Hair has always been an important aspect of anime characters, often being a representation of the character's personality. Mangakas and animators take advantage of their freedom to draw, and do not bind themselves to realistic hairstyles and colors in anime. This results in the creation of some truly unique-looking characters, and hairstyles have become one of the most recognizable aspects of anime art styles.
Red-haired characters in general tend to be quite popular in the anime medium. They often possess strong personalities and know how to shine in the spotlight. The red is often an indication of the fiery and charismatic nature of these characters. Here are some of the best male characters in anime that have red hair.
6 Kirishima (My Hero Academia)
Kirishima is a student of class 1-A in My Hero Academia and is one of the most prominent side characters of the show. Kirishima has a cheerful and strong personality, complemented by his red hair. His quirk is called Hardening, which gives him the ability to harden his body. Kirishima's hero name is Red Riot, inspired by the Pro Hero Crimson Riot.
He can always be seen trying his best to surpass his limits and become the best hero possible. He is also one of the few classmates that Bakugo respects and considers a friend. Time and time again, Kirishima has proven why he should not be underestimated, as he is willing to lay down his life if it means saving others.
5 Renji (Bleach)
Renji Abarai is a soul reaper introduced as an important side character in the show Bleach. He is the lieutenant of the 6th Division of the Soul Reapers. He is a skilled fighter and with the aid of his snake-like Zanpakto, Zabimaru, he has displayed his might numerous times in the show.
Though initially starting off on the wrong foot with Ichigo and his friends, Renji soon joined their squad and aided them on their quest to save Rukia. Renji is Rukia's childhood friend, who also happens to have a crush on her. He has a confident and snarky personality, and his interactions with Ichigo are always a treat.
4 Hisoka (Hunter x Hunter)
Hisoka Morow is one of the main antagonists of Hunter x Hunter. Known as The Magician, He is a skilled nen user and a former associate of the menacing Phantom Troupe. Hisoka is always in search of strong opponents which is what led him to take an interest in Gon and Killua.
Hisoka's Nen type is transmutation, which allows him to change the shape and properties of his aura. Hisoka has been both a foe and an ally to Gon and Killua depending on the scenario at hand. He has a cunning and boastful personality, but he also has the guts to back up what he says.
3 Gaara (Naruto)
Gaara was originally introduced as a Jinchuriki in Naruto , who turned bitter as a result of being betrayed and being treated as an outcast by his own people. However, Gaara was able to finally mend his ways after butting heads with Naruto, who eventually got through to him and befriended him.
For most of the series, Gaara maintained a serious and menacing look, made even more intense by his deep red hair. He is a skilled shinobi with a mastery of the earth style. He went on to become the fifth Kazekage of the Village Hidden in the Sand, and aided Naruto many times on his missions and battles. Gaara has had several iconic moments in the series, from his fight against Lee to his speech before the fourth Shinobi World War.
2 Shanks (One Piece)
Known as Red Hair, Shanks is the captain of the crew called Red Hair Pirates and an old friend of Monkey D. Luffy. Shanks is an important side character in One Piece and is a fan favorite as well. Shanks played an important role in Luffy's life, inspiring him to become a pirate. He also gifted him his signature straw hat which became Luffy's iconic accessory.
He is also the reason behind Luffy obtaining his Gum Gum fruit powers. Shanks went on to aid Luffy on numerous points in the series. He is a skilled swordsman and haki user making him a formidable opponent.
1 Endeavour (My Hero Academia)
Endeavour is a Pro Hero My Hero Academia and is one of the show's most intriguing characters. For the longest time, Endeavour had to remain in the shadow of the number one hero, All Might. But after All Might's retirement, Endeavour had to step up his game and take up the mantle of the number one hero for himself.
His quirk is called Hellflame, which allows him to create and manipulate fire at will. With his quirk, he can cause explosions, cut off buildings, fly, and most importantly burn away his enemies, as is seen in his fight against a High-End Nomu. Endeavour has a complicated past that often comes back to haunt him.