Auburn

Redwarm undertone

Auburn occupies a unique space on the hair color spectrum where red meets brown in a way that feels both natural and undeniably rich. It is not quite a fiery copper and not quite a muted brunette, but rather a sophisticated blend of warm reddish-brown tones that shifts beautifully under different lighting. Auburn has been a coveted shade for centuries, associated with warmth, vitality, and an approachable kind of elegance. What makes it particularly appealing is its versatility. There are deep, nearly burgundy auburns for those who want drama and lighter, copper-kissed auburns for a sun-warmed look. Unlike many trendy colors that come and go, auburn remains a perennial favorite because it flatters a wide range of skin tones and feels simultaneously classic and modern.

About Auburn

Auburn sits around levels 4 to 6 on the hair color scale, making it a medium-depth shade with significant red pigment woven through a brown base. The balance between red and brown determines where a specific auburn falls on the spectrum. A lighter auburn leans closer to copper with more visible orange-red warmth, while a deeper auburn approaches burgundy or mahogany territory with richer, wine-toned depth. The shade gets its name from the Old French word for whitish or yellowish-brown, though its modern usage firmly refers to red-brown tones. What makes auburn distinct from plain red or brown is the interplay between warm and cool red pigments. A well-formulated auburn contains both warm copper undertones and cooler red-violet notes, giving it that multidimensional quality that looks different in sunlight versus indoor lighting. It is one of the most requested shades in the red family because it provides the visual interest of red hair without the extreme maintenance demands of brighter, more vivid reds.

Color Card

Auburn

#922724

Undertonewarm

Level5 / 10

Difficultymedium

Who Does It Suit?

Fair with Warm UndertonesExcellent

Fair with Cool UndertonesGood

Medium with Warm UndertonesExcellent

Medium with Cool UndertonesGood

Olive SkinGood

Deep Skin TonesFair

How to Achieve Auburn

1
Consult with your colorist about the specific auburn tone you want. Bring reference photos showing the depth and warmth level you are aiming for. If your natural hair is darker than level 5, you will need some lightening before the color deposit; if it is lighter, a direct demi-permanent or permanent color application may be sufficient.
2
Pre-lighten if needed. For natural brunettes at level 3 or below, the stylist will apply a gentle lightener to bring the hair up to level 5 or 6, creating a canvas that can accept the auburn pigment without appearing muddy. A bond-building treatment should be used during this step.
3
Apply the auburn color formula. Your colorist will mix a custom blend of red, copper, and brown pigments calibrated to your desired outcome. Processing time is typically 30 to 45 minutes for permanent color. Demi-permanent options provide a glossier, more translucent result that fades more gradually.
4
Rinse with cool water, apply a color-locking conditioner, and style. Your colorist may recommend a clear gloss as a final step to seal the cuticle and amplify the multidimensional red-brown reflections.

Estimated salon cost: $120-$280

Colors That Pair Well

Copper

as highlights

Chocolate Brown

for depth

Caramel

as highlights

Burgundy

as lowlights

Maintenance Guide

Touch-up Frequency

Auburn requires root touch-ups every 5 to 7 weeks depending on how closely the shade matches your natural color. If your natural hair is already in the brunette range, regrowth blends more seamlessly and you can stretch appointments. A root smudge technique can also soften the grow-out line.

Fading Behavior

Red pigment molecules are the largest of all hair color molecules, which paradoxically makes them the fastest to fade. Auburn will gradually lose its red vibrancy and shift toward a flatter, warmer brown as the red pigment washes out. Sun exposure, hot water, and sulfate-based shampoos accelerate this process significantly.

Key Products

Sulfate-free shampoo formulated for color-treated hair
Red or copper color-depositing conditioner (use weekly to refresh vibrancy)
UV-protectant leave-in spray for outdoor exposure
Cool-water rinse habit to slow pigment release
Deep conditioning mask with keratin or argan oil

Common Mistakes

Washing with hot water, which opens the cuticle and flushes red pigment out faster than any other color family
Using clarifying shampoo or products with sulfates that strip the large red molecules from the hair shaft within weeks
Skipping color-depositing conditioner between appointments, allowing the auburn to flatten into a dull brown
Over-exposing auburn hair to direct sunlight without UV protection, which photo-degrades the red pigment rapidly

Try Auburn on Your Photo

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between auburn and copper hair?

Auburn and copper share the red hair color family, but they differ in both depth and undertone balance. Copper is a brighter, more orange-leaning shade that sits at levels 6 to 8 and delivers a bold, fiery warmth with minimal brown influence. Auburn, by contrast, is darker at levels 4 to 6 and blends red pigment with a substantial brown base, creating a more muted, sophisticated reddish-brown. Think of copper as the extroverted sibling and auburn as the polished, understated one. Auburn is typically easier to maintain because its brown base provides a natural-looking fade, while copper fades toward more noticeable orange or brassy tones.

Does auburn hair color work with green eyes?

Auburn is widely considered one of the most flattering hair colors for green eyes. The warm red-brown tones in auburn sit opposite green on the color wheel, which creates a complementary contrast that makes green eyes appear more vivid and saturated. This is true across different skin tones, whether you have fair, medium, or olive skin. Hazel eyes with green flecks also benefit enormously from auburn because the red tones pull out and emphasize the green within the hazel. If you have green or hazel eyes and are considering auburn, you are working with one of the most naturally harmonious color combinations available.

Can I achieve auburn hair at home?

Auburn is one of the more forgiving red shades to attempt at home, provided your starting level is within two shades of the target. If you are a natural medium brunette at level 4 to 6, a high-quality box dye or demi-permanent auburn formula can deliver good results. However, if your hair is significantly lighter or darker, or if it has been previously colored, a professional colorist will produce a far more even, multidimensional result. The biggest risk with DIY auburn is ending up with a flat, one-dimensional color that lacks the depth and red-brown interplay that makes auburn look natural and expensive. A salon visit also allows for custom tonal adjustments that box dye simply cannot offer.