hair color tutorials 26 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 — a friend, a celebrity or influencer — with an auburn hair color. This rich, crimson shade is a hot commodity this season and if it wasn’t love at first sight, there’s a good chance it’s growing on you. The color has the depth and richness that our favorite brunette shades have with the brightness and pop that characterize our favorite blonde shades. 

It’s a match made in hair heaven, so if you’re toying with the idea of sporting some auburn tresses for yourself, there is no shortage of options to fit your individual hair color goals. Ahead, discover our favorite auburn hair color ideas, plus, how to adjust your hair routine to care for your new shade.

26 Auburn Hair Color Ideas to Try Year-Round

Auburn hair color comes in many different variations. Whether you’re looking to make a bold statement or find the right subtle shade to complement your skin tone, check out our favorite variations of auburn hair color to sport this season. 

1. Rich Auburn 

If you love the look of rich, red-brown hair color, give a dark auburn shade a try. The darker tone includes ribbons of red, burgundy and brown color, making it a flattering pick for medium and olive skin tones. 

Plus, if dark brown is your natural color, a rich auburn shade is similar so the maintenance isn’t going to be overwhelming. To DIY the shade, reach for the L’Oréal Paris Excellence Créme Permanent Triple Protection Hair Color in Richesse Collection Dark Mahogany Red.

2. Cherry Red Auburn

For those that are craving a bold transition into auburn hair color, a cherry auburn hue with brilliant red tones is a great pick. This particular shade is a vibrant jewel tone, making it super flattering for deeper skin tones. If you dare to try this vivid color, paint your strands with the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Intense Dark Red to get the look.

3. Pumpkin Spice Auburn

This trendy hue combines our seasonal, spiced latte affinity with gorgeous, vibrant hair color. Think of auburn with more orange tones, blended with medium brown ribbons. Get this decadent take on auburn hair with the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Lightest Auburn.

4. Merlot Auburn

If you favor the vampy red tones of auburn hair color over the brown hues, a merlot auburn hair color is just the sort of upgrade your strands needs. Unlike cherry red auburn, merlot auburn is a darker shade with more purple tones to resemble an oxblood hair color, making it super flattering for medium to deep tan skin tones. Give the L’Oréal Paris Féria in Power Reds - Deep Auburn/Red Velvet a try to get the look.

5. Black Auburn 

You can still rock your black strands while getting in on the auburn hair color trend. Ask your colorist for a black auburn hue, which features the rich black shade you crave mixed with subtle tones of red and brown for an auburn twist. Sort of like black cherry hair, it’s a super-wearable version of the auburn trend thanks to the darker colors woven into the mix. 

6. Auburn Brown 

Like rich auburn, an auburn hair color that’s slightly more brown than red can feel less daunting to pull off. The reason is that an auburn brown hue will add just the right amount of red tones to your brunette mane while still looking natural. For DIY auburn brown tresses, grab the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Dark Mahogany Brown.

7. Auburn Highlights

Another way to ease into the auburn hair color trend is with highlights, balayage or a money piece. We recommend booking a visit to the salon so a professional can help you choose the right color formula and placement of your crimson highlights. 

8. Auburn Blonde

For any blondes that are on the fence about parting with their light tresses, we’re here to tell you that you don’t have to stray too far from your current color. Auburn blonde resembles a copper hair color and it’s a great pick for those with fair skin tones. To add a reddish tint to your already blonde mane, give the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Light Reddish Blonde a try.

9. Strawberry Auburn

If you love strawberry blonde hair, you’ll probably fall in love with strawberry auburn. Similar in many ways, this softer version of auburn red hair features ribbons of copper, red and blonde that come together to create an apple cider hair color. Use the L’Oréal Paris Excellence Créme Permanent Triple Protection Hair Color in Medium Reddish Blonde to get the look.

10. Medium Auburn Brown

Auburn hair tends to be on the warm end of the spectrum, but that’s not to say cool auburn hair color isn’t a thing. If you prefer a shade with cool undertones, then give medium auburn brown a try, which also happens to be a super flattering pick if you have naturally cool undertones in your skin. To get a cool auburn hue at home, reach for the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color In Medium Copper Brown.

11. Burgundy Auburn 

If you’re still unsure about auburn hair, we recommend testing out the look with temporary color, first. Try the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent Hair Color in Burgundy, a semi-permanent, burgundy auburn color that will last until your next shampoo. 

12. Sun-Kissed Auburn

Sun-kissed auburn features a mix of lighter blonde and golden highlights that add dimension and frame your face. Contrasted by rich, cardinal color, its mix of shades is flattering on all skin tones. Make an appointment at your salon to achieve the blend of golden blonde and vivid red hues that form a sun-kissed auburn color.

13. Auburn Ombré 

If your highlights or ombré hair is in need of a touch-up, DIY an auburn, ombré hue with the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent Hair Color in Bright Red. This semi-permanent color lasts four to ten washes so if you’re constantly switching up your hair color, consider this the ideal quick fix.  

14. Chestnut Auburn

Calling all brunettes: If you want to ease into an auburn hue, chestnut auburn is a great way to do so. The warm, light brown color features notes of red for a subdued auburn color that’ll let you ease into the trend. To achieve the look, grab the L’Oréal Paris Excellence Créme Permanent Triple Protection Hair Color in Light Reddish Brown.

15. Orange Auburn

For vivid auburn color that’s anything but average, try a version of the color with orange tones for a bold pop. The L’Oréal Paris Féria in Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color Power Copper gives shimmering color in a burnt orange hue that looks gorgeous on medium and deep skin tones.

16. Auburn Balayage

Rather than blonde or caramel balayage, try auburn balayage — a trendy twist that doesn’t need to be touched up every six weeks to maintain. Ask your colorist for this hand-painted, highlighting technique in rich shades of red, brown and auburn.

17. Violet Auburn 

For a deep, vampy dose of auburn hair color that rivals shades of burgundy and violet, try the L’Oréal Paris Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Power Violet - Deep Intense Violet. It’s an unexpected twist on auburn hair color and thanks to the darker hue, it’s sure to give your strands a noticeable shine. 

18. Auburn Hair With Espresso Lowlights

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

19. Ginger Auburn

Ginger auburn is an orange-red hair color with rich, burgundy ribbons that darken the overall hue. The shade rivals a cinnamon hair color and we love the vibrance and the way it suits all skin tones. To get the look at home, use the L’Oréal Paris Féria in Rich Auburn True Red. 

20.  Warm Medium Auburn

A medium auburn shade is a great middle-ground — not too light and not too dark. The warmth in the color is very flattering for those that have warm undertones in their skin. Try the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Chic Auburn Brown to get the ultimate, in-between auburn color.

21. Blonde with Auburn Lowlights

To take your blonde a bit darker for the chilly season, add warm, auburn lowlights for dimension and depth. Ask your colorist for auburn lowlights blended all throughout your hair to deepen your blonde color with a season-friendly twist.

22. Auburn Money Piece

A money piece is a good way to ease into an auburn hair color. Since the vivid, crimson color will frame your face, you’ll still get the feeling of a bold, hair color transformation without the commitment of all-over color. Ask your colorist for an auburn money piece or halo highlights to get the look. 

23. Cranberry Auburn

This deep, red hue with ribbons of pink and strawberry color make up a cranberry shade that’s absolutely gorgeous for the fall and winter season. For DIY cranberry color, try the L’Oréal Paris Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Fuchsia.

24. Cherry Cola Auburn

Offering rich, dark brown hair color with subtle burgundy tones, we’ve dubbed this color cherry cola auburn. It’s sweet, vampy and perfectly wearable. Try the L’Oréal Paris Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Deep Burgundy Brown to get the soda-inspired hue.  

25. Light Auburn

Great for fair skin tones, light auburn has a shimmery red pop with strands of golden blonde and copper. We recommend the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Lightest Auburn to get the look.

26. Copper Auburn

Think of a brand new, shiny penny when you picture a copper auburn hair color. With notes of deep red and orange, it’s a vibrant mix to create a vivid pop. To DIY the hue, pick up the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Light Auburn.

How to Care for Auburn Hair

Red hair dye fades quickly so updating your routine to support your new crimson color is key. Check out our tips to help you keep your auburn tresses in top shape.

1. Use a Sulfate-Free System for Color Treated Hair

A sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Color Care Bond Strengthening Shampoo and the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Strengthening Conditioner are going to be a major help when you have color-treated hair. 

This reparative duo works to strengthen color-treated and bleach-damaged hair inside and out by reinforcing weak hair bonds. Color-treated hair is more prone to dryness, split ends and breakage, so count on this system to restore your hair while protecting against future damage.

2. Maintain Your Auburn Color With a Glossing Treatment

To manage faded red hair color, use a weekly, in-shower glossing treatment like the L’Oréal Paris Le Color Gloss One Step In-Shower Toning Gloss in Auburn. In as little as 15 minutes, this toning gloss corrects lackluster and brassy color while deep conditioning strands. Use it once a week to maintain a salon-quality vibrance.

Another way to maintain your hair color is with a glossing shampoo and conditioner like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Glossing Shampoo, pH Balanced and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Glossing Conditioner, pH Balanced. This system is infused with argan oil to cleanse hair without stripping color, leaving it silky, shiny and smooth.

It also includes an in-shower glossing treatment, the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Glossing In Shower Acidic Glaze, which helps to keep colored hair shiny and vibrant. First, cleanse your scalp and hair with the shampoo, then spray the in-shower glaze on wet hair and let it sit for one to three minutes, (do not rinse) and follow up with the conditioner.

3. Opt to Air Dry Your Strands

This should come as no surprise, but using hot tools on a frequent basis can damage your strands and lead to faded hair color. So, put down the flat iron or blow dryer and embrace a more low-maintenance routine by air-drying your hair. 

Those with wavy and curly hair can reach for the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Non-Stop Dreamy Curls Leave-in Conditioner to enhance their hair’s natural texture.  with straight hair can reach for the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths No Haircut Cream Leave In Conditioner to smooth hair, reduce frizz and seal split ends.

If you need to use hot tools, being diligent with your heat protectant can make a huge difference in the health of your hair. Our top picks include the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Weightless Blow Dry Primer, Heat Protectant for wet hair and the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Frizz Killer Serum Leave-In for dry hair.

4. Wash Your Hair in Lukewarm Water

Super-hot water can strip your hair of essential oils, leading to dry strands and faded color. To avoid this, we recommend washing and rinsing your hair in lukewarm water. While it may not feel quite as relaxing as a hot shower, your auburn tresses will thank you.

Next: 30 Hair Color Ideas For a Winter Hair Transformation

Written by: Reece Andavolgyi, Photo Credit: [email protected]/brinaraehair, Design Credit: Sarah Duvivier