31 Red-Brown Hair Color Ideas to Spice Up Your Brunette
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If you're looking to mix things up as a brunette, but don't want to commit to a bleach job or an entirely new color, red-brown hair color could be the perfect fix. The shade is particularly popular among celebs right now (which means Instagram is full of great reference shots), but trendiness aside, it's a flattering choice for a wide range of hair types and skin tones. You'll get the best of both worlds by embracing your depth, and adding a little heat.
Which red-brown shade is right for me?
“Red-brown hair is vibrant and eye-catching, adding drama and sophistication,” says hairstylist and Ulta Beauty Pro team member Danielle Keasling. “It works well with fair to medium skin tones, enhancing warm undertones, and its versatility allows shades from subtle strawberry to deep auburn brunette.”
“This is a color you really have to speak and collaborate with your colorist on,” says Rita Hazan, Beyoncé's long-time celebrity colorist and founder of Rita Hazan Salon in NYC. As a rule of thumb, Hazan advises opting for rich tones over ashy browns, which might wash you out when tinged with red. “For those with warmer undertones, deeper shades of reddish brown will look best, while those with cooler undertones, look best with more vibrant cool shades," she says.
How much maintenance is involved in red-brown hair?
If it's your first time adding red tones to your hair, make sure you do your homework before committing: You might have to invest a bit more effort in making in last than previous color treatments. “Maintenance matters, so invest in professional color maintaining shampoos like Biolage Color Last is key to longevity and extended vibrancy. First-timers may start with red-leaning highlights before committing to a full color.”
“Reddish hues are infamous for washing out quicker than any shade, which is why I instruct my clients to do at-home glosses and deep conditioning in the shower between salon color sessions,” Hazan says. She recommends using Glaze Supergloss to boost vibrancy without disturbing your salon treatment in between appointments. “If you are not dosing your hair with color between visits, I tell clients to come into the salon at least every 4-6 weeks for a touchup,” she says.
Now, for the fun part. See top stylists and colorists’ favorite takes on red-brown hair color ahead, and get ready to screenshot.
Instagram @owengould1/31Classic Auburn
Auburn hair is the OG red-brown hybrid shade—the timeless signature of Drew Barrymore and Julia Roberts. “Auburn hair is vibrant and eye-catching, adding drama and sophistication. It works well with fair to medium skin tones, enhancing warm undertones,” says Keasling. “Classic auburn offers deep brown infused with auburn for a subtle yet striking effect.”
Instagram @telmamendes_hairartisan2/31Auburn Highlights
Taking your hair in a red-brown direction doesn't have to mean an all-over dye job; it could be as simple as adding some auburn streaks to your brunette base. “This adds depth and dimension to flat or monotone brown hair,” says Chase Kusero, celebrity hairstylist and cofounder of IGK Hair Care. While it’s low-maintenance, you should still use home hair care, he says: “Apply IGK Antisocial Time-Release Bond-Building Mask to keep hair hydrated and prevent fading.”
3/31Hazel Undertone
Hazan recently created this hazel tone for Aubrey Plaza—a super subtle approach to red-brown hair that relies heavily on undertones and lighting. If you're on the fence about a red commitment (or those extra salon visits), this is an ideal choice: “Hazel brown is a multidimensional shade that offers a subtle reddish hue that works perfect for cooler skin tones,” she says. “It's the first step into brownish red, that doesn't require as much maintenance.”
4/31Auburn Chestnut
Keke Palmer has remained committed to this color through a variety of haircuts and styles recently, and it's easy to see why. “Auburn chestnut pops in the sun,” says Lorena M. Valdes, a colorist at Maxine Salon. “To get the look, make an appointment for an allover color. For maintenance it will need a root touch-up every four to six weeks and when needed a gloss to freshen up the mids and ends.”
Edward Berthelot5/31Dark Cherry Chocolate
Ashley Park's rooty new shade is a great example of what Hazan likes to call “debut red”—a luxe first step on a red hair journey for extra dark or virgin hair. “It's bombshell, glamorous, golden red that has undertones of medium brunette,” she says. But take note: “This is a high-maintenance look that will need at-home glossing, and salon color more frequently.”
6/31Bronzed Auburn
Take your caramel highlights a step redder to create a bronzed, toasty combo. Bonus points for added depth when you keep your roots brunette.
Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Getty Images7/31Espresso Red
Celebrity colorist Nick Stenson points to “espresso and high-shine inky tones” as major 2026 color trends. Adding a dark cherry undertone, as seen in Jenna Ortega's recent color update, adds a whole new layer of dimension. “These shades make hair look thicker and healthier instantly,” Stenson says.
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images8/31Braided Ombré
Add some intrigue to your protective style by experimenting with red or auburn braids. By blending the new color with your natural brunette base, like Alicia Aylies, you can create a two-tone red and brown look that brings the best of both worlds.
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Instagram/@rickyfraserhair9/31Spicy Copper
For something a little more adventurous, Keasling recommends spicy copper luxe. “It’s a warm, rich blend that intertwines deep chestnut brown with shimmering copper highlights,” she says. “This combination adds depth and multidimensional shine, creating a luxe effect that complements all skin tones. The coppery accents catch the winter light beautifully, making hair look vibrant and full of life and luxury!”
Instagram/@evamendes10/31Praline Brown
Eva Mendes’s reddish shade of praline brown is also especially influential, says Diana Mildice, a colorist specialist at Maxine Salon who coined the shade’s name. “Praline auburn brown is a cozy blend of glowing golds and pearlescent browns achieved by placing very fine pieces of light gold and wider pieces of rich hazel brown throughout the hair,” she says. “Baby lights are a more delicate and finer thread, easing harsh grow-out, while the bolder hazel brown defines the highlights with stronger ribbons.”
But the best part? It’s super low-maintenance. “It’s a great option for brunettes who want to keep some brightness during the depth of winter,” she says.
Instagram/@willowavalon11/31Burnt-Orange Brunette
Prefer your auburn hair color on the toastier side? “Medium skin tones pair well with vibrant burnt orange infused with hints of red,” says Kim Kimble, celebrity stylist and Clairol brand partner.
“If your hair is dark, pre-lighten it with a bleach kit to ensure the color appears vibrant.”To get the perfect burnt-orange hue, Kimble suggests using Clairol Textures & Tones in Sunset Copper for a bold finish.
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Instagram/@hoshounkpatin12/31Copper Auburn
Want an even darker, more vibrant take on auburn? Michelle Cleveland, celebrity hairstylist, extensions artist, educator, and owner of Hair Addict Salon & Extension Bar, recommends a dark copper or penny-colored take on the shade. That’s also exactly what to ask for when asking for the look; a “copper” or “penny” auburn.
“When the color is vibrant and fresh it is stunning,” she continues. ”Just remember that as with most red-based colors, it can fade quickly. So color-protecting products between visits are always recommended to keep the hair looking fresh.”
Instagram/@sarahhyland13/31Vibrant Brunette
“Anyone can pull off a chestnut glow by adjusting the intensity to complement their natural skin tone,” says Renée Valerie, director of R+Color education and R+Color Collective member. One of her favorite ways to wear it? Vibrant chestnut brunette. “While it is technically a brown, it stands out for its warmth and richness, making it distinctly different from more neutral traditional brunettes.” Sarah Hyland has been sporting one of our favorite takes on the lush hue.
Instagram/@hairinel14/31Warm Balayage
Contrary to what some people may think, balayage is still one of the prettiest ways to wear chestnut hair color. “Chestnut balayage achieves a natural, sunlit gradient perfect for effortless chic and that lived-in look everyone’s loving,” says Keasling.
Instagram/@livkatecooke15/31Burgundy Brunette
If you have naturally dark hair and little time (or interest) in extensive maintenance, you might want to consider a brunette take on burgundy. “The burgundy shade blends beautifully with natural brunettes, requiring less lightening or damage compared to lighter hair colors,” says Kimble. “It also adds depth and dimension to dark hair.”
Instagram/@jennaperryhair16/31Strawberry Brunette
Kendall Jenner's strawberry brunette is one of the most popular takes on the shade in recent years. “This color is a blend of gold and copper hair colors,” says Jenna Perry, celebrity colorist and owner of Jenna Perry Hair. “It could also be described as ginger.”
As for how she customizes it for her clients? “Lighter skin tones look best with more gold copper,” she says. “Dark skin tones typically look better with a red copper.”
Instagram/@mararoszak17/31Honey Chestnut
“Chestnut is a rich, multidimensional hue that falls within the brunette family with a twist,” says Keasling. “Infused with a subtle warm, reddish-golden undertone mostly seen in outside light, it’s brown hair with a luxurious, sunlit glow,” Keasling explains. “While brown or brunette shades can range from ashy to deep espresso, chestnut hair is defined by its subtle warmth, giving it an extremely healthy appearance and incredibly polished feel.”
Instagram/@rickyfraserhair18/31Burgundy Tones
“Burgundy hair is a rich hue that blends deep red and purple tones, offering a bold, wine-like undertone that sets it apart from traditional browns or brunettes,” says Jennifer Korab, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Renaissance Salon & Spa. “Its versatility makes it suitable for a variety of skin tones—cooler burgundy shades pair beautifully with fair skin, balanced tones enhance medium skin, and warmer burgundy hues complement darker complexions.”
- Frazer Harrison/Getty Images19/31
Copper Balayage
When in doubt, look to Rihanna for beauty inspo—especially since balayage is making a comeback. “We are seeing a lot of copper brunettes that are high in shine and rich in copper, golden tones,” Jennifer Korab, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Renaissance Salon & Spa tells Glamour. “This hair color is soft and seamless. We are also seeing a lot of brunettes add highlights of copper to accentuate and create a warm, vibrant look.”
Instagram/@ninapark20/31Cherry Cola
“Cherry Cola is primarily a deep red with brown chocolate undertones with a soft hue of mahogany,” says Maxine Salon colorist Lauren Mildice. “You will need to get your roots colored about every six weeks due to outgrowth and refresh your ends with gloss or toner to bring back the vibrancy.”
You’ve likely already seen the look on Hoyeon Jung, Dua Lipa, and Cardi B. “The momentum is still growing as many others try Cherry Cola,” Mildice says. “This color works on all skin types, from fair to deeper complexions, from straight hair to coil—this color is made for everyone.”
- Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Getty Images21/31
Golden Auburn
According to Kusero, Emma Stone’s gilded auburn hair is “an amazing example” of the color’s potential: “It’s become her signature shade.” It’s not hard to see why. “It’s flattering with the right customization, adds brightness and a youthful glow, and is perfect for soft, romantic looks,” Kusero says.
Instagram/@sooparkmakeup22/31Copper Brown
Lauren Mildice also points to “bropper,” which is a brown-copper color blend, as a a perfect in-between red brown hair color shade. “This is a great option for the cozy months when you feel the urge to richen your color but do not want a dramatic change,” she says. “Everyone can embrace hair color warmth, especially when cozying up to a nice warm fire. Since copper and deep brunette color is in high demand during the colder months, combining the two just makes sense.”
- Theo Wargo/Getty Images23/31
Warm Burgundy
Want something more vibrant? If you have a warm undertone, Kimble recommends burgundy shades with rich, red undertones, like Gigi Hadid’s short-lived red hair.
Taking the plunge is especially convenient if your hair is already brown or brunette, Kimble adds: “If your hair is naturally dark, you may not need to pre-lighten, as these shades show vibrantly on darker bases.”
Instagram/@patrickta24/31Auburn Brunette
If you have naturally dark hair and little to no time (or patience) for extensive upkeep, you might want to consider auburn brunette. “Auburn brunette is a deep rich auburn that can easily be achieved by glossing over lighter brunette hair,” says Christine Bellemare, cofounder, owner, and lead stylist at Maven A Collect. “It also fades very well.” Looking for more auburn brunette inspo? Check out Rihanna’s gorgeous take on the look.
- Taylor Hill/Getty Images25/31
Strawberry Ombré
“Strawberry offers countless styling options,” says Korab. One of her—and our—favorite unexpected ways to wear the look is with rich red balayage, as seen on Priyanka Chopra Jonas. “Each variation of this color adds a personal twist to the trend, allowing for creativity and depth while keeping your hair vibrant and healthy,” Korab adds.
Instagram/@emrata26/31Amber Glazed
Emily Ratajkowski’s glazed amber hair is another ideal in-between red brown hair color, since it’s a relatively easy shade to transition back to your natural hue after (if you so desire). “I wanted to create a red shade that not only complemented her skin and eye color but also something that was fun for summer and easy for her to transition back to her signature brunette,” Perry says of the look she created for Ratajkowski.
- Michael Buckner/Getty Images27/31
Chestnut Copper
“Zendaya’s glossy chestnut hair highlights her glowing complexion,” says Keasling—and it’s true, her chestnut copper hair is indeed iconic.
Instagram/@garcelle28/31Mahogany Brunette
True red’s “earthier sister,” according to celebrity hair colorist and Evo creative director Tom Smith? A chic shade of celebrity-approved mahogany. “This shade has copper and gold elements with a touch of rose that makes it extremely pretty and unusual,” he says. “Its warm-cool nature makes it flattering for many skin tones.”
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Instagram/@hair__poet29/31Ombré Chestnut
“Adding chestnut lowlights or undertones can elevate your overall look without a drastic color change by adding light reflection and dimension to flat, dark hair,” says Keasling. “It’s great to enhance natural curls, waves, and texture by creating a shimmering, multitonal effect.” Case in point: Chloe Bailey.
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Instagram/@dianamildice30/31Auburnt Sienna
Auburn hair color, but make it even more brilliant. “Auburnt sienna is shimmering into the season with a multifaceted blend of our favorites!” says Diana Mildice. “The movement of terra-cotta copper, glitzy gold, and chili red appears lit from within this rich auburn base, and the golden micro-lights sprinkled throughout add just a touch of additional sparkle.”
What’s more, she adds, tons of variations of auburnt sienna are complementary to most skin tones and can be personalized based on each individual.
Instagram/@tonisiaa31/31Cool Burgundy
Alternatively, if you have a cooler skin tone (or feel like you tend to look better in silver jewelry than gold), Kimble suggests trying plum or violet.
“Cool skin tones pair well with burgundy shades that have plum or violet undertones,” she says. “For a daring shade of red with strong purple undertones, Clairol Natural Instincts 4RV Dark Burgundy Hair is your go-to.”
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