Burgundy Hair Color Ideas: 15 Gorgeous Shades to Try
Burgundy hair color is a beautiful way to add depth, richness, and a red-wine glow to your hairstyle. From deep wine and dark burgundy to chocolate cherry, balayage, and ombre — explore 15 ideas, shade comparisons, and practical advice for choosing and maintaining your color.
Burgundy hair color is a beautiful way to add depth, richness, and a red-wine glow to your hairstyle. Blending deep red with wine, berry, or violet undertones, this versatile shade can look almost brown or black in low light while revealing more color in sunlight.
Whether you prefer a subtle brunette transformation or a bold red-purple finish, there is a burgundy shade to explore. Dark burgundy hair color creates a dramatic, understated look, while chocolate cherry and medium burgundy brown offer softer options for brunettes. If you want more dimension, burgundy balayage and brown hair with burgundy highlights can introduce color without changing your entire base.
Burgundy also works with a variety of hairstyles. Long waves show off its rich tones, sleek bobs emphasize shine, and curly styles can reveal different shades as the hair moves. You can choose a solid color for a uniform finish or combine burgundy with brown, black, or blonde sections for a more dimensional look.
The right shade depends on your starting hair color, desired intensity, and personal preferences. Some deep burgundy shades may show on naturally dark hair without pre-lightening, while brighter colors can require a more involved salon process. Maintenance matters, too, because red and violet tones can gradually lose their vibrancy.
In this guide, explore 15 burgundy hair color ideas, learn how burgundy compares with maroon and cherry cola, and find practical advice for choosing, coloring, and maintaining your shade.
What Is Burgundy Hair Color?
Burgundy is a deep red-based hair color that commonly includes wine, violet, or purple undertones. Depending on the formula, it may appear as a rich red-brown, a cool berry shade, or a very dark color with a subtle red-purple reflection.
Unlike bright cherry red, burgundy generally has more depth. It can be understated on a dark brunette base or appear more vivid on lighter hair. The final result depends on your starting color, previous color treatments, hair condition, and the formula used.
Some burgundy shades lean toward red, while others have stronger violet or brown undertones. This is why two people can choose a color described as burgundy and end up with noticeably different results. The shade name, product formula, and original hair color all influence the finished look.
Burgundy can be applied as an all-over color, blended into brown hair, or used for highlights, balayage, and ombre. These techniques offer different levels of contrast and maintenance, making it easier to choose a style that suits your preferences.
Is burgundy still trending in 2026? Yes — deep wine, chocolate cherry, and dimensional burgundy balayage remain popular choices. Focus on a shade that works with your base and maintenance routine rather than chasing a single viral look.
Burgundy vs. Maroon vs. Red Wine vs. Cherry Cola
These shades are closely related, but their undertones and overall effects can differ. Color names are not standardized across brands, so always compare actual hair-color examples rather than relying on a shade name alone.
| Hair color | Typical appearance | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Burgundy | Deep red with wine or violet undertones | A rich, balanced red-purple look |
| Maroon | Dark red-brown, often with an earthy finish | A warmer, more understated red |
| Red wine | Rich red with berry, wine, or violet tones | A more noticeable red finish |
| Cherry cola | Dark brunette with a cherry-red glow | Brunettes who want a red reflection |
| Chocolate cherry | Brown with cherry and burgundy undertones | A softer brunette transformation |
| Plum burgundy | Deep red-purple or berry | People who prefer cooler, purple-toned color |
| Mahogany | Red-brown with a warm, wood-like appearance | A warm, natural-looking red-brown |
| Oxblood | Very deep red, sometimes with brown or violet tones | A dramatic, dark red finish |
If you want a color that looks dark in most lighting, consider dark burgundy or burgundy brown. For more visible red, explore red wine or cherry cola. If you love purple undertones, plum burgundy may be a better fit.
15 Burgundy Hair Color Ideas to Try
Deep Burgundy Hair Color
Deep burgundy hair color combines dark red with rich wine or violet undertones. It creates a dramatic finish without necessarily looking bright or obviously red in every setting.
Best for: Anyone who wants a rich, polished color with depthStyling tip: Soft waves can help show off the color’s different tones, while straight hair emphasizes shine.
Dark Burgundy Hair Color
Dark burgundy hair color is ideal if you want a dramatic shade that stays relatively understated. It combines a deep base with burgundy tones that become more visible in natural light.
Best for: Natural brunettes and people who prefer darker hair colorsBurgundy Brown Hair
Burgundy brown hair combines brunette depth with a rich red-wine tint. It is a wearable choice if you want to experiment with red while keeping a familiar brown base.
Best for: Brunettes who want a balanced, everyday color
Medium Burgundy Brown Hair
Medium burgundy brown hair offers more visible red than a very dark burgundy brunette while maintaining a relatively soft finish.
Best for: Anyone who wants a noticeable color change without an extremely vivid shadeChocolate Cherry Hair Color
Chocolate cherry hair color combines a chocolate-brown base with cherry-red and burgundy undertones. It is a popular style for people who want a brunette look with a subtle red glow.
Best for: People who love brown hair but want a richer, more colorful finish
Red Wine Burgundy Hair
Red wine burgundy hair has a richer red appearance than very dark burgundy. Depending on the formula, it may include berry, violet, or subtle brown undertones.
Best for: People who want burgundy to be clearly visible rather than mostly brunetteDark Maroon Hair Color
Dark maroon hair color sits between deep red and reddish-brown. Compared with a violet-heavy burgundy, maroon often looks earthier and warmer.
Best for: People who prefer a rich red-brown shade over a distinctly purple-red finishBlack Cherry Burgundy Hair
Black cherry hair combines a very dark base with cherry-red or burgundy tones. It can look almost black indoors and reveal a rich red reflection in brighter lighting.
Best for: People who want a dark, glossy color with a cherry-red finishPurple Burgundy Hair
Purple burgundy combines deep red with more noticeable violet or berry undertones. It creates a cooler, more dramatic result than many red-brown shades.
Best for: People who prefer cool-toned red-purple hairOxblood Burgundy Hair
Oxblood is a deep, dark red shade that can have brown, wine, or slightly violet undertones. In hair-color inspiration, it usually refers to a darker, dramatic red rather than a bright cherry shade.
Best for: People who love deep, statement-making colors
Burgundy Balayage
Burgundy balayage adds red-wine tones to selected sections instead of coloring every strand from root to tip. The color is often concentrated through the mid-lengths and ends for a blended, dimensional effect.
Best for: People who want burgundy highlights with a softer grow-out
Brown Hair With Burgundy Highlights
Brown hair with burgundy highlights is a great option if you want to keep your brunette base while adding red dimension. The highlights can be fine and subtle or more visible around the face and through the lengths.
Best for: Brunettes who want to try burgundy before committing to an all-over colorBlonde and Burgundy Hair
Blonde and burgundy hair combines lighter blonde sections with deep red or wine-colored areas. The contrast can be bold, making it a creative option for anyone who enjoys two-tone color.
Best for: People who want a high-contrast, statement-making hairstyle
Burgundy Highlights on Dark Hair
Burgundy highlights on dark hair add dimension without changing the overall depth of the hairstyle. The red tones can be placed around the face, through the ends, or in selected sections underneath the top layer.
Best for: People with dark brown or black hair who want a controlled pop of colorBurgundy Ombre Hair
Burgundy ombre gradually transitions from darker roots to burgundy lengths or ends. The contrast can be subtle, with dark wine tones blending into brunette hair, or more dramatic, with vivid red-purple ends.
Best for: People who want visible color through the lengths while keeping roots relatively natural
How to Choose the Right Burgundy Hair Color
The best burgundy hair color depends on your starting shade, desired intensity, and preferred undertone. Inspiration photos help communicate your goal, but your existing color and hair condition determine what is realistically achievable.
Choose Burgundy Based on Your Current Hair Color
- Black hair: Dark burgundy, black cherry, and deep oxblood can create a subtle red reflection. Brighter results may require lightening.
- Dark brown hair: Burgundy brown, chocolate cherry, and dark wine shades are worth considering.
- Medium brown hair: Medium burgundy brown, red wine, and visible burgundy highlights may be options.
- Blonde hair: Burgundy may appear more vivid on a light base — ask a colorist about an even result.
- Already colored hair: Previous dye and color buildup can change how a new shade develops. Seek a professional assessment for major changes.
Which Burgundy Shade Suits Your Skin Undertone?
- Cool undertones: Consider violet burgundy, plum burgundy, or a cool red-wine shade.
- Warm undertones: Explore maroon, burgundy brown, or chocolate cherry with warmer red-brown tones.
- Neutral undertones: You may enjoy both cool wine shades and warmer burgundy-brown blends.
These are starting points, not strict rules. Compare inspiration photos in natural light and decide whether you prefer purple-red, brown-red, or balanced wine tones.
All-Over Color vs. Dimension
An all-over burgundy color creates a consistent look from roots to ends. Highlights, balayage, and ombre create variation and may be better if you want to preserve some of your natural base or add visible red only in selected areas.
How to Get Burgundy Hair Color at Home
Coloring your hair at home starts with choosing a product designed for your current hair color and the result you want. A burgundy shade on a product box may look different on black, brown, blonde, or previously colored hair.
- Choose a suitable shade. Decide whether you want dark burgundy, burgundy brown, chocolate cherry, or vivid wine red. Check the product’s starting-color guide.
- Read the complete instructions. Different formulas have different application steps, processing times, and restrictions.
- Perform the required allergy alert test. Follow the product label’s instructions and timing.
- Do a strand test when appropriate. A strand test can help you see how the color may look before applying it everywhere.
- Prepare your workspace. Gather the tools specified by the product, protect clothing and surfaces, and use the recommended gloves.
- Apply the color as directed. Follow the manufacturer’s application method and processing time.
- Rinse and condition according to the instructions. Use the after-color products recommended by the manufacturer.
Permanent vs. demi-permanent: Permanent color is often used for lasting change or root coverage. Demi-permanent is useful to deepen, tone, or refresh. Semi-permanent deposits color with less permanent chemical change. Red and violet pigments may remain after the visible shade fades.
Do You Need to Bleach Your Hair to Get Burgundy?
Not always. Whether you need bleach depends on your current hair color, the burgundy shade you want, and the formula being used.
- Dark burgundy on brown hair: A subtle result may be possible without bleaching.
- Vivid burgundy on black hair: Lightening may be needed for a bright, clearly visible red or violet tone.
- Burgundy highlights or balayage: Selected sections may need lightening to create contrast.
- Burgundy on blonde hair: Lightening may not be needed, but choosing the right formula is still important.
Bleaching is not automatically better. It adds another chemical process and can affect hair condition. Ask a professional to explain the likely result and maintenance before deciding.
How to Maintain Burgundy Hair Color
Burgundy hair looks its best when the red and violet tones remain rich and the hair stays shiny. Like many red shades, burgundy can lose vibrancy with repeated washing, heat styling, sun exposure, and unsuitable products.
- Use color-safe shampoo and conditioner designed for color-treated hair.
- Adjust your washing routine — frequent washing can contribute to fading; use lukewarm water when practical.
- Condition regularly, especially if lightening was involved.
- Limit excessive heat styling and always use heat protection.
- Refresh the tone carefully with a color-depositing conditioner or mask formulated for red or burgundy hair.
- Plan salon refreshes based on your formula, root growth, and how vivid you want the color to remain.
What Color Does Burgundy Hair Dye Fade To?
There is no single color that burgundy always fades to. As it fades, it may become less vivid and reveal warmer red or brown tones. A violet-heavy shade may lose some of its purple appearance, while burgundy brown may simply look more like brunette hair.
To make fading more manageable: use products for color-treated hair, avoid unnecessarily frequent washing, reduce excessive heat, and ask your stylist about an appropriate color-depositing product. If your burgundy starts looking too warm, too purple, or uneven, a colorist can assess whether a gloss or adjustment is appropriate.
The Burgundy Aesthetic
More than a color — a whole mood. The richness behind the red-wine silhouette.
Deep Wine Glow
Almost black indoors, a rich red-purple reflection in sunlight — understated drama that still catches the light.
Chocolate Cherry Softness
Brunette depth with a cherry-red undertone — wearable, polished, and quietly luxurious.
Dimensional Movement
Balayage, highlights, and ombre let the color shift with every turn of the head.
Cool or Warm, Your Way
Violet plum or earthy maroon — choose the undertone that feels like you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Burgundy Hair Color
What color is burgundy hair?
Burgundy hair is a deep red shade that usually includes wine, violet, or purple undertones. Depending on the formula, it can look dark red, reddish-brown, or almost black with a red-purple reflection.
Is burgundy red or purple?
Burgundy is primarily a deep red-based shade, but it often includes purple or violet undertones. Some formulas look more red, while others appear cooler and more berry-like.
What is the difference between burgundy and maroon hair?
Burgundy usually leans toward wine-red, violet, or purple undertones. Maroon typically looks more red-brown and earthy, although both shades can be customized in different directions.
Can I get dark burgundy hair color without bleach?
Sometimes. Deep burgundy can show on naturally brown hair without bleaching, depending on the starting shade and formula. On very dark hair, the result may be subtle. A colorist can explain whether lightening is needed for the intensity you want.
Does burgundy hair color suit all skin tones?
Many people can wear burgundy by choosing a suitable undertone and depth. Cooler violet-burgundy, warmer maroon, and balanced burgundy-brown shades offer different options. Use preferences and inspiration photos rather than treating undertone guidelines as strict rules.
Is burgundy hair color high maintenance?
It can require regular care because red and violet tones may lose vibrancy with washing and styling. Dark burgundy and burgundy-brown shades can be easier to grow out when close to your natural base; vivid shades may need more frequent refreshing.
How can I make burgundy hair color last longer?
Use color-safe products, condition regularly, avoid excessive heat, and follow a washing routine that suits your scalp. A suitable color-depositing conditioner or salon gloss may help refresh the tone between appointments.
Can I dye my blonde hair burgundy?
Yes, but the result may be more vivid than on brown hair. Previously lightened hair can respond differently depending on condition and porosity. Consider consulting a colorist for a rich, even result.
Is burgundy hair color good for brunettes?
Yes. Burgundy brown, chocolate cherry, dark burgundy, and burgundy highlights can complement a brunette base. The right choice depends on whether you want a subtle reflection, a dimensional blend, or a bold red-wine finish.
Can I go from burgundy hair back to brown or blonde?
Returning to brown may be relatively straightforward in some cases. Going blonde can be more complicated because red and violet pigments may be difficult to remove evenly. Consult a colorist before a major change.
Which burgundy hair color is best for dark hair?
Dark burgundy, burgundy brown, black cherry, and deep oxblood are options worth discussing. The most suitable choice depends on how visible you want the red tones and whether you are willing to lighten.
Is burgundy hair color suitable for short hair?
Yes. Burgundy can look striking on bobs, lobs, pixie cuts, and short layered styles. An all-over shade emphasizes the cut’s shape; strategically placed highlights add dimension.
Can I get burgundy hair with highlights instead of coloring all my hair?
Yes. Burgundy highlights, balayage, and ombre allow you to add color to selected sections while preserving much of your base shade.
Is burgundy a natural hair color?
Burgundy is generally considered a fashion shade rather than a common natural human hair color. For a more natural-looking result, consider burgundy brown, dark maroon, or chocolate cherry.
The right burgundy shade should not only look beautiful in a photo. It should also work with your hair, your routine, and the color result you want to maintain. Save a few inspiration photos, compare undertones in natural light, and talk with a colorist if your hair is very dark, previously colored, or damaged.