Burgundy Hair Shades: 10 Rich Wine Tones That Look Like a Velvet Night Sky

Have you been saving burgundy hair shades on Pinterest for weeks, but still can’t decide which wine tone will flatter you instead of fading into a dull, pinkish brown after a few washes?

You’re not alone. Burgundy looks effortless in photos, but in real life there are dozens of versions. Some lean purple, some lean red, and some are mostly brown with just a hint of wine.

The good news? Once you know the differences, choosing gets so much easier. In this guide, we’ll walk through the most flattering burgundy shades, how to match them to your skin tone, and how to keep that velvety shine for weeks.

So pour yourself a glass of something nice. Let’s find your perfect shade.

Why Burgundy Hair Shades Feel So Rich and Sultry

Burgundy sits right between red and purple on the color wheel. That mix gives it depth that a plain red can’t match. In low light it reads dark and mysterious, but in the sun it glows like wine held up to a window.

It’s also a surprisingly wearable color. Unlike neon pinks or bright blues, burgundy looks polished at the office and dramatic at night. It works as a full-head color, a subtle tint over brunette hair, or as dimensional highlights.

Fall and winter are its natural seasons. Deep wine tones pair beautifully with cozy knits, camel coats and berry lipsticks. Yet plenty of people keep it all year, simply switching between brighter and darker versions.

Another big plus: burgundy is kind to darker bases. If your natural hair is brown or black, you can often get a gorgeous wine tint with little or no bleach. That means less damage and an easier grow-out.

Burgundy vs. Maroon vs. Red Wine Hair Color: What’s the Difference?

These names get used interchangeably, which can be confusing at the salon. Each one has its own personality, though. Knowing the vocabulary helps you show your stylist exactly what you want.

Burgundy

Classic burgundy is a red with a noticeable purple or violet base. It feels cool-toned and jewel-like. Think of a deep red wine with blue undertones.

Maroon Hair Color

Maroon is browner and warmer than burgundy. It’s a red-brown with less purple, so it looks more earthy. Maroon hair color is a great choice if you want something rich but still natural-looking.

Red Wine Hair Color

Red wine sits between the two. It’s slightly brighter than maroon and less violet than burgundy. Colorists often describe it as merlot or cabernet, with a juicy, saturated finish.

When in doubt, bring photos. Words like “wine” and “berry” mean different things to different people, but a picture never lies.

10 Burgundy Hair Shades to Try This Season

Ready for some inspiration? Below are ten of the most-loved wine tones right now. Each one comes with tips on who it suits and how to ask for it.

1. Deep Burgundy Hair Color

This is the velvet night sky of the burgundy family. Deep burgundy hair color is dark enough to look almost black indoors, then flashes rich wine in the light.

It’s ideal for brunettes who want a change without a dramatic lift. On dark brown hair, a colorist can often deposit this shade with little or no lightening. Ask for a level 3 to 4 with a red-violet tone.

The finish matters here. A clear gloss on top makes the color look expensive and multi-dimensional.

2. Dark Maroon Hair

Dark maroon hair is the softer, warmer cousin of deep burgundy. It has more brown in it, so it looks natural on many skin tones.

This shade is perfect if you’re nervous about committing to “red.” It reads as a rich brunette with a wine glow, especially in photos. It also fades gracefully into a warm brown rather than a harsh orange.

3. Red Wine Hair Color

Want more color payoff? Red wine hair color is brighter and more saturated. It looks like a glass of merlot with the light shining through it.

For this vibrancy, lighter or pre-lightened hair works best. On very dark hair, your colorist may need to lift slightly first. The result is bold, glossy and very eye-catching.

4. Medium Burgundy Brown Hair

Medium burgundy brown hair is a beautiful middle ground. It starts with a medium brown base and adds a gentle wine reflect.

This is the go-to for low-maintenance lovers. The roots blend more easily, and the color looks great even as it fades. It’s also office-friendly if you work somewhere more conservative.

5. Chocolate Cherry Dark Brown

This one has a cult following, and it’s easy to see why. A deep burgundy hair color with a chocolate cherry dark brown base looks like dark chocolate with a hidden cherry center.

The brown keeps it grounded, while the red-violet adds sparkle. Ask for a dark brown base with cherry or burgundy glaze over the top. It’s especially flattering on olive and medium skin tones.

6. Cherry Hair Colors

Cherry hair colors are the brightest, juiciest options in this lineup. Think black cherry, cherry cola and ripe cherry red.

Black cherry is the darkest and most wearable. Cherry cola adds a brown, fizzy depth. Bright cherry red is the boldest and needs the most upkeep, since vivid reds fade fastest.

7. Brown and Burgundy Hair

Not ready for a full-head color? Brown and burgundy hair is the perfect compromise. Your colorist keeps your natural brown and weaves wine tones through it.

This can be done as balayage, babylights or chunky ribbons. The result is soft dimension that grows out beautifully. You can stretch appointments to every 10 to 12 weeks.

8. Blonde and Burgundy Hair

For something truly statement-making, try blonde and burgundy hair. The contrast between creamy blonde and deep wine is striking.

Popular versions include burgundy roots melting into blonde ends, or blonde face-framing pieces over a wine base. Be aware that this combo takes skill. Red pigment can bleed into blonde sections when you wash, so cool water and careful rinsing are a must.

9. Wine Burgundy Hair With Glossy Shine

Wine burgundy hair is all about the finish. It’s a balanced, true burgundy that’s neither too purple nor too brown.

What makes it special is the mirror-like shine. Ask for a gloss or glaze treatment after coloring. It seals the cuticle, boosts reflection and helps the color last longer.

10. Peekaboo Dark Burgundy Underlights

Love the idea of dark burgundy but can’t commit? Hide it underneath. Peekaboo underlights place color on the lower layers only.

When your hair is down, you see flashes of wine. When it’s up in a ponytail or braid, the color shows off fully. It’s playful, easy to maintain and simple to cover if needed.

How to Choose the Best Burgundy Shade for Your Skin Tone

The right shade should make your skin look brighter and your eyes pop. The secret is your undertone, not just how light or dark your skin is.

Not sure of your undertone? Look at the veins on your wrist in natural light. Bluish or purple veins usually mean cool. Greenish veins point to warm. A mix of both suggests neutral.

Cool Undertones

Choose burgundy shades with a violet or blue base. Classic burgundy, deep berry and black cherry look stunning. These shades echo the cool tones in your skin.

Warm Undertones

Go for maroon, mahogany and medium burgundy brown hair. The warmer red-brown base complements golden or peachy skin. Very violet shades may make warm skin look sallow.

Neutral Undertones

Lucky you! Most wine tones will work. Try red wine hair color or chocolate cherry for a balanced look.

Consider Your Eye Color, Too

Green and hazel eyes look incredible next to burgundy, because red and green are complementary colors. Brown eyes take on a warm glow, while blue eyes stand out against the deeper shades.

Getting Maroon Hair Color: Salon or DIY?

Both routes can work, but your starting point matters a lot. Here’s what to expect either way.

Starting From Dark Brown or Black Hair

On dark hair, a box dye will usually give you a subtle tint rather than a vivid wine. That can be lovely! But if you want a bright red wine shade, you’ll likely need pre-lightening.

Lightening is best left to a professional. They can lift evenly and protect the health of your hair.

Starting From Blonde or Light Hair

Light hair grabs color fast, sometimes too fast. Burgundy applied directly to pale blonde can turn out pinkish or uneven.

Colorists often “fill” lighter hair with a warm pigment first. This step gives the burgundy a solid base, so it looks rich instead of flat.

Tips if You Color at Home

• Always do a patch test 48 hours before using permanent dye.
• Do a strand test to preview the final shade.
• Apply a barrier cream along your hairline, since red pigments can stain skin.
• Use old towels and wear gloves throughout.
• Choose a shade slightly lighter than you want, because reds often develop darker.

How to Keep Burgundy Hair Glossy and Fade-Free

Here’s the honest truth: red-based colors fade faster than most other shades. The red color molecules are larger, so they slip out of the hair more easily. The right routine, though, makes a huge difference.

Wash Less, and Wash Cool

Try to wait a couple of days before your first wash after coloring. After that, wash two or three times a week at most. Rinse with lukewarm or cool water, since heat opens the cuticle and lets color escape.

Use Color-Safe Products

Switch to a sulfate-free shampoo made for color-treated hair. Sulfates are strong cleansers that strip pigment quickly.

Top Up With a Color-Depositing Conditioner

This is the number one trick for vibrant wine tones. A burgundy or red color-depositing conditioner adds a little pigment back every time you use it. Use it once a week, or more if your shade fades fast.

Protect From Heat and Sun

Always use a heat protectant before styling. In summer, wear a hat or use a hair product with UV filters. Sunlight can dull wine tones surprisingly fast.

Book a Gloss Between Appointments

A salon gloss every four to six weeks refreshes the tone and restores that glass-like shine. It’s quicker and cheaper than a full color service.

FAQ About Burgundy Hair Shades

How long does burgundy hair color last?

Permanent burgundy usually looks its best for four to six weeks before noticeable fading. With cool washes, color-safe shampoo and a depositing conditioner, many people stretch that to eight weeks or more. Semi-permanent versions fade faster, often within four to eight washes.

Can I get burgundy hair without bleach?

Yes, if your hair is medium to dark brown. You’ll get a deeper, subtler wine tint that shows best in sunlight. For a bright, saturated red wine shade, a little lightening is usually needed.

Is it spelled burgundy or “burgandy” hair?

The correct spelling is burgundy, named after the Burgundy wine region in France. “Burgandy hair” is a very common misspelling, so you’ll see it in lots of searches. Both refer to the same gorgeous wine shade.

Does burgundy hair suit older women?

Absolutely. Softer wine tones like medium burgundy brown or dark maroon add warmth and brightness to the complexion. They can also blend grays in a flattering way, especially when applied as a gloss or lowlights.

What’s the difference between dark burgundy and black cherry?

Dark burgundy has a stronger violet base and looks cooler. Black cherry is a touch redder and slightly warmer, with a near-black depth. Both look dark indoors and glow in the light.

How do I fix burgundy hair that turned too pink?

This usually happens on very light or porous hair. A colorist can deepen it with a darker gloss or add a little brown to ground the tone. At home, a deeper burgundy depositing mask can help, but test it on a strand first.

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Ready to pour this shade into your next beauty story? Save your favorite looks, bring photos to your colorist, and get ready to shine.