18 Burgundy Hair Ideas That’ll Make You Want to Book a Salon Appointment Right Now

Let me tell you something—I’ve been obsessed with burgundy hair for years now, and I genuinely believe it’s one of those colors that can work on just about anyone. There’s something about that rich, wine-inspired shade that feels both sophisticated and a little bit edgy at the same time.

When I first started researching burgundy hair ideas, I was honestly overwhelmed by all the different shades and techniques out there. Should I go all-in with a full dye job? Would highlights look better? What about that gorgeous burgundy ombre I kept seeing on Instagram?

Here’s the thing—burgundy hair color isn’t just one shade. It’s this beautiful spectrum that ranges from deep wine tones to lighter, almost coral-pink variations. And that’s exactly what makes it so exciting to work with.

In this article, I’m sharing 18 burgundy hair ideas that I’ve either tried myself or seriously considered trying. These aren’t just random suggestions—they’re actual styles that real people are wearing and loving right now.

What You Need to Know Before Going Burgundy

Now here’s where it gets interesting. Before you rush to the salon (and trust me, you’ll want to), there are a few things we should talk about.

Burgundy hair is absolutely stunning, but it does require some commitment. I’m not trying to scare you off—I just want you to go into this with realistic expectations.

The Real Talk About Maintenance

Let’s be honest for a second. Burgundy hair color fades faster than you’d probably like. In my experience, you’ll notice the color starting to shift within the first few weeks. That doesn’t mean it looks bad—sometimes the faded version is even prettier—but it won’t stay that deep, rich burgundy forever without some help.

You’ll want to invest in color-depositing shampoo. I’ve tried several brands, and they really do make a difference. Washing your hair in cool water helps too, even though I know that’s not always the most pleasant experience in winter.

The maintenance cost is something to consider. Your initial color appointment might run anywhere from $150 to $400 depending on your hair length and where you live. Then you’re looking at touch-ups every 6-8 weeks if you want to keep it looking fresh. What I love about this is that you can actually stretch those appointments if you choose a style with strategic placement.

Talking to Your Colorist (This Part Is Actually Important)

Here’s what I wish someone had told me before my first burgundy hair appointment: bring pictures. Like, lots of them. Your idea of burgundy might be completely different from your stylist’s interpretation.

When you’re showing your colorist inspiration photos, be specific about what you like. Is it the red undertones? The purple depth? The brown base? These details matter way more than you might think.

You should also have an honest conversation about your starting point. If you’re currently blonde, getting to burgundy hair color is going to take more time and money than if you’re starting with brown hair. There’s no judgment either way—it’s just helpful to know what you’re working with.

18 Burgundy Hair Ideas You’ll Actually Want to Try

Alright, let’s get into the good stuff. I’ve organized these burgundy hair ideas from more subtle to more dramatic, but honestly, you should just pick whichever one makes your heart skip a beat.

1. Classic All-Over Burgundy

If you’re the type of person who likes to go all-in, this one’s for you. An all-over burgundy hair color is bold, it’s dramatic, and it makes a statement without trying too hard.

What I love about this approach is its simplicity. There’s no complicated highlighting technique to maintain—just one gorgeous, rich color throughout your entire head. The depth you get with a full burgundy dye job is really hard to achieve with any other method.

This works beautifully on medium to long hair, where you can really see that wine-inspired richness. And contrary to what you might think, it’s actually one of the easier burgundy hair ideas to maintain. You’re not dealing with multiple colors or complicated blending.

Now, you might be wondering about the upkeep. Yes, you’ll need regular touch-ups at the roots, but that’s true for any all-over color. The good news is that burgundy tends to fade more gracefully than some other fashion colors.

2. Soft Burgundy Highlights

Here’s where we start getting into the more subtle territory. Burgundy highlights are perfect if you’re not ready to commit to full burgundy hair but still want to experiment with the color.

These highlights add dimension without completely changing your base color. In my experience, they look especially gorgeous on brown hair, where the burgundy really pops against the darker background.

The best part? They grow out beautifully. You’re not dealing with harsh lines or obvious roots as your hair grows. The burgundy highlights just gradually blend into your natural color, which means you can go longer between salon visits.

This is definitely one of those burgundy hair ideas that feels approachable for first-timers. You get to test drive the color without making a huge commitment.

3. Burgundy Shadow Root

Let me tell you why I’m obsessed with the shadow root technique. It gives you that gorgeous burgundy hair color on your mid-lengths and ends while keeping your roots darker and more natural-looking.

This technique has saved me so much time and money. Because the roots are intentionally darker, you can go much longer between touch-ups. Your natural growth actually becomes part of the look instead of something you need to constantly maintain.

A burgundy shadow root works particularly well if you have naturally dark hair. The transition feels seamless and intentional rather than grown-out. Plus, it adds this beautiful depth that makes the burgundy sections really stand out.

4. Burgundy Balayage on the Tips

Sometimes you just want a hint of color, you know? That’s exactly what makes burgundy balayage tips so appealing. You’re getting that gorgeous wine-inspired shade, but only on the very ends of your hair.

This is one of my favorite burgundy hair ideas for people who are nervous about going too bold. The color is concentrated at the tips, which means if you decide you don’t love it, you can always trim it off without losing much length.

What’s really cool about this technique is how it moves. When your hair is down, you see flashes of burgundy as you move. When you put it up in a ponytail or bun, those colored tips peek out in this really pretty way.

The maintenance is minimal compared to other options. You’re not worrying about root touch-ups, and even as the color fades, it still looks intentional and pretty.

5. Burgundy Money Pieces

Okay, so “money pieces” might sound like trendy salon jargon, but they’re actually brilliant. These are the face-framing pieces right at the front of your hair, dyed in burgundy to create contrast and draw attention to your features.

I absolutely love how burgundy money pieces can completely change your look without dyeing your entire head. They frame your face in this really flattering way and add brightness without being overwhelming.

This is one of those burgundy hair ideas that photographs really well, by the way. Those front pieces catch the light and make your whole face look more vibrant. And because it’s such a small amount of hair, the maintenance is pretty manageable.

You might be wondering if this works with all hair colors. In my experience, burgundy money pieces look amazing against both dark and light base colors—they just create different effects. Against dark hair, they pop dramatically. Against lighter hair, they create a softer, more blended look.

6. Muted Burgundy Ombre

Now here’s where it gets interesting with the ombre technique. A muted burgundy ombre gives you that gradual color transition from dark roots to burgundy ends, but the burgundy itself is softer and less intense.

What I love about this approach is how natural it can look despite being a fashion color. The muted tones feel more sophisticated and easier to wear in professional settings if that’s a concern for you.

The transition in a burgundy ombre is gradual, which means no harsh lines as it grows out. Your hair just gets progressively lighter and more burgundy as you move down toward the ends. It’s low-maintenance and chic at the same time.

This is definitely one of the most wearable burgundy hair ideas on this list. It gives you that trendy color without feeling too edgy or dramatic.

7. Burgundy Babylights

Babylights are these super fine, delicate highlights that mimic the subtle dimension you’d see in natural hair. When done in burgundy, they create this gorgeous, multidimensional effect that catches the light beautifully.

The difference between babylights and regular highlights comes down to size. Babylights are much finer—almost like painted-on strands rather than chunky sections. This means your burgundy hair color looks more blended and natural.

In my experience, burgundy babylights work particularly well on darker hair where you want subtle dimension without obvious streaks. They add depth and interest without screaming “I just dyed my hair.”

What’s really great about this technique is how it grows out. Because the highlights are so fine and scattered throughout, there’s no obvious grow-out line. Your burgundy babylights just gradually fade and blend into your base color.

8. Burgundy Peekaboo Highlights

Here’s one of the more playful burgundy hair ideas—peekaboo highlights. These are sections of burgundy hidden underneath your top layer of hair, so they “peek” out when you move or style your hair in certain ways.

I love this technique for people who want burgundy hair but need to keep things conservative for work or other situations. When your hair is down and styled normally, the burgundy stays mostly hidden. But when you put it up or tuck it behind your ears, surprise—there’s that gorgeous color!

The placement usually focuses on the underlayers, particularly around the nape and sides. This means you get to have fun with burgundy hair color without committing to a full transformation that’s visible all the time.

Maintenance-wise, peekaboo highlights are pretty forgiving. Since they’re hidden anyway, any fading or grow-out is less noticeable than it would be with visible highlights.

9. Burgundy Ends on Dark Hair

If you’ve got naturally dark hair and you’re thinking about burgundy, this is one of the most striking options available. Keeping your hair dark at the roots and transitioning to burgundy on just the ends creates this gorgeous contrast.

The beauty of burgundy ends is in that stark difference between your natural dark color and the vibrant burgundy. It’s bold without being overwhelming because the color is concentrated at the bottom rather than all over.

What I love about this approach is that you can actually do this at home with semi-permanent dye if you’re feeling brave. Since you’re only coloring the ends, there’s less risk of making a mistake that’s hard to fix. Obviously, a professional will do a better job, but it’s nice to know you have options.

This is definitely one of the burgundy hair ideas that makes a statement. When people see those burgundy ends, they notice. It’s eye-catching in the best possible way.

10. Faded Burgundy

Now, stay with me on this one. A faded burgundy hair color might sound like a maintenance problem, but it can actually be gorgeous in its own right. As burgundy fades, it often transitions into these beautiful rose gold or mauve tones.

Some people actually prefer the faded version to the fresh color. What starts as deep, rich burgundy gradually softens into something more subtle and dimensional. It’s like getting multiple hair colors from one dye job.

If you embrace the fade, you can actually stretch your salon appointments quite a bit. Instead of rushing back every time the color starts to shift, you can enjoy each phase of the color’s evolution.

This works particularly well if you started with a rich, deep burgundy. The darker the starting color, the more interesting phases it’ll go through as it fades.

11. Burgundy Face-Framing with Colored Ends

Here’s a technique that combines two of my favorite approaches—face-framing pieces and colored ends. You get burgundy around your face where it really draws attention, plus burgundy on your ends for that extra pop of color.

This is one of those burgundy hair ideas that gives you maximum impact with strategic placement. The face-framing pieces brighten your complexion and highlight your features, while the colored ends add movement and interest throughout your hair.

I really love how this looks when styled in loose waves or curls. The burgundy catches the light as your hair moves, creating this dynamic, multidimensional effect that’s really beautiful.

The maintenance is manageable because you’re working with specific sections rather than your entire head. Your colorist can refresh just those pieces without having to redo everything.

12. Soft Burgundy Balayage

Balayage has been popular for years now, and for good reason—it creates this gorgeous, natural-looking gradient that grows out beautifully. When done in soft burgundy, it’s absolutely stunning.

The key word here is “soft.” This isn’t about dramatic contrast or bold color blocking. Instead, it’s a gentle transition where burgundy is painted onto your hair in a way that mimics how the sun would naturally lighten it.

What I love about a soft burgundy balayage is how sophisticated it looks. It has that high-end salon vibe even as it grows out. The color gradually fades and blends into your natural hair, which means you don’t need constant maintenance.

This works beautifully on medium to long hair where there’s enough length to show off that gradual color progression. On darker base colors, the burgundy creates warmth and dimension. On lighter bases, it adds depth and richness.

13. Deep Wine All-Over Color

If you want burgundy hair that leans more toward the purple side of the spectrum, a deep wine color is what you’re looking for. This is burgundy with serious depth—rich, dark, and absolutely gorgeous.

Deep wine burgundy hair color works particularly well on people with cooler skin tones. Those purple undertones complement cool complexions beautifully. But honestly, I’ve seen this color look amazing on warm skin tones too—it just depends on the specific shade your colorist mixes.

The intensity of a deep wine burgundy means it’ll fade more noticeably than softer shades, so be prepared for that. You’ll definitely want that color-depositing shampoo I mentioned earlier. But when it’s fresh, there’s really nothing quite like it.

This is one of the more dramatic burgundy hair ideas, so it’s perfect if you’re looking to make a statement. It’s definitely a “people will notice and comment” kind of color.

14. Two-Tone Burgundy and Black

Alright, if you’re ready for something really different, let’s talk about two-tone hair. Combining burgundy with black creates this striking contrast that’s edgy and fashion-forward.

You’ve got options with how you approach this. Some people do a half-and-half split, with one side black and the other burgundy. Others prefer chunky sections of burgundy throughout black hair. Both looks are bold and eye-catching.

What I love about two-tone burgundy hair is how unique it is. You’re not going to run into a lot of people with the exact same look. It’s very much your own signature style.

Now, you might be wondering about maintenance. The good news is that since you’re working with distinct sections, touch-ups are fairly straightforward. The contrast between the black and burgundy is part of the look, so some color variation actually works in your favor.

15. Burgundy with Blonde Peekaboo Highlights

Here’s an interesting twist—combining burgundy with blonde highlights creates this really cool contrast that I’m absolutely here for. The warm tones of burgundy next to cool blonde creates dimension that’s hard to achieve with just one color.

This technique typically involves a burgundy base with strategically placed blonde highlights underneath or throughout. When the colors catch the light differently, you get this multidimensional effect that’s really striking.

In my experience, this works best on people who are comfortable with bold choices. It’s not a subtle look—it’s meant to be noticed and appreciated. The burgundy hair color provides richness, while the blonde adds brightness and contrast.

The maintenance can be a bit involved since you’re dealing with two fashion colors that fade at different rates. But if you’re committed to the look, the result is definitely worth the effort.

16. Coral-Pink Burgundy Bob

Now here’s something different—a burgundy hair color that leans more toward coral-pink tones rather than deep wine. This softer interpretation of burgundy feels modern and fresh, especially on shorter hair like a bob.

What makes this shade special is how it changes in different lighting. In bright sunlight, those coral-pink undertones really shine through, making the color look lighter and warmer. In dimmer lighting, it reads as a deeper, more traditional burgundy.

This is definitely one of the burgundy hair ideas that works beautifully for people with warmer skin tones. Those peachy, coral notes complement warm complexions really nicely. But I’ve also seen it look gorgeous on cooler skin tones where it creates an interesting contrast.

On a bob specifically, this color really pops. The shorter length means the color looks more saturated and vibrant since there’s less hair to distribute it across. Plus, bobs photograph incredibly well, and this color photographs even better.

17. Burgundy Lowlights on Lighter Hair

Reverse balayage, or lowlights, flips the traditional highlighting technique on its head. Instead of adding lighter pieces to darker hair, you’re adding darker burgundy pieces to lighter hair.

This is perfect if you’ve got blonde or light brown hair and want to add some depth and dimension with burgundy. The darker lowlights create contrast and make your lighter base color appear even brighter by comparison.

What I love about burgundy lowlights is how they add richness without completely changing your overall look. You’re still fundamentally a lighter-haired person, but with this gorgeous depth and interest woven throughout.

The grow-out on lowlights is generally more forgiving than highlights because you’re going darker rather than lighter. As the color fades, it just blends back toward your natural color in a pretty natural way.

18. Burgundy Root Stretch

Last but definitely not least, let’s talk about the root stretch technique. This involves keeping your natural roots and then transitioning to burgundy starting a few inches down from your scalp.

A burgundy root stretch is brilliant for several reasons. First, it dramatically extends the time between your salon visits because you’re not fighting against visible roots—they’re part of the design. Second, it creates beautiful depth that makes the burgundy sections really stand out.

This technique works particularly well if you’ve got naturally dark hair. The transition from your natural dark roots to vibrant burgundy feels seamless and intentional. It’s one of those burgundy hair ideas that looks high-maintenance but is actually quite low-maintenance in practice.

Finding Your Perfect Burgundy Shade

So we’ve covered 18 different burgundy hair ideas, but you might still be wondering which one is right for you. Let me break down some factors to consider.

Consider Your Natural Hair Color

Your starting point matters quite a bit when it comes to burgundy hair color. If you’ve got naturally dark hair, you’re in luck—most burgundy shades will show up beautifully without requiring much lifting or bleaching.

For lighter-haired folks, getting to burgundy might require a bit more processing. That doesn’t mean you can’t do it, but it’s something to discuss with your colorist in terms of time and budget.

Think About Your Skin Tone

Different burgundy shades complement different skin tones. If you’ve got warm undertones, look for burgundy hair ideas that lean more toward the red or orange side. If you’re cool-toned, deeper wine shades with purple undertones will probably be more flattering.

That said, these aren’t hard and fast rules. I’ve seen people break the “rules” and look absolutely stunning. The best approach is to bring multiple reference photos to your consultation and let your colorist help you figure out what will work best.

Your Lifestyle and Maintenance Commitment

Be honest with yourself about how much time and money you’re willing to invest in maintaining burgundy hair. If you’re someone who barely has time to wash their hair, let alone use special products and book regular appointments, you might want to choose one of the lower-maintenance options.

Techniques like shadow roots, root stretches, and balayage are generally easier to maintain than all-over color or money pieces. They’re designed to grow out gracefully without constant touch-ups.

Keeping Your Burgundy Hair Looking Fresh

Alright, so you’ve chosen your perfect burgundy hair style and you’ve gotten it done at the salon. Now what? Let me share some tips I’ve learned for keeping burgundy hair color looking vibrant for as long as possible.

The Products You Actually Need

Color-depositing shampoo is non-negotiable if you want your burgundy to last. These shampoos contain pigment that refreshes your color every time you wash. I like to use them once or twice a week, alternating with a gentle sulfate-free shampoo.

Speaking of sulfate-free shampoo—that’s important too. Sulfates strip color faster than anything else. Once I switched to sulfate-free products, my burgundy hair color lasted noticeably longer between salon visits.

A good leave-in conditioner or hair mask is your friend. Burgundy can be a bit drying, especially if you had to lighten your hair to achieve the color. Regular deep conditioning treatments keep your hair healthy and help the color look better.

Washing and Styling Tips

Here’s the truth nobody wants to hear: you need to wash your burgundy hair in cool water. I know, I know—hot showers are one of life’s great pleasures. But hot water opens your hair cuticles and lets that beautiful burgundy color wash right down the drain.

Try to wash your hair less frequently if possible. Every day you don’t wash is another day your color stays vibrant. I usually aim for 2-3 times per week, using dry shampoo in between.

When you heat style, always use a heat protectant. Heat damage not only harms your hair but also fades color faster. Your burgundy hair ideas will last much longer if you protect your hair from excessive heat.

Common Questions About Burgundy Hair

How Long Does Burgundy Hair Last?

In my experience, burgundy hair color starts to noticeably fade after about 3-4 weeks. By the 6-week mark, it’s usually faded quite a bit from the original intensity. But remember, faded burgundy can still look beautiful—it just looks different.

With proper maintenance using color-depositing products, you can extend that vibrancy. Some people go 8-10 weeks between full color appointments by supplementing with at-home color treatments.

Can You Go Burgundy Without Bleaching?

If you have dark hair, you can definitely achieve burgundy without bleaching. The color will show up as a rich, deep burgundy that’s gorgeous and dimensional.

If you have lighter hair or want a brighter, more vibrant burgundy, some lightening might be necessary. Your colorist can best advise based on your current hair color and the specific shade of burgundy you’re going for.

Will Burgundy Damage My Hair?

Any coloring process involves some level of processing, but burgundy itself isn’t inherently more damaging than other colors. If you need to bleach first, that’s where most of the damage would occur.

The key is working with a skilled colorist who understands how to minimize damage and following up with proper at-home care. Deep conditioning treatments, minimal heat styling, and gentle products all help keep colored hair healthy.

Making the Final Decision

Look, I’ve given you 18 burgundy hair ideas to choose from, but ultimately, the best choice is the one that makes you excited. Which photo made you think “wow, I need that”? That’s probably your answer.

Burgundy hair color is one of those colors that can work for almost anyone when you find the right shade and technique. Whether you go subtle with some soft highlights or bold with an all-over wine color, you’re going to look amazing.

Don’t let fear of commitment hold you back. Hair grows, color fades, and you can always change it if you don’t love it. The worst thing that could happen is you try something new and decide it’s not for you—and even then, you’ve learned something about yourself and your style.

So book that consultation, bring your inspiration photos, and get ready to rock some gorgeous burgundy hair. Trust me, you’re going to love it.

Quick Comparison of Burgundy Hair Styles

Style	Maintenance Level	Best For	Time Between Touch-Ups
All-Over Burgundy	High	Bold personalities	4-6 weeks
Burgundy Highlights	Medium	First-timers	8-10 weeks
Shadow Root	Low	Busy lifestyles	10-12 weeks
Balayage Tips	Low	Minimal commitment	12+ weeks
Money Pieces	Medium	Face-framing color	6-8 weeks
Burgundy Ombre	Low	Natural grow-out	10-12 weeks

Remember, these burgundy hair ideas are just starting points. Your colorist can customize any of these techniques to work with your specific hair type, face shape, and personal style. The most important thing is finding a burgundy shade that makes you feel confident and beautiful.