Shades of red are without a doubt having a moment, but burgundy hair color is the coolest, most daring take on the trend. Not for the faint of heart, it takes everything that makes red great-including that it’s eye-catching, flattering, and unique-and dials it up to 100. It also has a slight ’90s vibe (another of-the-moment trend) but still feels totally current thanks to the recent uptick in red shades. And if even the brightest of coppers feels too natural to you, burgundy is a guaranteed way to stand out from the crowd.
What burgundy hair color really is
Also known as dark red hair color, burgundy hair “is a rich hue that blends deep red and purple tones, offering a bold, wine-like undertone that sets it apart from traditional browns or brunettes,” says Jennifer Korab, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Renaissance Salon & Spa. “Its versatility makes it suitable for a variety of skin tones-cooler burgundy shades pair beautifully with fair skin, balanced tones enhance medium skin, and warmer burgundy hues complement darker complexions.”
The best burgundy shade for your skin tone
The best part about dark red hair color? It looks great on all skin tones. From Dove Cameron and Dua Lipa to Ho-yeon Jung and Cardi B, burgundy is universally flattering. “This color works on all skin types, from fair to deeper complexions, from straight hair to coils-this color is made for everyone,” Maxine Salon colorist Lauren Mildice previously told Glamour.
Finding the best burgundy hair color all comes down to your undertones. According to Shvonne Perkins, master colorist and lead educator at Madison Reed, an easy trick is taking a look at your makeup bag. “If you like violet lipsticks, blue eyeliners, and blackest-black mascara, you’ll likely look great in blue- and violet-based reds,” Perkins says. “If you tend to gravitate toward rosier looks with golden tones, brown to neutral shades, and orange hues in red lips, then a more copper-toned red will likely work better for you.”
How to get burgundy hair color
Good news! You can achieve burgundy hair color without bleaching. In fact, a brown or black hair base lends itself well to creating dark red hair color. “This deep, multidimensional color works especially well on brunettes or those with darker hair, adding warmth, depth, and an artistic flair,” says Korab. “Burgundy can be used in highlights, lowlights, or as an allover color to create eye-catching contrast and a glowing complexion.”
How to maintain burgundy hair color
While not quite as high-maintenance as other shades of red, burgundy hair color does come with its fair share of upkeep. “Maintaining the vibrancy of burgundy hair at home requires the right products,” Korab explains. “Use color-safe shampoos like Pureology Hydrate Shampoo to protect the richness of the hue and refresh the burgundy tones with Moroccanoil Color Depositing Mask in Bordeaux.” Burgundy is a dark, red wine color actively used for hair dyeing in brunettes. Blondes and women with medium brown hair also resort to this noble hue in order to appear brighter. Even redheads may try some shades, like a more violety toned burgundy or a more spiced out cinnamon.
There are many ways to wear burgundy hair, and the article provides a rich gallery of ideas-from burgundy balayage to high-contrast highlights. The following sections summarize some of the most popular approaches and practical tips for maintaining color vitality.
Popular burgundy techniques and looks
- Balanced balayage with darker roots fading into burgundy ends for a soft, dimensional transition.
- High-contrast burgundy highlights on dark hair to create a striking, modern effect.
- Dip-dyed burgundy at the tips for a bold, fashion-forward statement.
- Tinted curls and glossed burgundy for shiny, salon-finished texture.
- Two-tone looks pairing deep burgundy with hints of violet or blue for a cool-toned finish.
- Wine-inspired mulled tones that add depth without looking flat in low light.
- Subtle balayage for beginners: a gentle rumble of burgundy ribbons over natural brunette.
- Rich mahogany or aubergine shades that lean toward purple for an edgier vibe.
Practical tips for selecting a burgundy shade
- Assess undertones: cool undertones pair with blue-violet reds; warm undertones suit copper-burgundies.
- Consider base color: brunettes gain the most depth; blondes may opt for demi-permanent or lighter glosses.
- Plan maintenance: expect some fading over time and schedule regular glosses or color-depositing treatments.
- Preview options: use a color trial tool or professional consultation to visualize outcomes on your skin tone and hair texture.
Maintenance routines and product recommendations
Use color-safe shampoos and conditioners to protect burgundy’s richness and prevent washing out pigment too quickly. Regular color-depositing masks help refresh tone between salon visits. Consider a post-color care routine that prioritizes UV protection and heat styling management to preserve depth and shine.
For brunettes, burgundy can be layered with subtle purple tones to keep the color rich and dimensional. If you’re starting from darker hair, a lightening step may be avoided with a well-planned deposit-only approach. In other cases, a gentle lift can set the stage for a long-lasting burgundy that stays vibrant through multiple washes.
Inspiration and ideas from celebrity looks
Many stars showcase burgundy hues across different skin tones and hair textures-from cool sangria to warm cranberry and beyond. These examples illustrate how burgundy translates across lighting and styling, including balayage, highlights, and allover color that flatters every complexion.
Practical execution notes
Transitioning to burgundy can be done in one step for virgin hair, or in multiple steps if color is already present and needs a base lift. The approach may involve a single-process application or a combination of color depositing and glossing to achieve the desired depth. For a natural look with a hint of color, consider a chocolate-brown base with burgundy undertones. For dramatic impact, opt for a full burgundy with rich red-violet notes that catch light beautifully.
Whether you’re updating your look for fall or exploring a bold change, burgundy hair offers a versatile range of expressions-from subtle warmth to bold, statement-making color. With careful shade selection and a consistent maintenance plan, burgundy can be a flattering, timeless addition to your hair color repertoire.
