You've seen it. That deep, wine-drenched shimmer that catches the light when someone walks past you on a sunny afternoon. It isn't quite purple, and it’s definitely not that fire-engine red we all experimented with in high school. It is sophisticated. It is moody. Dark burgundy hair highlights have basically become the "neutral" of the bold hair world, but honestly, most people approach the salon chair with a total misunderstanding of how this pigment actually behaves.
Red is notoriously clingy. Or, well, it’s clingy until you wash it, and then it bails on you faster than a bad date. If you're thinking about adding these jewel tones to your mane, you need to know what you’re actually signing up for. It’s not just a "set it and forget it" dye job.
Why dark burgundy hair highlights aren't just for brunettes
There’s this weird myth floating around Pinterest that you need a jet-black base to pull off burgundy. Not true. While dark burgundy hair highlights look incredible against a raven or espresso backdrop, they actually offer a ton of dimension to medium browns and even dark blondes who want to "lowlight" their way into winter.
Think about the color theory here. Burgundy is a mix of red and blue. Depending on the brand—be it L'Oréal Professionnel, Redken, or Wella—the ratio of those cool and warm tones changes everything. If you have cool skin undertones (look at your veins; are they blue?), you want a burgundy that leans heavy on the violet side. If you’re warm-toned, you need that "oxblood" look with a bit more chocolate in the base.
Getting it wrong makes you look washed out. Or worse, like you’re wearing a cheap wig. You want it to look expensive.
The "Bleach" Conversation nobody wants to have
Can you get these highlights without bleach? Maybe. If your natural hair is a light brown (Level 6 or 7), a high-lift tint might get you there. But if you're starting with dark brown or black hair, you’re going to need a lightener.
The good news? You don't need to be "platinum" blonde first. Since burgundy is a dark deposit, your stylist only needs to lift your hair to a "dirty orange" or "red-orange" stage. This is much less damaging than trying to go silver or ash blonde. It’s basically a shortcut to high-impact color without destroying your curl pattern or hair health.
The maintenance reality check
Red molecules are the largest in the hair color world. They struggle to get inside the hair shaft, and they struggle even harder to stay there. This is why your shower looks like a scene from a horror movie the first three times you wash your hair.
Honestly, the biggest mistake people make is using hot water. Hot water lifts the hair cuticle. When the cuticle is open, those expensive dark burgundy hair highlights just slide right out.
Wash with cold water. It sucks. It’s uncomfortable. But it keeps the color vibrant for six weeks instead of two. Also, toss your drugstore shampoo. If it has sulfates, it's basically paint stripper for your hair. You need something like Pureology Hydrate or a color-depositing conditioner like Celeb Luxury Viral Colorditioner in Maroon or Merlot. These products actually put pigment back in while you're conditioning, which is basically a cheat code for keeping that "fresh from the salon" glow.
Real Talk: The fade is real
When burgundy fades, it doesn't just get lighter. It gets "muddy." Because of the blue/red mix, you might start to see some weird brassy orange tones peeking through after a month. This is when a toner or a gloss treatment becomes your best friend. Most stylists offer a "mini" service where you just come in for a 20-minute gloss. It's cheaper than a full highlight session and buys you another four weeks of peak vibrancy.
Placement styles that actually look modern
We aren't doing the 2005 "stripe" highlights anymore. Please.
Modern dark burgundy hair highlights are all about the balayage or foilyage technique. You want the color to be concentrated at the mid-lengths and ends, with just a few "babylights" around the face to brighten your complexion.
- The Ribboning Technique: This involves painting thick, vertical sections. It creates a high-contrast look that is killer on curly or wavy hair because the "ribbons" follow the bounce of the curl.
- The Peek-a-Boo: If you work in a conservative office, this is the move. The burgundy is hidden in the bottom layers. You only see it when you put your hair up or when you’re walking and the wind catches it. It’s subtle but very cool.
- Money Piece: Adding a bit of burgundy right at the hairline. It’s bold. It’s trendy. It’s not for everyone, but if you want to stand out, this is it.
What your stylist needs to hear from you
Don't just say "burgundy." That word means a thousand different things to a thousand different people. To some, it’s purple. To others, it’s brownish-red.
Bring photos. But specifically, bring photos of people who have your similar skin tone. If you show a picture of a pale girl with cool-toned burgundy and you have a deep, warm complexion, the result isn't going to look the same on you. Acknowledge that your hair's history matters. If you’ve been box-dyeing your hair black for three years, tell the truth. Your stylist needs to know because that old dye is going to fight the burgundy pigments, and you might end up with "hot roots"—where the top of your head is bright red and the ends are still dark.
Actionable steps for your hair transition
If you're ready to make the jump into dark burgundy hair highlights, don't just wing it. Follow this sequence to make sure you don't end up with a DIY disaster or a $400 mistake.
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First, stop using any clarifying shampoos a week before your appointment. You want your hair to be hydrated and ready to take in the color. Clarifying products can sometimes leave the hair too "stripped," making the initial color deposit a bit patchy.
Second, schedule a consultation if you have previous color. Seriously. Burgundy over old box dye is a recipe for unevenness. A professional will likely do a "strand test" to see how your hair reacts to the lifting process before committing to your whole head.
Third, invest in the "Red Kit." Before you even leave the salon, have your sulfate-free shampoo, a microfiber hair towel (it prevents frizz and absorbs less product than cotton), and a heat protectant ready. Heat styling tools like flat irons and blow dryers are the second-biggest killers of burgundy pigment after hot water. Always keep your tools under 350 degrees.
Fourth, book your touch-up for six weeks out. Unlike blonde, which can sometimes grow out gracefully for months, the "shift" in burgundy happens fast. Even if you don't need your roots done, you'll want that gloss to refresh the tone.
Lastly, check your wardrobe. It sounds extra, but burgundy clashes with certain oranges and neon yellows. You’ll find yourself reaching for blacks, creams, forest greens, and navy blues—colors that let those deep red highlights actually pop instead of fighting them for attention. It's a lifestyle shift, but for the right person, it’s the most confident color you'll ever wear.