This season, hair trendsetters are taking cold-weather classics and making inspired tweaks. Instead of everyone going dark, creative colors like “syrup blonde” and “burnt orange” are making waves. We wondered if the reign of dark shades is nearing its end, but colorists have set us straight. There’s one particularly dynamic shade they see making a comeback this season – and it’s so versatile.
The pros predict a spectrum of maroon hair colors will reign as the season’s most-coveted. There’s so much to love about this color family, but we’ll start with the fact that it suits a variety of skin tones – and you can go as bold or as subtle as you want. Even though red pigments are the fastest to rinse away, don’t worry, they’re also sharing exactly what you’ll need to keep your color vibrant and healthy.
For everything to know about winter’s hottest new hair color, keep reading. We’ve mapped out your maroon hair essentials, care tips, and eight stunning inspo photos to screenshot now.
Experts Featured in This Article
Leysa Carrillo is a celebrity colorist, educator, stylist, and Redken ambassador who specializes in textured hair. She works with celebrities like Ice Spice and is based in Florida.
Patricia Nikole is a Schwarzkopf Professional Artistic ambassador with her own high-contrast hair painting technique. She is based in California.
What Is Maroon Hair Color?
Before you start thinking that maroon is too bold for you, let us explain: there are so many different ways you can rock red. “Maroon colors are all about that deep, rich blend between red and violet tones,” says celebrity colorist and Redken ambassador Leysa Carrilo.”They boast a sophisticated edge, work beautifully on a range of skin tones, and also add depth and dimension to any look.”
Maroon can vary from a deep wine shade to a more intense and vibrant plum, and it’s up to you how bright you want to go, according to California-based colorist Patricia Nikole. Even a hint of maroon makes a statement while still keeping your look polished, sleek, and refined. Shades like the recently popular “Cherry Cola” and rich burgundy (as seen on celebs like Dua Lipa) also fall into this camp.
How to Achieve Maroon Hair
First, colorists advise getting a consultation and coming prepared with inspiration photos showcasing the particular shade of maroon you like. “Ask for a maroon that has the right balance of red and violet,” says Carillo. “Make sure to always specify the depth you want and bring as many photos as possible. It’s important to look at placement too, for a more natural blend or something more dimensional.”
You should specify if you’d like an all-over color, balayage, or more subtle maroon highlights to enhance depth and dimension. You may also want to do a test strand first with your colorist to ensure you like it.
Lighter, cooler maroon shades complement fair skin tones, says Carillo. Cooler tones (like burgundy) also flatter deep skin tones, while more intense maroon shades work well for those with warmer, olive-toned skin. If you’re still unsure about which shade of maroon will look best on you, Nikole shares a good rule of thumb: choosing the best maroon shade for your skin tone is all about considering your undertones.
“If you have warm undertones, opt for a maroon with more reddish highlights to bring warmth to your complexion,” explains Nikole. “Those with cooler undertones tend to lean more toward violet or plum. Finally, if you have more of a neutral undertone, you can experiment across the spectrum. You may desire a balanced maroon that doesn’t lean too heavily toward red or purple.”
How to Maintain Maroon Hair at Home
Like most vivid hair colors, maroon hues require a bit more upkeep and commitment. First, both Carrillo and Nikole stress how important it is to use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner to help your color stay vibrant longer. “I love a gentle sulfate-free shampoo, like the
Nikole recommends Schwarzkopf Professional’s
