If you’ve ever heard someone described as having auburn hair, you might have pictured a rich, reddish-brown color. But pinning down the exact shade can be surprisingly tricky. Is it more red? Is it more brown? The truth is, auburn is a captivating and complex color that sits at a beautiful crossroads, often changing its appearance in different lights.
At its heart, auburn hair is a variety of red hair, but it’s distinct from the bright copper or strawberry blonde shades you might first imagine. It’s characterized by its deep, brown base that is richly infused with red and reddish-gold highlights. Think of the color of a polished mahogany table or the rusty leaves of autumn—that’s the essence of auburn.
How Auburn Differs from Other Red Hair Colors
It’s easy to mix up auburn with other shades of red, but a few key differences set it apart. True chestnut hair is primarily a rich brown with subtle, warm red undertones. A vibrant copper or ginger color, on the other hand, is much brighter and has a stronger orange-gold presence. Auburn beautifully bridges the gap between these two. It has more red pigment than chestnut but is deeper and less orange than a true copper. This balance gives it a sophisticated, warm glow that is less intense than fiery reds.
The Many Shades of Auburn Hair
One of the most fascinating things about auburn is its range. Not all auburn hair looks the same! The specific balance of red and brown can vary dramatically from person to person. You might see light auburn, which has more noticeable red and golden tones, making it appear brighter. Dark auburn leans much more heavily on its brown base, with the red tones revealing themselves as shimmering highlights in the sun. This versatility means auburn can be a flattering color for many different skin tones.
Considering an Auburn Hair Color?
If you’re thinking about coloring your hair auburn, it helps to communicate clearly with your stylist. Instead of just saying “auburn,” you can describe the specific balance you want. Do you prefer a darker, brown-dominated auburn, or a lighter, more radiant red auburn? Bringing a few photos can be the most helpful tool. Because auburn contains warm red pigments, be aware that these tones can fade faster than other colors. Using color-safe, sulfate-free shampoos and washing with cool water can help maintain that beautiful, rich color for longer.
Auburn hair is more than just a color; it’s a warm, dimensional, and timeless shade that captures the depth of brown and the passion of red. Its chameleon-like nature ensures that it always retains an element of subtle surprise and elegance.