How to Make Auburn Hair Color: A Complete Guide in 2024
Auburn hair color is one of the most beautiful and timeless shades out there. This rich combination of red and brown offers a natural yet striking look. Auburn shades range from light and coppery tones to deep mahogany hues. Whether you’re trying to achieve auburn hair color at home or in a salon, this guide will cover everything you need to know—from selecting the perfect shade to maintaining your new color.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of creating the perfect auburn shade, give tips on caring for your colored hair, and answer common questions that may arise along the way. Let’s dive into the world of auburn hair color!
What Is Auburn Hair Color?
Auburn hair color is a blend of red and brown tones. Unlike fiery reds or deep browns, auburn combines the best of both to create a soft, natural color that flatters a variety of skin tones. The beauty of auburn is its versatility; whether you prefer a light, medium, or dark shade, auburn offers endless possibilities for customization.
Popular Shades of Auburn:
- Light Auburn: This shade is closer to a strawberry blonde, with a soft, coppery tint. It works well for those with fair skin or anyone who prefers a lighter, sun-kissed look.
- Medium Auburn: A balanced mix of red and brown, medium auburn is the perfect in-between. It’s rich but not too intense, making it a great option for those with medium skin tones.
- Dark Auburn: Dark auburn leans toward a reddish-brown, with deeper tones that are especially striking on people with darker skin. This shade gives a bold, sophisticated look without being too overpowering.
How to Achieve Auburn Hair Color at Home
If you’ve ever wondered whether you can achieve salon-worthy auburn hair at home, the answer is yes! You can absolutely create the perfect auburn shade on your own with a few key tools and steps. Let’s go over the steps you need to follow.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Auburn Hair Dye
The first and most important step is selecting the right hair dye. Different auburn shades suit different skin tones. Make sure to pick a shade that complements your natural complexion to ensure your new color looks flattering.
- Fair Skin: Lighter auburn shades, like copper or strawberry tones, will enhance your complexion without overwhelming it.
- Medium Skin: Medium auburn or golden reddish tones are perfect for adding warmth without making your skin look washed out.
- Dark Skin: Dark auburn or mahogany tones create a beautiful contrast with deeper skin tones, giving you a radiant look.
Pro Tip: Check the dye box for terms like “copper,” “red-brown,” or “mahogany” to ensure the dye contains the right balance of red pigments for an auburn look.
Step 2: Preparing Your Hair for Dyeing
Before you start the coloring process, it’s important to prepare your hair to ensure the color comes out vibrant and even. Let’s go over the steps you need to follow:
- Wash your hair 24-48 hours before dyeing. This gives your scalp time to produce natural oils that will help protect it during the dyeing process.
- Avoid using conditioner before coloring, as it can create a barrier between your hair and the dye.
- Check for damage. If your hair is dry or damaged, consider using a deep conditioning treatment a week before dyeing to prevent breakage.
Step 3: Applying the Dye
Now that your hair is prepped and ready, it’s time to apply the dye. Follow these simple steps:
- Divide your hair into sections. This helps ensure the dye is applied more evenly.
- Apply the dye from the roots to the ends, ensuring each strand is fully coated. Use a mirror to check the back of your head for missed spots.
- Set a timer according to the instructions on the dye box, usually around 20-30 minutes.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water to lock in the color. Hot water can strip the dye, so cool water helps keep the color vibrant.
- Use the conditioner provided in the box to add moisture and shine to your newly dyed hair.
Step 4: Post-Dyeing Care
After coloring your hair auburn, it’s important to keep it healthy and vibrant. Red pigments tend to fade faster than other colors, so follow these care tips to keep your auburn color looking fresh.
- Opt for color-safe shampoo and conditioner to preserve your hair color and prevent fading.
- Limit washing your hair to 2-3 times a week. Washing too frequently can strip your hair of its color.
- Avoid heat styling as much as possible. If you must use hot tools, apply a heat protectant spray to minimize damage.
Maintain Tip
Maintaining auburn hair color can be a little tricky since red pigments tend to fade more quickly than other colors. However, with the right care, you can keep your hair looking vibrant for weeks.
Limit Washing
One of the easiest ways to keep your auburn hair color vibrant is by cutting back on how often you wash your hair. Aim to wash your hair only 2-3 times a week at most. Overwashing can strip the color, making it fade faster.
Use Color-Enhancing Products
Invest in a color-depositing shampoo specifically designed for red or auburn hair. These shampoos contain pigments that refresh your color in between salon visits or touch-ups. You can also find color-enhancing conditioners that help keep your hair moisturized while enhancing the red tones.
Protect from Sun and Heat
UV rays can cause hair color to fade, so if you’re spending time outdoors, wear a hat or use a leave-in conditioner with SPF. When styling with heat tools, always apply a heat protectant spray to prevent color damage.
Deep Condition Weekly
A weekly deep conditioning treatment is key to maintaining the health of your colored hair. Color-treated hair tends to dry out more easily, so using a deep conditioner helps keep it hydrated, shiny, and soft.
Auburn Hair Color for Different Skin Tones
One of the greatest advantages of auburn hair color is its adaptability. Auburn shades can be customized to complement various skin tones. Here’s a quick guide to finding the right auburn shade for your complexion.
Auburn Hair for Fair Skin
If you have fair skin, lighter auburn shades are your best bet. Coppery tones and strawberry auburn can add a subtle warmth to your complexion without being too overpowering. These shades can also give you a soft, youthful glow.
Auburn Hair for Medium Skin
People with medium skin tones can experiment with medium auburn shades. These shades provide a beautiful, rich contrast that enhances your skin’s natural undertones. The warmth of medium auburn will complement your complexion, making it look healthy and radiant.
Auburn Hair for Dark Skin
Dark auburn shades like mahogany or deep red-brown look stunning on darker skin tones. These colors provide a dramatic yet natural look, adding depth and richness to your appearance. If you want to create a bold impression, dark auburn is an excellent option.
Auburn Hair Color in the Salon: What to Ask For
If you’re nervous about achieving the perfect auburn hair color at home, visiting a salon is always a safe option. Professional stylists can tailor the color to your exact preferences and ensure you leave with the best results.
How to Communicate with Your Stylist:
- Bring photos: Show your stylist pictures of the exact auburn shade you’re hoping to achieve. This helps make sure you both have the same expectations.
- Discuss maintenance: Ask your stylist about the upkeep required for auburn hair. They can recommend products and techniques to help you maintain the color.
- Consider highlights: If you’re looking to add more dimension, ask about highlights or balayage to give your auburn hair a multi-tonal effect.
Conclusion
Auburn hair color is a versatile, eye-catching shade that works well for almost everyone. Whether you’re opting for a light coppery tone or a rich, dark mahogany, auburn hair offers the perfect balance of red and brown tones. With the right care, your auburn hair color can stay vibrant and beautiful for weeks.
Whether you’re dyeing your hair at home or visiting a salon, follow these steps to ensure the best results. Try out auburn hair color and watch how it transforms your look! For more tips and advice on hair care and coloring, stay tuned to our blog.
Read Also: How to Get the Perfect Brunette Hair Color: A Step-by-Step Guide
FAQs About Auburn Hair Color
How long does auburn hair color last?
Auburn hair color typically lasts 4-6 weeks, depending on your washing frequency and the quality of the products you use. To extend the life of your color, consider using color-protecting shampoos and conditioners.
Can I achieve auburn hair if I have dark hair?
Yes! However, if your hair is naturally very dark, you may need to lighten it before applying auburn dye. This will help the red pigments show up more vividly.
Is auburn hair difficult to maintain?
Auburn hair can be tricky to maintain, primarily because red tones tend to fade faster than other colors. Frequent touch-ups and good hair care will help maintain the color’s freshness.
What’s the difference between auburn and red hair?
Auburn hair is a mix of red and brown tones, while red hair is purely red. Auburn is generally more muted and natural-looking, whereas red hair can be more vibrant and bold.
