20 Rich and Gorgeous Wine Hair Colors to Try Now
Picking a new hair color is exciting, and a little scary. You want something bold, but you also want it to look good on you and last more than a week.
Maybe you have been bored with plain brown. Or you tried a red that turned orange. Or you saw a pretty photo online and had no idea how to ask for it at the salon.
That is where wine hair colors come in. These deep, juicy shades look rich, feel elegant, and work for almost every hair length and style.
Wine tones sit between red, purple, and brown. They give your hair shine, depth, and a little drama without going too bright. They are also great at hiding gray roots and making dull hair look healthy.
The tricky part is the details. Wine shades can fade fast, they can look different on different skin tones, and they need the right care. I have colored hair for years, and I have seen all the common mistakes.
In this guide, you will find 20 gorgeous wine hair colors, each with a quick description, why it works, and a pro tip. You will also learn how to pick a shade for your skin tone, how to keep the color from fading, and how to talk to your stylist. Let’s find your perfect shade.
Deep Plum and Burgundy Long Waves
Long hair is a wonderful canvas for wine color. Waves and curls catch the light and show every shade in the mix.
These first four wine hair colors are rich, glossy, and perfect for dramatic shine.
1. (Plum Burgundy Curls with Raspberry Highlights)
Description: Deep plum hair is lit with raspberry and red highlights through big, glossy curls. The color shifts from dark violet at the roots to bright wine at the ends. You need a color depositing shampoo and a large curling iron. The vibe is bold and glamorous.
Why It Works: Highlights add depth to thick hair and bounce to fine hair. Cool plum tones flatter fair and medium skin.
Pro Tip: Ask your stylist for a mix of dark and bright pieces so the color looks rich. Use a shine spray to boost the gloss.
2. (Black Cherry Layers with Soft Waves)
Description: Near black cherry hair falls in long layers with soft, rolling waves. The color is deep with a hint of red that glows in the light. A smoothing cream and a large barrel wand do the styling. It feels moody and chic.
Why It Works: A dark base is easy on hair that is already brown or black. It suits olive, tan, and deep skin tones.
Pro Tip: Ask for a gloss with a red violet tone to keep the shine. Wash with cool water to slow the fade.
3. (Dark Roots with Burgundy Ombre Ends)
Description: Dark brown roots melt into burgundy ends through long, loose waves. The change is soft and blended. A little shine serum on the ends brings out the color. The look is edgy but easy to wear.
Why It Works: Dark roots grow out gracefully, so you can wait longer between salon visits. It is great for brunettes who want color without a full change.
Pro Tip: Ask for a root smudge so there is no harsh line. Keep the ends moisturized with a weekly mask.
4. (Merlot Layers with Curtain Bangs)
Description: Merlot hair has a brown red tone that looks soft and rich. Curtain bangs and long layers frame the face. A flat iron or blow dry gives a smooth finish. The vibe is warm, playful, and modern.
Why It Works: Layers show off the color’s depth and make fine hair look fuller. Curtain bangs flatter round, heart, and long faces.
Pro Tip: Ask for a color refreshing gloss on the bangs to keep them rich. Touch up the front with dry shampoo between washes.
Dark Cherry and Mulberry Layers
If you are new to wine shades, start with something deep and soft. Dark cherry and mulberry tones look almost natural until the sun hits them.
These four wine hair colors are subtle, polished, and easy to wear every day.
5. (Dark Cherry Layers with Face Framing)
Description: Dark cherry hair is cut into long layers with a center part and face framing pieces. The color looks brown at first, then flashes red in the sun. The finish is sleek and glossy. It is subtle and very wearable.
Why It Works: A subtle cherry tone works well at the office and at school. It flatters warm skin tones and soft round faces.
Pro Tip: Ask your stylist for a cherry gloss over a brown base. Blow dry with a round brush for extra shine.
6. (Burgundy Waves with Mini Crown Braids)
Description: Burgundy waves fall past the shoulders with two tiny braids at the crown. The braids add a boho touch and keep hair off the face. A texture spray gives the waves hold. It feels fresh and fun.
Why It Works: The braids add interest to simple waves. This style works for thick or wavy hair and for most face shapes.
Pro Tip: Braid on dry hair for a neat finish. Use a shine mist to help the color pop.
7. (Merlot Wavy Lob)
Description: A shoulder length lob wears one deep merlot shade from root to tip. Loose waves add gentle movement. The color is rich, smooth, and very glossy. It looks sleek and polished.
Why It Works: A single shade is easy to maintain, with no obvious regrowth. A lob adds fullness to fine hair and suits oval and heart faces.
Pro Tip: Use a color safe shampoo and conditioner. Refresh the shade with a tinted conditioner every few weeks.
8. (Mulberry Wine Waves)
Description: Long hair in a ripe mulberry shade falls in big, glossy waves. The color has deep purple and red tones that blend well. A large curling iron and a smoothing serum finish the style. It is romantic and luxurious.
Why It Works: Big waves make fine hair look thick. Mulberry flatters cool and neutral skin tones.
Pro Tip: Let the curls cool before you brush them out. Use a wide tooth comb for soft, shiny waves.
Violet, Ruby, and Crimson Wine Shades
If you want more color, try a wine shade with a bright twist. Violet, ruby, and crimson tones add a lot of personality.
These four wine hair colors are bolder and perfect for anyone ready to stand out.
9. (Plum Violet Waves with a Half Up Knot)
Description: Dark plum hair has violet shine and flows down in loose waves. A small half up knot keeps the front neat. The color looks like deep grape wine in the light. It feels playful and artistic.
Why It Works: A half up style keeps hair off your face while showing off the color. It suits long hair and works for round and square faces.
Pro Tip: Use a purple tinted conditioner to keep the violet fresh. Pull a few strands loose to soften the knot.
10. (Vivid Ruby Wine Waves)
Description: A bright ruby red wine shade shines in long, sleek waves. The color is bold and full of high gloss. A flat iron and a shine serum keep the finish smooth. It is a show stopping look.
Why It Works: Bright color looks best on healthy, smooth hair. It flatters medium and tan skin tones.
Pro Tip: Expect more upkeep, since vivid reds fade fast. Rinse with cool water and use a red depositing mask.
11. (Dark Plum with Crimson Highlights)
Description: Dark plum hair is streaked with crimson ribbons that show in each wave. The contrast makes the curls pop. A curling wand and a gloss spray complete the look. The vibe is dramatic and bold.
Why It Works: Highlights add dimension to thick hair. The dark base keeps the look sleek on deep or dark skin tones.
Pro Tip: Ask for hand painted ribbons around the face. Keep the highlights bright with a weekly color mask.
12. (Glossy Burgundy with Bouncy Curved Ends)
Description: Smooth burgundy hair flows in long layers that curve under at the ends. The color is deep and even with a mirror shine. A big round brush gives the bounce. The look is classic and elegant.
Why It Works: Layers add movement to thick hair and fullness to fine hair. A classic burgundy suits most skin tones.
Pro Tip: Blow dry with a big round brush, then tuck the ends under. Add a heat protectant first.
Bold Contrast and Sleek Red Wine Styles
Contrast and shine make wine hair colors stand out. A dark base with bright pieces, or a sleek solid color, can look amazing.
These four wine hair colors are great if you like a sharper, more polished finish.
13. (Black Base with Ruby Wine Highlights)
Description: A blue black base is brushed with ruby wine highlights through a wavy lob. The waves show off the contrast. A texture spray makes each wave stand out. It looks edgy and daring.
Why It Works: A black base is great for deep natural hair color. A lob is easy to style and flatters oval and square faces.
Pro Tip: Ask for highlights placed in the lower layers. Use a color safe shampoo and a red mask to keep the ribbons bright.
14. (Aubergine with Burgundy Highlights)
Description: Aubergine hair has a deep purple brown tone with burgundy highlights. Long layers and waves keep it soft. A smoothing serum adds shine. It is mysterious and rich.
Why It Works: The cool tone is flattering on fair and medium skin. Layers add movement and hide thin ends.
Pro Tip: Ask your stylist for a violet gloss for extra depth. Avoid hot water, which dulls the color.
15. (Glossy Oxblood Layers with Wispy Bangs)
Description: Oxblood hair has a dark red brown shade with a mirror shine. Wispy bangs and long layers frame the face. A flat iron smooths the finish. It feels sleek and a little dramatic.
Why It Works: Oxblood is great for deep and warm skin tones. Wispy bangs soften square jaws.
Pro Tip: Use a flat iron on low heat to protect the color. Finish with a drop of shine oil.
16. (Straight Red Wine with Long Layers)
Description: Long, straight hair is dyed a smooth red wine shade with long layers. The color is rich with soft plum notes. A flat iron or blow dry gives the sleek finish. The vibe is polished and confident.
Why It Works: Straight hair shows off a solid color best. It works on thick hair and flatters long and oval faces.
Pro Tip: Use a heat protectant every time you flat iron. Keep the ends trimmed so the color stays shiny.
Berry, Mahogany, and Grape Curls and Lobs
The last group of wine hair colors adds fruity and warm tones. Curls, lobs, and big waves show them off beautifully.
These four looks are fun, glam, and full of life.
17. (Berry Wine Curls)
Description: Berry wine hair curls in thick, springy waves. The shade is bright and fruity, with pink red tones. A curling wand and a curl cream hold the shape. It is playful and youthful.
Why It Works: Curls give color lots of depth. This look suits fine hair that needs body and warm to neutral skin.
Pro Tip: Use a curl cream to keep frizz down. Protect curls at night with a silk scrunchie.
18. (Sleek Mahogany Wine Lob)
Description: A blunt lob wears a deep mahogany wine color with a middle part. The hair is smooth and straight. The shade has a warm red brown tone. It looks sleek and modern.
Why It Works: A blunt cut makes fine hair look thick. The warm tone flatters warm and olive skin and works for round and oval faces.
Pro Tip: Ask for a glossing treatment for mirror shine. Trim every six to eight weeks to keep the line sharp.
19. (Glossy Wine Red Curls with a Rich Glow)
Description: Large barrel curls in a deep wine red shade shine with red highlights. The curls are bouncy and full. A shine spray adds glow. The vibe is glam and ready for a party.
Why It Works: Large curls give fine hair volume and make thick hair look lush. They suit round, oval, and heart shaped faces.
Pro Tip: Use a one and a half inch iron for big, loose curls. Hold each curl for a few seconds, then let it cool.
20. (Grape Wine Violet Waves)
Description: Long waves in a grape wine shade glow with violet and deep red tones. The finish is shiny and smooth. A smoothing serum and a wide barrel iron create the style. It is dreamy and unique.
Why It Works: Cool violet tones flatter fair and medium skin. Waves add body to fine hair.
Pro Tip: Use a purple tinted mask once a week to keep the shade fresh. Wash with cool water to slow fading.
Understanding the Different Wine Hair Colors
Wine is not just one color. It is a family of rich shades, and each one has its own feel.
Burgundy: This is the classic wine shade. It is a deep red with a touch of purple. It suits almost everyone and looks great on long hair.
Merlot: Merlot leans a bit brown. It is darker and softer than burgundy. It is a great choice if you want a subtle look.
Plum: Plum has more purple in it. It looks cool and moody. Plum works well on fair and medium skin tones.
Black cherry: This shade is nearly black with a red glow. It is perfect if you want a small change. It is also easy on dark hair.
Mulberry and grape: These are deep purple reds with a juicy look. They are fun and a little dramatic. They show shine very well.
Oxblood and mahogany: These shades are warm and brown red. They are rich and earthy. They flatter warm and deep skin tones.
Ruby and berry: These are the brightest wine shades. They look bold and fresh. They need more upkeep since bright reds fade quickly.
How to Pick Wine Hair Colors for Your Skin Tone
Skin tone matters more than face shape for color. The right shade makes your skin glow, and the wrong one can look flat.
Fair skin with cool undertones: Try plum, mulberry, and aubergine. These cool shades make your skin look bright and fresh. Avoid very orange reds.
Fair skin with warm undertones: Choose merlot, burgundy with a hint of brown, or soft cherry. These blend with warm skin well. Very purple shades can look harsh.
Medium and olive skin: You can wear nearly any wine shade. Burgundy, ruby, and mahogany look especially beautiful. Try a few highlights for extra depth.
Tan and deep skin: Rich, dark wine shades look stunning. Black cherry, oxblood, and deep plum add glow. Bright ruby highlights make a bold statement.
Not sure about your undertone? Look at the veins on your wrist. Blue or purple veins usually mean cool undertones. Green veins usually mean warm undertones.
Do You Need to Bleach for Wine Hair Colors?
This is the question I get most. The answer depends on your starting color.
Dark brown or black hair: Wine color can show up as a subtle tint without bleach. For a brighter look, a stylist may need to lift your hair first. Lightening opens up more color choices.
Light brown or blonde hair: You can usually go to wine without bleach. Your hair takes color easily. Just plan for fast fading, since light hair holds color less well.
Previously dyed hair: Old color can make the result uneven. A stylist can match the shade and fix patchy spots. Always tell them your color history.
Gray hair: Wine shades cover gray well, especially darker tones. Gray can take color differently, so ask for a gloss to blend. Deep merlot and plum work best.
Fixing Common Hair Problems with Wine Color
Color brings its own set of challenges. Here are simple fixes I share with clients.
Fine hair that lacks volume: Rich color adds depth, which can make fine hair look fuller. Ask for soft layers and a few highlights. Use a root lift spray when you style.
Thick hair that feels heavy: Thick hair takes color beautifully but can feel bulky. Ask your stylist for point cutting and long layers. A smoothing cream helps tame frizz.
Wavy or curly hair: Curls show off color in a lovely way. Use a curl cream and avoid heavy brushing. Moisture is key because color can dry out curls.
Humidity and frizz: Humid weather can make colored hair puff up. Use an anti-frizz serum and a humidity resistant spray. A leave in conditioner also helps.
Dry, damaged ends: Color and heat can dry your ends. Trim every eight to ten weeks and use a deep conditioner. A bond repair treatment can help if you have lightened your hair.
Fast fading: Red shades fade the fastest of all colors. Wash less often, use cool water, and use color safe products. A color depositing mask keeps the shade fresh.
Heat damage: Hot tools can dull wine color. Always use a heat protectant and keep tools at a medium setting. Let your hair air dry when you can.
How to Keep Wine Hair Colors from Fading
Wine shades are gorgeous, but they do need care. A few smart habits will keep your color bright for weeks.
Wash less often: Try washing two or three times a week. Use dry shampoo between washes. Fewer washes means less color loss.
Use cool water: Hot water opens the hair cuticle and lets color escape. Rinse with cool or lukewarm water. A final cool rinse adds shine.
Choose color safe products: Look for sulfate free shampoo and conditioner. They are gentler and keep color longer. Products made for red hair are a great choice.
Use a color depositing mask: These masks add pigment back into your hair. Use one once a week or every two weeks. Pick a tone that matches your shade.
Protect from the sun: UV light can fade hair color. Wear a hat or use a UV protecting spray. This helps on beach days and long walks.
Book a gloss: A gloss treatment every six to eight weeks restores shine and tone. It is quick and affordable. It also makes your color look brand new.
How to Talk to Your Stylist About Wine Hair Colors
Color words can mean different things to different people. Clear communication saves you from surprises.
Bring photos: Show two or three pictures of shades you love. Also show a photo of a color you do not want. This helps your stylist understand your taste.
Describe the tone: Say if you want more red, more purple, or more brown. Use words like cool, warm, bright, or deep. These help your stylist choose the right formula.
Share your hair history: Tell your stylist about past dye, bleach, and treatments. This affects how the color will turn out. Be honest, even if the color was a home job.
Talk about upkeep: Say how often you can visit the salon. Some looks need touch ups every six weeks. Others, like dark roots with ombre ends, last longer.
Ask about a patch test: A patch test checks for allergic reactions to hair dye. It is quick and can protect you from a bad reaction. Do it at least two days before your appointment.
Salon Color or At Home Color?
Both can work, but they are different. Think about your hair, your budget, and your goals.
Choose the salon if: Your hair is dark and needs lightening. You want highlights or ombre. Your hair has been dyed before or is damaged.
Try at home if: You have light or medium hair and want an all over tint. You want a simple, low commitment change. You are comfortable following the directions closely.
At home tips: Do a strand test first and read the instructions. Wear gloves and protect your clothes and counters. Red dye stains easily, so work with care.
Do not skip the patch test: Even at home, test the dye on your skin. This is important for safety. Wait the full time before you color.
Tools and Products for Wine Hair Colors
The right products keep your color rich and your hair healthy. You do not need a huge collection.
Sulfate free shampoo and conditioner: These clean gently and protect color. Choose a formula for colored hair. Look for one with moisture.
Color depositing mask: This adds pigment back between salon visits. Pick red, burgundy, or violet to match your shade. Use it as the directions say.
Heat protectant spray: Apply it before every hot tool. It guards color and prevents dryness. A light spray is all you need.
Shine serum or oil: A few drops on the ends add gloss. It makes wine tones look rich and smooth. Avoid using too much.
Wide tooth comb and soft brush: These are gentle on colored hair. Start combing from the ends and work up. This prevents breakage.
Silk pillowcase: Silk reduces friction and frizz. It helps color and curls last longer. It is also kind to your skin.
Common Mistakes with Wine Hair Colors
Even a beautiful shade can disappoint if you slip up. Here are the mistakes I see most often.
Skipping the consultation: A short chat can prevent big surprises. Ask questions and agree on the shade. This saves time and money.
Washing with hot water: Hot water makes color fade faster. Switch to cool water, even if it feels less cozy. Your color will thank you.
Using regular shampoo: Harsh formulas strip color. Switch to a sulfate free option for colored hair. It is a simple change with big results.
Ignoring heat damage: Heat makes hair dull and lifts color. Use protectant and lower your settings. Give your hair breaks.
Picking a shade that clashes with your skin tone: A shade that is too warm or too cool can look off. Use the skin tone guide above. Ask your stylist for an honest opinion.
Skipping the gloss and trims: Dry ends make color look dull. A trim and a gloss keep your hair fresh. Plan them every two months.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wine Hair Colors
What are wine hair colors?
Wine hair colors are deep shades that mix red, purple, and brown. They include burgundy, merlot, plum, and black cherry. They look rich and glossy.
Who looks best with wine hair?
Wine shades suit many skin tones when you pick the right tone. Cool plum shades flatter fair skin. Warm merlot and mahogany look great on warm and deep skin tones.
Do wine hair colors fade fast?
Red based colors tend to fade faster than other shades. Washing less, using cool water, and using color safe products help. A gloss every two months also keeps it fresh.
Can I get wine hair color without bleach?
Often, yes, especially if your hair is light or medium. On very dark hair, the color may look like a subtle tint. A stylist can lighten first for a brighter result.
What is the difference between burgundy and merlot?
Burgundy is a deeper red with a touch of purple. Merlot is softer and has more brown. Both look rich and elegant.
How often should I touch up wine hair color?
Most people refresh their color every six to eight weeks. Dark roots with ombre ends can last longer. A gloss in between helps with shine.
Is wine hair color good for gray coverage?
Yes. Dark wine shades like merlot and plum cover gray well. Ask for a gloss to blend any stubborn strands.
How do I stop wine color from staining my clothes and towels?
Rinse your hair well after coloring. Use dark towels for the first few washes. Avoid white pillowcases until the color settles.
Final Thoughts on Wine Hair Colors
Wine hair colors are rich, flattering, and full of shine. They can be soft and subtle or bold and dramatic, depending on the shade you choose.
Pick a tone that suits your skin, plan for a little extra care, and bring photos to your stylist. With the right products and habits, your color will stay lush for weeks.
Whether you love a deep black cherry, a bright ruby, or a dreamy grape violet, there is a wine shade here for you. Which of these wine hair colors will you try first?
