Is Burgundy Hair Color Right For You?

Jackie Summers

May 02, 2017

If burgundy wine can uplift your soul, do you suppose that burgundy hair color can create the same impression in your hair? Absolutely! Here’s everything you need to know if you’re considering a shift to burgundy hair color!

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The Burgundy Range

Burgundy is a reddish brown shade that is associated with the color of the wine that comes from the Burgundy region of France. (Worth a trip if you’ve never been there!) In broader terms, and certainly when it comes to hair color, the notion of burgundy covers a wide range of gorgeous colors including:

Cabernet: deep and slightly redder than burgundy
Merlot: slightly lighter and a bit redder than burgundy
Cranberry: slightly pinker than burgundy
Cordovan: slightly browner than burgundy
Maroon: red chestnut-y
Claret: reddish with a faint touch of brown

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The Right Shade of Burgundy for Your Skin Tone

With so many pretty shades of burgundy to choose from, it’s possible to find one that’s perfect for your skin tone. As a rule of thumb, cooler burgundy shades that contain lots of red and violet look best on people with pink, olive or ebony skin tones. Warmer burgundy shades that contain more brown tones are beautiful on complexions that are peachy or golden. In general, burgundy hair color can be adjusted to flatter nearly every complexion.

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See a Pro For Your Burgundy Hair Color

Burgundies can be tricky shades to achieve, so it’s best not to try them at home. Your hair will have to be carefully prepared, and the color will have to be carefully applied, to get an even, vivid result. What’s more, formulation is critical to achieve the ideal shade for your complexion. A hair color professional might mix several different colors to get to your target hue, and she may also apply various shades in different sections of your hair (at the roots, toward the ends, etc.) in order to create a modern hair color design

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Pictures Are Essential to Achieving the Perfect Burgundy Shade

Because there are so many different hair color choices in the burgundy range, it’s important to show your hair stylist photos of the burgundy hair color you have in mind. That will be your starting point, and from there you can decide together if the finished product should be a bit more violet or red or brown. Check out the red inspirations on Matrix.com for inspiration. Collect photos you like, and examples of what you don’t like, because the more information you can provide your hair stylist, the more likely she is to zero in on your heart’s desire for your perfect burgundy hair color

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A Little Burgundy or A Lot?

When it comes to rocking your new burgundy hair color, there are several ways to go. You can opt for an allover color, or a burgundy balayage highlights in your brunette base shade. Or possibly you’ll be happiest with just a few peek-a-boo burgundy panels. There are many, many ways to design burgundy hair color, so collaborate with your hair stylist and get creative!

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Blonde to Burgundy Hair Color

The good news for blondes who want to be burgundy is that this color will look amazing, rich and vivid over your blonde color. The not-so-good news is that if a burgundy hair color design isn’t applied properly, your result could end up being a not-so-burgundy pink. If your hair is super pale, your colorist will have to actually darken it a bit before applying the final burgundy tone. Another reason not to try burgundy at home!

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Brown or Black to Burgundy Hair Color

Depending on how dark your natural color is, your stylist may actually have to lighten your hair before applying the final burgundy tone so that it will come out bright enough. Too-dark hair can swallow up a lighter color if it isn’t prepped properly. Your stylist will be able to control the degree of pre-lightening so it doesn’t get too light. She may also add a hair color bonder to your formula, which will prevent damage during the color service and repair existing damage.

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How To Care For Your Burgundy Hair at Home

Burgundy hair color looks best when it’s vivid. To prevent burgundy hair color from fading, ask your hair stylist for shampoo and conditioner formulas that are specifically made for colored hair. Try to avoid the sun, which can also cause your burgundy color to fade. Avoid over-shampooing. Shampooing too frequently is another way that this hair color can become faded. Try to skip a few days between shampoos if possible. Or try a cleansing conditioner for a low-impact cleansing option. If your roots become oily or dirty, reach for a dry shampoo to keep your scalp fresh between shampoos. And it’s important to make regular salon appointments for retouches to keep your color even, fresh and vibrant.

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Adjust Your Makeup to Match Your Burgundy Hair

Once you shift to a burgundy hair color, you may find that your existing makeup colors aren’t quite working. This is a dramatic shade, and you may need a more dramatic cosmetic palette. If your skin is fair, try plum eyeshadows and a pale or medium pink lip color. If your skin is dark, play around with navy or charcoal eye colors, balanced with a neutral lip color. Ask your stylist for a makeup consultation, or hit the cosmetic counter at your favorite store.

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The Burgundy Hair Color Commitment

Burgundy colors tend to stay put. Once they’re in, they’re not easy to remove. So it’s a good idea to be well committed to the hue once you take the plunge. And when you decide it’s time to return to your natural color, or to try something else, it’s best to put yourself back in your stylist’s hands. He or she will be able to remove the burgundy hair color without damaging your hair. (It may take two or three visits to the salon, depending on what color you’re trying to achieve.) They’ll also provide you with some deep conditioning formulas to use at home to keep your hair as strong and healthy as possible.

Now, are you tempted to indulge in one of these head-turning, sophisticated hues? Well cheers to you—you’ll never blend into the background when you’re sporting a stunning shade of burgundy hair color!