Is Burgundy Hair Color Right For You?

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 actually covers a wide range of gorgeous colors including:

 

1. Cabernet: deep and slightly redder than burgundy

2. Merlot: slightly lighter and a bit redder than burgundy

3. Cranberry: slightly pinker than burgundy

4. Cordovan: slightly browner than burgundy

5. Maroon: red chestnut-y

6. Claret: reddish with a faint touch of brown

7. Blackberry: deep black-violet

8. Cherry: bright and daring

9. Rosé: sparkling pink

10. Plum: burgundy with a purple-ish cast

 

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 general rule, 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.

 

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 scrupulously 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.

 

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 ideas.) 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 they are to be able to zero in on your heart’s desire for your perfect burgundy hair color.

 

A Little Burgundy or A Lot?

When it comes to choosing your new burgundy hair color, there are several ways to go. You can opt for an allover color or maybe just place burgundy balayage highlights in your brunette base shade. Or perhaps 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!

 

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!

 

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. And using a lightener like Matrix Light Master Bonder Inside will help prevent damage during the color service and repair existing damage. 

 

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. One of the top pro choices is the Matrix Keep Me Vivid Collection. The sulfate-free Keep Me Vivid Shampoo cleanses gently and is formulated to maintain the vibrancy of fast-fading hues like burgundy hair color.

 

Try to avoid the sun, which can also cause your burgundy color to fade. Of course sun exposure can’t always be avoided, so a leave-in likeKeep Me Vivid Color Velvetizer with UV and heat protection can fast become your burgundy hair color’s best friend.

 

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 like Matrix A Curl Can Dream Co-Wash for a low-impact cleansing option. If your roots become oily or dirty, reach for a dry shampoo likeMatrix Miracle Extender Dry Shampoo to keep your scalp fresh between shampoos. And remember--it’s important to make regular salon appointments for retouches to keep your color even, fresh and vibrant. 

 

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, scroll the tutorials on YouTube or TikTok or hit up the cosmetic experts at your favorite store for advice.

 

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—Matrix Food For Soft Rich Hydrating Treatment Mask is a go-to conditioning solution for many experts--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!