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

Scroll through your TikTok or Instagram feed, and there’s a pretty good chance you’re going to spot someone—whether a friend, celebrity, or influencer—with an auburn hair color. This deep crimson shade has depth and richness similar to a deep brunette hue but with a brighter tone reminiscent of a more vibrant copper or pumpkin spice hair color. And because it’s so versatile—you can take it brighter or darker, warmer or cooler—auburn hair is among the best hues for those looking to experiment with red hair.

If you’re toying with the idea of sporting an auburn color yourself, there’s no shortage of options to fit your individual hair color goals. Ahead, get inspiration for your next hair transformation with 32 auburn hair color ideas. Plus, learn how to adjust your haircare routine to keep your fiery new shade looking its very best.

What Color is Auburn?

Auburn is a rich fusion of brown and red hues that can range from deep and dark to bright and light. It often gets confused with similar tones like burgundy, chestnut, or copper, but auburn stands out for its balance of warmth and earthiness. Some variations lean cooler, like cherry auburn, while others, such as copper auburn, are unmistakably warm.

How To Choose Your Perfect Auburn Hair Color

With so many shades available, finding the right auburn color comes down to knowing your undertones, your base color, and your style goals. The right shade will enhance your natural features while offering a refreshing update to your look. Here's how to narrow down your best match.

According to your skin tone

For a flattering, cohesive look, most experts recommend opting for a hair color that complements your skin’s natural undertones. If you have warm undertones, go for warm auburn hair shades like copper auburn or auburn blonde, which complement golden and peachy skin. Cooler undertones pair beautifully with cool auburns such as cherry or mahogany auburn brown, bringing contrast and depth. Neutral skin tones have more flexibility and can experiment across the spectrum.

Based on your natural hair color

Your natural hair color might also play a role in which auburn shade you choose, especially if you’re not looking to drastically change your natural hue with bleach and intense color treatment. If you’re a brunette, for example, you might opt for a dark auburn hair color that you can achieve without the use of bleach. If you’re a natural blonde, you may want to try a light auburn hair color, such as auburn blonde, to take the look for a spin before committing to a darker hue.

Depending on your color goals

If you want a subtle shift, auburn brown hair or soft auburn highlights can enhance your look without a full transformation. For those ready to go bold, vibrant options like blood red auburn or auburn hair with highlights create high-impact results. Balayage, ombré, and color melts are also great ways to wear auburn with more dimension.

32 Auburn Hair Color Ideas To Try Year-Round

Auburn hair comes in many different variations of shades, from subtle reddish-brown hues to more vibrant colors like cherry red. If you need inspiration before committing to a hue, keep scrolling—we’re sharing 32 of our favorite takes on the shade below.

1. Classic auburn

A true, classic auburn is most likely the hue that comes to mind when you think of auburn hair. This timeless shade features a warm, balanced blend of red and medium brown tones, with soft, subtle hints of gold woven throughout. To embrace this pretty, shimmering hue, reach for a permanent auburn hair dye—we suggest the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Medium Auburn Brown.

2. Rich auburn

A deeper version of classic auburn, rich auburn has cooler undertones and is ideal for olive or cool skin tones. The result is sophisticated and moody, like a subtle mix of brown and wine. We recommend L'Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Dark Soft Mahogany Brown for a natural yet impactful take on this look.

3. Light auburn

This light auburn hair color blends a medium brown base with shimmering copper and red tones for a dimensional shade that pops on fairer skin. To get the look, we recommend trying the L'Oréal Paris Excellence Crème Permanent Triple Care Hair Color in Light Auburn for luminous, long-lasting results.

4. Auburn rose

If you’re into the rose gold hair trend, an auburn rose—which is essentially a warmer, darker version of rose gold hair—might pique your interest. This chic, plummy shade features a blend of violet, cherry, and soft golden tones, and it’s perfect for those seeking a soft pop of color.

5. Cherry red auburn

Bold and juicy, this vibrant hue leans into red while keeping brown undertones for balance. It adds vibrancy and flair without losing depth. For a bold cherry finish with shine, try L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Dark Auburn.

6. Strawberry auburn

This bright, playful option combines the softness of strawberry blonde with a warm auburn red hair color. It’s a great transitional color for blondes looking to dip into red hues without having to commit to a drastic change. Try L'Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Lightest Auburn to bring this vibrant look to life.

7. Black auburn

If you’re not up for a major hair change, you can still rock your black strands while getting in on the auburn hair color trend. Ask your stylist for a black auburn hue, which adds vibrancy to your natural color by mixing in subtle tones of red and brown for an auburn twist that’s super-wearable, sort of like black cherry hair. Or, recreate a similar look at home with the L’Oréal Paris Colorsonic Hair Color Device and L’Oréal Paris Colorsonic Hair Color Cartridge in Darkest Brown Mahogany. This innovative device automatically mixes hair color and parts hair for you, dispensing color evenly for precise, root-to-tip coverage in as little as five minutes. Plus, each color cartridge includes up to three color applications, so if you need to touch up your roots, you’ll have everything you need on hand. You can learn more about this game-changing device here.

8. Mahogany auburn brown

For those with brunette strands, a dark auburn hair color that’s slightly more brown than red can feel less daunting to pull off (and maintain) than a light auburn hair color. A mahogany auburn brown will add just the right amount of red tones to your chocolatey mane, while still looking natural.

9. Copper auburn

Warm and radiant, copper auburn is ideal for brightening up fair skin and enhancing freckles. Its orangey-red base makes it a stand-out shade in the sun. L'Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Light Auburn gives this fiery tone a refined, wearable edge.

10. Auburn highlights

Add dimension to your existing color with subtle or bold auburn hair with highlights. This is perfect if you want a seasonal update or just a hint of red warmth. Auburn highlights look especially beautiful on brunette or chestnut bases.

11. Merlot auburn

Dark and velvety, merlot auburn is rich with hints of plum and burgundy. This shade is ideal for fall and winter but looks stunning year-round. Use L'Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Intense Dark Red to get a sultry, wine-like effect.

12. Auburn blonde

This hybrid blends blonde and auburn color for a bright yet grounded effect. It’s ideal for those who want a sun-kissed vibe with a red dimension. Try the L’Oréal Paris Excellence Crème Permanent Triple Care Hair Color in Medium Reddish Blonde to enhance the golden warmth in this look.

13. Medium auburn brown

A great in-between shade, medium auburn brown is soft, wearable, and low-maintenance. It offers subtle red tones that catch the light beautifully. Try the L'Oréal Paris Excellence Crème Permanent Triple Care Hair Color in Light Reddish Brown for this natural-looking hue.

14. Pumpkin spice auburn

Inspired by fall flavors, this spicy auburn mixes orange, copper, and brown tones. It’s cozy, festive, and full of personality. You can visit a stylist to nail the intricate blend, but if you’re up for a DIY transformation, you can score a similarly vibrant look at home with the L’Oréal Paris Excellence Creme Universal Nudes Ammonia-Free Permanent Hair Color in Natural Copper.

15. Sun-kissed auburn

Sun-kissed auburn hair features a mix of lighter blonde and golden highlights that add dimension to a medium red base. This summery hue is a great way to update your natural red hair color without completely abandoning your roots (so to speak). If you’re looking to try your hand at at-home highlights, pick up the L’Oréal Paris Colorista At-Home Hair Bleach & Lightener kit, which comes with a three-pronged applicator for foolproof highlight placement.

16. Dark auburn ombré

This gradient style blends deep roots with lighter auburn ends for a modern twist. It creates the illusion of thicker, more voluminous hair. Ask your stylist for a seamless transition to avoid harsh lines.

17. Chestnut auburn

Chestnut auburn is a subtle mix of nutty brown and warm red that suits just about everyone. It’s understated but rich, ideal for first-time redheads. The tone works well with both warm and cool complexions.

18. Rich burgundy auburn

This sultry auburn color has a touch of burgundy that deepens the overall look. It’s polished and moody, with a wine-inspired finish that complements warm and cool complexions equally well. To get the look, try the L’Oréal Paris Excellence Creme Universal Nudes Ammonia-Free Permanent Hair Color in Natural Dark Red.

19. Orange auburn

For a vivid auburn hair color that’s anything but average, try a version of the shade featuring bright persimmon tones for a bold pop of color. The L’Oréal Paris Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Copper Crave is a bright burnt orange hue that looks gorgeous on fair to medium skin tones.

20. Auburn balayage

Balayage is a hand-painted technique that gives auburn hair a natural, lived-in look. It’s perfect for low-maintenance upkeep and subtle shifts in tone. Because balayage requires such a delicate approach, we recommend leaving this look in the hands of a pro.

21. Blood red auburn

If you’re looking to embrace a vivid red hair color without bleaching your natural hair, consider a deep, vampy blood red hue. This crimson shade is vibrant and eye-catching, but easy to achieve at home with the L’Oréal Paris Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Red Velvet.

22. Auburn brown

An auburn brown hair color is a great middle-ground shade if you’re looking for a hue that’s not too bright nor too dark. The warmth of this color is particularly flattering on those with warm undertones in their skin, though you can opt for an ashier version if you have cool or neutral skin.

23. Auburn hair with espresso lowlights

If you want to add a bit of depth to your auburn hair without going lighter with damaging bleach, consider asking your colorist for espresso lowlights. This deep brown shade will add the perfect amount of contrast to your strands for a dimensional look that’s full of movement.

24. Ginger auburn

Auburn lowlights soften the brightness of a classic ginger hair color in this vibrant hue, making it a more approachable hue for those looking to go bright while still maintaining a natural look. For a fiery finish, ask your colorist to weave in some soft coppery babylights, too.

25. Blonde with auburn lowlights

To take your blonde a bit darker for more warmth, dimension, and depth, go for auburn lowlights. Ask your colorist for auburn lowlights blended throughout your light strands for a year-round trendy hue.

26. Cherry cola auburn

Inspired by the classic soda, cherry cola hair mixes deep cherry red with cool brown. It’s bold, retro, and ultra-trendy. Try L’Oréal Paris Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Chocolate Cherry to replicate that rich, fizzy finish.

27. Auburn money piece

A money piece is a great way to ease into a new hair color. Since the vivid hue will cover just the hair around your face, you’ll still get the feeling of a bold hair color transformation without the commitment to an all-over color. Ask your colorist for an auburn money piece or halo highlights to add face-framing dimension to your mane.

28. Cranberry auburn

A deep red shade with ribbons of pink and strawberry hues make up a cranberry color that’s show-stopping all year round. To get the look, ask your stylist for a dark auburn base with strawberry blonde, copper, and ginger highlights woven throughout.

29. Mulled apple cider auburn

This cozy blend of copper, cinnamon, and warm brown feels like fall in hair color form. It’s rich, inviting, and perfect for adding glow to medium or dark skin tones. This shade looks especially luminous in natural light.

30. Amber auburn

Golden and soft, amber auburn feels like liquid sunlight. It flatters warm undertones and brightens the overall complexion. This cheerful hue gives your hair a luminous glow that's perfect for sunny seasons.

31. Apricot auburn

This soft peachy-red shade feels fresh and youthful. It’s a unique take on light auburn hair with an almost pastel touch. It works well on fair skin and pairs beautifully with natural makeup.

32. Auburn bronde

Blending brown, red, and blonde, this multidimensional tone is versatile and modern. It’s ideal for those who can’t choose between warm and cool. Ask your stylist for a seamless color melt to create a natural-looking blend of tones.

How To Care for Auburn Hair

Keeping your auburn hair color looking vibrant requires a little extra love and care. Here are a few tips to help your new shade stay fresh and fade-free.

Use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner

Color-safe, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners help maintain the vibrancy of auburn hair while keeping it nourished. These formulas prevent color from fading too quickly and keep your strands soft and shiny. We recommend using L'Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Repair Shampoo with Citric Acid and L'Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Restoring Conditioner with Antioxidants to gently cleanse and hydrate while protecting your color.

Maintain your color with a glossing treatment

Hair glossing is an in-salon treatment that can help revive dull, faded color and boost shine. But if you’re not up for a salon visit, you can enhance your auburn hair at home with an at-hmne glossing treatment. We love the L'Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate‑Free Glossing 5‑Min Lamination Hair Mask, which smooths the hair and boosts shine for sleek, silky, healthy-looking strands.

Air-dry your hair

Heat styling can strip color and damage your strands over time. Letting your hair air-dry whenever possible helps preserve color and maintain moisture. If you must use heat, always apply a protectant first. We love the L'Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Heat Slayer Leave-In, which helps shield against temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

Wash your hair with lukewarm water

Hot water can open the hair cuticle and cause color to fade more quickly. Stick to lukewarm water to help lock in your auburn hair dye and maintain its vibrancy. For added protection, try to lather up a little bit less frequently (like every other day instead of daily).

Auburn Hair FAQs

What color is auburn in hair?

Auburn is a blend of red and brown tones that can range from deep and dark to light and golden. It’s often seen as a natural redhead shade, but with more brown mixed in. Depending on the formula, it can lean warm, cool, or neutral.

Is auburn red or brown?

Auburn hair is a combination of both red and brown, making it more balanced than pure red or chestnut. Some auburns are more red-forward, while others are closer to brunette. This versatility is what makes it so flattering.

What undertones does auburn hair have?

Auburn can have warm, cool, or neutral undertones depending on the specific shade. Warm auburns often include copper or gold, while cool auburns lean into cherry or mahogany. The undertone you choose should complement your skin tone for the most flattering result.

Next Up: How To Get Cherry Cola Hair Without a Trip to the Salon

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris