Black hair with burgundy highlights lets you enjoy a rich wine color while keeping your dark base. Indoors, it looks deep and wine-like, but in the sun, it shifts to a red-purple shade. In this guide, you’ll find 16 ways to try this look, from subtle tints to bold balayage, plus tips on bleaching, matching your skin tone, and maintaining your color.
⚡ Quick Answer
Best shades: Deep burgundy, wine merlot, plum burgundy and burgundy brown show best on a black base.
Bleach or technique: No bleach for a sunlight tint, light lift to level 5 to 6 for vivid balayage, foils or a money piece.
Placement: Balayage and peekaboo grow out softest, foils and chunky pieces show the most contrast.
Upkeep: Gloss every 4 to 6 weeks, full refresh 7 to 9 weeks, color safe wash 1 to 2 times a week.
What Are Burgundy Highlights on Black Hair?
A rich wine-red touch against a deep black base.
Deep wine red with subtle purple tones, placed in selected sections of black or near-black hair.
Burgundy blends naturally with black while adding a red-purple glow when light hits the hair.
It creates a softer blend and usually needs less upkeep than brighter cherry red or copper highlights.
On natural black hair without lightening, burgundy usually appears as a subtle tint in sunlight rather than a vivid wine-red shade.
Shade Guide: Which Burgundy Should You Pick?
Compare the color, sunlight effect, skin tones, and lift needed.
| Shade | Indoor Look on Black Hair | Sunlight Look | Best Skin Tones | Lift Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deep Burgundy | Almost black, rich wine hint | Deep red wine glow | Olive, neutral, deep | None to level 4 |
| Wine Merlot | Dark red-brown depth | Warm merlot red flash | Cool, neutral, deep | Level 5 |
| Plum Burgundy | Black with a violet hint | Purple-red glow | Cool, fair cool, deep | Level 5 to 6 |
| Cherry Burgundy | Dark red, clearly visible | Bright cherry-wine shine | Deep, warm, neutral | Level 6 |
| Burgundy Brown | Soft reddish-brown depth | Gentle warm red sheen | Warm, olive, medium | None to level 4 |
| Maroon Burgundy | Deep muted red | Soft maroon-red glow | Warm, medium, olive | Level 4 to 5 |
On mobile, swipe horizontally to compare all five columns.
The deeper the burgundy, the less lift it needs and the softer it fades. Brighter and more purple shades need more lift and gloss care.
Black Hair with Burgundy Highlights: Bleach or No Bleach?
The answer depends on how bright and visible you want your burgundy highlights to look.
| Result You Want | Lift Needed | Damage Risk |
|---|---|---|
| A burgundy tint that shows in sunlight only | No bleach. Try a high-lift tint or gloss, depending on your hair and product. | Lowest |
| Deep burgundy pieces that show indoors too | Lift to level 4–5 first, then deposit burgundy. | Low to medium |
| Vivid wine, plum, or cherry burgundy pieces | Lift to level 5–6 first, then deposit burgundy. | Medium |
| Bright burgundy money piece or chunky streaks | Lift to level 6 on those pieces only. | Medium, but only on a small area |
On mobile, swipe horizontally to compare all three columns.
Both claims you read online are partly right: burgundy dye alone on black hair can give a subtle tint with no bleach, especially in sunlight. Vivid burgundy highlights usually need a light lift first. Pick the result you want, then choose the method.
Let’s check out 16 black hair ideas with burgundy highlights, all shown with real salon looks.
1. Subtle Burgundy Tint on Black Hair
Fine burgundy red lowlights run through these shoulder-length waves. When lifted, you can see how softly the color blends over the black base. This no-bleach burgundy tint mostly shows in good light, hides grow-out, and is perfect for first-timers.
Wear It If
You want color people notice outdoors, not across a meeting room.
Skip It If
You want burgundy that shows clearly indoors, because a tint stays subtle inside.
2. Deep Burgundy Balayage
Deep burgundy balayage blends through these long waves, staying dark at the roots and becoming richer at the ends, so the black base stands out. Burgundy balayage on black hair grows out softly over months. For a brighter red, check out black hair with cherry red highlights before you book.
Wear It If
You want deep burgundy highlights with the softest grow out in this guide.
Skip It If
You want color right at the roots, because balayage keeps the top dark.
3. Burgundy Money Piece on Black Hair
Two vivid burgundy panels frame the face, while the sides and back stay pure black. This way, the color stands out and the base keeps its depth. A burgundy money piece on black hair only needs a little lift at the front, so there’s less damage and touch-ups are quick and affordable.
Wear It If
You want the boldest burgundy effect for the least coloring.
Skip It If
You rarely wear your hair down or parted in the middle.
4. Wine Merlot Highlights
This style features long waves with a nearly black crown that gradually fades into deep wine burgundy lengths, finished with a smooth, glossy look. The back shows the full blend. Wine merlot balayage keeps the roots natural, adds color through the mids and ends, and grows out softly over several months.
Wear It If
You love a deep wine-red finish and wear your hair in loose waves.
Skip It If
You want burgundy at the roots too, because this melt keeps the crown dark.
5. Plum Burgundy Highlights
Plum burgundy runs through this long, wavy hair in deep purple and burgundy tones, which are cooler and moodier than wine red. This shade suits cool skin and fades to a soft violet tint. For a warmer red-brown look, see light reddish brown hair color ideas.
Wear It If
You want burgundy with a purple edge and a cool finish.
Skip It If
Your skin is very warm and golden, because plum can fight warm undertones.
6. Burgundy Peekaboo Highlights
Here, glossy black hair stays smooth and dark on top, while rich burgundy is hidden underneath and shows through the lower layers when the hair moves. With this peekaboo style, your hair looks fully black at work, but reveals a wine color in a ponytail or loose waves.
Wear It If
You want hidden color you can show or cover in seconds.
Skip It If
You want burgundy visible from the front all day, because peekaboo hides on purpose.
7. Chunky Burgundy Highlights
Thick burgundy streaks run through this long black hair from the top layers down. They’re bold, glossy, and easy to spot even indoors. Chunky burgundy highlights only need lifting on those sections, so the rest of your hair stays healthy and fully black between salon visits.
Wear It If
You love a strong, statement contrast and wear your hair down often.
Skip It If
You want a soft blend, because chunky pieces are meant to stand apart.
8. Burgundy Brown Soft Highlights
Here, long black waves remain deep and dark at the crown, while fine burgundy streaks run softly through each layer and catch the light with a wine-red glow. These soft burgundy highlights look subtle, but the color still stands out both indoors and outside.
Wear It If
You want burgundy woven softly through waves, visible but never loud.
Skip It If
You want thick, high-contrast pieces, because these streaks stay fine and blended.
9. Bright Burgundy Balayage With Black Roots
A black base blends into vibrant red wine highlights through these salon curls, with bright ends and deep roots. Bright burgundy balayage needs the most lift, so it works best on healthy hair. Texture affects how the color catches the light, as shown in curly dark brown hair with highlights.
Wear It If
You want the brightest burgundy ends with a soft, dark root.
Skip It If
Your ends are already dry or split, because bright balayage lifts them most.
10. Cherry Burgundy Highlights
This look is called black cherry velvet: long, soft waves have deep burgundy and cherry-toned highlights with a glossy finish. Cherry burgundy is brighter than deep burgundy and warmer than plum, so it flatters deep and neutral skin while the dark base stays visible between highlights.
Wear It If
You want burgundy with a juicy cherry shine in photos.
Skip It If
You hate upkeep, because cherry tones are the fastest burgundy shades to fade.
11. Burgundy Ombre Ends
The roots and crown stay dark, then the color blends smoothly into rich, vibrant burgundy at the ends of these long waves. Burgundy ombre ends keep the lift and damage at the tips, which you can trim off, and the black roots never need a touch-up.
Wear It If
You want bold color with zero root upkeep.
Skip It If
Your hair is short, because ombre needs length to melt properly.
12. Full Head Burgundy Highlights on Black Curls
Long black curls look stunning with rich burgundy tones and cherry red reflections blended throughout the deep, dark base. This way, every curl stands out and catches the light. To keep your full head of burgundy highlights looking fresh, plan regular touch-ups, just like you would with dark brown hair with hazelnut highlights.
Wear It If
You want burgundy everywhere, with no black-only sections left.
Skip It If
You want low upkeep, because full foils show regrowth first.
13. Violet Burgundy Highlights
Magenta and burgundy highlights blend through this shoulder-length hair over a dark brown-black base, giving a bright, dimensional look with a violet tone. Violet burgundy is the coolest shade here. It looks bold in photos and fades toward pink, so a purple-safe gloss helps keep it rich between appointments.
Wear It If
You want the coolest, most playful burgundy in the guide.
Skip It If
You need a natural result, because violet burgundy always reads as a fashion color.
14. Fine Burgundy Ribbons on Black Hair
Here, glossy black waves are the main focus, with fine burgundy ribbons woven through the lower lengths. When the hair moves, these ribbons show flashes of deep wine purple. Because the burgundy is added in thin sections, the black base remains strong and the color grows out softly.
Wear It If
You want thin burgundy pieces that flash as your hair moves.
Skip It If
You want burgundy from the roots, because these ribbons sit in the lengths.
15. Burgundy Highlights on Straight Black Hair
Sleek, straight black hair with fine burgundy red streaks from the crown to the ends looks striking, as each thin highlight stands out against the dark base. Since straight hair shows every streak clearly, use gloss and heat protection for a polished finish.
Wear It If
You wear your hair straight and want burgundy streaks that show in every light.
Skip It If
You want a soft blend, because straight hair shows each streak as a clean line.
16. Burgundy Face Framing Contour
This style keeps the hair mostly black at the back, with bold burgundy red highlights framing the face and running through the underneath layers. Lifting one side shows the contour placement clearly. It brightens the face like makeup, while most of your hair stays naturally black.
Wear It If
You want burgundy focused where it flatters your face most.
Skip It If
You wear your hair up most days, because the frame hides in a bun.
The Hair Color Edit
Explore More Dark Hair Color Ideas
Discover light brown highlights, mocha caramel shades, lowlight ideas and skin tone guides made for dark bases.
01 / LIGHT BROWN ON DARK
Dark Brown Hair Color With Light Brown Highlights IdeasExplore Light Brown Highlight Ideas ↗
02 / MOCHA CARAMEL
Dark Chocolate Brown Hair With Mocha Caramel HighlightsExplore Mocha Caramel Ideas ↗
03 / DARK HIGHLIGHTS
Light Brown Hair Color With Dark HighlightsExplore Dark Highlight Ideas ↗
04 / OLIVE SKIN
Light Olive Skin Tone Hair Color IdeasExplore Hair Colors for Olive Skin ↗
Which Burgundy Shade Suits Your Skin Tone?
Choose a burgundy shade that complements your natural undertone and creates a flattering finish on black hair.
| Your Skin | Wear This Shade | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Fair, cool, or pink undertone | Plum burgundy and wine merlot | The purple in these shades complements cool skin and helps keep the red from looking too orange. |
| Fair, warm, or golden undertone | Burgundy brown | Warm red-brown adds a soft glow without competing with golden skin. |
| Medium and olive | Deep burgundy and maroon burgundy | Deep wine red adds warmth and dimension beside naturally dark hair. |
| Deep skin | Wine merlot and cherry burgundy | Saturated wine red creates a rich, noticeable contrast against deep skin. |
| Neutral undertone | Any shade in this guide | Start with deep burgundy. It is a versatile, subtle choice on a black hair base. |
Skin undertones are a starting point, not strict rules. Choose the shade you feel most comfortable wearing.
Placement Guide: Where the Highlights Go
The placement of burgundy highlights changes how visible the color looks, how it grows out, and how often you need a refresh.
| Placement | Where the Color Sits | Grow Out | Refresh Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balayage | Painted through mids and ends, roots stay black | Softest | 10 to 12 weeks |
| Peekaboo | Hidden layer under the top black layer | Soft | 8 to 10 weeks |
| Money Piece | Two front pieces framing the face | Visible at front only | 6 to 8 weeks |
| Foils, Full Head | Fine or chunky pieces woven through most of the hair | More visible at roots | 7 to 9 weeks |
| Ombre Ends | Color melts into the last third of the length | Softest at roots, ends need trims | 10 to 12 weeks |
Refresh times are general guides. Actual maintenance depends on hair growth, color fading, and your desired look.
What to Ask Your Colorist (Word for Word)
Bring two or three photos from this guide and explain exactly how you want your burgundy highlights to look.
“Please keep my black base and do not color my roots.”
“I want burgundy highlights, deep wine red with a little purple, not bright red and not copper.”
“Please lift only the pieces to about level 5 to 6, then tone them burgundy.”
“Keep the shade at deep burgundy, wine, or plum.”
Pick the shade you like best.“Please finish with a gloss, so the burgundy stays rich as it fades.”
Ask your colorist to check your hair history and do a strand test before lightening. The final lift level should suit your hair’s condition.
Cost and Time Guide for Burgundy Highlights
Compare the estimated salon time, relative cost, and how long each burgundy hair color service typically lasts.
| Service | Salon Time | Typical Cost Range | Lasts |
|---|---|---|---|
| No-Bleach Burgundy Tint or Gloss | 45 to 60 minutes | Low | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Partial Burgundy Highlights or Money Piece | 1.5 to 2 hours | Medium | 6 to 8 weeks |
| Burgundy Balayage | 2 to 3 hours | Medium to high | 10 to 12 weeks |
| Full-Head Burgundy Foils | 2.5 to 3.5 hours | High | 7 to 9 weeks |
On mobile, swipe horizontally to compare all four columns.
Prices change by city and hair length, so treat this as a planning guide. Confirm the quote during your consultation before the color service starts.
How Do You Care for Burgundy Highlights on Black Hair?
A simple care routine helps your burgundy highlights stay rich, glossy, and vibrant for longer.
01. Wash Less, Wash Cool
Wash your hair one to two times a week with a color-safe shampoo and cool water. This can help burgundy pigment last longer because red tones tend to fade quickly.
02. Gloss on Schedule
Use a burgundy gloss or color-depositing conditioner every 4 to 6 weeks to refresh the wine tone between salon visits and reduce a dull-looking fade.
03. Protect from Heat and Sun
Heat tools and strong sunlight can fade burgundy faster. Apply heat protectant, use a moderate temperature, and cover your hair on very sunny days.
04. Expect a Soft Fade
Burgundy highlights on black hair can gradually fade toward a reddish-brown tone. Regular gloss treatments help maintain their rich appearance as the color softens.
Gentle washing, regular glossing, and heat protection are the three habits that help keep burgundy highlights looking fresh.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a simple way to try wine red on dark hair, try adding burgundy highlights to your black base. Decide how bold you want to be, and place the color where your hair catches the light.
Tell me in the comments which black hair with burgundy highlights idea you like most. Share this guide with a friend and save it for your next salon visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can burgundy highlights go over hair already dyed black?
Box black dye can block burgundy color and often lifts unevenly. That’s why a colorist will usually use a gentle remover and do a strand test before adding highlights.
Q2. Do burgundy highlights cover grey hair on a black base?
Burgundy can softly cover grey on highlighted sections, giving them a pink-red tint. For full grey coverage, you’ll need a permanent color appointment instead of balayage or peekaboo highlights.
Q3. Can you do burgundy highlights at home?
You can do simple tints and money pieces at home. But for balayage, foils, or any lightening on black hair, it’s safer to go to a salon for even color.
Q4. Can I use purple shampoo on burgundy highlights?
Use purple shampoo only once in a while on violet or plum burgundy shades. Using it every week can dull the red and make bright burgundy look more purple.
Q5. Does chlorine or swimming fade burgundy highlights faster?
Yes, chlorine removes red pigment quickly. Rinse your hair before swimming, wear a swim cap, and use a color-depositing conditioner after each pool session.
Q6. Does burgundy color stain skin, towels, and pillowcases?
Fresh burgundy color can transfer during the first few washes. Rinse your hair until the water runs clearer, sleep on dark pillowcases, and use old dark towels at first.
