Dark brown hair with burgundy highlights gives brunettes a rich wine color that stands out indoors as well as in sunlight. The warm brown base blends with burgundy more gently than black, needs less lightening, and fades to a soft, warm glow. You can pick from 16 shades, including balayage, ribbons, peekaboo, ombre, or full color.
⚡ Quick Answer
Best shades: Deep burgundy, burgundy brown, plum burgundy and cherry burgundy show best on a dark brown base.
Bleach or technique: No bleach for a gloss tint, small lift to level 5 for balayage, ribbons, foils or a peekaboo panel.
Placement: Balayage and ombre ends grow out softest, ribbons and foils show the most burgundy through the lengths.
Upkeep: Gloss every 4 to 6 weeks, full refresh 8 to 10 weeks, colour safe wash 1 to 2 times a week.
Burgundy Highlight Shades for Dark Brown Hair
Shade Guide: Which Burgundy Should You Pick?
| Shade | Indoor Look | Sunlight Look | Best Skin Tones | Lift Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deep Burgundy | Rich wine red woven through brown | Deep red glow | Olive, neutral, deep | None to level 5 |
| Burgundy Brown | Soft reddish-brown depth | Warm burgundy sheen | Warm, olive, medium | None |
| Plum Burgundy | Brown with a violet wine hint | Purple-red glow | Cool, fair cool, deep | Level 5 |
| Cherry Burgundy | Clear red wine pieces | Bright cherry wine shine | Deep, warm, neutral | Level 5 |
| Wine Merlot | Warm merlot red through lengths | Soft red wine flash | Cool, neutral, medium | None to level 5 |
| Burgundy Gloss | One even burgundy-brown tone | Glossy wine reflection | Any, first-time colour | None |
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Let’s check out 16 ideas for dark brown hair with burgundy highlights, each inspired by salon styles.
1. Burgundy Streaks Through Sleek Dark Brown Hair
Very long dark brown hair is styled sleek and straight, with burgundy streaks running through the lengths so the wine red stands out in clean lines from crown to ends. Smooth styling keeps each streak glossy, and this low-lift technique keeps the brunette base looking rich, dark, and healthy.
Wear It If
You wear your hair straight and want burgundy streaks that show in clean, glossy lines.
Skip It If
You rarely straighten your hair, because waves soften how sharply these streaks read.
2. Cherry Burgundy Balayage on Dark Brown Hair
Dark brown roots stay natural at the crown, while cherry burgundy balayage builds through long waves until the ends glow a deep wine red. If your hairs are black, you’ll need more lift for the same effect, as shown in black hair with burgundy highlights.
Wear It If
You want burgundy that builds through the lengths while your roots stay natural and dark.
Skip It If
Your hair is short, because this look needs length for the color to develop.
3. Burgundy Ombre Ends on Dark Brown Hair
A smooth dark brown top half melts into burgundy ombre ends, with the color building through loose curls until the tips glow deep wine red. Ombre keeps every root natural, so regrowth is almost invisible, and a burgundy gloss refreshes the ends without touching the base color.
Wear It If
You want bold burgundy colour with zero root upkeep between salon visits.
Skip It If
You plan a big cut soon, because trimming removes most of the color.
4. Bold Burgundy Ribbons Through Dark Brown Waves
Bold burgundy ribbons run from crown to ends through dark brown waves, with vivid wine red streaks woven between deep brunette strands so the color shows with every movement. This dimensional burgundy needs foils through most of the hair, but the dark brown base helps the grow-out look softer.
Wear It If
You want burgundy ribbons that show boldly from crown to ends, not only in sunlight.
Skip It If
You want a soft tint, because these ribbons are vivid and high contrast by design.
5. Burgundy Melt on a Deep Brunette Base
Rich burgundy tones blend into a deep brunette base, with red at the front lengths and darker brown through the back for a vibrant but elegant melt. It pairs well with the softer nutty shades in dark brown hair with hazelnut highlights for mixed-tone plans.
Wear It If
You want strong burgundy color that still looks polished and grown up.
Skip It If
You want color only at the ends, because this melt starts high.
6. Burgundy Peekaboo Streak on Dark Brown Hair
This look features one vivid burgundy peekaboo streak hidden under dark brown lengths. It’s hidden when your hair is still, but shows brightly when it moves or is lifted. Peekaboo placement keeps the top layer natural and work-appropriate, while the hidden burgundy panel adds a bold surprise with minimal bleaching.
Wear It If
You want a hidden pop of burgundy you can show or hide.
Skip It If
You want color that shows in every photo from the front.
7. A Touch of Burgundy on Rich Brunette Waves
In this style, rich brunette waves have just a touch of burgundy, with fine wine-colored pieces woven through the back so the color glows softly instead of standing out too much. This subtle burgundy is great for first-time color users, since the dark brown base remains dominant and the burgundy just adds shine.
Wear It If
You want your first burgundy to stay soft, fine, and blended.
Skip It If
You want high-contrast streaks, because this look is gentle by design.
8. Plum Burgundy Sheen on Dark Brown Layers
A plum burgundy sheen glazes dark brown layers, with deep purple wine tones sliding over the lengths so the hair looks burgundy in the shade and brighter in the sun. Plum burgundy is the coolest shade in this guide, and a light lift helps the violet tones show on brunette hair.
Wear It If
Your skin is cool or neutral and purple tones suit you best.
Skip It If
You want warm red color, because plum burgundy leans cool and violet.
9. Red Burgundy Balayage on a Deep Brunette Base
A rich red burgundy balayage is painted over a deep brunette base, with glowing pieces through long waves while the crown stays natural dark brown. Curly and wavy textures show off this color best, similar to curly dark brown hair with highlights with lighter tones.
Wear It If
Your hair is wavy and you want burgundy painted softly through it.
Skip It If
Your hair is very fine, because balayage pieces can look sparse.
10. Dark Dimensional Burgundy on Brown Waves
Dark, dimensional burgundy weaves through brown waves, with chunkier pieces near the surface and finer ones underneath, so every curl shows a different depth of wine color. This full-dimension burgundy needs foils across most of the head, giving the strongest color change while the base remains clearly brown.
Wear It If
You want burgundy visible from every angle: front, back, and sides.
Skip It If
You want a quick appointment, because full foils take the longest here.
11. Burgundy Kissed Straight Dark Brown Hair
Deep brunette lengths have a touch of burgundy, with a smooth red violet sheen running through straight dark brown hair from crown to ends without harsh lines. A gloss-based burgundy like this needs no bleach on a level four base, and the shine makes straight hair look polished every day.
Wear It If
You wear your hair straight and want burgundy sheen, not streaks.
Skip It If
You want separate highlights you can count, because this blends as one sheen.
12. Burgundy Cherry Ends on Deep Chocolate Brown Hair
Deep chocolate brown melts into burgundy cherry ends, with the reddest tips in this guide glowing against the dark wavy lengths above. Coloring just the ends grows out nicely on long hair, as shown with long dark brown hair with highlights for lighter shades too.
Wear It If
Your hair is long and you want the boldest color at the ends.
Skip It If
You heat style daily without protectant, because colored ends fade fastest.
13. Burgundy Pop Highlights on Dark Brown Waves
Long dark brown waves keep their depth at the crown, with bold pops of burgundy showing through the lower lengths and ends for a flash of wine red in every turn. Keeping the top natural makes the grow-out easy, and a gloss refresh brings back the pops quickly.
Wear It If
You want a bold burgundy flash low in the lengths, with an untouched natural crown.
Skip It If
You want burgundy through the top layers too, because these pops sit in the lower lengths.
14. Subtle Burgundy Highlights on Chocolate Brown Hair
A rich chocolate brown base has subtle burgundy highlights, with soft wine red woven through gentle waves for depth, dimension, and a glossy finish. This subtle placement is the lowest-lift option in the guide, making it ideal if your dark brown hair is fragile or has been previously colored at home.
Wear It If
You want gentle burgundy depth with the least lift and damage risk.
Skip It If
You want your burgundy noticed across a room, because this look stays subtle.
15. Burgundy Wine Highlights on Deep Brunette Waves
In this, a deep brunette crown melts into burgundy wine highlights, with glossy waves glowing rich red-purple from the mid-lengths down and seamless dimension throughout. This wine burgundy only needs a small lift on dark brown hair, and the shine keeps every wave looking polished.
Wear It If
You want glossy burgundy wine color that glows through every wave, not only at the ends.
Skip It If
You want fine, hidden highlights, because this wine tone covers most of the lengths.
16. Fine Burgundy Ribbons on a Dark Brown Base
Fine burgundy ribbons thread through this dark brown base, with slim wine red pieces spaced through straight lengths and curled ends so the color catches light without taking over. Ribbon placement like this needs only a small lift, works well for first-time burgundy, and refreshes easily with a gloss.
Wear It If
You want fine burgundy ribbons you can see clearly, spaced softly through a brown base.
Skip It If
You want thick, chunky streaks, because these ribbons stay fine and evenly spaced.
The Hair Color Edit
Explore More Hair Color Ideas
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 / CHERRY RED ON BLACK
Black Hair With Cherry Red HighlightsExplore Cherry Red Ideas ↗
04 / REDDISH BROWN
Light Reddish Brown Hair Color IdeasExplore Reddish Brown Ideas ↗
Bleach or No Bleach?
| Result You Want | Lift Needed | Damage Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Burgundy gloss or tint that shows indoors | No bleach; use gloss or deposit colour on dark brown hair | Lowest |
| Deep burgundy ribbons or balayage | Small lift to level 5, then deposit burgundy | Low |
| Vivid cherry burgundy or plum pieces | Lift to level 5, a little higher on the pieces only | Low to medium |
| Bright peekaboo panel under dark brown hair | Lift to level 5–6 on that hidden panel only | Medium, but only on a small area |
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Which Burgundy Shade Suits Your Skin Tone?
| Your Skin | Wear This Shade | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Fair, cool or pink | Plum burgundy and wine merlot | Purple-red tones complement cool skin without looking orange. |
| Fair, warm or golden | Burgundy brown and cherry burgundy | Warm wine tones add a soft glow. |
| Medium and olive | Deep burgundy and burgundy brown | Deep red adds warmth and richness. |
| Deep skin | Cherry burgundy and deep burgundy | Saturated wine tones create beautiful contrast. |
| Neutral undertone | Any shade in this guide | Start with deep burgundy ribbons for an easy first change. |
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Placement Guide: Where the Highlights Go
| Placement | Where the Colour Sits | Grow-Out | Refresh Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balayage | Painted through mids and ends; roots stay dark brown | Softest | 10–12 weeks |
| Ombre Ends | Colour builds into the last third of the length | Softest at roots | 10–12 weeks |
| Ribbons and Foils | Fine or chunky pieces woven through most of the hair | More visible at roots | 8–10 weeks |
| Peekaboo | Hidden panel under the top dark brown layer | Soft | 8–10 weeks |
| Gloss All Over | One burgundy-brown tone over the whole head | Even fade, no line | 4–6 weeks |
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Save This Salon Script
What to Ask Your Colorist, Word for Word
Bring two or three photos from this guide and say it plainly:
“Please keep my dark brown base and do not color my roots darker.”
“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, then tone them burgundy.”
“Keep the shade at deep burgundy / plum / cherry burgundy” (pick your shade).
“Please finish with a gloss, so the burgundy fades warm and soft, not dull.”
Cost and Time Guide
| Service | Salon Time | Typical Cost Range | Lasts |
|---|---|---|---|
| No bleach burgundy gloss or tint | 45 to 60 minutes | Low | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Partial burgundy ribbons or peekaboo panel | 1.5 to 2 hours | Medium | 8 to 10 weeks |
| Burgundy balayage or ombre ends | 2 to 3 hours | Medium to high | 10 to 12 weeks |
| Full head burgundy foils | 2.5 to 3.5 hours | High | 8 to 10 weeks |
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Planning tip: Prices change by city and hair length, so treat this as a planning guide and confirm the quote at a consultation before the colour starts.
How Do You Care for Dark Brown Hair with Burgundy Highlights?
Wash Less, Wash Cool
Wash one to two times a week with colour-safe shampoo and cool water. This helps burgundy pigment last longer because red tones fade quickly.
Gloss on Schedule
Use a burgundy gloss or colour-depositing conditioner every 4 to 6 weeks to refresh the wine tone between salon visits and prevent a dull fade.
Protect from Heat and Sun
Heat tools and strong sunlight can fade burgundy faster. Use a heat protectant, keep styling tools at a medium setting, and cover your hair on very bright days.
Final Thoughts
Dark brown hair with burgundy highlights is an easy way to try red. It looks vibrant in daylight, soft indoors, and grows out nicely. Choose your favorite shade, show your colorist a photo, and book a gloss treatment.
Let me know which idea you like best in the comments, share this with a brunette friend, and save this guide for later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I do burgundy highlights on dark brown hair at home with a box kit?
ou can use a box kit to get a soft burgundy tint at home. For highlights, balayage, or even color placement, it’s safer to see a colorist and do a strand test first.
Q2. Do burgundy highlights cover grey strands in dark brown hair?
Burgundy highlights can help grey strands blend in and look less noticeable. However, they won’t fully cover grey the way a permanent root color does.
3. Should I use purple shampoo on dark brown hair with burgundy highlights?
Use purple shampoo only occasionally to fight brassiness. If you use it too often, it can make burgundy red look dull and turn the color into a flat purple-brown.
Q4. Can burgundy highlights go over dark brown hair already coloured with brown dye?
You can use a burgundy gloss over brown dye. For brighter highlights, though, the old dye needs to be lifted first, since color can’t lighten color that’s already on your hair.
Q5. Do burgundy highlights on dark brown hair stain pillowcases and light towels at first?
Fresh burgundy color might rub off on light pillowcases and towels during the first few washes. To avoid stains, rinse your hair well, dry it completely, and use dark pillowcases at first.
