Auburn hair is beautiful, trendy and will never go out of style. The auburn hair color can best be described as red and brown shades mixed together perfectly to create a dark ginger color. While red hair is bold and vibrant and brown hair is warm and deep, women love auburn hair because it complements most skin tones, hair textures, and hairstyles. Whether you want light, medium or dark auburn hair, there are many cool and rich colors to choose from. Versatile and modern, we highly recommend you explore auburn. From dark reddish brown hair to highlights, we’ve compiled examples of the best auburn hair color ideas to inspire your next look.
What Is Auburn Hair?
Auburn hair is a variation of red hair, and is most commonly seen as reddish-brown in color. Auburn hair colors range in shades, with the most popular tones being light, medium and dark. Dark auburn hair can be seen as a deep ginger, while light auburn hair may look orange.
However, within these hues, women can ask their stylists to create colors that come off as rich, warm, cool, and vibrant. If you’re looking for a red and brown hair color that is chic and sexy, auburn offers limitless options.
Auburn Hair Color
Chestnut vs Auburn Hair
Although both chestnut and auburn hair have red undertones, chestnut and auburn hair colors are distinctly different. Chestnut has colder hues, while auburn has a much warmer look and feel. In general, auburn hair colors tend to be more vibrant, with higher intensity of red pigment, while chestnut is more in the brown hair category.
Mahogany vs Auburn Hair
In the same vein, mahogany and auburn hair are also similar in that these hair colors are red-related, but have tonal differences. For example, mahogany incorporates more of a purple-based red color, which is also more a part of the brown or brunette family. On the other hand, auburn is more orange-based, which usually comes across as lighter and brighter.
Auburn Brown Hair
Auburn brown hair is the best of both worlds – it combines both the brunette and redheaded families. It’s rich in pigment and has more vibrancy than most shades of brown. Because of this unique match, it’s universally flattering for women with all skin tones.
Dark Auburn Hair
Dark auburn hair is a deep, brownish hue that looks as smooth and dense as chocolate. The gleams of deep red shine through the darkness, which creates a beautiful sense of depth and dimension. This style works as an amazing contrast on ladies with fair features.
Light Auburn Hair
Light auburn hair can be described as gingery, with orange undertones. Several natural redheads rock this color, as well as many actresses who are known for their red hair, like Amy Adams, Emma Stone, Shirley Temple, and Isla Fisher.
Rich Auburn Hair Color
Packed with more redness than the average dark brown, rich auburn hair color is warm, metallic, and sophisticated. This shade combination usually tends to look like a dark red.
Auburn Hair with Blonde Highlights/Balayage
Blonde highlights look especially chic and beautiful when blended into auburn hair, especially when created using the carefully layered balayage technique. Thoughtful streaks of sun-kissed honey blonde are the perfect complement for lighter shades of auburn hair.
Auburn Hair with Copper Highlights
Copper highlights are one way to incorporate metallic properties and luminous shine to auburn hair. Copper, as a deep orange, is a natural complement to red hair, since it adds complexity and depth.
Auburn Hair with Lowlights
If you want to still make a statement without turning your vibrancy way up, consider auburn hair with lowlights. This way, you still have the gorgeous qualities of red hair, but with tones that keep the overall color on the darker side.
Auburn Orange Hair
When you think of a classic redhead or ginger, auburn orange hair might come to mind. This color is a vibrant and vivid shade of red, with lingering light brown undertones in the background. This hair color tends to have a brightening effect, as well as a natural luminating sheen.
Natural Auburn Hair
If you grew up with natural auburn hair, you’ve likely heard the expression “you can’t get this from a box.” Naturally ginger-haired ladies should be thankful for their unique coloring and the sun-given highlights.
Auburn Red Hair Color
When auburn hair color has more red pigments, the result is a pop of a warm cherry-like tone. It’s bold and beautiful and looks mermaid-esque on women with a fair complexion.
Medium Auburn Hair Color
Ladies with medium auburn hair color exist on the scale somewhere between brown and ginger-red. This color has complex undertones that are flattering with freckles and porcelain skin tones.
Short Auburn Hair
Don’t let images of long-haired redheads deceive you; auburn hair looks equally amazing with a short cut. Go for a significant crop for extra freshness and to add whimsical life into your hairstyle. You’ll look cute and feminine and full of fun.
Curly Auburn Hair
Auburn hair stands out when worn on curly tresses. Whether natural or created with a wand or iron, auburn curls are attention-catching in any crowd. Both volume and definition suit short, above-the-shoulder and long, below-the-waist lengths and styles. Be sure to also play with different spiral shapes and sizes.
Black Auburn Hair
Redheads don’t just look good with classic, light, gingery hues; black auburn hair is a shade combination that has incredible color appeal. Black and auburn go together extremely well, and result in a luxurious combination that easily complements both lighter and darker skin tones.
Light Brown Hair with Auburn Highlights
A beautiful color combination is light brown hair with auburn highlights. By incorporating strands of copper-like highlights, your hair will gleam with vibrancy and depth while still looking natural.
Brown Hair with Blonde and Auburn Highlights
One way to boost your brown hair without changing your entire color is by adding blonde and auburn highlights. You’ll look naturally sun kissed with beautiful additions of gold blonde and a deep red auburn.
Brown Hair with Auburn Highlights
Since the two colors are tonally similar, brown hair with auburn highlights is a natural-looking, winning combination. A handful of reddish foils act as a chic contour against the darker hues, which will add dimension and bounce.
Auburn Color on African American Hair
Ladies with African American hair should embrace auburn color with full enthusiasm – red hair, especially deeper hues, look amazing on women with darker skin tones. Auburn is universally flattering, and adds a layer of richness to any hairstyle.
Burgundy Auburn Hair
Mixing burgundy hues with auburn hair is a recipe for beautiful tresses. The combination creates a more red than purple effect, creating a darker head of hair that has an element of high glamour.
