Dark brown hair with burgundy highlights is one of the easiest ways to add color to deep brunette hair. Burgundy shows up beautifully on dark brown without much lightening, so it's gentler on your hair than blonde, and it looks especially rich in fall and winter.
Below are eight dark brown and burgundy looks, with exactly what to ask your colorist for. For softer tones, see our dark brown hair with brown highlights, and for more seasonal shades, our winter hair color guide.
What are burgundy highlights on dark brown hair?
They're sections of wine, cherry or plum red placed through dark brown hair. Because burgundy is deep, it needs only a little lightening on dark hair, so it's lower-damage than blonde. Ask for burgundy balayage for a soft look, or ribbon highlights for more color.
Dark brown hair with burgundy highlights
Save the color closest to what you want. That's the photo to show your colorist.
1. Soft burgundy balayage
Soft wine-colored balayage painted through the mid-lengths and ends of dark brown hair. It's subtle and grows out softly.
Ask for:dark brown base, soft burgundy balayage from the mid-lengths.
2. Cherry cola ribbons
Fine ribbons of cherry cola red through dark brown hair. It glows red in the light and looks dark indoors.
Ask for:dark brown base, fine cherry cola ribbon highlights throughout.
3. Burgundy money piece
Two deep burgundy face-framing pieces on dark brown hair. It adds color right where people see it.
Ask for:dark brown base, a burgundy money piece at the front.
4. Plum highlights
Dark brown hair with soft plum highlights that lean slightly purple. It's cooler and very wintry.
Ask for:dark brown base, soft plum burgundy highlights through the top layer.
5. Burgundy ombre
Dark brown roots fading into burgundy ends. There's no line at the root, so it grows out easily.
Ask for:dark brown roots, blended ombre into burgundy ends.
6. Peekaboo burgundy
A hidden layer of burgundy underneath dark brown hair. It shows when you move or tie your hair up.
Ask for:dark brown on top, a burgundy underlayer at the nape and sides.
7. Burgundy lob
A collarbone-length dark brown lob with burgundy highlights. The shorter cut shows off the color.
Ask for:dark brown lob, burgundy highlights through the top and ends.
8. Burgundy on curls
Curly dark brown hair with burgundy painted through the curls. The color makes every curl stand out.
Ask for:dark brown curls, burgundy painted through the curl ends, cut dry.
Who it suits
- Warm skin: cherry cola and warm wine look glowing.
- Cool skin: plum and deep burgundy suit cool undertones.
- Deep skin: rich burgundy and cherry cola look striking.
Keeping burgundy rich
Red tones fade fastest. Wash with cool water and a color-safe shampoo, and use a burgundy or red color-depositing conditioner once a week. Book a gloss every six to eight weeks to keep it rich.
FAQ
Does burgundy look good on dark brown hair?
Yes. Burgundy is deep enough to show on dark brown without much lightening, and it looks rich in any light.
Do you need bleach for burgundy highlights?
Usually only a little lightening. Dark brown can often lift enough with a high-lift color.
How long do burgundy highlights last?
About four to six weeks before they need a gloss. Cool water and a red color-depositing conditioner help.
What is cherry cola hair?
A dark brown base with deep red-burgundy tones, like the color of cherry cola.
The bottom line
For dark brown hair with burgundy highlights, start with soft balayage or cherry cola ribbons, and keep the red rich with glosses. Save the look you like and browse more hair ideas.
