Burgundy and maroon hair colors are both rich, deep red shades that look absolutely gorgeous, but it can be hard to tell the difference between them! So what defines each shade, and how do you know which one is best for you? Let’s break it down.
What is burgundy hair?
Burgundy hair is a deep reddish brown color, darker than traditional red but not as dark as true brown. It gets its name from the rich red wine color of burgundy wine. Burgundy hair lies somewhere between red and brown on the color spectrum.
True burgundy hair has a very deep blood red tone but still shows some warmth. It’s often described as “black cherry” or a blackened red. This makes it perfect if you want a dramatic change from light or medium brown hair, but don’t want to go all the way to black.
Burgundy works well on hair that is naturally dark brown or black. It will show up better and appear richer on darker bases. For medium to light brown hair, burgundy may look slightly more reddish-purple toned.
What is maroon hair?
Maroon hair is the deepest, most intense red shade you can get. While burgundy hair has red undertones, maroon hair is a true, strong red through and through.
Maroon sits at the very end of the red hair color spectrum, as far from light copper red as you can get. It has a blue-ish undertone that gives it a very deep wine color.
This makes maroon an excellent choice if you want an all-over intense red or if you want to go darker from medium copper red hair. It works well if you want a bold look that makes a statement.
Burgundy vs maroon hair characteristics
Here’s a quick overview of how burgundy and maroon hair are different:
| Burgundy hair | Maroon hair |
|---|---|
| Dark reddish brown | Deep, intense red |
| Subtle, rich tone | Bold, dramatic color |
| Works on darker bases | Stands out on paler bases |
| Has red undertones | Has blue undertones |
As you can see, maroon is a true red while burgundy leans more brown with red tones. Burgundy generally looks more natural, while maroon makes more of a statement.
How to get burgundy hair
There are a few ways to get beautiful burgundy hair:
- Permanent dye: Have your stylist use a permanent reddish brown dye. Ask for a color with subtle warm, red tones. Keep your natural hair color in mind.
- Demi-permanent dye: These last 4-6 weeks and wash out gradually. They deposit color without opening the cuticle, so work well for burgundy tones.
- Semi-permanent dye: Great if you want to test the burgundy waters first. Semi-permanent color washes out within 4-8 shampoos.
- Color depositing shampoo and conditioner: Gradually build up burgundy color with special shampoo and conditioner made for color toning.
- Red glazes: These are temporary and washed out in a few shampoos. Ask your colorist to use a red-violet glaze over your hair.
To maintain burgundy hair, use a sulfate-free color preserving shampoo and conditioner. Also, limit washing to 2-3 times a week and use a hair mask weekly.
How to get maroon hair
You have a couple options for achieving bold maroon hair:
- Permanent dye: Have your stylist use an intense red permanent dye to fully penetrate the hair shaft and deliver saturated color.
- Demi-permanent dye: These strong red dyes can achieve a rich maroon that lasts 4-6 weeks.
- Semi-permanent dye: Great for trying out maroon hair. Color washes out within 4-8 shampoos.
- Color depositing shampoo and conditioner: Use a red-based system daily to gradually stain hair with maroon pigments.
To keep maroon hair looking vibrant, use sulfate-free hair products. Only wash hair a couple times a week and use extra hydrating masks and oils.
What skin tones suit burgundy and maroon hair?
Burgundy and maroon hair complement similar complexions and skin tones:
- Cool skin tones: Both shades look beautiful on fair or medium cool-toned skin with pink, red, or blue undertones. They make blue and green eyes pop!
- Neutral skin tones: Neutral and olive skin tones can also wear burgundy or maroon hair nicely. The colors won’t clash with neutral or warm skin.
- Warm skin tones: Those with very warm yellow undertones can wear burgundy or maroon but should opt for warmer, more coppery shades.
Stay away from blue-based maroons and purplish burgundies if you have a very warm complexion. And pale blondes with fair pink skin need to be careful the shades don’t wash them out.
How to maintenance burgundy and maroon hair
To keep burgundy or maroon hair looking fresh:
- Wash hair in cold water to lock in color.
- Use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner.
- Shampoo less often, only 2-3 times a week.
- Rinse with cold water and use minimal shampoo to prevent fading.
- Apply hydrating masks or oils weekly to condition hair.
- Avoid chlorine, salt water, and direct sun exposure.
- Use a tinted conditioner or color depositing shampoo between salon visits.
- Get a color refresh or gloss treatment every 4-6 weeks at the salon.
Being gentle and using hydrating, color-safe products will keep burgundy or maroon hair vibrant and healthy.
What’s better for pale skin tones?
For fair, pale, or porcelain skin tones, burgundy hair often looks more natural and harmonious than maroon. Here’s why:
- Burgundy has brownish undertones that blend well with cooler pale complexions.
- Maroon’s blue tones can sometimes clash with very pinkish fair skin.
- Burgundy’s subtle warmth complements without contrasting too much.
- Maroon can be slightly overpowering on ultra-pale skin.
That said, maroon can definitely work on fair skin too, if it has the right undertone. Just opt for maroons with a touch of warmth rather than those leaning bluer-purple.
What’s better for warm toned skin?
Those with medium to deep skin tones and yellow, olive, or neutral undertones have flexibility between burgundy and maroon shades.
However, warm golden undertones usually look best with burgundies that have warm coppery tones, rather than cool blue-based maroons. The warm burgundy enhances the skin’s natural golden glow.
Cool-toned maroons can work but should be balanced with warmth like warm brown eyes or golden blonde streaks. Stay away from purplish maroons, which can accentuate sallowness on warm skin.
Celebrity burgundy vs maroon hair
Looking at celebrities rocking burgundy and maroon hair can help visualize the shades:
| Burgundy Hair Examples | Maroon Hair Examples |
|---|---|
| Emma Stone | Billie Eilish |
| Jessica Chastain | Christina Hendricks |
| Kiernan Shipka | Lana Del Rey |
| Troian Bellisario | Scarlett Johansson |
| Madelaine Petsch | Ariel Winter |
As you can see, burgundy ranges from reddish chocolate brunette (Jessica Chastain) to deep red brown (Madelaine Petsch). Maroon is typified by a blue-based blood red seen on Billie Eilish and Christina Hendricks.
Burgundy and maroon hair dye brands
Some recommended hair color brands for burgundy and maroon shades include:
- Wella – Wella Color Charm or Color Touch work well for permanent and demi-permanent burgundy or maroon.
- Redken – Redken Shades EQ Cream Hair Color comes in many burgundy brown and rich red maroon shades.
- Matrix – Try Matrix SoColor in their vibrant red or cranberry shades for bold maroon.
- L’Oreal – L’Oreal Excellence Creme permanent dye has beautiful burgundy shades.
- Manic Panic – For semi-permanent maroon manic panic, their InfraRed or Vampire Red dyes work beautifully.
- Punky Colour – Their Plum, Burgundy, and Amaranth semi-permanent dyes give maroon and burgundy results.
Always consult your colorist, as they can customize the perfect burgundy or maroon hue for you based on your skin tone and hair.
How to know if burgundy vs maroon is for you
Deciding between burgundy and maroon hair depends on your skin tone, personality, lifestyle and preferences. Ask yourself:
- Do I want subtle or bold?
- Does my skin have cool or warm undertones?
- How high maintenance do I want to be?
- Do I tend to prefer warmer or cooler tones?
- How often do I want to tone and touch up roots?
- Will I want to frequently switch between colors?
In general, those with warm golden skin do best in warmer burgundy shades. Cooler paler complexions suit subtle, natural burgundies. Low maintenance types should opt for demi-permanent maroon dye.
But there are always exceptions! Consult a colorist and experiment to see which shade complements you best.
Conclusion
Burgundy and maroon hair offer stunning options for brunettes and redheads alike. Burgundy provides rich, deep red tones on brown hair, while maroon makes a bold red statement.
Maroon has a true red base while burgundy leans brown. Burgundy hair flatters cooler skin tones, while warmer complexions shine with coppery burgundies. To keep color fresh, use sulfate-free hair products and limit washing.
Whether you opt for subtle burgundy or striking maroon locks, these shades provide dimension, vibrancy and flair. Embrace your inner romantic with hair the color of fine wine!
