Looking for that perfect head-turning hair transformation? Burgundy hair color might be exactly what you need! This rich, wine-inspired hue isn’t just trending—it’s becoming a timeless choice for those wanting to make a statement without going too extreme.
We’ve curated 15 stunning burgundy hair answers specifically designed for brunettes, blondes, and redheads. Whether you’re seeking subtle burgundy highlights or a bold all-over color, these options will complement your natural hair color and skin tone. From deep mahogany-burgundy blends for dark brunettes to vibrant cherry-burgundy shades for blondes, we’ll guide you through the most flattering choices for your exact hair type.
Understanding Burgundy Hair: The Perfect Shade for Everyone
Burgundy hair color stands at the fascinating intersection of red, purple, and brown tones, creating a rich, multidimensional hue that captivates attention. This versatile shade draws its name from the famous wine region in France known for producing deep red wines with similarly complex undertones. Most professional colorists describe burgundy as a red-violet shade that can be customized in countless ways to complement different skin tones and natural hair colors.
Many people mistakenly think burgundy hair is limited to a single shade, but it actually encompasses a spectrum of colors from subtle wine tints to bold purple-red statements. The beauty of burgundy lies in its adaptability—it can be adjusted in intensity, warmth, and depth to suit virtually anyone. For cooler skin tones, burgundy shades with more purple or blue undertones create striking contrast, while warmer skin tones glow with burgundy variations that incorporate more red or copper elements.
Hair porosity and natural base color play crucial roles in how burgundy manifests on different people. Natural brunettes typically achieve the most authentic burgundy results since the underlying brown pigments support the rich wine tones without extensive pre-lightening. Blondes offer a blank canvas that allows for vibrant, true-to-color burgundy results, though the maintenance requirements increase significantly. Redheads experience a natural enhancement with burgundy, as the shade deepens and intensifies their existing warm tones for a sophisticated upgrade.
Lighting dramatically transforms how burgundy hair appears throughout the day. Indoor lighting often brings out the deeper, more mysterious aspects of the color, while natural sunlight reveals the full spectrum of red and purple undertones. Professional colorists recommend viewing potential burgundy shades under various lighting conditions before committing to ensure you’ll love your color in all environments. Seasonal changes also affect how burgundy appears, with the shade looking richer and more dimensional during fall and winter months against cooler backdrops.
15 Burgundy Hair Color Solutions for Every Natural Hair Color
For Brunettes
- Classic Burgundy Infusion – Brunettes naturally benefit from burgundy’s rich tones, as this wine-inspired color enhances their existing dark base. The deep red undertones create a seamless blend with natural brunette shades, resulting in a sophisticated look.
- Demi-Permanent Subtlety – We recommend trying a demi-permanent burgundy dye if you’re hesitant about commitment. This option lasts up to 25 washes without lightening your natural brown hair, providing an excellent opportunity to test the waters.
- Long-Lasting Permanent Coverage – Permanent burgundy formulations offer brunettes comprehensive coverage, especially for those concerned about gray hairs. These formulas deliver vibrant, enduring color that maintains intensity through multiple washes.
- Burgundy Lowlights – Adding burgundy lowlights to dark brown hair creates dimension without overpowering your natural color. This technique introduces depth while maintaining your original brunette identity.
- Maroon-Burgundy Fusion – Deeper maroon tones mixed with classic burgundy create a multidimensional effect that’s particularly flattering for dark brunettes looking for subtle yet noticeable change.
For Blondes
- Strategic Color Correction – Blondes require special preparation before embracing burgundy to avoid unwanted purple results. Using a professional shade selector helps identify the perfect burgundy tone that complements your exact blonde base.
- Pre-Toning Treatment – Applying a toner or color corrector before the burgundy dye ensures blondes achieve the desired wine-red result without unexpected undertones. This preparatory step creates an ideal canvas for burgundy pigments.
- Burgundy Balayage Highlights – Blonde hair provides an excellent foundation for burgundy balayage techniques. This approach adds striking burgundy accents while maintaining some of your natural blonde, creating a stunning dimensional effect.
- Garnet Red Infusion – Blondes seeking vibrant results can opt for garnet red burgundy shades that produce head-turning color. These cooler burgundy formulations transform blonde bases into striking statements.
- Gradual Burgundy Transition – We suggest a gradual transition using semi-permanent dyes for blondes nervous about drastic changes. This method allows you to slowly intensify the burgundy effect over multiple applications.
For Redheads
- Violet-Toned Burgundy Enhancement – Redheads can enhance their natural color with burgundy shades containing violet undertones. This combination creates unique depth while complementing existing red pigments in your hair.
- Cinnamon-Burgundy Blend – Adding cinnamon-tinted burgundy to natural red hair produces a warm, multidimensional result. This specialized blend honors your natural redness while introducing rich wine tones.
- Temporary Burgundy Experiments – Semi-permanent or demi-permanent burgundy formulations offer redheads the perfect way to explore color enhancement without long-term commitment. These temporary options add vibrant dimensions that gradually fade.
- Undertone-Matched Permanent Color – Selecting permanent burgundy shades that match your natural red undertones ensures harmonious results. Professional colorists can identify complementary burgundy formulations that enhance rather than fight your natural red.
- Berry-Toned Burgundy Accents – Cool berry tones within the burgundy spectrum add vivid contrast to natural red hair. This technique creates fascinating color interplay that changes dramatically under different lighting conditions.
For all hair types, maintaining your burgundy transformation requires color-protecting products and regular touch-ups. Enhance your new color with proper styling techniques like sleek blowouts using round or paddle brushes paired with defrizzing creams to maximize shine and showcase your stunning burgundy transformation.
Creating the Perfect Burgundy Base for Brunettes
Brunettes have a natural advantage when creating stunning burgundy hair transformations, as their darker base provides the perfect canvas for rich wine-inspired tones. The depth of brunette hair allows burgundy pigments to display their true richness without extensive pre-lightening processes.
Dark Chocolate to Wine Transformation
Transitioning from a deep brunette shade to a luscious burgundy creates a sophisticated and multidimensional look that’s both elegant and eye-catching. Start with a dark brown base and incorporate vibrant, deep red pigments to achieve that perfect burgundy hue using box dyes specifically formulated for burgundy colors. You’ll want to focus on maintaining the richness of your natural brunette while infusing those wine-inspired tones throughout your hair. Professional colorists often recommend beginning with a dark chocolate brown foundation before layering burgundy tones over it, creating a sumptuous wine-colored result that complements natural brunette undertones. This technique works particularly well for those seeking a more dramatic transformation without completely abandoning their natural hair color identity.
Cherry Cola Highlights for Dimension
Adding cherry cola highlights brings incredible dimension and movement to brunette hair transitioning to burgundy. This technique involves lightening select sections of your hair before applying rich burgundy tones, creating a multi-faceted effect that catches the light beautifully. Professional colorists achieve this look by painting lighter sections using products like Blondor Freelights and then toning them with pure vibrant shades such as High Magenta. The contrast between your dark brunette base and these cherry-tinted highlights creates depth that prevents the burgundy from appearing flat or one-dimensional. Placement of these highlights should be strategic—framing the face and accentuating layers will enhance your natural features while showcasing the beautiful interplay between your brunette base and burgundy accents.
Mahogany Lowlights for Depth
Mahogany lowlights enhance the complexity and depth of burgundy hair, creating a luxurious finished look that appears naturally rich. Apply mahogany dye to the lower sections of your hair to establish a multi-dimensional appearance that adds sophistication to your burgundy transformation. These lowlights work harmoniously with burgundy tones, creating subtle contrast that makes your overall color appear more vibrant and intentional. Placement of mahogany lowlights should complement your hair’s natural movement and cut, with strategic application toward the roots and underneath layers for maximum impact. The combination of burgundy mid-tones with mahogany lowlights mimics the complex color variations found in fine wine, giving brunettes a truly premium color transformation that appears rich and nuanced in various lighting conditions.
Achieving Stunning Burgundy Tones for Blondes
Blondes require special techniques and formulations to achieve rich burgundy tones without unwanted purple results. These approaches create stunning transitions while maintaining dimension and depth in lighter hair.
Strawberry Burgundy Balayage
Blonde hair provides the perfect canvas for creating a seamless strawberry burgundy balayage. This technique involves hand painting lighter locks to create a natural transition from blonde to burgundy. Start with a light blonde base, then apply vibrant shades like High Magenta and Pure Violet to achieve that perfect strawberry burgundy look. The balayage method ensures the color appears sun-kissed and dimensional rather than flat, allowing your natural blonde to peek through for added dimension.
Rose Gold Burgundy Blend
Selecting the right burgundy tone is crucial for blondes looking to avoid an unwanted royal purple outcome. Use a professional shade selector to identify the perfect burgundy hue that complements your skin tone and base color. Blending rose gold tones with burgundy creates a unique and flattering look that softens the overall effect. This combination adds warmth and dimension while maintaining the rich wine-inspired color you’re seeking. Remember that blonde hair is highly receptive to color, so proper formulation is essential for achieving the desired burgundy result.
Plum-Infused Blonde Transitions
Creating a soft transition from blonde to burgundy works beautifully with plum-infused tones. Use balayage or foilyage techniques to lift darker sections and create diffused, natural-looking color lines throughout the hair. The lightened sections can then be toned with a plum-infused burgundy hue for a softer, more natural appearance. This approach prevents harsh lines of demarcation and allows for a more gradual grow-out process. Blonde hair toned with these plum burgundy shades creates a sophisticated, multidimensional look that’s both modern and elegant.
Enhancing Natural Redheads with Burgundy Hues
Redheads have a unique advantage when exploring burgundy color options, as their natural warm base creates a stunning foundation for wine-inspired tones.
Ruby Burgundy Ombré
Ruby burgundy ombré offers natural redheads a sophisticated way to deepen their color while maintaining their signature look. This technique creates a seamless transition from natural red roots to deep burgundy ends, providing dimension without overwhelming your natural color. Many colorists recommend starting the ombré effect at mid-length for the most flattering result. For a subtle approach, ask your stylist to create an ombré effect with ruby burgundy at the ends, blending it perfectly with your natural red tones. This style works exceptionally well on longer hair where the gradient effect can be fully appreciated.
Cranberry Copper Fusion
Cranberry copper fusion combines the best of both worlds for redheads looking to enhance their natural color with burgundy tones. This technique blends henna with other natural dyes like cassia and indigo to create a multidimensional color that complements existing red hair. Henna-based dyes such as Red Raj Henna from Henna Sooq provide a chemical-free way to deepen natural red tones while adding burgundy richness. The result is a vibrant, copperish burgundy that catches light beautifully and appears to shift between red and burgundy depending on lighting conditions. Application typically takes 2-3 hours including processing time, but the results last significantly longer than traditional color treatments.
Mulberry Tinted Tips
Mulberry tinted tips present a commitment-friendly option for redheads wanting to experiment with burgundy without transforming their entire head of hair. This technique focuses color application only on the ends of your hair, creating a subtle yet trendy look that frames the face. The deep mulberry shade contrasts beautifully against natural red tones, creating visual interest and depth. Application can be customized based on your preference—from just the last inch for a dip-dyed effect to several inches for a more dramatic statement. For best results, maintain this look with color-depositing conditioners that refresh the mulberry tone between salon visits. Many redheads find this approach allows them to explore burgundy hues while honoring their natural color identity.
Maintaining Your Burgundy Hair Color
Preserving that rich, wine-inspired burgundy hue requires dedicated maintenance strategies customized to this unique color family. Whether you’ve recently transformed your brunette, blonde, or red hair, these expert answers will help your burgundy shade stay vibrant for weeks longer.
Color-Safe Products for Longevity
Investing in proper hair care products specifically formulated for color-treated hair is essential for maintaining your burgundy shade. INVIGO Color Brilliance Color Protection Shampoo offers superior results by purifying the scalp while maintaining radiance through its optimized pH level that closes the cuticle and enhances color retention. Pair this with a specialized conditioner like Quantum Riveting Reds or Paul Mitchell Ultimate Color Repair Conditioner to effectively lock in your burgundy tones.
Deep hydration plays a crucial role in color preservation, making Neal & Wolf’s HYDRATE Moisture Hair Mask an excellent weekly treatment to prevent your burgundy from fading prematurely. For daily care, avoid products containing sulfates and parabens as these harsh ingredients strip color molecules, significantly reducing the lifespan of your burgundy transformation.
Weekly Treatments to Prevent Fading
Reducing how frequently you wash your hair stands as one of the most effective strategies for maintaining vibrant burgundy color. Washing your hair every third day rather than daily can dramatically extend color longevity by preventing unnecessary pigment loss down the drain. Always rinse with cold water when you do wash, as cold temperatures help seal the hair cuticle, trapping color molecules inside where they belong.
Schedule a weekly deep conditioning treatment using color-depositing masks to refresh your burgundy tones between major color services. These specialized treatments deliver both intensive moisture and subtle color enhancement, addressing the two main factors in color fade: dryness and pigment loss. Heat styling accelerates color fade, so minimize the use of hot tools or apply Neal & Wolf’s MIRACLE Rapid Blow-dry Mist as protection when styling is necessary.
Touch-Up Techniques Between Salon Visits
Temporary or semi-permanent color products offer convenient answers for maintaining your burgundy between professional appointments. These gentler formulations can be applied weekly, often mixed with your conditioner, to refresh fading areas without the commitment or potential damage of permanent dyes. Color-depositing treatments specifically formulated for red and burgundy tones provide targeted pigment replenishment exactly where needed.
Root touch-up products designed for burgundy hair colors help manage regrowth, particularly important if you’ve used permanent color which creates more visible regrowth lines. Finishing products like Neal & Wolf’s GLOW Super Shine Spray not only add a glamorous sheen but also help seal the cuticle, protecting your burgundy color while improving its multi-dimensional depth. Regular gloss treatments, whether at home or at a salon, can restore vibrancy to dulling burgundy tones while adding a protective layer that prevents further color loss.
Seasonal Adjustments for Your Burgundy Hair
Spring and Summer Lightening
The warmer months call for a lighter, more vibrant approach to your burgundy locks. During spring and summer, we recommend shifting toward brighter burgundy variations that reflect the season’s energy. Try a lighter, more vibrant burgundy shade that incorporates subtle cherry or raspberry undertones to achieve a fresh, seasonal look. This adjustment creates dimension that catches sunlight beautifully while maintaining that distinctive burgundy appeal. Professional colorists can add strategic highlights in complementary tones to enhance this effect without compromising your overall color story.
Fall and Winter Deepening
Cooler seasons provide the perfect backdrop for deeper, richer burgundy tones. In fall and winter, embracing a more intense burgundy creates harmony with the seasonal palette around you. Deep mahogany or wine-inspired burgundy shades complement the darker tones of autumn and winter perfectly. These richer variations appear more sophisticated and dramatic when paired with cold-weather wardrobes. Your burgundy color will stand out beautifully against neutral winter clothing and complement the cozy aesthetic of the season.
UV Protection Strategies
Protecting your burgundy hair from sun damage becomes essential during high-exposure months. UV rays can quickly fade even the most professionally applied burgundy color, turning vibrant shades dull and brassy. Adding a UV-protective spray or serum to your hair care routine acts as a shield against color degradation. Hats and scarves offer stylish yet practical answers for minimizing direct sun exposure during peak hours. Remember that swimming in chlorinated pools or salt water can accelerate color fading, so applying a protective barrier before water activities helps preserve your burgundy hue.
Humidity Adjustments
Seasonal humidity fluctuations significantly impact how burgundy hair performs and appears. High humidity environments can make burgundy tones appear darker and sometimes less dimensional. Anti-humidity products specifically formulated for color-treated hair help maintain your burgundy’s true shade regardless of weather conditions. Adjusting your styling approach according to seasonal moisture levels ensures your color continues to look intentional rather than weather-worn. During particularly humid periods, lightweight styling products that won’t weigh down your burgundy locks allow the color to shine through while controlling frizz.
Choosing the Right Burgundy Shade for Your Skin Tone
For Cool Skin Tones
Burgundy shades with blue or violet undertones perfectly complement cool skin tones. These exact undertones harmonize with the natural pink hints in your complexion, creating a balanced and flattering appearance. We recommend trying colors like berry burgundy or plum-infused burgundy for the most complementary effect. Many cool-toned individuals find that these darker, jewel-toned burgundies enhance their natural coloring while adding depth and dimension to their overall look.
For Warm Skin Tones
Golden or cinnamon-tinted burgundy shades work best for those with warm skin tones. These warmer burgundy variations enhance the natural yellow and golden undertones in your skin, creating a sun-kissed, radiant effect. Auburn-burgundy and mahogany-burgundy blends often deliver the most flattering results for warm complexions. We’ve found that these rich, warm-leaning burgundies create a natural-looking color transition that appears especially vibrant in natural lighting.
For Neutral Skin Tones
Classic or dark burgundy shades offer versatile options for neutral skin tones. Your balanced complexion allows for experimentation with both cool and warm burgundy variations without overwhelming your natural coloring. True burgundy, which sits in the middle of the spectrum without leaning too heavily toward either cool or warm undertones, typically provides the most universally flattering result. We often suggest starting with a medium-toned burgundy and adjusting the intensity based on personal preference.
Testing Before Committing
Demi-permanent burgundy dyes provide an excellent way to test your chosen shade before making a permanent change. These formulations last through approximately 25 washes without lightening your natural hair, allowing you to experience the color without long-term commitment. Many clients appreciate this approach as it helps them determine exactly which burgundy variation complements their skin tone best. We recommend photographing your test color in different lighting conditions to fully assess how it interacts with your complexion.
Strategic Application Techniques
Balayage and highlighting techniques distribute burgundy color in ways that enhance both your natural hair color and skin tone. These dimensional approaches create movement and depth while allowing your skin tone to interact with various intensities of the burgundy shade. Face-framing pieces with slightly lighter burgundy tones can brighten your complexion regardless of your skin tone category. We’ve seen remarkable results when colorists strategically place different burgundy tones throughout the hair to complement exact facial features.
Conclusion: Embracing Your Perfect Burgundy Hair Color
Burgundy hair color offers endless possibilities for transformation regardless of your starting shade. We’ve explored how this rich wine-inspired hue can be customized to flatter every complexion and hair type through strategic application techniques and shade selection.
Remember that the perfect burgundy journey combines choosing the right shade variation for your skin tone with proper maintenance routines. With color-safe products specialized deep conditioning treatments and seasonal adjustments you’ll maintain that head-turning vibrancy.
Whether you’re a brunette seeking depth a blonde craving dramatic change or a redhead looking to enhance your natural warmth burgundy delivers stunning versatility. The key lies in finding your perfect shade and committing to its care. Your burgundy transformation awaits!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is burgundy hair color?
Burgundy hair color is a rich, multidimensional hue that combines red, purple, and brown tones. Named after the famous wine region in France, it offers a spectrum of shades from subtle wine tints to bold purple-red statements. The versatile color can be customized to suit various skin tones and natural hair bases, creating either a subtle enhancement or dramatic transformation depending on your preference.
Is burgundy hair suitable for all skin tones?
Yes, burgundy hair can work for all skin tones when you choose the right shade. Cool skin tones pair beautifully with blue or violet-based burgundies like berry burgundy. Warm skin tones look best with golden or cinnamon-tinted burgundies such as auburn-burgundy. Those with neutral skin tones are fortunate to have the most flexibility and can experiment with classic or dark burgundy shades.
How does burgundy hair look on brunettes?
Burgundy hair on brunettes creates a natural-looking, rich color transformation. Brunettes can achieve authentic burgundy tones without extensive pre-lightening, making maintenance easier. Options include classic burgundy infusions, demi-permanent dyes for subtle changes, or permanent formulations for gray coverage. Techniques like burgundy lowlights and maroon-burgundy fusions beautifully enhance natural brunette bases.
Can blondes go burgundy?
Absolutely! Blondes can achieve vibrant, statement-making burgundy colors, though the process requires strategic color correction and often pre-toning treatments to avoid unwanted undertones. Burgundy balayage highlights offer a stunning option, as do gradual transitions using semi-permanent dyes. Since blonde hair accepts color readily, the results can be particularly vibrant but may require more maintenance.
How do I maintain my burgundy hair color?
Maintain burgundy hair by using color-safe products like INVIGO Color Brilliance Shampoo and specialized conditioners. Wash less frequently with cold water to prevent fading. Apply weekly deep hydrating treatments such as Neal & Wolf’s HYDRATE Moisture Hair Mask. Use temporary or semi-permanent color products between salon visits to refresh fading areas, and consider regular gloss treatments to restore vibrancy.
Does burgundy hair color fade quickly?
Yes, burgundy hair color does tend to fade faster than other shades due to its red molecules, which are smaller and escape the hair shaft more easily. To minimize fading, wash with cold water, use color-protecting products, limit heat styling, and protect your hair from sun exposure. Professional-grade color depositing conditioners can help maintain the vibrancy between salon appointments.
How often will I need touch-ups for burgundy hair?
Touch-ups for burgundy hair are typically needed every 4-6 weeks for root maintenance. Full color refreshers may be required every 8-12 weeks depending on how quickly your shade fades and your hair growth rate. Those with lighter natural bases might need more frequent touch-ups as regrowth tends to be more noticeable against the burgundy color.
Should I change my burgundy shade seasonally?
Adjusting your burgundy shade seasonally can enhance your overall look. For spring and summer, consider lighter, more vibrant shades with cherry or raspberry undertones. In fall and winter, deeper, richer burgundy tones harmonize beautifully with seasonal palettes. Seasonal adjustments also help manage maintenance as sun exposure and humidity levels change throughout the year.
Can I DIY burgundy hair or should I see a professional?
While at-home burgundy color kits exist, professional application is highly recommended, especially for first-time burgundy transformations. Salon colorists can custom-blend shades to complement your skin tone, properly prepare your base color, and use techniques like balayage or highlighting for dimensional results. DIY attempts risk uneven application, unexpected undertones, or damage from improper processing.
What’s the difference between burgundy and wine hair color?
Though often used interchangeably, burgundy typically contains more purple undertones while wine hair color leans toward deeper red tones. Burgundy is generally more vibrant and multi-dimensional, while wine color tends to be darker and more subtle. Think of burgundy as having violet-red qualities, while wine colors embody the rich, deep red of actual wine with fewer purple influences.
