Right now, there is no question that auburn hair is one of the biggest trends in beauty. As a hairstylist who has done hair for approximately twelve years, I am noticing that almost everybody is interested in trying it. Almost every post on my social media account is auburn hair!
So let’s explore this rich and autumnal hair color.
Auburn Hair Color Trends
Auburn sits in that perfect sweet spot between red and brown – deep, warm, and endlessly flattering. It has a richness and complexity that few other shades can match, catching the light in a way that looks different depending on the angle. Right now it’s one of the most requested colors in the salon, and it’s easy to see why. Here’s what’s trending.
Shades and Styles
- Classic auburn – a balanced red-brown with equal warmth and depth, timeless and universally flattering
- Dark auburn – closer to a deep burgundy-brown, rich and sophisticated with a lot of depth
- Light auburn – a brighter, more copper-leaning shade with less brown in the base, warm and vibrant
- Auburn balayage – hand-painted auburn tones through a darker brown base, natural and seamlessly blended
- Cherry auburn – a deeper, more saturated auburn with visible red and cherry tones, bold and striking
- Warm auburn with gold highlights – a rich auburn base with golden pieces woven through for added dimension and brightness
- Burgundy auburn – a deeper, cooler take with wine and plum undertones mixed into the auburn base
- Natural auburn grow-out – embracing and enhancing naturally auburn hair with glossing and toning rather than dramatic color change
Choosing the Right Auburn for Your Complexion
Auburn is one of the most versatile warm shades precisely because it spans such a wide range – from light copper-brown all the way to deep burgundy-tinged red. Lighter, brighter auburns tend to flatter fair and medium skin tones with warm or neutral undertones, while deeper, richer shades like dark auburn and burgundy auburn work beautifully on medium to deeper complexions.
Cool undertones in the skin don’t necessarily rule out auburn – a slightly deeper or more burgundy-leaning shade can actually complement cool complexions beautifully by providing contrast rather than clashing. A good colorist will always assess skin undertone before recommending a specific shade, and bringing reference photos makes that conversation significantly easier and more productive.
Like all warm, red-based colors, auburn fades relatively quickly without proper maintenance. A color-safe routine, cool water rinsing, and an occasional color-depositing conditioner in a warm red-brown tone all help keep the depth and vibrancy going between salon visits.
1. Classic Rich Mahogany
That is exactly what this color is – deep and gorgeous. Think chocolate and burgundy combined. Straight hair really brings out the color of the hair; and since straight hair requires minimal styling each day, that’s another perk.
2. Copper Balayage Waves
Although balayage is a very popular method of highlighting, I’ve found that using copper auburn and balayage techniques produces a natural-looking result. And these waves are absolutely stunning! Balayage is a technique where the color is applied freehand, so your stylist will paint on the color rather than applying it with foils or caplets. When done correctly, it produces a seamless transition of color, rather than the striped effect you may be familiar with.
3. Rose Gold Auburn Vibes
If you’re feeling adventurous and want a color trend that is trending now, try mixing rose gold with auburn hair. Rose gold and auburn is truly a romantic combination, and when the light catches it, it’s simply gorgeous.
4. Golden Caramel Auburn
Although many salons are moving away from traditional ombre, I still use this method frequently in my salon. A golden caramel color blending into auburn is absolutely stunning – and the warm tones create a flawless, blended effect. Plus, the loose waves shown in the photo make it look even more lovely!
5. Auburn to Copper Flow
This one is a bit similar, but slightly different. The difference is that there is more copper at the end of the hair, while the front appears rich and full of auburn. People then start to take notice of the golden ends and it’s like they discover a new surprise!
6. Chocolate Auburn Medium Length
You don’t always have to have long hair. Medium length hair is a lot easier to manage and still offers a variety of styling options. This chocolate auburn is polished but also effortless.
7. Warm Auburn with Face Framing
Money pieces are currently one of the hottest trends in hairstyles. Mixing copper highlights to auburn base is also extremely popular and creates a stunning look. Add in the layers that surround your face? It works for almost any face shape.
8. Warm Auburn Mix
Adding golden undertones to auburn creates a striking effect. The movement of the waves showcases all of the different shades of the auburn and golden copper color. It’s almost impossible to tell the difference between this look and one that is significantly more expensive.
9. Layered Copper Balayage Perfection
These layered cuts create movement and texture that is unmatched by any other hairstyle. Copper auburn as the base color and golden blonde running through it – the layers create endless movement for every angle and direction.
10. Reddish Brown Waves
These copper undertone auburn waves create a clean yet carefree appearance. The wavy styling makes them look beachy and so fun!
11. Dimensional Dark Auburn Tones
Dimensional hair refers to creating multiple tones within a single color. So for example, dark auburn as the base color, reddish brown for the highlights. Creating this type of look gives your hair a thicker and healthier appearance.
12. Sleek Rich Dark Auburn
Similar to teh base color before, however on sleek hair you can really see and appreciate the color and how it reflects the light.
13. Balayage Sunset Dream
Another balayage with a lot of copper and gold. Getting the auburn to lighten to a lighter shade of auburn is difficult to accomplish. It takes skill and patience.
14. Bold Orange Undertones Auburn
This one is for the bold and daring people! Going with auburn/copper with bright orange undertones is making a statement. You would need to have confidence for this, but trust me – once you try it, you’ll fall in love with the color!
15. Cherry Red Auburn
The extremely rich shade of dark cherry mixed in with auburn is what works so well here. It’s dramatic, yet classy. It’s like you are getting two colors in one.
16. Subtle Auburn Balayage on Dark Hair
Subtle balayage is always a classy choice, while you still get to mix it up and introduce some depth and dimension to your hair color. Auburn is great to liven up a dark hair base.
17. Auburn to Warm Caramel Ombre
Warm caramel is one of the most flattering colors on warm-toned skin. This ombre of auburn to warm caramel is a sweet, gentle approach to adding color. The curls add a lot to this look, and the warm tones blend smoothly and beautifully.
18. Fun Reddish Copper Auburn
More orange than some other examples. Yet still falls under the auburn family. Adding golden orange balayage to the mix adds a spark of excitement. It looks especially pretty in the sun!
19. Mahogany with Copper Ribbons
Mahogany is a rich, deep color. The copper ribbons woven throughout give it a sense of elegance. It is a more subtle version of auburn, but still has plenty of character.
20. Rose Gold on Dark Brown
Rose gold is such a chic trend right now. Translating it from dark brown base hair to this reddish auburn shade highlights is a dreamy effect.
21. Black to Auburn
For natural black or almost black hair or for those wanting to emulate a slightly gothic look. This rich black cherry color balayage is subtle, yet dramatic at the same time! It is just the right amount of vibrant.
22. Rust Color Auburn
Brunette rust shade auburn is a rich shade with red undertones. It is a dramatic and bold look. Immediately livens up this medium-length hair!
23. Burgundy Plum Highlights
Burgundy and plum highlights are a darker tone of auburn. Although it was not as common to see as much of this color in recent years, it is certainly becoming more popular. Cool-toned plum and red highlights offer a unique alternative to the more traditional warm-toned auburn highlights.
24. Chocolate Copper Mix
Mixing copper auburn with classic chocolate brown shade is the best of both worlds! Balayage is the multi-dimensional process used to create this combination. Right now, this trend is hot!
25. Light Copper Auburn
Auburn and golden highlights with full bangs. Yes! Straight styles allow for the color placement to be clearly seen. The addition of bangs adds something extra to your entire look.
26. Honey Ginger Auburn Beauty
Honey blonde flatters almost everyone. Applying honey blonde balayage to copper auburn hair creates a warm, glowing effect. It makes your hair look healthy and shiny!
27. Bright Auburn to Orange Ombre
Bright orange ombre is back again. While the bold orange ombre creates a dramatic effect, the wave pattern softens the drastic color transition. If you want to stand out, this is the way to do it!
28. Dark Brown to Coppery Auburn
Ombre from dark brown base tp copper auburn creates such a dimensional and autumnal look – I’m in love. It’s a total mood – for real.
29. Cherry Auburn on Straight Hair
Cherry auburn is such a stunning elegant shade on brunette hair. You can really appreciate the shade on this straight hair look. It’s a timeless, elegant, somewhat moody shade.
30. Dark Chestnut Auburn
Dark chestnut auburn is a warm color that provides a lot of warmth without being too bright. It’s sophisticated and would be a great choice for a professional setting.
31. Warm Auburn Brown
It’s the same dark chestnut auburn, but up close you can see the complexity of the color. Sometimes the most beautiful auburn hair is the most subtle. All the shades blended together are stunning!
32. Deep Burgundy Plum
Deep burgundy is a bold color. I did say it had auburn undertones, but it’s mostly burgundy. Rich and bold. Great for fall and winter!
33. Deep Mahogany with Curtain Bangs
Classic! Deep mahogany auburn hair with bangs. The color is deep enough to be mysterious. The warm red undertones prevent it from appearing flat.
34. Auburn Mahogany Waves
Similar to the previous example, but the wave pattern adds a softer touch to the color. That deep burgundy mahogany is beautiful. It’s a put-together look that will never go out of style!
35. Bright Copper-y Auburn
Lighter side of auburn. Light copper balayage throughout. Fresh and bright, but still warm. Perfect for spring and summer!
36. Rich Ginger-Auburn Shade
To me, rich auburn-ginger brown is pure autumn for me. Perfect combination of rich brown with copper. Classic and gorgeous. Works on almost everyone I have ever tried it on!
37. Copper Auburn Natural Waves
Finishing off with this gorgeous copper auburn. Golden highlights with medium waves. Bangs frame the face perfectly. Enough variation in the color to be interesting, but not too over-the-top!
