Auburn hair is a type of red hair colour, which encompasses shades of brown. This is a deep tone similar to copper that often looks best with a healthy shine. The look creates a feel of richness and warmth, with a depth to the style that makes it appear redder in sunlight and brown in dimmer environments. Auburn sits between red and brown on the colour spectrum - richer than copper, deeper than strawberry blonde, and warmer than mahogany.
The versatility of auburn hair means that it looks good on everyone! The red balances out pink in cooler skin tones and brown brings out the best of warmer tones. We would recommend that the warmer your skin tone, the darker your auburn hair should be. Aside from skin tone, auburn hair is also a brilliant way to enhance your eyes, making them appear more vibrant. For a complete guide on skin tone and colour, read our blog: What Hair Colour Suits Me?
Auburn hair works well with a vast range of colours. As with all red hair types, greens like olive, emerald and forest green are incredibly flattering as they create a contrast.
It is very rare to have naturally auburn hair. This is because the colour is part of the red hair family, with only 1-2% of people in the world having the red hair phenotype.
Yes - all coloured hair fades over time! Naturally auburn hair fades to white or blonde with age, whereas coloured hair will eventually return to its natural shade.
Auburn hair is classed as red hair, but it does have brown hues blended throughout the style, making it a hybrid of the two colours.
Put simply, no! Ginger hair can have auburn undertones, but it moves towards vibrant orange. It is bright and intense in colour, compared to auburn hair which has deeper, brown undertones. Overall, ginger hair is a bright, vivid orange-red colour.
Auburn hair is well known for its anti-aging effect! The red tones add warmth to your complexion, which reflects light and reduces the appearance of fine lines.
There are a variety of ways that your salon can help you to achieve auburn hair. Auburn hair can be achieved by combining red colour with a hint of brown. Neäl & Wølf salons can recommend our new GLAZE colour, 5CB. GLAZE is a True Demi Toner which leaves your hair with a super shiny finish, ideal for creating a luxurious auburn hair. Alternatively, select your favourite pre-created shade from our Colour Shade Chart and discuss with your colourist.
Auburn hair often looks best with a touch of volume and shine. Along with visiting your salon for regular touch ups, there are a variety of ways you can care for your hair. Start by massaging a pairing like our AMPLIFY Volumising Shampoo & Conditioner through the hair, before rinsing. Next, towel-dry your tresses and spritz a product like our UPLIFT Voluming Hair Mist through the hair to create a long-lasting lift. Then, dry your hair with our new HERØ Ionic Hairdryer, a lightweight tool that speeds up styling time. Complete the look by spraying a shine spray like our GLOW Super Shine Spray evenly across dry hair.
Auburn hair isn’t just one colour - it’s a luxurious spectrum of red-brown tones, ranging from soft and subtle to rich and dramatic. Understanding the variety of auburn shades available can help you find the perfect match for your skin tone, eye colour, and personal style. A soft, golden red-brown that sits between strawberry blonde and copper. The true balance of red and brown - rich, warm, and effortlessly wearable. A deep, chocolatey red with cool undertones. Bright and vivid, this fiery blend leans closer to copper-orange but still carries auburn’s brown base. A dramatic auburn with cherry-red or plum undertones.
Achieving your dream auburn shade starts with clear communication in the salon. While “auburn” is a familiar term, its wide range of tones means your stylist will need to understand exactly what you're envisioning - and how it fits with your natural colouring. Words like “warm,” “rich,” or “dark auburn” can mean different things to different people. Let your stylist know whether you’re drawn to warmer, copper-infused shades or cooler, deeper auburns with chocolate or cherry undertones. Our Neål & Wølf stylists have comprehensive knowledge, allowing them to help you choose the shade that’s right for you. Whether you're considering a subtle copper-tinged change or a bold, rich transformation, auburn hair offers unparalleled elegance. The versatility, richness and warmth of auburn hair makes it a perfect choice. Need more hair inspiration?
How To Choose The Right Hair Color For Your Skin Tone?
Practical guide to achieving auburn wavy hair
- Consult with a stylist to define your target auburn shade, considering skin tone and eye color.
- Consider a glaze or demi-toner approach for a shiny, luxurious finish.
- Incorporate a volumising routine to enhance the natural wave and add bounce.
- Use products that protect color and add shine to maintain depth and warmth.
- Auburn hair can be achieved by combining red colour with a hint of brown.
- Choose a shade from a color chart and discuss with your colourist to tailor it to you.
- For best results with waves, add volume at the roots and define with a light-hold product.
Shade variety and matching
A luxurious spectrum of red-brown tones offers options from soft to dramatic. A soft, golden red-brown sits between strawberry blonde and copper, while a deep, chocolatey red with cool undertones provides a more mature look. A bright and vivid auburn with copper-orange lean retains a brown base, and a dramatic cherry-red or plum undertone offers bold drama.
To maintain color and minimize fade, follow a color-safe routine and schedule regular touch-ups, especially if you have naturally lighter or darker bases.