Burgundy Hair Color: The Must-Have Trend of the Season

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  Food and Wine on Tue, Nov 11th, 2025 by InStyle

Burgundy Hair Color: The Must‑Have Trend of the Season

If you’ve been scrolling through your feed and you can’t help but stare at the gorgeous shades of deep red and wine‑toned locks, you’re not alone. InStyle’s recent feature on the burgundy hair trend has become the go‑to guide for anyone looking to try this luscious hue. From how the color looks on different skin tones to practical tips on how to maintain it, the article offers a full rundown of everything you need to know to rock the burgundy look.

1. What Is Burgundy Hair, and Why It’s Gaining Momentum

Burgundy hair sits somewhere between a classic auburn and a rich chocolate brown. Think of the color of a full‑bodied red wine or a ripe pomegranate – a deep, almost velvety shade that reflects light with a subtle sparkle. The article explains that this look has taken off because it provides a dramatic yet versatile twist on the more common brown and black base colors.

The trend’s popularity has been fueled by a few factors:

• Versatility: Burgundy works on both fair and dark skin tones, and it’s flattering across a wide range of hair lengths and textures.
• Low maintenance: Unlike bright reds or highlights that can fade quickly, burgundy tends to hold its color longer, making it ideal for busy lifestyles.
• Seasonal neutrality: This shade feels equally appropriate for spring and autumn, allowing you to keep the same color year‑round without drastic changes.

InStyle notes that many celebrities and influencers have embraced the hue, which has helped push the trend into mainstream salon offerings.

2. The Signature Shades of Burgundy

The article breaks the trend down into three main sub‑categories, each with a distinct undertone:

By matching the undertone to your natural skin tone and hair color, you can ensure the burgundy looks as vibrant or as subtle as you’d like.

3. Styling Ideas and How to Make Burgundy Work for Your Hair Type

The piece dives into a number of styling suggestions tailored to length and texture. Below is a quick snapshot of the key ideas:

• Short & Curly – A burgundy bob with subtle highlights can add dimension. For tight curls, a deep‑cut balayage in burgundy keeps the color from looking too harsh.
• Medium & Straight – Layered cuts are ideal, especially if you’re adding a splash of color to a brown base. The article also recommends a “root‑in” technique for a natural-looking regrowth line.
• Long & Wavy – A full burgundy cut can be bold, but for those who prefer a more relaxed look, half‑balayage or root‑in is the way to go.
• Fine Hair – To avoid a “washed‑out” appearance, opt for a lighter, caramel‑toned burgundy or add a touch of ash.

The article cites a quick tutorial from a stylist who shares the step‑by‑step process for a balayage that blends burgundy seamlessly into natural brown. If you’re self‑styling, they recommend using a small, angled brush to apply the dye for a more natural fade.

4. How to Get the Color

The article offers a thorough overview of how to obtain a beautiful burgundy finish, whether you go to a salon or try a DIY approach at home. The recommended route is:

1. Prep Your Hair – Deep‑condition the hair a week prior to coloring and avoid washing the day before.
2. Choose Your Product – InStyle lists three salon‑grade formulas that give consistent results: L’Oréal Paris Excellence 360 Color, Wella Color Charm, and Schwarzkopf Color Ultim8.
3. Application – Start at the roots and work down to the tips. For a deeper hue, leave the dye on for 35–45 minutes; for a lighter shade, 25–35 minutes is enough.
4. Rinse & Condition – Use a sulfate‑free shampoo, followed by a color‑protecting conditioner. A deep‑condition mask a day after helps lock in the pigment.

If you’re opting for a home kit, the article emphasizes the importance of doing a strand test. By checking how the color develops on a small patch of hair, you can avoid surprises.

5. Maintenance & Care Tips

Keeping burgundy hair vibrant requires a bit of extra care. The article gives a handy “10‑step routine” that covers everything from washing to storage:

1. Color‑Safe Shampoo – Choose a gentle, sulfate‑free product formulated for colored hair.
2. Condition Regularly – Use a leave‑in conditioner to keep the hair soft.
3. Cool Water Rinse – Reduces the amount of pigment that washes out.
4. Avoid Heat – Use a diffuser and heat‑protectant spray whenever you style.
5. Deep‑Condition Weekly – A protein mask helps maintain shine.
6. Touch‑Up Roots – Apply a toner at home to keep the roots matching the base shade.
7. Limit UV Exposure – Wear a hat or use a UV‑protectant spray to preserve color.
8. Stay Hydrated – Water intake also affects hair’s natural gloss.
9. Trim Every 8–12 Weeks – Keeps ends healthy and prevents split ends.
10. Use Color‑Safe Products – Many hair care brands now offer color‑specific formulations.

6. Resources & Extra Inspiration

InStyle provides links to several additional articles and resources for further reading:

• A guide on “Balayage vs. Root‑In: Which is Better for Burgundy?” that explains the nuances of each technique.
• A roundup of the best color‑protecting shampoos, featuring a side‑by‑side comparison of leading products.
• A Pinterest board curated by the staff that showcases dozens of real‑life burgundy looks across all hair types.

The article concludes by encouraging readers to embrace the color as a fun, creative outlet that can be customized to suit personality, lifestyle, and professional needs. Whether you’re a bold, trend‑setting professional or a subtle, everyday style enthusiast, burgundy offers a flexible palette that can transform your look with just a splash of color.