Auburn is a hair color that ranges from light reddish brown to a deeper rich brown with red undertones. When someone refers to “medium auburn” hair, they are generally describing a shade of reddish brown that falls somewhere in the middle of the auburn spectrum – not too light, and not too dark. Determining the specific level or number for medium auburn hair can be somewhat subjective, but there are a few ways to classify and quantify medium shades of auburn hair dye and color formulas.
Auburn Hair Color Level System
In the professional hair color industry, hair colors are often categorized by a numbering level system. This system classifies hair colors from lightest to darkest, typically on a scale of 1 to 10. On this level system:
– Level 1 is black
– Level 10 is lightest blonde
– Levels 2-3 are darkest brown
– Levels 4-5 are medium to dark brown
– Levels 6-8 are light to medium brown
Auburn hair generally falls within levels 4 to 6 on this scale. Light auburn is closer to a level 6 brown, while dark auburn is closer to a level 4 brown. Medium auburn then falls right in the middle at level 5.
So if classifying medium auburn on the level system, the number would be around a level 5 brown.
Auburn Hair Color Tones
In addition to levels, auburn hair color is also defined by the tone or undertone. Auburn shades all have a warm, reddish tone. But within that red-brown range, there are lighter, softer coppery tones (lower levels of red pigment) and more intense, richer mahogany tones (higher levels of red pigment).
Medium auburn generally has a balanced mix of the red and brown pigments. This creates a harmonious reddish brown tone that is rich but not overly intense.
To quantify and classify the tone, natural hair color brands like Goldwell, Redken and Wella use a numerical system from 1-10, with 1 being the coolest tone and 10 being the warmest.
On this scale:
– Level 5N is a neutral medium brown
– Level 5R is a warm medium reddish brown
– Level 5RR is a richer, more intensified warm reddish brown
Medium auburn most commonly falls between a 5R and 5RR on the tone scale. This indicates a warm, vibrant red-brown color with moderate saturation of red tones.
The Auburn Hair Color Spectrum
Putting together the level and tone systems provides a full classification of how medium auburn compares to lighter and darker shades of auburn hair color.
Here is an overview of the auburn hair spectrum from lightest to darkest:
– Light Auburn: Level 6R – 7R
– Light-Medium Auburn: Level 6RR – 5RR
– Medium Auburn: Level 5R – 5RR
– Medium-Dark Auburn: Level 5RR – 4RR
– Dark Auburn: Level 4R – 4RR
As you can see, medium auburn falls right in center of the spectrum, spanning from a light 5R to a rich 5RR, depending on the exact balance of red and brown tones.
Best Semi-Permanent Dye Colors for Medium Auburn
When looking to achieve medium auburn hair color at home, semi-permanent dye is a great option. Semi-permanent color deposits pigment but does not use ammonia or bleach, so it gently blends with natural hair without drastic lightening or damage.
Here are some of the best semi-permanent dye choices for medium auburn hair:
| Brand | Shade Name | Color Level/Tone |
|---|---|---|
| Clairol Natural Instincts | Radiant Auburn | 5R |
| Revlon Colorsilk | Medium Auburn | 5RR |
| Garnier Nutrisse | Light Auburn | 5R |
| John Frieda Precision Foam | Medium Warm Auburn | 5RR |
| L’Oreal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent | Auburn Blaze | 5R |
As you can see, there are lots of good medium auburn shades to choose from across top drugstore and salon brands. Pay attention to the color level and tone description to help find your desired balance of red and brown. A Swatch test can also help preview how the shade will look with your specific base color and hair porosity.
With the right formula, you can achieve a perfect medium auburn color result at home between salon visits.
Best Permanent Dye Options for Medium Auburn Hair
While semi-permanent dye is great for trying out or refreshing medium auburn tones, permanent color provides longer-lasting gray coverage and color protection. Here are some top salon brand permanent dye options to ask your stylist for:
| Brand | Shade Name | Color Formula |
|---|---|---|
| Redken | Medium Auburn Brown | 5R + 5RV |
| Goldwell | Topchic Cendre Auburn | 5.3 + 66 |
| Wella Color Touch | 5R + Dark Ash Blonde | 5.4 + 6.3 |
| Matrix Socolor | CA 5RC | 5RC |
| Paul Mitchell The Color | Russet Auburn Brown | 5RR |
The combined use of warm and neutral underlying pigments creates dimension and brilliance in these salon permanent auburn shades. A professional stylist can customize the formula based on your hair’s current color, condition, and desired finish. With permanent color, be sure to get a strand test to confirm the processed outcome before applying to full hair.
While permanent dye provides longer color durability, the ammonia and peroxide can be drying. Be sure to use a conditioning color-safe shampoo and mask to keep medium auburn hair soft, shiny, and hydrated.
How Lightening Affects Medium Auburn Hair Color Results
When transitioning from a darker brunette shade to medium auburn, some pre-lightening is usually required. Peroxide is used to open the cuticle and lift out the underlying pigment, allowing the new color to deposit.
Here are some guidelines on pre-lightening for medium auburn:
– From dark brown hair: Lift 1-2 levels to a medium brown base
– From black hair: Lift 2-3 levels to a light-medium brown base
Over-lightening should be avoided, as it can cause too much warmth or brassiness. The proper base shade for medium auburn is no higher than a level 6-7 brown.
After lightening, a toner or glaze can be applied to perfect the undertone and ensure an ideal canvas for the medium auburn shade. A demi-permanent gloss can also add shine and balance warm tones after lightening procedures.
When using bleach or color removers, always start sparingly at mid-lengths and ends first to preview the lifting effect. This prevents over-processing and damage. Patience is essential for slowly easing into the desired color base.
How to Maintain Medium Auburn Hair Color
Once your ideal medium auburn shade is achieved, maintenance is required to keep color looking fresh and vibrant. Here are some tips:
– Use sulfate-free shampoo and cool water washes to prevent fading
– Apply a weekly conditioning mask or hair oil to boost shine
– Get a color-sealing gloss treatment every 4-6 weeks
– Use color-depositing shampoos to refresh tone between salon visits
– Avoid chlorine, salt water, and excessive heat styling
– Get a trim every 6-8 weeks to remove dry ends and keep color looking rich
With proper at-home care and regular glossing by your colorist, you can extend the life of your medium auburn shade for months. Adjustment of tone and gray coverage as needed will keep the color personalized to your changing hair needs.
Celebrity Inspiration for Medium Auburn Hair
Looking for celebrity hair color inspiration? Here are a few stars that perfectly rock the medium auburn hue:
– Jessica Chastain’s signature look is a rich 5RR auburn brown.
– Emma Stone wears her medium auburn hair both darker with red tones and lighter in softer copper hues.
– Marcia Cross looks gorgeous in a light-medium auburn shade.
– Laura Prepon’s vibrant red-brown locks are an eye-catching medium auburn.
– Madelaine Petsch’s medium auburn hair color has dimension from warm coppery tones through richer burgundy.
Many celebrities go between shades of strawberry blonde, copper and auburn. This shows the versatility of medium auburn for complementing different skin tones and complexions. The key is finding the right balance of red and brown that makes you feel most confident and beautiful!
Conclusion
Medium auburn hair is a timeless and versatile shade that flatters a wide range of skin tones. Determining the right level and tone for you depends on your base color and preferences for dimension or vibrancy. Whether you opt for semi-permanent or permanent dye, proper formula selection and professional application are key to achieving the perfect medium auburn color result. With proper maintenance to boost shine and refresh tone, you can keep your medium auburn hair color looking it’s absolute best.
