20 Styles for Auburn Hair

Auburn hair is a vibrant and versatile blend of red and brown tones. It has the ability to brighten complexions, enhance natural features, and add depth, making it flattering for many hair types and lengths. Auburn is both timeless and on-trend, with shades ranging from subtle chestnut hues to bold copper-reds.

What is Auburn Hair?

Auburn hair encompasses a spectrum of shades that blend red and brown undertones, ranging from soft chestnut-reds to fiery copper-infused browns. It adds warmth and can flatter both fair and deeper skin tones, making it a versatile choice. Popular for its ability to bring dimension, vibrancy, and shine, auburn hair offers a rich, eye-catching look.

What is the Difference Between Auburn and Copper Hair?

Auburn hair is usually brown based with red undertones, giving it a natural, versatile look that’s easy to wear every day. Copper hair, on the other hand, leans more toward orange-red, creating a brighter and more striking appearance. While auburn offers subtle warmth and dimension, copper makes a bold, eye-catching statement.

Key Considerations for Auburn Hair

Skin Tone

Deeper, burgundy-leaning auburn shades complement cool skin tones, while golden auburn and copper-infused hues flatter warm undertones. Those with neutral skin tones can usually pull off nearly any variation of auburn, making it a versatile choice for all complexions.

Hair Length

Auburn bobs make a bold, stylish statement, while mid-length cuts beautifully showcase the hair’s shine and depth. Longer hair allows for layering multiple auburn tones, adding dimension and movement to the overall look.

Maintenance Level

Auburn tones tend to fade faster than brunette shades, so maintaining their vibrancy requires a bit of extra care. Using colour-safe products and occasional gloss treatments can help keep the hair looking rich and radiant for longer.

Personal Style

When it comes to personal style, softer chestnut auburn tones are perfect for those who prefer a natural, effortless look. On the other hand, if you’re looking to stand out and embrace a more fashion-forward vibe, bold copper-infused auburn shades are a striking choice that captures attention and sets trends.

20 Stunning Auburn Hair Ideas

1. Classic Auburn

Classic auburn combines deep brown with warm red tones for a rich, radiant colour. Celebrities like Julianne Moore and Isla Fisher have made this shade iconic, proving its timeless appeal.

Suitable hair types: This colour works across most lengths and textures, from sleek bobs to long waves. It’s especially flattering on fair to medium skin tones, where the red undertones can really brighten the complexion.

Styling tips: Maintain vibrancy with a colour-safe shampoo and refresh shine using a gloss treatment or serum. Soft waves or smooth blow-dries help showcase the depth and dimension of the shade.

2. Deep Chestnut Auburn

Deep chestnut auburn blends rich brown with subtle red undertones for a warm and stylish look. Celebrities like Emma Stone and Anne Hathaway have been seen rocking this shade, highlighting its versatile appeal.

Suitable hair types: This shade works well on medium to long hair and is flattering on most textures, from straight to wavy or curly. It complements fair to olive skin tones, adding warmth and depth without being overpowering.

Styling tips: Keep the colour vibrant with a colour-safe shampoo and occasional gloss treatments. Sleek blow-dries, soft curls, or low-maintenance waves help emphasise the richness and subtle red highlights of the shade.

3. Golden Auburn Highlights

Golden auburn highlights blend warm red-brown tones with golden streaks for a radiant, sun-kissed effect. Celebrities like Amy Adams have worn this look beautifully, showing how the golden accents add brightness and dimension while keeping the overall colour soft and natural.

Suitable hair types: These highlights are ideal for medium to long lengths and look especially striking on layered, wavy, or curly styles. They complement warm and neutral skin tones, enhancing a natural glow.

Styling tips: Use a sulphate-free, colour-safe shampoo to preserve the golden tones and keep them glossy. Soft waves, tousled blow-dries, or loose curls help catch the light and showcase the depth of the highlights.

4. Copper-Infused Auburn

Copper-infused auburn combines rich red-brown tones with vibrant copper hues for a bold, fiery finish. Celebrities like Christina Hendricks have made this look iconic, proving how the copper shine looks striking and adds warmth to the hair.

Suitable hair types: This shade works well on most textures and shines brightest on medium to long lengths, where the copper dimension can stand out. It’s especially flattering on fair to medium skin tones, adding glow and vibrancy.

Styling tips: Maintain the intensity with a colour-safe shampoo and consider gloss treatments to keep the copper tones bright. Loose curls or smooth, polished blow-dries help showcase the multidimensional shimmer of the colour.

5. Mahogany Auburn

Mahogany auburn blends deep red and brown tones with a hint of purple for a rich, sophisticated look. Celebrities like Eva Longoria have worn this shade beautifully, showing how the mahogany undertones add depth and a touch of drama while remaining elegant.

Suitable hair types: This colour is flattering on medium to dark hair and works across straight, wavy, and curly textures. It looks especially striking on medium to deep skin tones, where the mix of red and purple undertones enhances natural warmth.

Styling tips: Use a colour-safe shampoo to preserve the richness of the shade and refresh vibrancy with gloss treatments when needed. Sleek, straight styles highlight its polished depth, while soft curls or waves add dimension and shine.

6. Subtle Auburn Balayage

Subtle auburn balayage blends natural brunette tones with soft auburn highlights for a sun-kissed, dimensional effect. Celebrities like Lily Collins have embraced this look, proving how it adds warmth and movement while keeping the overall style low-maintenance and natural.

Suitable hair types: This technique works especially well on medium to long lengths, where the gradual colour transition can shine. It flatters most hair textures and is particularly versatile for neutral to warm skin tones.

Styling tips: Preserve the balayage effect with a colour-safe shampoo and hydrate regularly to keep ends smooth and glossy. Loose waves or tousled curls enhance the painted-on highlights, while straight styles showcase the soft blend.

7. Dark Red Auburn

Dark red auburn combines deep brown bases with intense red undertones, creating a bold yet sophisticated shade. Celebrities like Debra Messing have often showcased this look, demonstrating how the rich red tones add drama while still feeling wearable.

Suitable hair types: This colour works beautifully on medium to long lengths and is especially flattering on straight or wavy textures. It complements fair to medium skin tones, adding vibrancy, while also bringing depth to deeper complexions.

Styling tips: Use a colour-protecting shampoo and conditioner to maintain the intensity of the red tones. Smooth blow-dries highlight its richness, while soft waves or curls add dimension and shine.

8. Face-Framing Auburn Layers

Face-framing auburn layers blend warm red-brown tones with strategically placed highlights around the face, creating a soft, flattering glow. Celebrities like Jessica Alba have shown how this style brightens the complexion and adds movement while keeping the look natural.

Suitable hair types: This style works best on medium to long hair and suits most textures, from straight to wavy. It’s particularly flattering on warm and neutral skin tones, enhancing facial features with subtle, luminous streaks.

Styling tips: Maintain vibrancy with a colour-safe shampoo and refresh shine with gloss treatments. Soft waves, curls, or a sleek blow-dry can help emphasise the layers and showcase the face-brightening effect of the auburn highlights.

9. Auburn with Caramel Lowlights

Auburn with caramel lowlights combines rich red-brown tones with deeper caramel strands, adding depth and dimension for a multi-dimensional, natural finish. Celebrities like Sofia Vergara have showcased this look, highlighting how the contrast between auburn and caramel creates warmth and movement.

Suitable hair types: This style works beautifully on medium to long lengths and is flattering on most textures, from straight to wavy or curly. It suits warm to neutral skin tones, enhancing natural warmth and glow.

Styling tips: Protect the colour with a colour-safe shampoo and use a gloss treatment to maintain shine. Loose waves, soft curls, or a smooth blow-dry help highlight the interplay between auburn and caramel tones.

10. Soft Auburn Ombré

Soft auburn ombré transitions gently from a rich auburn base to lighter, sun-kissed ends, creating a natural, dimensional effect. Celebrities like Emma Watson have embraced this style, showing how the gradual colour shift adds warmth and subtle movement without being overpowering.

Suitable hair types: This look works best on medium to long lengths and complements most textures, especially wavy or layered styles. It flatters fair to medium skin tones, enhancing natural brightness and glow.

Styling tips: Maintain the gradient with a colour-safe shampoo and occasional gloss treatments. Loose waves or soft curls enhance the transition, while straight styles showcase the smooth ombré effect.

11. Rich Copper Auburn

Rich copper auburn blends deep red brown with bright copper tones for a bold, radiant finish. Celebrities like Nicole Kidman have made this shade iconic, showing how copper highlights can bring warmth and energy to the hair.

Suitable hair types: Works on medium to long hair, straight or wavy, and flatters fair to medium skin tones.

Styling tips: Use colour-safe shampoo and gloss treatments to maintain vibrancy. Soft waves or sleek styles highlight the copper dimension.

12. Auburn with Rose Gold Highlights

This style combines auburn bases with subtle rose gold highlights, creating a soft shimmer. Emma Roberts has showcased this look, demonstrating its delicate, modern appeal.

Suitable hair types: Medium to long hair, particularly layered or textured styles. Complements warm and neutral skin tones.

Styling tips: Colour-safe shampoo and conditioning treatments preserve the shine. Loose waves or tousled curls emphasise the rose gold accents.

13. Deep Auburn Chocolate

Deep auburn chocolate is a rich mix of dark brown and auburn tones, which results in a luxurious finish. Selena Gomez has worn this shade beautifully, showing its versatility.

Suitable hair types: Straight or wavy hair, medium to long lengths. Flattering for fair to olive skin tones.

Styling tips: Gloss treatments enhance depth and shine. Sleek styles or soft curls bring out the subtle red undertones.

14. Auburn with Honey Highlights

Auburn with honey highlights combines warm auburn with lighter golden strands for a sun-kissed, dimensional effect. Jessica Biel has sported this look, giving her hair a natural, radiant glow.

Suitable hair types: Works on layered medium to long hair. Complements warm and neutral skin tones.

Styling tips: Protect colour with sulphate-free shampoo. Loose waves or curls showcase the honey highlights.

15. Vibrant Auburn Red

Vibrant auburn red is a striking, fiery shade that blends bright red with auburn undertones for bold intensity. Christina Hendricks is a perfect example of this eye-catching style.

Suitable hair types: Best on medium to long hair, straight or wavy. Flattering on fair to medium skin tones.

Styling tips: Colour-safe shampoo and gloss treatments maintain vibrancy. Soft curls or sleek blow-dries enhance the fiery red tones.

16. Auburn with Bronde Balayage

Auburn with bronde balayage blends warm auburn roots into bronde ends for a trendy, lived-in effect. Gigi Hadid has sported this look, making it perfect for a low-maintenance yet chic style.

Suitable hair types: Medium to long hair, wavy or layered. Flattering on warm and neutral skin tones.

Styling tips: Maintain with colour-safe shampoo. Soft waves or curls showcase the subtle blend.

17. Smoky Auburn

Smoky auburn combines deep auburn with cool, muted undertones for a modern, edgy twist on a classic shade. Lily Collins has showcased this look, proving it works for a polished, contemporary style.

Suitable hair types: Medium to long hair, sleek or layered textures. Complements fair to olive skin tones.

Styling tips: Colour-safe shampoo and gloss treatments preserve the smoky richness. Sleek blow-dries or soft waves bring out the nuanced tones.

18. Auburn with Violet Undertones

This style blends auburn with soft violet undertones, creating a unique and fashion-forward effect. Celebrities like Kelly Osbourne have experimented with this look, giving auburn a modern, edgy twist.

Suitable hair types: Medium to long lengths, especially straight or slightly wavy textures. Complements fair to medium skin tones.

Styling tips: Protect the colour with a gentle, colour-safe shampoo. Sleek blow-dries or soft waves help show off the violet shimmer in the auburn base.

19. Auburn Peekaboo Highlights

Auburn Peekaboo highlights feature hidden auburn streaks beneath the top layer of hair for a subtle yet playful pop of colour. Emma Roberts has been seen with this style, offering a fun and low-maintenance way to experiment with auburn.

Suitable hair types: Works best on medium to long hair, straight or layered textures. Flattering on neutral to warm skin tones.

Styling tips: Protect the hidden tones with a colour-safe shampoo. Light curls or flips reveal the peekaboo highlights naturally.

20. Smoky Lavender Auburn

Smoky lavender auburn blends deep auburn with muted lavender hues, creating a soft, unconventional look. Stars like Sarah Hyland have rocked similar shades.

Suitable hair types: Medium to long hair, especially straight or softly wavy. Works on fair to medium skin tones.

Styling tips: Maintain colour vibrancy with gentle, sulphate-free shampoo. Sleek styles or soft waves highlight the unique mix of auburn and lavender.

Tips for Maintaining Auburn Hair

Use Colour-Safe Products

Red and auburn tones tend to fade faster than other shades, so using a colour-safe shampoo and conditioner is essential to maintain vibrancy and shine. Look for products that are specifically formulated for coloured hair, particularly those designed for red or warm tones, as they help lock in colour while nourishing strands. Using these shampoos and conditioners regularly, along with occasional gloss treatments or deep-conditioning masks, can help prevent fading, enhance shine, and keep auburn shades looking fresh and radiant for longer.

Schedule Regular Touch-Ups

Auburn hair can gradually lose its intensity over time, especially when exposed to sunlight, heat styling, or frequent washing. To maintain depth, vibrancy, and an even tone, regular touch-ups are important. Refreshing roots and reapplying colour to faded sections ensures that your auburn shade stays consistent from root to tip, keeping the hair looking rich, luminous, and full of life. Scheduling touch-ups every 6–8 weeks (or as needed, depending on your hair growth and fade) helps preserve the warmth and dimension that make auburn tones so striking.

Regular Gloss Treatments

Gloss treatments are a great way to keep auburn hair looking vibrant and freshly coloured between salon visits. They work by boosting shine, enhancing the richness of red and warm tones, and smoothing the hair’s surface for a healthy, luminous finish. Regular glossing can help revive faded auburn shades, maintain depth, and give hair a polished, salon-fresh appearance without fully re-colouring it. Incorporating gloss treatments into your routine ensures that red and auburn tones stay radiant and eye-catching for longer.

Protect Against Heat Damage

Heat styling can dull auburn hair and accelerate colour fading, so it’s important to take precautions. Limiting the use of straighteners, curling tongs, and hair dryers helps preserve the vibrancy and health of your hair. When heat styling is necessary, always apply a heat protectant beforehand to shield strands from damage. This not only maintains shine and smoothness but also helps prevent auburn tones from losing their depth and intensity, keeping your hair looking vibrant and freshly coloured for longer.

Book Your Auburn Hair Transformation at Rush

Discover your perfect auburn shade with a consultation at your nearest Rush salon. Our expert stylists will create a vibrant, personalised look that enhances your features.