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.
So, What is burgundy hair color?
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 hair color 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 coil—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. This will help keep the color vibrant between salon visits.”
