How to Rock Wine Red Hair: Shades, Styles, and Care Tips

When it comes to seasonal hair color trends, wine red hair is one of our favorite fall hues. This deep red shade blends purple, copper, and chocolate brown tones to create a vibrant color that embodies the same warmth and richness of the drink that inspires its name. It’s bold but wearable, dramatic yet versatile. If you’re ready to sip on this chic trend, keep reading to learn how to get red wine hair color at home, explore different shades, and discover the best ways to maintain your new look.

What Is Red Wine Hair?

There are several variations of wine red hair, but traditionally, it’s a warm, deep red hue that falls somewhere between chocolate brown and bright burgundy. Often, it appears dark brown in low lighting, but showcases its brilliant red undertones with a shift of the light. Creating this dimensional look usually involves layering various tones of red, purple, and brown to create a warm, blended hue. 

Because it’s created by blending several shades together, wine red hair is highly customizable. Whether you prefer subtle highlights or a full-bodied hue, wine hair color can be tailored to your undertones, natural base color, and style preferences. While a professional colorist can get your shade as close to your favorite vintage as possible, you can also achieve stunning results at home. For guidance, check out theL’Oréal Paris Hair Color Concierge to chat with experts, access video tutorials, and get personalized product recommendations.

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Wine red hair comes in many variations, from deep burgundy-inspired tones to lighter, more vibrant hues. The key is choosing a shade that complements your complexion and style.

Dark wine red hair

This rich burgundy shade is perfect for those who love a bold, cool-toned look. The muted hue features muted violet-red undertones that beautifully flatter those with cool skin. To achieve the look, ask your stylist for a dark, cool burgundy, or DIY a similar hue at home with the L'Oréal Paris Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Red Velvet (no pre-lightening needed).

Warm wine red hair

If you prefer a more vibrant look, opting for a bright wine red with more red than purple will give you the results you’re looking for. This vivid yet wearable hue feels like a deeper-toned version of ruby red, with a hint of warmth that makes it an excellent choice for those with olive or warm skin tones. To get the look without a salon visit, pick up a box of the L'Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Dark Auburn—another pick that doesn’t require you to bleach your hair.

Merlot wine red hair

More akin to a bright merlot than a rich pinot noir, this approachable shade features a chestnut brown base brightened up with a rich red overtone. Though red shades are traditionally on the warmer side, the combination of warm and cool tones in this unique color makes for a neutral hue that pairs well with nearly any complexion. To see for yourself, grab the L'Oréal Paris Excellence Creme Universal Nudes in Natural Dark Red and get to coloring. 

Mahogany wine red hair

If you’re interested in going red but aren’t quite sure whether a bold burgundy is right for you, try dipping your toes in with a natural-looking mahogany brown hue. This indulgent shade boasts the subtlest red cast, allowing you to experiment with wine-colored hair without abandoning your roots (literally). Opt for a warm mahogany brown if you have warm skin, or try a cooler, more violet-leaning shade if your skin has cooler undertones. For the latter, we love the L'Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Dark Mahogany Brown.

How To Get Red Wine Hair At Home

There isn’t one way to get red wine hair—the right approach depends largely on your base color, end goal, and current hair condition. Your comfort level with at-home hair dyes plays a role, too. 

If you’d like a custom look designed specifically for your skin tone and undertones, consult a stylist—they can whip up a color that complements your unique features. Just be prepared to spend several hours in the salon chair (and part ways with your hard-earned money—full-head hair transformations rarely come cheap). 

For those comfortable with at-home coloring, we recommend picking up one of the wine red hair dye kits mentioned above. Read the instructions on the package thoroughly and follow them exactly to ensure the best possible end results. Keep in mind that some hair coloring kits will require you to lighten your strands first, particularly if you’re starting with a darker base color. If that’s necessary, pick up a box of the L'Oréal Paris Colorista At-Home Hair Bleach and Lightener along with your desired hair dye. Just be sure to give your hair a few days to rest between coloring sessions to avoid unnecessary damage.

How To Take Care Of Wine Red Hair

Once you’ve achieved your wine red hair color, proper care is essential to keep it looking vibrant and fresh. Red tones are notorious for fading quickly, so switching to a hair care routine designed for color-treated hair is non-negotiable.

1. Switch out your shampoo and conditioner

To start, you’ll want to swap out your shampoo and conditioner for a pair designed specifically for color-treated hair, such as the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Strengthening Color Care Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Strengthening Conditioner. This duo helps strengthen color-treated hair from the inside out, making it an excellent option for anyone dealing with dryness or damage. If protecting your hue’s vibrancy is your main concern, reach for the L'Oréal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Protecting Shampoo and L'Oréal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Protecting Conditioner. Both are formulated with a UV filter and antioxidants and help keep your color looking vibrant and fresh for up to eight weeks.

2. Limit exposure to heat

Heat—both from hot tools and steamy-hot showers—can damage your hair and cause your color to fade more quickly than it otherwise would. To help keep your red wine hair looking vibrant, it’s a good idea to switch to lukewarm showers and take a break from heat styling when possible. If you can’t part ways with your blow dryer or flat iron, we understand—just be sure to prep your mane well with a quality heat protectant to help shield your strands from unnecessary damage. We’re big fans of the color-safe L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Moisture 21-in-1 Leave-In Conditioner, which hydrates, detangles, smooths, and adds shine—all while protecting your hair from temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Make time for touch-ups

Even if you opt for a permanent color, you’ll need to touch up your hue regularly—roughly every two months or so—to maintain a bright, shiny finish. If you find your hue begins to dull between touch-ups, try treating your hair to a glossing treatment. We love the L'Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Glossing 5-Min Lamination Hair Mask, which smooths the hair fiber to reflect light, leaving your strands sleek, smooth, and intensely glossy.

Next Up: 32 Auburn Hair Color Ideas To Help You Find Your Perfect Shade

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris