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Burgundy is the fall hair color that looks bold in the mirror and surprisingly natural in real life.
It sits between red and brown, so it adds warmth and depth without the maintenance drama of bright copper or fire red. In sunlight it glows wine red. Indoors it reads as a rich, glossy dark brown.
This guide shows six ways to wear it: soft highlights through dark brown waves, a deep wine long and straight, a burgundy brown bob with a fringe, long waves seen from behind, loose curls and dark long layers.
Keep an eye on number 3, which is the boldest of the set, and number 1, which is the easiest way to try the shade.
If you love rich fall tones, our chestnut brown hair and copper hair color guides are good companions.
1. Burgundy highlights through dark brown waves
Start with the gentlest way to wear it. Loose, voluminous waves in dark brown with burgundy highlights running through, photographed outdoors among autumn trees.
The burgundy does not cover the whole head. It sits in the mid lengths and ends, so the hair looks warm and dimensional rather than dyed.
This is the best choice if you are nervous about going red. Your natural brown stays at the roots, so regrowth is barely noticeable.
It looks especially good in daylight, when the wine tones catch the light.
Best for: first timers, brunettes and anyone who wants a subtle change.
Maintenance: highlights grow out softly, so you can go ten to twelve weeks between salon visits.
Styling tip: ask for the burgundy to be placed around the face and through the ends, so it frames you and adds movement.
2. Deep wine burgundy on long straight hair
Now for the all-over version. Long, straight, deep wine burgundy hair, shown with a cream wool sweater.
The colour is rich and even, with a glossy finish that makes the hair look healthy. Against cream, the red undertones really stand out.
Straight hair shows colour clearly, so this look is great if you want your shade to be the main feature.
It suits cool and neutral skin tones especially well, and it gives a lovely contrast to light eyes.
Best for: people who want a clear, confident colour change.
Maintenance: red tones fade fastest, so use colour safe shampoo and a gloss or mask every few weeks.
Styling tip: ask your colourist for a gloss at the end of the appointment, to lock in shine and seal the colour.
3. Burgundy brown bob with a fringe
Here is the bold one. A chin length bob with a full fringe, coloured a warm burgundy brown and styled with a black turtleneck.
The shorter the cut, the more the colour becomes a statement. In this photograph the bob catches the light and shows red and brown at the same time.
The fringe frames the eyes, and the black turtleneck makes the shade look even richer.
This is a good pick for a short haircut that feels polished and a little fashion forward.
Best for: bob lovers and anyone who wants a statement cut and colour.
Maintenance: short hair needs regular trims to keep the shape crisp, so plan a visit every six to eight weeks.
Styling tip: ask for a gloss and a slightly blunt finish on the ends, so the colour looks dense and shiny.
4. Long wavy dark burgundy, seen from behind
Hair colour looks different from every angle, so here is the view from behind. Long, wavy, dark burgundy hair falling over a camel coat on a city street.
The shade is deep enough to look natural at a distance, and the waves reveal red and brown tones as they move.
Camel and burgundy are a classic fall pairing, so this look works easily with your coat and scarf collection.
It is also a good example of how rich the colour can look on long hair that is well cared for.
Best for: long hair lovers and anyone who wants a dark, moody colour.
Maintenance: long hair needs regular conditioning, because colour sits on dry ends and fades faster.
Styling tip: ask for a bit of layering at the ends, so the waves hold their shape and show more colour movement.
5. Burgundy toned loose curls
Curls and burgundy are a gorgeous pair. This photograph shows soft, loose curls in a burgundy tone, with autumn trees in the background.
The texture breaks up the colour, so the hair looks full of depth. Some strands look deeper and others look lighter, which makes the shade feel alive.
It is also a fun look for fall photographs, because the colour echoes the leaves.
If you have natural waves or curls, this is a great way to show off your texture.
Best for: curly and wavy hair and anyone who loves a warm, rich shade.
Maintenance: curls need moisture, so use a hydrating mask weekly and avoid too much heat.
Styling tip: ask your stylist to colour while keeping the curl pattern in mind, so the shade sits well in each curl.
6. Dark burgundy long layers
Last, a dark burgundy on long layers, worn with a cream knit and photographed indoors.
The colour is deeper and moodier, with a slightly plum tone that looks sophisticated in soft light.
Long layers add movement, so the shade shifts from dark at the roots to a richer wine in the lengths.
This is a strong choice for a polished, everyday look that still feels special.
Best for: office wear, evenings and anyone who likes dark, rich colour.
Maintenance: dark shades hide regrowth well, so you can stretch your appointments.
Styling tip: ask for a deep gloss to bring out the red notes and keep the colour looking glossy.
Burgundy hair comparison: which one suits you?
| Look | Length | Boldness | Best for | Upkeep |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highlights on brown | Long | Subtle | First timers | Low |
| Deep wine, straight | Long | Bold | Clear colour change | Medium |
| Bob with fringe | Short | Very bold | Statement cuts | High |
| Dark waves | Long | Medium | Moody fall looks | Medium |
| Loose curls | Medium to long | Medium | Textured hair | Medium |
| Dark long layers | Long | Medium | Office and evenings | Low |
What colour experts say about burgundy
Wella’s colour team lists several ways to wear it, including burgundy pink, burgundy with fiery highlights, glossy burgundy balayage on brunettes and a purple leaning burgundy for cool complexions. They also suggest a warmer, browner burgundy for warm skin tones and recommend colour specific care and glossing between touch ups.
That is a handy map for the six looks here. The highlights on dark brown are close to the balayage idea. The deep wine and dark layers lean toward the violet side, while the bob and the camel coat waves sit in the browner, warmer range.
How to choose your shade of burgundy
Burgundy is not one colour. It is a family. Violet leaning burgundy looks like red wine and flatters cool skin tones, pink undertones and blue or grey eyes. Red leaning burgundy looks like cherry wine and suits warm or olive skin. Brown leaning burgundy looks like a chocolate cherry and is the softest option, ideal for brunettes who want a subtle change.
A simple test is to hold a burgundy scarf or lipstick beside your face in natural light. If your skin looks bright and clear, the shade is a good match. If it looks sallow or tired, ask your colourist to shift the tone warmer or cooler.
Do you need to bleach your hair first?
It depends on your starting colour. If your hair is dark brown or black, you can usually get a deep burgundy with a darker, tinted colour or a high lift dye, and you may only need lightening for highlights that should show clearly. If your hair is light brown or blonde, burgundy will often take well with no bleach at all, and the result looks richer.
Ask your colourist for a strand test if you are unsure. It shows you how the colour will look before you commit to your whole head.
What to say at the salon
Show this script or read it out:
Hi, I would like a rich burgundy hair colour for fall. I have dark brown hair, so I would like soft burgundy highlights through the mid lengths and ends, with my natural root left in. I want it to look natural indoors and glow wine red in sunlight. Please finish with a gloss for shine.
Bring two or three photos and say which angle you like best. Colour looks different in different lights, so photos help.
Burgundy hair rules that keep it looking expensive
- Use colour safe products. Red pigment is the first to fade, so a gentle shampoo helps.
- Wash with cooler water. Hot water opens the cuticle and lets colour escape.
- Gloss between appointments. A salon gloss or an at home tint refreshes the shade.
- Protect from heat. Use a heat protectant before blow drying or styling.
- Choose the right depth. Deeper burgundy hides regrowth, while brighter wine shows it.
What to expect from a burgundy colour
- Day one: the colour is rich and glossy, and may look brighter than you expect.
- Week two: the first few washes soften the shade slightly, which is normal.
- Week four: red tones begin to fade. A gloss or colour depositing mask brings them back.
- Week eight to twelve: time for a refresh, depending on how much of your natural colour shows.
How to care for burgundy hair
Start with a sulphate free shampoo and a conditioner made for coloured hair. Use a deep conditioning mask once a week. Avoid very hot tools, and always apply a heat protectant spray first.
Red pigment is large and sits close to the surface of the hair, which is why it fades quicker than other shades. A colour depositing conditioner in a burgundy or red tone, used once a week, keeps the shade topped up between salon visits.
Wear a hat or use a UV protectant spray if you spend a lot of time in the sun, because sunlight can pull red out of the hair.
How to style burgundy hair
Burgundy loves shine. A smooth blow dry, soft waves or a sleek straight finish all show it off. Use a lightweight shine serum, and avoid heavy products that can make it look flat.
For a casual look, loose waves and a little texture spray give the colour movement. For a polished look, smooth the lengths and add a glossy finish spray.
If you like to switch up your cut with your colour, our guides to bob with curtain bangs and textured bob haircuts are good places to start. For more brunette ideas, see our espresso brown hair and mushroom brown hair guides.
Burgundy hair and your wardrobe
Burgundy sits well with neutral colours such as cream, camel, grey and black, which is why the photographs above look so good in knits and coats. Deep green, navy and gold are also lovely partners. If you wear a lot of red, keep the tones slightly different so the hair and the outfit do not compete.
For make up, a soft, warm lip and a neutral eye keep the look balanced. Brown or bronze eyeshadow flatters most burgundy shades, and a berry lip can echo the hair colour for an evening look.
Common burgundy hair mistakes
The first mistake is picking a shade that is too bright for your skin tone. A violet or red shade that fights with your complexion can make you look tired.
The second is skipping gloss and aftercare. Burgundy is a high shine colour, and without care it can turn dull within weeks.
The third is washing with hot water and harsh shampoo. These strip the colour fast.
The fourth is expecting the colour to look the same in all light. Burgundy changes from wine red in sun to deep brown indoors, and that is part of its charm.
Burgundy hair ideas by occasion
For the office, the dark burgundy long layers are the safest option. The shade is deep enough to look professional, and it softens beautifully with a cream blouse or a grey blazer.
For a weekend and casual outings, the loose curls and the highlights on dark brown are the most relaxed. They have a natural, lived in feel and look great with denim, boots and a chunky scarf.
For parties and evenings, the deep wine straight hair has a glamorous, glossy finish. Add a smooth blow dry, gold earrings and a soft berry lip for an evening look.
For a fashion forward statement, choose the burgundy bob with fringe. It is a bold cut and colour combination that looks sharp with a turtleneck, leather jacket or simple black dress.
Burgundy hair for different hair types
Straight hair shows burgundy as a clean, solid, glossy shade, which makes it ideal for the deeper wine looks. Wavy hair gives the colour movement and shows more shifts between red and brown. Curly hair breaks up the shade into dimensional strands, which is why loose curls look so full of colour.
Fine hair can look denser with a deeper burgundy, because dark tones add visual weight. Thick hair can carry bolder, brighter shades well, as long as it stays conditioned and glossy.
How to refresh burgundy at home
Between salon visits, a colour depositing mask in a burgundy or red tone is the easiest way to refresh your hair. Apply it to clean, damp hair, leave it for the time on the packet, and rinse with cool water. Do this once every one to two weeks. A clear gloss treatment is another good option, because it boosts shine without adding strong pigment.
Burgundy hair and seasonal changes
Burgundy is a natural fall and winter shade, but it does not have to stop there. In spring and summer, sun and chlorine fade red tones, so the colour naturally softens into a lighter, brownish wine. Many people like this change, and a gloss in early autumn brings the depth back.
If you want to move on from burgundy later, it is one of the easier shades to transition. It fades gracefully toward brown, so you can grow it out or have your colourist blend it into a new shade without a harsh line.
Talk to your stylist about planning ahead. A subtle burgundy highlight can be softened into a brown balayage, or deepened into a full wine shade for winter, which gives you flexibility through the year.
FAQ
Does burgundy hair work on dark brown hair?
Yes. Burgundy highlights or a tinted gloss show up beautifully on dark brown hair and look natural.
How long does burgundy hair color last?
Most burgundy shades hold for six to eight weeks before the red tones fade noticeably, depending on how often you wash your hair and how you care for it.
Is burgundy hair high maintenance?
It is moderate. The shade needs colour safe products and regular glossing, but a deeper burgundy hides regrowth well.
Which skin tones suit burgundy?
Almost all of them. Cool tones suit violet burgundy, warm tones suit red or brown burgundy, and neutral tones can wear either.
Can I try burgundy without a big commitment?
Yes. A semi permanent colour, a gloss or a few highlights is a low commitment way to test the look.
The last word on burgundy hair
Burgundy is a flattering, wearable colour that looks rich in every season. Choose a shade that suits your skin tone, protect it with good care and enjoy the glossy finish all fall.
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