12 Auburn Hair Colors That Are Set To Steal The Spotlight (2025)

Have you ever caught sight of someone with auburn hair and thought, wow, they look like a walking Pinterest board?

There’s just something about this rich, multidimensional color that turns heads. It’s warm, it’s vibrant, and it’s versatile enough to suit almost anyone—yes, even you!

Auburn is a fabulous choice for those who want the boldness of red hair with the grounding depth of brunette.

It’s flattering for fair, medium, and even deep skin tones, and its versatility means you can tailor the shade to your vibe.

Whether you’re looking to warm up your complexion or bring a little spice to your hair game, there’s an auburn for you.

So, if you’re ready to dip into this fiery trend, let’s take a look at the 12 best auburn shades and how to make them work for you.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

  • 12 Auburn Hair Colors That Are Everything in 2025
  • 1. Classic Copper Auburn
  • 2. Cozy Chestnut Auburn
  • 3. Strawberry Auburn Glow
  • 4. Dark Mahogany Auburn
  • 5. Golden Auburn Highlights
  • 6. Burgundy Auburn Melt
  • 7. Spiced Cinnamon Auburn
  • 8. Soft Amber Auburn
  • 9. Deep Auburn Ombré
  • 10. Auburn Balayage
  • 11. Dark Auburn Brown
  • 12. Fiery Auburn Red
  • How to Pick the Right Auburn Shade For You
  • How to Maintain Auburn Hair
  • Parting Words
  • Authors

12 Auburn Hair Colors That Are Everything in 2025

There’s something magical about auburn hair—it’s vibrant, rich, and unapologetically chic. Whether you want to spice up your brunette locks or lean into a bold, fiery hue, auburn is one of the most versatile shades you can try. And the best part? There’s a version of auburn for everyone.

From soft and subtle chestnut tones to head-turning fiery reds, this list has all the inspo you need. Let’s get into the details for every shade, complete with tips and techniques to make your auburn dreams come true.

1. Classic Copper Auburn

12 Auburn Hair Colors That Are Set To Steal The Spotlight (1)

This coppery color shade combines vivid orange hues with brown undertones for a fiery, dimensional look that shines in any light. It’s bright, bold, and unapologetically fun.
All-over color is the classic approach, but adding babylights can give this shade extra movement.

Who It’s For: Fair to medium skin tones with warm undertones.

Expert Insights

“Copper shades fade faster than most colors, so I always recommend using a red shampoo and scheduling glosses to keep it fresh,” says Jenna Perry, celebrity colorist.

2. Cozy Chestnut Auburn

12 Auburn Hair Colors That Are Set To Steal The Spotlight (2)

A rich, earthy shade that’s more brunette with subtle auburn highlights. It’s understated and versatile, making it perfect for low-maintenance gals.

Reverse balayage (painting auburn onto darker hair) is a great way to achieve this soft, dimensional look.

Who It’s For: Medium to olive skin tones.

Expert Insights

Pair it with a long bob or loose waves for an effortlessly chic vibe.

3. Strawberry Auburn Glow

12 Auburn Hair Colors That Are Set To Steal The Spotlight (3)

Light, bright, and playful, this shade blends strawberry blonde with soft auburn for a look that feels sun-kissed and dreamy.

Balayage or babylights can create a seamless, natural blend of colors.

Who It’s For: Fair skin tones with cool undertones.

Expert Insights

“This shade thrives on shine! Use a glossing treatment every 4–6 weeks to keep it luminous,” says Tracey Cunningham.

4. Dark Mahogany Auburn

12 Auburn Hair Colors That Are Set To Steal The Spotlight (4)

A sultry mix of deep red and brown with hints of plum, mahogany auburn is rich, moody, and full of dimension. Ask for an all-over color with darker lowlights around the roots to add depth.

Who It’s For: Cool-toned complexions or those with medium to deep skin tones.

Expert Insights

Use a color-safe, purple-tinted shampoo to prevent brassiness from creeping into your mahogany tones.

5. Golden Auburn Highlights

12 Auburn Hair Colors That Are Set To Steal The Spotlight (5)

A warm, radiant shade that mixes golden highlights with a reddish-brown base, perfect for creating that “golden hour” glow. A layered balayage works wonders, blending gold and auburn tones for a soft, natural look.

Who It’s For: Medium to warm skin tones.

Expert Insights

Keep it glossy with lightweight oils like Moroccanoil to maintain that sunlit shine.

6. Burgundy Auburn Melt

12 Auburn Hair Colors That Are Set To Steal The Spotlight (6)

Burgundy auburn is bold and dramatic, blending deep wine-red tones with a touch of brown for a vampy, luxurious finish. Ombré or a rooted technique keeps this look edgy while cutting down on maintenance.

Who It’s For: Medium to dark skin tones with cool undertones.

Expert Insights

“Burgundy shades can fade fast, so avoid over-shampooing and always use a color-safe formula,” advises Tracey Cunningham.

7. Spiced Cinnamon Auburn

12 Auburn Hair Colors That Are Set To Steal The Spotlight (7)

A warm, spicy shade that brings autumn to mind. Cinnamon auburn is soft yet striking, with golden and red tones that blend beautifully.

Ask for a root smudge with cinnamon highlights painted through the mid-lengths and ends.

Who It’s For: Warm-toned complexions, but it can suit just about anyone with the right balance of tones.

Expert Insights

Pair it with curtain bangs or layers for extra movement.

8. Soft Amber Auburn

12 Auburn Hair Colors That Are Set To Steal The Spotlight (8)

This light, honey-toned take on auburn is warm and glowy without being too bold. It’s a great way to dip into red without going full-on fiery.

Soft balayage with amber tones blended into a natural brunette base creates a seamless, low-maintenance look.

Who It’s For: Fair to medium skin tones.

Expert Insights

“Amber tones work beautifully with wavy or curly hair—ask for layers to show off the dimension,” says Perry.

9. Deep Auburn Ombré

12 Auburn Hair Colors That Are Set To Steal The Spotlight (9)

This ombre style keeps your natural roots intact while transitioning into fiery auburn ends for a bold, high-contrast look.
A soft ombré application with lighter ends makes the color transition seamless.

Who It’s For: Anyone looking for a low-commitment way to rock auburn!

Expert Insights

Stylist’s Tip: Use a heat protectant religiously—ombre ends need extra TLC.

10. Auburn Balayage

12 Auburn Hair Colors That Are Set To Steal The Spotlight (10)

Natural brunettes, rejoice! Auburn balayage adds ribbons of warm, auburn tones throughout your hair for a sunlit, dimensional effect.

Balayage hair is all about freehand painting, so your stylist can customize the placement to flatter your face shape.

Who It’s For: Great for brunettes who want to try auburn without a full-color overhaul.

Expert Insights

“This is the perfect low-maintenance option, but be sure to keep your strands hydrated with a weekly mask,” Perry suggests.

11. Dark Auburn Brown

12 Auburn Hair Colors That Are Set To Steal The Spotlight (11)

This deep, chocolatey brown with hints of auburn is subtle, sophisticated, and perfect for anyone who prefers a more natural look. Full-color application works best for this rich, even finish.

Who It’s For: Medium to dark skin tones with neutral undertones.

Expert Insights

Straight styles make this shade shine—invest in a high-quality flat iron for that sleek finish.

12. Fiery Auburn Red

12 Auburn Hair Colors That Are Set To Steal The Spotlight (12)

This is auburn’s boldest, most dramatic form. Bright red with warm undertones, it’s a head-turner in every sense of the word.
All-over color or highlights around the face for a bold but wearable take.

Who It’s For: Fair to medium skin tones with warm undertones.

Expert Insights

“This shade loves moisture—use a leave-in conditioner regularly to keep it from drying out,” says Cunningham.

How to Pick the Right Auburn Shade For You

Choosing your perfect auburn isn’t as daunting as it seems—promise! Think of it like this:

  • Fair Skin? Stick to lighter shades like copper or strawberry for a soft, flattering look.
  • Medium Skin? You’re golden (literally)—try chestnut, mahogany, or golden auburn.
  • Deep Skin? Richer tones like burgundy or dark auburn brown will enhance your gorgeous complexion.

If you’re not sure which skin tones you have, take our quick quiz to find out!

What Color Are Your Skin Undertones? Take The Quiz!

How to Maintain Auburn Hair

Red tones are beautiful, but let’s face it—they’re high-maintenance. Here’s how to keep your auburn looking salon-fresh:

  1. Shampoo Smart: Use sulfate-free shampoos designed for redheads.
  2. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Red pigments thrive on moisture, so don’t skip your masks or oils.
  3. Protect from Heat: Heat styling can dull your color, so always use a heat protectant.
  4. Touch-Up Gloss: A gloss treatment every 4–6 weeks will keep your auburn looking vibrant and shiny.

Parting Words

Auburn hair is more than just a color—it’s a vibe. Whether you’re leaning into soft, subtle tones like chestnut or making a statement with fiery reds, there’s an auburn out there for everyone. The best part? It’s a color that feels luxurious, timeless, and so on-trend for this – and every! – year.

So, whether you’re sitting in the salon chair for a full-on color makeover or just adding a touch of auburn with balayage, remember this: your hair is your canvas, and auburn is the masterpiece. Go bold, stay vibrant, and don’t forget to have fun with it!

Which shade are you trying first? Let me know—I can’t wait to hear about your transformation!

12 Auburn Hair Colors That Are Set To Steal The Spotlight (13)

Our Research & Review Process

To ensure our recommendations are as comprehensive and reliable as possible, we’ve undertaken an extensive research effort.

We cite scientific evidence and journals, collect real user reviews and gather impartial perspectives from hair stylists, users, and experts in the field.

Additionally, we conduct hands-on testing by using products and applying hair dyes not only on our own locks but also on real human hair extensions and hair pieces of different hair type, textures and lengths.

This rigorous approach allows us to provide you with insights into which products genuinely live up to their promises.

As always – please consult with a professional hair colorist or stylist for advice on how to color your own hair at home. It’s different for everyone!

Let’s make this a year full of rich, stunning color!

Found your perfect shade? We’d love to see it! Tag us on Instagram@coloredhaircareorFacebookand share your hair color stories. Looking for more hair care tips? Check out How to Look After Colored Hair: 11 Expert Secrets For Long-Lasting Color.

  • 12 Auburn Hair Colors That Are Set To Steal The Spotlight (14)

    With over two decades of passionate hair dyeing experience, I've experimented with nearly every shade imaginable. My journey began long before blogging; as an award-winning copywriter in London and New York, I shaped narratives for iconic brands. However, when friends sought advice during lockdown for at-home hair dyeing, I realized my true calling. Beyond being your hair color expert, I'm a mom of two girls, wife to artist Tony, and an avid soccer player!

    View all posts

  • 12 Auburn Hair Colors That Are Set To Steal The Spotlight (15)

    I’m Enza Piazza, your go-to hair stylist and color consultant with over 23 years of professional salon experience bringing vibrancy and life to hair of all hues. My Italian roots from sunny Sicily infuse passion into every snip and color, a passion that’s been recognized with top honor awards including bridal and party hair at the National Hairdressers Federation’s Championships.After training in Surrey, UK’s most prestigious salons including Head Master Academy, I embraced the entrepreneurial spirit and set up Enza Hair Styling, offering tailored hair care for 13 years, and treating each client like family. Away from the salon, I cherish moments as a proud Nonna to grandson Joseph and as a playful companion to my Jack Russell, Bo.

    View all posts

12 Auburn Hair Colors That Are Set To Steal The Spotlight (2025)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Dean Jakubowski Ret

Last Updated:

Views: 5524

Rating: 5 / 5 (70 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Dean Jakubowski Ret

Birthday: 1996-05-10

Address: Apt. 425 4346 Santiago Islands, Shariside, AK 38830-1874

Phone: +96313309894162

Job: Legacy Sales Designer

Hobby: Baseball, Wood carving, Candle making, Jigsaw puzzles, Lacemaking, Parkour, Drawing

Introduction: My name is Dean Jakubowski Ret, I am a enthusiastic, friendly, homely, handsome, zealous, brainy, elegant person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.