.
She knows her fans love it.
Common Misconceptions About Her Hair
- "It’s naturally red." Nope. She’s a blonde.
- "She uses one dye." It’s almost always a "root smudge" combined with highlights and a gloss.
- "It’s easy to keep." She’s admitted to "identity crises" because of how often she has to change it for roles.
Honestly, the brittany snow red hair color is less of a color and more of a "vibe." It represents that moment in the 2010s when red hair became "cool" again for people who weren't born with it.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Appointment
If you're going to the salon tomorrow, don't just say "I want Brittany Snow's hair." That's too vague.
Bring three photos: one of her in the first Pitch Perfect, one of her "strawberry honey" phase, and one of her recent blonde looks. Tell your stylist you want the warmth of the copper but the brightness of the blonde. Ask for a "Demi-permanent" gloss first if you're scared of the commitment. It’ll fade in 6-8 weeks, letting you test-drive the ginger life without the "identity crisis" Brittany mentioned.
Invest in a color-depositing conditioner immediately. It’s the only way to keep that "Snow-level" vibrancy between appointments.
Next Steps:
Identify your skin undertone by looking at the veins in your wrist. If they look blue/purple, you have cool undertones like Brittany and can pull off those bright coppers. If they look green, you might want to lean into a more "auburn" or "warm cinnamon" red to avoid looking sallow. Bring a photo of your "dream red" to a professional colorist to discuss a custom gloss treatment.