33 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 an 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 33 auburn hair color ideas. Plus, learn how to adjust your haircare routine to keep your fiery new shade looking its very best.

How To Choose Your Perfect Auburn Hair Color

The most flattering auburn shade for you depends on a variety of factors, from your skin tone and undertone to your natural hair color.

Lighter shades of auburn stun on those with fairer skin, while deeper, richer shades make a great pick for those with deeper skin tones. Similarly, cool-toned hues like strawberry auburn are ideal for those with cooler undertones, while warmer hues, like copper auburn, flatter warm skin beautifully.

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 like mahogany auburn brown, which you can achieve without bleach. If you’re a natural blonde, you might wish to simply add a reddish tint to your already light tresses for an auburn blonde look. Ultimately, there are plenty of options to choose from. If you need a little bit of guidance finding the best auburn hair color for you, consider consulting with an expert via our Hair Color Concierge. You can also use our virtual try-on tool to get a sense of what different shades of red hair look like on you before taking the plunge.

33 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 33 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

If you love the look of red-brown hair, give a rich, dark auburn hair color a try. This deeper auburn brown hair color is similar to burgundy, with a slightly cooler undertone that makes it particularly flattering for those with cool-toned and olive skin. Plus, if your natural color is dark brown, a rich auburn is similar enough that you won’t need to run to the salon for an emergency hair appointment once your roots grow in. To DIY the shade, reach for the L’Oréal Paris Excellence Creme Crème Permanent Triple Care Hair Color in Richesse Collection Dark Mahogany Red.

3. Light auburn

Light auburn hair 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 Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Lightest Auburn.

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. DIY the look at home with the L’Oréal Paris Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Auburn Rose.

5. 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.

6. Strawberry auburn

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

7. Cherry red auburn

For those craving a bold auburn hair color, a cherry auburn hue featuring brilliant red tones is a great pick. Given its vibrancy and richness, this jewel-toned shade is a perfect choice for those with deeper skin tones. Get the vivid, juicy color at home with the L’Oréal Paris Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Cherry Crush.

8. Copper auburn

When picturing a copper auburn hair color, think of a brand new, shiny penny. With notes of deep red and orange, copper hair is a vibrant mix that offers a bold pop of color to blonde, brunette, or black strands that will not go unnoticed.

9. 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. To DIY the hue, grab the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Dark Mahogany Brown.

10. Auburn highlights

Another way to ease into the auburn hair color craze is through highlights, which is especially flattering for those with natural medium-to-dark brown hair. For a seamless look, we recommend booking a visit to the salon so a professional can help you choose the right color formula and placement of your auburn highlights.

11. Merlot auburn

If you favor a vampy red over a brown hue, a merlot shade is exactly the sort of upgrade your strands may need. Unlike cherry red auburn, a merlot auburn color is darker with deep purple tones—similar to an oxblood hair color. Use the L’Oréal Paris Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Red Velvet to deposit a metallic-like red hue onto your strands that’ll appear on light brown to black hair without the need for bleach.

12. Auburn blonde

For any natural blondes on the fence about parting with their light tresses, you don’t have to stray too far from your current color to participate in the auburn hair color trend. An auburn blonde hue resembles a copper hair color and can be achieved by simply adding a reddish tint to your already blonde mane. Give it a try with the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Light Reddish Blonde.

13. Medium auburn brown

Auburn hair tends to be on the warmer end of the hair color spectrum, but that’s not to say cool auburn hair doesn’t exist. If you prefer a shade with cool undertones, give medium auburn brown hair a try. Unsurprisingly, the cooler shade, which resembles copper, is a super flattering pick for those with cool undertones. Reach for the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Medium Copper Brown to achieve the look at home.

14. Pumpkin spice auburn

This popular hue is inspired by everyone’s favorite fall beverage: the ever-popular pumpkin spice latte. Like the autumnal treat, this hair color features a medium-brown base with punchy hits of nutmeg and cinnamon tones woven throughout. Because the hue requires both a blend of highlights and lowlights—both techniques that require a steady hand and plenty of expertise—this is one auburn hair color we’d recommend leaving to the pros. If you want to

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

If your ombré hair is in need of a touch-up and you’re looking to switch things up, try an auburn ombré hue with the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent Hair Color in Maroon. The dark red and purple hue is ideal for those with darker skin tones. Plus, this semi-permanent color lasts four to ten washes—the ideal amount of time for those who like to change up their hair on the regular.

17. Chestnut auburn

Calling all brunettes: If you want to ease into an auburn color, going chestnut auburn is a great way to do so. The warm, medium brown shade features notes of red for a subdued auburn hair color that’ll allow you to dip your toes into this trending style. To get the look, grab the L’Oréal Paris Excellence Creme Crème Permanent Triple Care Hair Color in Light Reddish Brown.

18. Brandy auburn

If you like the look of the expensive brunette hair color trend but crave a touch of warmth, opt for a brandy auburn shade. This color combines the richness of a brown hue with subtle copper tones. When reflected in the light, you’ll notice orange auburn hues that help brighten your complexion.

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

Rather than a blonde or caramel balayage, try an auburn version—it uses the same technique as a standard balayage but features a blend of red highlights in lieu of blonde for a warmer, moodier effect. Ask your colorist to paint your strands with a mix of auburn, copper, and mahogany highlights to achieve the look.

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 sans bleach with the L’Oréal Paris Féria Midnight Bold Multi-Faceted Permanent Hair Color in Blood Moon.

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. Try the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Chic Auburn Brown to achieve the perfect in-between auburn hue.

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. To achieve a similar auburn hair color at home, reach for a permanent dye, like the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Lightest Auburn.

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

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

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

Allow another drink to inspire your hair color with this warm-toned orange meets auburn brown shade. A mulled apple cider auburn hair color is a deeper version of the strawberry auburn shade and features ribbons of dark brown for a touch of depth. Achieve the look at home with the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Light Auburn.

31. Amber auburn

An amber auburn hair color is a natural-looking blend of red, brown, and honey blonde shades that looks flattering on almost all complexions. It’s a good option if you’re looking to brighten light brown locks without incurring damage from bleaching. Opt for the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Light Amber Brown to achieve the jewel-toned hue without heading to the salon.

32. Apricot auburn

Apricot auburn hair is somewhere between an orange auburn and strawberry auburn hair color. The vibrant hue is bright and reminiscent of the juicy summer fruit from which it gets its name. Ask your colorist to add light blonde and orange highlights to a light auburn base to achieve the sun-kissed look.

33. Auburn bronde

If you’re a brunette considering going lighter or a blonde looking to go darker, consider an auburn bronde hair color. Bronde hair is a unique hue that sits in between a light brown and a blonde. This take on the trend features a distinctly reddish overtone for an inviting hit of warmth.

How to Care for Auburn Hair

Red hair dye can fade quickly if you’re not careful, so updating your routine to support your new auburn ‘do is key. Check out a few tips to help keep your auburn hair in top shape.

1. Use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner

Coloring your hair can be damaging, especially if the process involves bleaching your strands. To help restore your hair’s healthy appearance and protect it against future damage, reach for a strengthening haircare system designed for color-treated hair.

We recommend the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Bond Repair collection, which includes the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Bond Strengthening Pre-Shampoo Treatment, L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Bond Repair Shampoo with Citric Acid, and the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Bond Repair Conditioner with Citric Acid. The bonding system helps penetrate deep inside the hair to strengthen weak hair bonds, and when used as a system, helps repair damaged hair in a single use.

2. Maintain your color with a glossing treatment

To protect your auburn hair against fading and help maintain salon-quality vibrance between touchups, use an in-shower glossing treatment, like the L’Oréal Paris Le Color Gloss One Step In-Shower Toning Gloss in Copper, once a week. In as little as five minutes, this toning gloss boosts shine, deep conditions the hair, and adds a fresh hint of color for renewed vibrancy.

Another way to maintain your auburn hair color is by using a glossing shampoo and conditioner system like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Glossing Shampoo For Intensifying Shine and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Glossing Conditioner For Intensifying Shine. The argan oil-infused duo helps add shine and protects against color fade silky, radiant-looking strands.

For the best results, add the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Glossing In Shower Acidic Glaze to your routine. This in-shower glossing treatment helps to keep colored hair shiny and vibrant. After cleansing your auburn hair with the shampoo, spray the in-shower glaze onto wet hair and let it sit for up to three minutes (don’t rinse!) before following up with the conditioner.

3. Air-dry your strands

Frequently using hot tools on your mane can seriously damage your strands and cause your hair color to fade more quickly than it otherwise would. So, put down the flat iron and embrace a more low-maintenance haircare routine by air-drying.

If you do use hot tools, making sure to use a heat protectant can make a huge difference to your hair's appearance. Apply the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Blow Dry Primer for 48 HR Frizz Control to towel-dried hair before grabbing your blow dryer or hair straightener to reduce frizz and nourish your strands at the same time. Be sure to keep your hot tools at the lowest temperature setting to reduce damage.

4. Wash your hair with lukewarm water

Super-hot water can strip your hair of essential moisture and cause your color to fade more quickly. To maintain your auburn hair color, we recommend washing and rinsing your strands with lukewarm water. While it may not feel quite as relaxing as a steamy, hot shower, the sacrifice will be worth it in the long run.

Next Up: How to Find the Best Brown Hair Color for Your Skin Tone (and Undertone)

Photo Courtesy of L'Oréal Paris