Collection: Natural Burgundy Hair Color

Natural Burgundy Hair Colour: A Wearable Guide to Getting the Tone Right

Natural burgundy hair colour sits in that interesting space between a bold colour statement and something still office-appropriate, depending on how it's done. It's a shade that gets requested often but misunderstood just as often, since burgundy can range from a barely-there wine tint to a deep, dramatic plum. Here's how to think about it properly before you commit.

What Exactly Is Burgundy in Hair Colour Terms

Burgundy is a deep red-purple shade, named after the wine colour it resembles. In hair colour formulation, it typically sits between pure red and dark brown or black, with enough purple undertone to distinguish it from a simple auburn or copper.

Because burgundy isn't a single fixed shade, brands vary widely in how they formulate it. Some lean redder, some lean more purple, and some are subtle enough to only show in direct sunlight.

Reading Burgundy Undertones Correctly

Before choosing a burgundy shade, understand the undertone spectrum:

• Red-leaning burgundy looks closer to deep wine or cherry, more visible in daily light

• Purple-leaning burgundy looks closer to plum or eggplant, often more subtle indoors

• Brown-based burgundy blends burgundy into a dark brown base, showing red highlights mainly in sunlight

Knowing which category you're looking at on a product box (or asking a stylist to clarify) prevents surprises after application.

Who Burgundy Tends to Suit

Burgundy isn't universally flattering in the same way natural browns often are, so a bit more thought goes into choosing it.

• Cooler skin undertones often pair well with purple-leaning burgundy shades

• Warmer skin undertones tend to suit red-leaning burgundy better, since it echoes their natural warmth rather than clashing with it

• Deeper natural hair bases (dark brown to black) usually need a burgundy specifically formulated for dark hair, since lighter burgundy formulas may barely show up

Why Burgundy Behaves Differently on Grey Hair

Grey and white hair strands lack melanin, which changes how burgundy pigment develops compared to pigmented hair.

• Burgundy tends to appear brighter and more vivid on grey strands than on pigmented hair, since there's no underlying pigment to mute it

• This can create a two-tone effect if the grey percentage is uneven across the head, so an all-over, even application matters more with burgundy than with natural browns

• A strand test on a section with visible grey is particularly useful before committing to a full application

Testing Burgundy Before Full Commitment

Because burgundy carries more risk of an unexpected result than neutral browns, testing matters more here.

1. Do a strand test on a small, hidden section, ideally one that includes some grey if you have it

2. View the tested strand in both natural daylight and indoor lighting, since burgundy can shift dramatically between the two

3. Wait at least 24 hours before judging the final result, since colour settles after initial application

4. Compare the tested result against your skin tone directly, not just against the box image

How Burgundy Ages Over Time

Burgundy tends to fade differently than neutral brown or black shades.

• Red and purple pigment molecules are generally larger and can be more prone to fading with washing compared to brown or black pigments

• As burgundy fades, it can shift toward a warmer, more orange-leaning tone rather than simply lightening evenly

• Touch-ups may be needed slightly more frequently to maintain the original tone compared to a neutral brown

Formulation Considerations for a Cleaner Burgundy Result

Since burgundy is a more pigment-intensive shade, formulation quality affects how true the colour develops and how evenly it holds.

• Ammonia-free formulas can still achieve rich burgundy tones, though processing time may need to be followed precisely for full development

• Understanding a brand's approach to pigment stability, as the formulation reasoning explained on Natrique Naturals' Science In Us page, is useful before trying a bold shade for the first time

Maintaining Burgundy Between Applications

• Use a colour-safe shampoo formulated for red or fashion tones specifically, since regular shampoos can strip vibrant pigments faster

• Wash with cool water to slow down fading

• Limit sun exposure where practical, since UV rays can accelerate colour shift in red-based tones

• Touch up roots as they become visible, generally every 4 to 6 weeks depending on natural hair growth rate

Where to Explore Burgundy and Similar Shades

If you're ready to try a burgundy or wine-toned shade at home, the gel hair color collection includes options within this deeper tonal range, formulated for controlled, even application.

Setting Realistic Expectations

Burgundy is a striking shade, but it's not a low-maintenance choice compared to neutral browns. It fades differently, shows unevenly on mixed grey coverage if applied carelessly, and often needs slightly more frequent upkeep. Going in with this understanding leads to a result you'll actually be happy with weeks later, not just on application day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does burgundy look different on grey hair compared to pigmented hair?

Yes, burgundy tends to appear brighter and more vivid on grey strands since there's no underlying pigment to mute it.

Is burgundy a high-maintenance hair colour?

It generally fades faster than neutral brown or black, so touch-ups and colour-safe aftercare are more important.

How do I know if I should choose red-leaning or purple-leaning burgundy?

Warmer skin undertones typically suit red-leaning burgundy, while cooler undertones often suit purple-leaning shades better.

Why does burgundy fade toward an orange tone?

Red and purple pigment molecules fade at different rates, which can leave a warmer, more orange-leaning residual tone.

Should I strand test burgundy even if I've used hair colour before?

Yes, burgundy behaves differently from neutral shades, so testing is especially important even for experienced users.

Can burgundy be applied evenly on hair with significant grey coverage?

Yes, but even, careful application matters more with burgundy than neutral shades, since uneven coverage shows up more visibly.