From Italian bobs and “syrup blond” to bold accessories and slick styles, this year has already seen a fair share of top-notch hair trends – and they just keep coming. Burnt-orange hair is the newest color craze gaining popularity lately, and it’s as hot as it sounds. This bright shade features a mix of vibrant red and orange hues that create a burnt orange look that’s all kinds of fiery and makes for the perfect, autumn-inspired glow.
From beamingly bright natural curls to ombré ends boasting bold color, this trend is heating up the season. If you’re feeling adventurous (or are just totally enthralled with this red-hot hue), keep reading to see the different ways you can incorporate burnt-orange hair into your look. Trust us when we tell you this is one of the hands-down hottest hair trends yet.
Experts Featured in This Article
Katelyn Ellsworth is a hairstylist, natural color and extension specialist, and the founder of The Roslyn Salon.
Kim Kimble is a celebrity hairstylist who has worked with stars such as Beyoncé, Kerry Washington, Tyra Banks, and more, and the head of the hair department for HBO’s “Euphoria.”
What Is Burnt-Orange Hair?
“I’d describe burnt-orange hair as a rich, auburn-toned red that’s perfect for fall,” celebrity hairstylist Kim Kimble tells PS. “While many people go blond for summer and darker in the cooler months, this shade offers a fresh alternative. You can easily transition from blond to burnt orange by adding a red toner. It’s also a flattering color that suits a wide range of skin tones.”
At its core, this shade blends deep copper and warm orange hues to create a fiery effect. When done well, it resembles the color of a late autumn sunset, offering a mix of reddish-brown undertones with vibrant orange highlights. The final result can also range from a soft, subtle coppery orange to a more intense, almost fiery red-orange, depending on your preference.
Who Should Try Burnt-Orange Hair?
While the color itself is unique, what really sets this trend apart is its ability to complement a variety of skin tones. For people with fair skin, lighter shades of orange with golden undertones work best since these colors can add warmth without creating too much contrast against their complexions. Medium skin tones can rock a more intense orange with hints of red as this will naturally highlight their undertones. For deeper skin tones, richer burnt orange shades with hints of copper or auburn hues add the perfect amount of warmth. What’s more, the burnt orange hair color works well on a wide range of hair types, but particularly on textured hair; the color enhances the dimension and depth of each curl. Curly and coily hair can enjoy a dynamic, multidimensional look, especially if copper and auburn hues are added. TL; DR: It’s flattering on anyone.
How to Maintain Burnt-Orange Hair
Since burnt-orange hair features a lot of red tones, it’s bound to fade faster than other hues. (Fun fact: Red dye tends to fade quickly because the color molecules are large and easily slip out of the hair shaft.) Because of this, be especially mindful of the products you use, specifically focusing only ones that are color-safe. “You will need to have a top-notch hair care routine,” explains hairstylist Katelyn Ellsworth. “This includes a shampoo and conditioner that is specifically formulated for color-treated hair. You will also need a good hair mask that will replenish your hair and give it a boost that you use ideally once a week.” What’s more, it’s best to skip heat styling as it can damage hair and cause the color to fade even faster. Speaking of heat, both Kimble and Ellsworth suggest only washing hair with lukewarm water instead of hot. This will keep the hair cuticle sealed, locking in the color and ultimately preserving its vibrancy.
How to Achieve the Look
As with any hair color, it’s best to be clear with your colorist about what you want. For this shade specifically, talk to him or her about the exact shade of burnt orange you’re looking for. Whether you want a soft, coppery hue or a bold, fiery orange, bringing reference photos is a must. Also, don’t forget to ask about different coloring techniques like balayage, ombré, or all-over color, depending on how dramatic or subtle you want the final look to be. Pro tip: If you prefer more dimension, ask for strategic highlights or lowlights to enhance the depth of the color.
Since this shade can look different on different skin tones, we also suggest asking your stylist to tailor the burnt-orange tone to your skin for the most flattering effect. As mentioned, softer shades of burnt orange with gold undertones look best on fair skin; a more vibrant burnt orange with hints of red for contrast and richness looks best on medium tones; and deeper skin tones should consider dark copper or auburn-infused burnt orange shades.
Want to try coloring your hair yourself and on the hunt for some burnt-orange hair dye? That’s also an option. “For achieving the perfect burnt-orange hue, I recommend Clairol Textures & Tones in Sunset Copper ($5) for textured hair if you’re looking for a vibrant, bold finish or Clairol Nice’n Easy in Light Auburn ($9) for a softer, more natural effect,” says Kimble. “Both shades offer rich, lasting color that’s ideal for creating this trendy fall look.” Also nice: Both options are made with argan and olive oil, which adds shine that enhances the color, giving your strands a striking red hue that lasts for weeks.
Additionally, Madison Reed Color Kit ($35) has a light red copper shade that’s sure to suit any complexion and hair type. What makes this hair dye a top pick is that it’s made with a slew of good-for-your-hair ingredients, including keratin, argan oil, and ginseng root extract, all of which condition hair. Plus, it doesn’t have harsh ingredients like other products, such as ammonia, parabens, or phthalates.
Looking for some burnt-orange hair ideas ? Click through to see some of our favorite examples.
