Brown hair with red undertones is a beautiful and coveted hair color that many people strive to achieve. It’s a multidimensional hair color that combines rich brown hues with subtle red tones throughout, creating dimension, depth and vibrancy. This hair color flatters a wide variety of skin tones and brings warmth to the complexion. The technical term for brown hair with red undertones is “auburn.” Let’s take a closer look at what defines this gorgeous hair color.
Defining Auburn Hair
Auburn hair is characterized by a rich brown base interwoven with red undertones. It sits on the spectrum between brown hair and red hair, incorporating elements of both. The brown base provides a neutral foundation, while red tones create vibrancy and dimension. This harmonious blend of brown and red makes for a dynamic yet wearable hair color.
The depth of the brown and red tones can vary from light to dark auburn. On the lighter end, the brown base may come through more strongly with subtle warm undertones. In medium or dark auburn shades, the red tones become bolder and more noticeable. Auburn shades also run the gamut from more natural-looking to vivid and salon-processed. Ultimately, there is a shade of auburn to suit every skin tone and hair color preference.
What Causes Red Undertones in Brown Hair?
The red pigment in auburn hair comes from a pigment called pheomelanin. This is the same pigment that makes red hair red. Everyone’s hair contains a blend of two pigments:
- Eumelanin – which creates black and brown tones
- Pheomelanin – which creates red and blonde tones
In brown and black hair, eumelanin is dominant. But some people naturally produce more pheomelanin as well, leading to red undertones blending with the brown. This pheomelanin is what gives auburn hair its signature color. People with auburn hair have a genetic predisposition to higher pheomelanin concentrations than people with neutral brown hair. The ratio of eumelanin to pheomelanin determines whether the hair appears more brown or more red.
Some additional factors influence pheomelanin production and distribution in the hair:
- Genetics
- Ethnic background
- Changes in hormones
- Age and maturation of the hair follicles
This unique genetic recipe is what makes auburn hair stand out from run-of-the-mill brown.
Auburn vs. Other Red-Brown Hair Colors
Since auburn hair combines elements of brown and red hues, it’s easy to confuse it with similar shades. Here’s how auburn compares to other red-brown hair colors:
Chestnut Brown
Chestnut brown also has red undertones, but they are more subtle with a visibly strong brown base. Auburn has more vibrant, noticeable red/orange tones.
Copper
Copper hair leans more strongly red versus brown. Auburn is anchored in richness from the brown base.
Mahogany
Mahogany is a darker shade of brown with red undertones, but still appears visibly brown. Auburn has more red luminosity.
Red
Red hair has a stronger concentration of pheomelanin than auburn hair. Auburn retains an evident brown foundation.
Strawberry Blonde
This very light red-brown shade has more blonde than auburn, which skews darker and more brown.
So in summary, auburn is the perfect marriage of rich brown and vibrant red in harmony. The brown grounds the color while the red adds luminosity, dimension and warmth.
Auburn Hair Characteristics
What are some defining traits of auburn hair? Here are some of its stand-out qualities:
- Rich, warm, golden and coppery tones
- Multidimensional color depth
- Radiant sheen
- Mix of red, orange and brown tones
- Light and dark variations
- Flattering on most skin tones
- Rarer than solid brown or blond hair
- Eye-catching and luminous
Auburn hair has an undeniable glow and vibrancy to it that makes it special. The blend of color dimensions gives it a dynamic, 3D effect.
Skin Tones That Suit Auburn Hair
One of the perks of auburn hair is that it flatters a wide variety of skin tones. Here are some skin tones that pair beautifully with auburn:
Fair Skin: Light auburn shades bring warmth to fair complexions without being overpowering.
Medium Skin: Those with medium/olive skin look fabulous with natural-looking medium auburn hues.
Warm Undertones: People with peachy, golden undertones complement the warmth of auburn perfectly.
Cool Undertones: Auburn adds color and dimension to those with pink undertones in their fair skin.
Pale Skin: Darker auburn shades contrast gorgeously with very pale skin.
Tan or Dark Skin: Caramel-colored skin is enhanced by light to medium auburn shades.
The vibrant red-brown color spectrum of auburn is versatile enough to suit a wide range of complexions. It’s all about finding the right shade and tone to brighten your skin and features.
Best Eye Colors for Auburn Hair
Auburn hair draws the eye and stands out against any iris shade. But some eye colors have an especially dazzling effect when paired with auburn locks. These include:
- Green:Green eyes radiate when contrasted with the warm tones of auburn hair.
- Hazel: Hazel eyes contain green, brown, amber and gold flecks that mirror auburn color dimensions.
- Warm Brown: Milk chocolate and honey brown eyes glow against red-toned hair.
- Blue: Baby blues or cobalt make a striking contrast with the warmth of auburn.
No matter your eye color, auburn hair is sure to make them stand out and sparkle. The secret is finding an auburn shade that creates complementary color contrasts.
Auburn Hair Care Tips
Auburn hair is attention-grabbing and beautiful, but also requires some special care. Here are some tips for keeping your auburn mane healthy and vibrant:
- Use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to retain color vibrancy.
- Shampoo hair in cooler water to lock in color.
- Protect hair from chlorine and saltwater which can strip color.
- Use leave-in conditioners and masks to boost hydration.
- Apply a heat protectant before hot tool styling.
- Use a tinted shampoo or gloss to keep red tones intact.
- Get frequent trims to prevent dryness at the ends.
The right products and techniques will preserve the dynamic color and silky softness of auburn tresses.
How To Get Auburn Hair
Auburn hair occurs naturally in 1-2% of the population. But even if you weren’t genetically blessed with fiery locks, you can join Team Auburn with these methods:
Salon Dye Job
Getting your hair professionally colored is the most effective way to achieve a natural looking auburn hue. A stylist can expertly blend brown and red tones.
At-Home Dye
There are many high-quality at-home hair dyes that produce auburn shades. Doing your own color application saves time and money.
Highlighting
Adding auburn highlights and lowlights to brown hair adds red dimensions. This is great for a subtle touch of auburn.
Color Gloss
Using an auburn color gloss adds red tones over your natural shade for a temporary color boost. Great for trying out the hue.
So whether you commit to permanent color or test the waters with subtle highlights, you can rock stylist auburn hair. Consult with hair color experts to find your perfect match.
Auburn Hair Pop Culture Icons
Looking for auburn hair inspiration? Here are some famous faces who rock the titian locks:
- Julianne Moore
- Jessica Chastain
- Amy Adams
- Cynthia Nixon
- Christina Hendricks
- Isla Fisher
- Emma Stone
- Alyson Hannigan
Ask your stylist for red carpet auburn worthy of the spotlight.
Auburn Hair Color Ideas
Ready to join Team Auburn? Here are some gorgeous auburn color ideas to show your colorist:
- Natural Auburn: Mimic natural auburn hair with a soft brown base and subtle warm copper tones.
- Light Auburn: Go for a vibrant terra cotta hue with lots of natural variation.
- Dark Auburn: Try a rich cherry-mahogany shade for dramatic contrast.
- Chestnut Auburn: Opt for a deep brown base with bold red highlights.
- Auburn Balayage: Get dimensional with lighter face-framing pieces.
- Auburn Ombre: Style longer locks ombred from medium auburn to light copper.
With countless shades of brown, copper and red to mix and match, there’s an auburn option for everyone.
Conclusion
Auburn hair is truly breathtaking, combining brown and red in perfect harmony. The mix of warm and cool tones flatters most complexions and eye colors for a dazzling effect. With proper care, styling and coloring, auburn hair is soft, luminous and vibrant. Embrace your inner redhead with luscious auburn locks.
