42 Stylish Auburn Hair Color Ideas That Everyone Should Try

Feel free to let your fiery red mane do the talking and put your fearless attitude on display.

Reviewed by Kerry E. Yates, Beauty Expert Kerry E. Yates Kerry E. YatesBeauty Expert facebook_iconlinkedin_iconinsta_icon
Written by Arshiya Syeda, BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma Arshiya Syeda BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma linkedin_icon Experience: 8 years
Edited by Asmita De, MA (English) Asmita De MA (English) linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
Fact-checked by Aparna Harry, MA (English Literature) Aparna Harry MA (English Literature) linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
Last Updated on

Hair burning bright like a fire, reddish-orange with sparks of golden brown embers. The name for this fiery hair color is auburn. To give you an idea of how it looks, we have added the top auburn hair color ideas. This hair color, also referred to as dark ginger, will make you believe everything they say about redheads – they look smart, sassy, mysterious, and sexy! But, maybe you are under the mistaken impression that auburn hair is of one style and suits only a few skin tones. No! It is an incredibly versatile color that looks amazing on people with different skin tones. Besides, there are many styles you can try out to get creative with this fierce red hair color — from root melts to highlights, like an ombre.

But before we look at those styles, here is how you can color your hair auburn right at home.

protip_icon Before You Get Started
  • Auburn locks require frequent salon visits for root touch-ups, depending on how fast your hair grows.
  • You will have to opt for less frequent showers and lower the water temperature to lukewarm to prevent this hair color from fading too quickly.
  • Color-safe shampoos and conditioners will be your BFFs in prolonging the life of your vibrant auburn strands.

How To Color Your Hair Auburn At Home

What You Need

  • Box of auburn hair color (3 boxes if you have long hair that goes past your shoulder)
  • Old towel
  • Hair brush
  • Sectioning clips
  • Vaseline
  • Bowl
  • Rubber gloves
  • Hair dye brush
  • Shower cap
  • Hair tinting brush
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner

How To Color Your Hair

  1. Wrap an old towel around your shoulders so that you don’t stain your clothes red.
  2. Brush out all the knots and tangles from your hair to prevent your auburn hair color from turning out patchy.
  3. Partition all your hair – first horizontally, and then vertically, and divide it into 4 sections.
  4. Roll and clip up 3 sections of your hair, leaving loose one of the front sections to start dyeing first.
  5. Apply Vaseline all along your hairline and on your ears so that you don’t stain your skin with the auburn dye.
  6. Put on your rubber gloves.
  7. Follow the instructions given on the box and mix the hair dye thoroughly in a bowl.
  8. Picking up half-inch sections of hair at a time, start applying the hair dye about ½ – 1 inch from the scalp, working down the lengths. Mix a fresh box to fully saturate your roots then reapply to the mid-lengths and ends to ensure even saturation.
  9. Use your fingers to work the dye into and all along the length of your hair.
  10. Repeat this process until you have applied the auburn hair color on all four sections of your hair.
  11. Put a shower cap on and leave the dye in for the duration of time indicated on the box for the color to develop.
  12. Wash off the dye with water until the water runs clean.
  13. Wait for an hour before shampooing and conditioning your hair.

Zayra Sandowal, a beauty vlogger, shares her experience of dyeing her dark hair into an auburn shade at home. She says, “I’m gonna try to do like an Auburn copper somewhere in the mix I can’t say specifically what color I’m leaning towards because I’m gonna custom mix my die and we’re just gonna see what happens it could be fully copper bright could be more of like Auburn (i).” She continues, “I did my hair so I could show you the actual fun result. I’m obsessed.”

protip_icon Trivia
Julia Roberts is known for her signature auburn hair. However, A-lister celebs like Julianne Moore, Amy Adams, and Emma Stone have also sported different shades of auburn.

Well, now that you’ve perfected your auburn hair color, let’s now turn our focus towards all the gorgeous ways that you can style this amazing shade.

Key Takeaways

  • Auburn, also known as dark ginger, is described as reddish-orange with golden-brown undertones.
  • This hair shade is versatile and requires frequent salon visits for root touch-ups.
  • You can go for auburn streaks for a simple yet subtle look or pair it with a blue ombre for an edgy look. You may also personalize your look by adding colorful highlights or lowlights to add depth and dimension to your hair.

42 Amazing Styling Ideas For Your Auburn Hair Color

1. Auburn With Blonde Streaks

Auburn With Blonde Streaks
Image: IStock

Auburn is sexy and bold, but if you wish to look fierce, then opt for this look. Rich auburn hair with blonde streaks adds boldness to your entire look and attitude. Try it out today!

2. Light Auburn With Colorful Extensions

Light Auburn With Colorful Extensions
Image: IStock

If you wish to have colorful streaks of color without spoiling your light auburn hair, then hair extensions are for you. Glam up for your party with fun, colorful hair extensions!

3. Dark Brown Hair With Copper And Auburn Balayage

Dark Brown Hair With Copper And Auburn Balayage
Image: IStock

This dapper copper and auburn balayage on dark brown hair not only transforms your look but adds an edgy element to your look. The good news is that this hairstyle is for hair types and all face types, so go for it! You can also opt for a dark tawny mix that is predominantly brown with hints of orange and red.

4. Faded Auburn

Faded Auburn
Image: Shutterstock

Are you looking for something simple yet chic? Then, faded auburn is the one for you! This muted yet stunning chestnut auburn shade will go well with different hairstyles. Be it a pixie, bob, or long waves, this color is for everyone!

5. Dark Violet Auburn

Dark Violet Auburn
Image: Shutterstock

If you are looking for something bold yet chic, this color is perfect for you! This marvelous dark violet auburn hair is enough to amaze the people around you. Be bold, girl!

6. Dark Red Auburn

Dark Red Auburn
Image: Shutterstock

Wanna look adorable and sexy? Well, you can. Simply dye your hair dark auburn to get this fierce look! What’s more, when blended with a dark base, this combo will turn heads wherever you go!

7. Auburn And Copper Balayage

Auburn And Copper Balayage
Image: Shutterstock

What about a complete makeover before your new job? If you are thinking of a makeover, then style your long waves with auburn and copper balayage. It’s a smart and trendy choice for your creative mind.

8. Black Hair With Auburn Highlights

Black Hair With Auburn Highlights
Image: Shutterstock

Who said auburn is not for all? This stunning combination of black and auburn hair is perfect for any occasion. Be it a short bob or a pixie, the auburn highlights will elevate your look to the next level.

9. Cinnamon Brown And Auburn Balayage

Cinnamon Brown And Auburn Balayage
Image: Shutterstock

This stunning shade is created by mixing cinnamon brown and auburn to create a soft and natural look. If you are looking for something colorful yet toned down, this color is perfect for you.

10. Auburn Curls

Auburn Curls
Image: IStock

If you are into simple chic hairstyles, then this hair color is perfect for you. This renaissance-style hair color adds a touch of elegance to your hair. The good news is that this style goes well with beach curls and waves too.

11. Brown Auburn And Blue Ombre

Brown Auburn And Blue Ombre
Image: Shutterstock

Have you thought about adding these two colors together? And you thought it won’t be promising enough? Well, see it for yourself. The rose gold auburn hair with blue ombre is stunning. Trust me, this is my hair color goal!

12. Auburn Violet Pixie

Auburn Violet Pixie
Image: IStock

If you want to spice up your regular pixie, this is the perfect way to do it. The violet adds a pop of color and shine to the entire look.

13. Golden Auburn

Golden Auburn
Image: Shutterstock

Golden hair might be risky to pull off but that mustn’t stop you from coloring your hair golden. When I feel burdened, I just auburn-ed it. As in adding a little highlight or lowlight to your golden hair and boom. With a hint of honey and caramel your sexy unique auburn hair color with golden locks is ready!

14. Pink And Auburn

Pink And Auburn
Image: Shutterstock

Pink is a color many don’t venture into. But if you are willing to take your look to the next level, add a little bit of pink and auburn to your locks. This funky hair color adds depth and texture to your hair without being too harsh on the eyes. Go take that trip to the salon you have been waiting for.

15. Auburn On Blonde

Auburn On Blonde
Image: Shutterstock

What better way of adding color to your blonde locks than with a beautiful shade of auburn? This funky and fashionable hair color will add depth to your hair and will go perfectly well with your rocking personality. So, rock on!!!

16. Auburn Orange Hair

Auburn Orange Hair
Image: IStock

The best part about auburn hair is that you can experiment with multiple shades to find the perfect look for you. Adding different shades together creates a new look. So try out this bold mix of auburn and orange. You can even color the roots to darker shades or black to enhance the texture. Works great for straight and wavy hair.

17. Half And Half Hair Color

Half And Half Hair Color
Image: Shutterstock

Half and half is the trending hair color style on Instagram recently. But if you are a trendsetter, add a few highlights on the upper darker ends that complement the bronze shade and slay the world!

18. Brown Hair With Auburn Highlights

Brown Hair With Auburn Highlights
Image: Shutterstock

Subtle highlights are chic. Go ahead and highlight your locks with this trendy color and add a shine to your hair. The good news is this hair color is apt for all skin and face types.

19. Multicolor Highlights On Auburn

Multicolor Highlights On Auburn
Image: IStock

Color together creates art. And this hairstyle is a sheer piece of art. Multicolor highlights on auburn hair can oomph up your look. The good news is this hair color can be sported by all face shapes and hair types.

20. Auburn To Blonde Balayage

Auburn To Blonde Balayage
Image: Shutterstock

Well, a tinge of auburn in your blonde hair can elevate the hairstyle to a whole new level. Try out this auburn to blonde balayage and slay at parties

21. Rose Gold Auburn

While auburn is a hair color that has firmly established itself as a classic, rose gold is a trending color that’s all the rage these days. This light auburn color style with a rose gold undertone running through it makes for a truly unique hair look. Enhance the beauty of this color by styling it in a short curly bob.

22. Streaks Of Auburn

Streaks of auburn hair color for women
Image: Shutterstock

If a full head of auburn hair is too much for your liking, perhaps just a light touch of this color will suit your taste. Highlight your dark brown hair with streaks of vivid auburn to create a style of contrasts that is a vision to behold. What’s more is that this color style comes to life when done up in a braided style or updo.

23. Molten Auburn Gold

Golden molten auburn hair color for women
Image: IStock

When it comes to hair color, the more seamlessly blended it is, the better. This color look operates on exactly that principle. A beautiful brown-toned auburn at the roots melts into a rich golden blonde towards the ends to create this stunning dual color hair look.

24. Multidimensional Auburn Balayage

Multidimensional balayage auburn hair color for women
Image: IStock

Why go for just one shade of auburn when you can sample a bunch of them in one go? That’s right! You could go for a mesmerizing multidimensional balayage look by streaking your hair with ginger,  brown, and purple toned auburn shades that will wow everyone the moment they lay their eyes on it.

25. Cayenne Auburn

Spice up your boring old naturally brown hair by adding a touch of auburn to it. Add a predominantly brown toned auburn at the edges of your brown hair to add a dash of cayenne tinted spice to it. The blink-and-you-miss-it element of this color is what makes it so beautiful.

protip_icon Trivia
Actress Debra Messing believes that her deep cinnamon strands are a guaranteed way to brighten up her fair skin.

26. Russet Auburn

Russet auburn hair color for women
Image: IStock

You know they say – go big or go home. And you sure will be going big with this vibrant hair color. Color all your hair with a rich shade of russet or rust auburn to go all out. Cut your hair to a modest shoulder length and style it in waves to add an element of maturity to an otherwise bombshell look.

27. Electric Auburn

Electric auburn hair color for women
Image: IStock

You know which super villain had the best hair? Poison Ivy from the DC comic universe. With her flaming red hair and neon green bodysuit, there’s no way that you didn’t sit up and take notice of her. You too could become the center of attention of every room you walk into by going for a bright auburn all-over hair color look.

28. Emerald Edged Auburn

Emerald edged auburn hair color for women
Image: Instagram @myretrolife

Let out your inner punk rock princess and rock this funky hair color look. And what better way to do it than with some gorgeous jewel tones? With a vivid auburn shade as your base, highlight your hair with rich emerald green highlights to create a stunningly colorful hair look.

29. Auburn Apricot

Apricot tinted auburn hair color for women
Image: IStock

If you want to keep your hair color towards the more natural shades of the color spectrum, here’s a look that will get the job done. This apricot tinted dark auburn shade is subdued but has a gorgeous flair of its own. This color job’s muted look will lend you an air of mystery.

30. Satin Auburn Melt

Satin molten aurburn hair color for women
Image: Shutterstock

You know, it’s amazing how you can create texture in your hair with the help of hair color. Take this look, for instance. This molten auburn color job with copper edges has a sultry glossy feel to it that will make your hair look salon styled 24/7.

31. Copper Toned Auburn

Copper toned auburn hair color idea
Image: IStock

Putting a metallic twist on regular hair colors is all the rage these days. And for a good reason too, as they add an edgy vibe to an otherwise normal look. One style you can experiment with this way is an auburn based look highlighted with a metallic copper shade. Style this look in curls to make full use of the dimension this color job creates.

32. Multicolor Auburn Sorbet

Multicolor auburn hair color idea
Image: IStock

Sometimes, going for a sober hair color look does not cut it. Sometimes, you’ve got to let go of all your inhibitions and go crazy. This color job is meant to do just that. This auburn based color with shades of magenta, purple, and peach streaked all over it is nothing less than a work of art.

33. Deep Berry Auburn

Deep berry auburn hair color idea
Image: IStock

Be it on your lips, clothes or hair, deep berry shades are a sure shot winner on all skin tones. This dark raspberry tinted auburn is perfect for someone whose personal style is more natural and subdued. Since it’s such a dark shade, it also requires lesser maintenance and root touch-ups.

34. Ginger Auburn

Ginger hair color idea
Image: IStock

What’s better than one shade of red? Two shades of red, of course! Go for a deep auburn hair color complemented with bright ginger highlights to create a sexy and youthful look. Not to mention that the highlights give it a sweet sunkissed look and come out beautifully with the amber background. This color job looks best when styled in curls on waist-length hair.

35. Dusty Auburn Balayage

Dusty balayage auburn hair color idea
Image: IStock

Nail that corporate hotshot look right in the head by sporting this elegant balayage style. Done up in shades of dusty brown and light auburn, this color job perfectly treads the line between chic and graceful. Get your hair cut in an angled long bob to complete your boardroom ready look.

36. Reverse Auburn Root Melt

Reverse root melt auburn hair color idea
Image: Shutterstock

Usually when you go in for a root melt, a darker shade at the roots melts into a lighter shade towards the ends. This look puts an unexpected twist in this coloring style. Here, a gingery auburn shade at the roots slowly blends into a dark brownish mahogany hair color towards the ends to create this sexy look.

37. Strawberry Auburn

Strawberry auburn hair color idea
Image: Shutterstock

Going for that elegant hair look that you would imagine a trendy boutique owner to have? Or perhaps a celebrity stylist? Well, then this soft strawberry tinted auburn is exactly what you’re looking for. This understated auburn shade, when done on a long bob, is bound to make you look like a million bucks.

38. Muted Auburn

Muted auburn hair color idea
Image: IStock

Just because auburn is a shade of red doesn’t mean that it has to be super bright and in-your-face. There are a myriad of softer, more mature options that you can choose from. This dark auburn shade with dark gray and brown undertones is an excellent example of the same.

39. Flaming Auburn

Flaming auburn hair color idea
Image: IStock

Looking to completely transform your look and rise up from the ashes of your boring hair color like a phoenix? Then there’s no better hair color to go for than this fiery auburn color that looks like it’s about to burst into flames every time it’s touched by sunlight!

40. Champagne Auburn

Champagne auburn hair color idea
Image: Shutterstock

Girl, show off your love for champagne by sporting this auburn look that is as stunning as it gets. The champagne undertone of this light auburn look works to create the perfect shade of rosé wine on your hair. Just part your hair on one side and leave it unstyled to make the most of this gorgeous hair color.

41. Black And Dark Auburn Hair

Black and dark auburn hair
Image: Shutterstock

If you wish to color your black hair auburn, but want it to be as low-maintenance as possible, this look is perfect for you. This stylish option allows you to infuse warmth and vibrancy into your black hair without committing to a full hair color change. The subtle yet eye-catching contrast also adds dimension to the overall look.

42. Light Auburn Hair With Honey-Blonde Ends

Light auburn hair with honey-blonde ends
Image: Shutterstock

This look is a perfect blend of light auburn and brown with honey-blonde ends, creating a visually stunning effect. The seamless blend of the three colors adds depth and dimension to your locks, while also imparting a warm and radiant sun-kissed glow. You can style your hair by parting it in the middle and curling the ends for an effortlessly chic appearance.

Infographic: 6 Glamorous Auburn Hair Color Ideas

While being a natural ginger is a blessing, not all are that lucky, so we rely on hair colors. If you want to jump on the redhead bandwagon, we recommend experimenting with stunning auburn hair dyes that will instantly transform your look. Confused about where to start? Let us help! Check out the infographic below for the top 6 alluring auburn hair colors and be ready to bedazzle everyone with your nouveau look.

6 glamorous auburn hair color ideas (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Have you ever seen auburn hair in sunlight? It is almost as if the sun is bleeding out its color to the hair. But, the hair colorists got things right when they created this hair color. And with Kendall Jenner recently coloring her this shade, the world has once again placed a spotlight on auburn hair, and rightfully so. This underrated shade is finally the queen on everyone’s Instagram feed. So, if you want to color your hair auburn this season, take the plunge. Scroll up and look through the best auburn hair color ideas to pick your favorite shade. Then you can either head over to the salon to achieve this color or read through our tutorial to do it yourself. Remember proper haircare is a must with Auburn hair color. Switch to using sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to maintain the vibrancy of the color and the health of your hair. Incorporate deep conditioning treatments in your hair care routine and apply color-protecting serum after hair styling. Minimize heat styling and avoid sun exposure as much as possible to extend the longevity of the color.

Frequently Asked Questions

What skin tone is best for auburn hair?

Auburn hair shades are available in multiple tones and carry different undertones. As a result, different tones of auburn pair well with different skin tones. For instance, bright auburn with both warm and cool undertones works well with pale, neutral skin tones. Auburn that is more golden works well on medium-toned skin with warm undertones and dark auburn works wonders for medium and dark skin tones with cool undertones.

Is auburn more red or brown?

Auburn is described as reddish-brown, indicating it is more red than brown. However, depending on its intensity and richness, it can have varying degrees of red and brown.

Is auburn considered a natural hair color?

Yes, auburn or red is a natural hair color.

Is auburn hair warm or cool?

Auburn is considered a cool-toned color as it has some degree of blue in it.

What is the difference between ginger and auburn hair?

Ginger hair is warmer and lighter than auburn hair and has more orange than red.

Is auburn hair high maintenance?

Yes, auburn-dyed hair is high maintenance as the color red fades fast from the hair and needs frequent touch-ups.

Illustration: Stylish Auburn Hair Color Ideas That Everyone Should Try

auburn hair color ideas

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team


Are you wondering if Auburn hair looks better with cool or warm undertones? Then you need to watch this video to find out!

Personal Experience: Source

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Kerry E. Yates
Kerry E. YatesBeauty Expert
Kerry Yates is a recognized hair color and beauty expert with over 20 years of experience in marketing and developing brands within the hair category. Her quest to come up with better color formulas for both consumer and professional use led her to create Colour Collective, a collaboration of experts, industry professionals, and influencers from the beauty, creative, and business worlds.

Read full bio of Kerry E. Yates
Arshiya Syeda
Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief
Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda
Asmita De
Asmita DeAssociate Editor
Asmita De is an associate editor with over three years of experience. She graduated in English Literature from the University of Calcutta. She has collaborated with several digital companies and reputed publishing houses as an editor.

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Aparna Harry
Aparna HarryBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Aparna Harry is a beauty and lifestyle content writer with over three years of experience in writing for different genres. She has a master’s degree in English Literature from The English And Foreign Languages University and a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Mysore.

Read full bio of Aparna Harry
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