Auburn is a gorgeous and rich shade, especially for the fall. As the leaves change into varying hues, so can your strands. In addition, coloring your hair won’t have to cost an arm and a leg; there are easy at-home kits that can make the transition a breeze.
However, it’s crucial to evaluate what you’re looking for out of your color before you make the change. Hair dye is available in multiple formulas that will offer different pigment levels, longevity, and conditioning.
Also, red and orange pigments like auburn are high-maintenance. For example, reds and oranges are the hardest to keep vibrant in your hair, but they are also the most challenging to get rid of if you get tired of auburn. This is crucial to keep in mind.
So, what are the best auburn hair dyes? Auburn is a rich and bold color, so the best hair dyes will ensure you get the maximum color payoff regardless of what color formula you choose. In addition, the auburn hair dye shouldn’t disrupt the integrity of your hair.
In this article, we’ll talk all about choosing the right auburn hair dye for you and introduce you to our favorite ones available online!
Auburn Hair Dye – Buyer’s Guide
1. Formulation
Your hair dye can be permanent, semi-permanent, or temporary. The most common are permanent colors and semi-permanent colors. Permanent colors need the help of a developer or bleach to lift your cuticle to allow the dye to penetrate the strands.
In addition, permanent hair colors can last up to 8 weeks. On the other hand, semi-permanent colors will only deposit color into your strands.
If you opt for a semi-permanent color, keep in mind your end color won’t be exactly like the box because it will depend on your natural color or your current hair color. In addition, semi-permanent dyes will only last for 4-6 weeks.
How long you want your auburn color to last will help determine what formula is best for you. In addition, there are semi-permanent dyes available in the form of color depositing masks, treatments, and shampoos.
These products are great for auburn hair that can lose pigment quickly. Color depositing masks and shampoos, like semi-permanent dyes, will only deposit color into your strands.
2. Color
Like how there is more than one shade of brown, there are more than one shade of auburn. Auburn can be light and strawberry-like or dark and rich like mahogany. Thankfully, there is an auburn color for every mood and desire.
In addition, everyone will have a different definition of what auburn looks like. Thousands of red, orange and brown pigments can be mixed and reach varying shades of auburn.
3. Hair Type, Texture, & Porosity
Before you purchase your color, it’s crucial to read the labels and ensure that this dye will work for you. For example, some hair colors are safe for color or chemically-treated hair, and others are not.
In addition, your hair type and porosity can also affect how the hair dye will work for you. Most hair dyes will state if their formula is safe for certain hair types, textures, and porosities.
Analyzing the state of your hair and its needs will help you achieve the best results with your auburn hair color. It can be overwhelming to dye your hair at home, but taking an extra step to research will ensure you are happy with your outcome.
Best Auburn Hair Dyes
1. Clairol Natural Instincts Semi-Permanent Hair Dye
This semi-permanent dye from Clairol will deposit vibrant copper auburn pigment into your locks that will last up to 28 washes.
The kit includes a color enhancing creme, color activator, and brilliant shine conditioner so you’ll not only end up with gorgeous auburn coloring but shiny and healthy hair as well.
This formula is made up of 80% natural ingredients, including aloe vera and coconut oil for strong and hydrated strands.
It works on medium to light brown hair without bleach, and unlike other harsh dyes, you won’t end up with fried, frizzy, split, or otherwise damaged hair.
2. Clairol Professional Texture and Tones Permanent Hair Color
If you have natural, coily, or textured hair, it can be challenging to find an at-home dye that caters to your hair’s specific needs and doesn’t leave your hair dry, frizzy, or brittle.
That’s why Clairol developed a permanent auburn dye specifically for textured hair with jojoba oil and 5 botanical extracts that will leave your curls hydrated and bouncy.
Not to mention, you’ll be turning heads with gorgeous, even-toned, and shiny auburn locks everywhere you go!
This dye is long-lasting and even ammonia-free. You won’t need to bleach your hair beforehand either, as it’s meant to go straight onto your hair without any extra prep! Easy to use and easy to love!
3. Moroccanoil Color Depositing Mask Copper
If you are only looking for temporary color and don’t want to opt for a semi-permanent or permanent color, Moroccanoil has your back.
Their Color Depositing Mask in the shade Copper will give you vibrant auburn hair without the commitment.
In addition, you will receive a fresh color, but your strands will be deeply nourished, shiny, and healthy.
This mask will work the best for medium brown and blonde hair colors. Within seven minutes, you’ll achieve warm hair ideal for autumn!
Moroccanoil’s mask can enhance your previous hair dye or even your natural color. In addition, because it’s a temporary color, it will disappear within a few washes, or you can continue using it to achieve your ideal enhanced color.
4. L’Oreal Paris Superior Preference Hair Color
Auburn, which has many red and orange pigments, can fade quickly. Thankfully, L’Oreal’s Preference Fade-Defying color will ensure your color remains vibrant for weeks on end. In addition, this hair color has a permanent formula.
The Superior Preference line has been around since the 70s, so you know this formula has stood the test of time. This hair dye kit will ensure you achieve a dimensional and pigmented auburn hair color without going to the salon.
You’ll find the gel hair dye, the Care Supreme Conditioner, and the Shine Serum in the kit. L’Oreal provided all the tools to ensure you achieve the color of your dreams. In addition, the shine serum will allow your strands to become soft and resilient.
The Superior Preference also has a wide range of red and auburn shades available so you can find your perfect match. However, the shade 6AB Chic Auburn Brown will leave you with a classic warm auburn shade with orange undertones.
5. Revlon Colorsilk Permanent Hair Color
Revlon’s Colorsilk Permanent Hair Color line has also been around for years and is one of the most popular dyes that’s also affordable.
This permanent hair color will ensure you have even, vibrant, pigmented hair until it’s time to switch up the color again.
Colorsilk has one of the most innovative formulas thanks to its 3D Gel Technology that’s infused with Keratin. In addition, this hair dye line gives 100% gray coverage for those looking to color their silver strands or want maximum color payoff.
Keratin works to keep your hair strong and resilient throughout the color process so you can have soft and healthy strands even after applying the hair dye. In addition, the dye formula is ammonia-free, and the Silk Amino Acid also conditions the hair.
Colorsilk is available in more than 40 shades, but if you are looking for an authentic red-auburn finish, opt for the color Medium Auburn. This shade is warm, fiery, and multidimensional. In addition, Revlon ensures you’ll never have dull hair again.
6. Clairol Natural Instincts Semi-Permanent Hair Dye
Clairol has also mastered various lines of at-home coloring kits, including their Natural Instincts Collection.
In addition, Clairol claims that you’ll achieve rich and healthy color within 20 minutes that will also last up to 28 shampoos.
Natural Instincts is a line of semi-permanent color, so that it won’t be as long-lasting as a permanent color.
Clairol’s semi-permanent color will work with your natural or current hair color to improve the vibrancy and shine with an ammonia-free formula.
Clairol also states that the Natural Instinct collection is available in 38 shades and made from 80% naturally derived ingredients.
In addition, they supply a complete at-home kit featuring the Color Creme, Color Activator, and Brilliant Shine Conditioner.
The shade Medium Auburn is ideal for those looking for medium orange tones mixed with brown. In addition, this formula is vegan and has hair-loving ingredients like Coconut Oil and Aloe Vera to ensure your strands remain soft and nourished.
7. Garnier Olia Ammonia Free Permanent Color
If you’re looking for an actual natural-looking auburn hair color, your search has come to an end.
Garnier’s Olia Permanent Color in the shade Light Natural Auburn will offer an auburn color that looks organic and leaves your hair feeling nourished.
Garnier has multiple lines of color, so what makes this hair dye kit different from the rest? Well, the Olia Permanent Color is formulated with a 60% oil blend containing flower oils. In addition, it’s a non-drip formula that allows for easy application.
This kit will give you all the tools you need to achieve flawless results. You’ll find the permanent color, developer, after-color conditioner, and an application bottle. The after-color conditioner will lock your shade in place and keep your hair’s integrity.
The Olia line ensures your hair color has brilliance, vibrancy, and vivacity while keeping your strands soft and shiny. So you can finally say goodbye to dull, flat, and lifeless color. In addition, Garnier makes hair color affordable.
8. Clairol Nice’n Easy Root Touch-Up Light Auburn
Clairol’s Nice’n Easy hair color line has another version which is the Nice’n Easy Root Touch-Up.
This root touch-up is ideal for natural auburn hair or to maintain your auburn color. In addition, the product will save you time until your next color session.
The Nice’n Easy Root Touch-Up will ensure you can cover regrowth and gray hair or maintain your auburn hair in a flash.
This brush-on root color will last for 3 weeks, so if you find yourself in a pinch and can’t get a hold of hair dye, this will be a lifesaver.
Clairol’s Precision Brush will ensure you get full, even, and pigmented coverage every time you need to touch up your roots. In addition, the brush will make the application process goof-proof; anyone can quickly swipe on the color in seconds.
The shade 6R Light Auburn will blend seamlessly into any light auburn hair colors that are more orange in tone. Even though this is a permanent formula, it will only last three weeks until your new hair starts growing again.
9. DpHue Gloss+ Color-Boosting Semi-Permanent Hair Dye
This 2-in-1 semi-permanent hair dye and deep conditioner are ideal for anyone who doesn’t have the time or energy to color their at home with a whole kit.
Instead, this product from dpHUE will dye your hair in the shower within 3-20 minutes. For more intensity, you can leave the product in your hair longer.
This semi-permanent hair dye is formulated to work for both color-treated hair and natural hair colors, so that anyone can add a boost of shine and color to the strands.
It’s important to note this won’t cover gray hair or change your hair dramatically. The formula is vegan, and the color will wash out over time.
10. Adore Semi-Permanent Hair Color Cinnamon
Adore’s Semi-Permanent Hair Color in Cinnamon is ideal for anyone who wants a change for fall but without commitment. Semi-Permanent colors will usually last on average for about 4-6 weeks.
The shade Cinnamon will give you just that: a gingery, orange shade of auburn that is ideal for the colder seasons. Adore’s Semi-Permanent Color will provide vibrancy and shine and leave the hair feeling supple. In addition, you’ll have a natural finish.
11. Revlon Total Color Permanent Hair Color
Nowadays, multiple drugstore brands are offering clean and vegan alternatives to their other products.
Revlon’s Total Color does just that. The shade 6R Light Auburn will offer 100% gray coverage and last for up to 6 weeks.
This color, in particular, is infused with Cannabis Sativa Hemp Oil to offer hydration, nourishment, and soothe the scalp.
In addition, this kit includes a developer, the cream colorant, conditioning gloss, and instructions to help achieve a seamless application.
Revlon ensured this hair color is formulated without sensitizing ingredients like ammonia, silicones, sulfates, and others that can cause damage to your strands.
12. Clairol Nice’n Easy Permanent Hair Dye
If the Clairol Natural Instincts Color isn’t for you, as mentioned earlier, they have a permanent formula with another iconic hair color line called Nice’n Easy.
In addition, if you are looking to go deep and rich for fall, the shade 4R Dark Auburn will be your best match.
Clairol states that their Nice’n Easy line will give your hair a natural finish, thanks to their blend of three tones and highlights in their color. In addition, this permanent color offers 100% gray coverage, and the dye can last up to eight weeks.
The Nice’n Easy Hair Dye Kit is equipped with everything you need for a seamless at-home application. You’ll receive the Color Blend Formula, CC Plus Color Seal Conditioner, and finally, the Color Blend Activator to use for the best results.
The conditioner will add a boost of shine to your strands and help keep your hair feeling healthy even after you dye it. You’ll be left with a natural color that will have everyone wondering how your hair looks so flawless and dimensional.
13. L’Oreal Paris Feria Permanent Color Red Velvet
If you’re looking for a deep, red, auburn color that packs a punch, then opt for L’Oreal Paris Feria Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in the shade Red Velvet. The Feria line is known for offering intense hair colors with insane vibrancy and pigmentation.
The color Red Velvet is not for the faint of heart, and it’s a rich and bold auburn shade. In addition, this permanent formula can last for up to 8 weeks. The Feria line is all about bold fashion colors that are fade-defying and last for weeks.
The L’Oreal Paris Feria line is an at-home coloring kit that includes the permanent hair dye and the Power Shimmer Feria Conditioner. These two products are a match made in heaven that will give vibrancy to your strands and lock it in simultaneously.
Feria’s Power Shimmer Conditioner will ensure that your color is sealed and your strands are soft and shiny. In addition, this line of color has the potential even to cover gray hair. So, if you need a statement hair color, look no further than Feria Red Velvet.
14. Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color Nourishing Permanent Color
Garnier is known for their famous Nutrisse Nourishing Hair Color, and they have the perfect shade for anyone who wants a red-toned auburn color. The Nutrisse line is all about keeping your strands nourished even if you color your hair frequently.
This permanent hair dye is formulated with hair-loving ingredients like avocado and grapeseed oil to ensure your strands are healthy, shiny, and soft.
In addition, this hair color formula is bold in color and non-drip so that the coloring process will be a breeze.
The ideal shade to achieve a deep red, auburn hue is the color R2 Medium Intense Auburn. In addition, Garnier Nutrisse’s Permanent Color has color boost technology to ensure you have bold, pigmented, and vibrant auburn hair.
You’ll receive the color cream in addition to the fruit oil ampoule, which will be mixed into your color. Together, this product will deposit color into your strands, and it will offer a nutritional component to your hair so it can remain strong and resilient.
15. Schwarzkopf Simply Color Hair Color Chocolate Cherry
Schwarzkopf is bringing salon-quality color right to your home. They have been known to provide high-performing hair color, and now you can achieve it yourself.
The Simply Color Permanent Hair Color is filled with hair-loving ingredients to achieve a stunning result. You’ll find that this permanent color is formulated with soy protein, oat milk, and argan.
In addition, this color will be gentle for your scalp; it’s free of ammonia, alcohol, and silicone, and it offers up to 100% gray coverage. So get ready for bold and beautiful colors!
Schwarzkopf recommends that you use at least two boxes of this hair color if you have long hair to ensure complete and even coverage. The shade Chocolate Cherry is a deep auburn with a mix of warm reds and neutral brown undertones.
In this kit, you’ll receive the color cream, an applicator bottle, developing lotion, a nourishing conditioner, gloves, and an instructional leaflet. Finally, you’ll be able to achieve bold, rich, and dimensional color with a salon-grade brand.
16. SoftSheen Dark and Lovely Hair Color Rich Auburn
Curly and coily hair is absolutely stunning, and those with textured hair types deserve products that fit their needs.
Thankfully, SoftSheen has developed the perfect permanent hair color specifically for natural and textured hair types.
This color will protect and nourish relaxed and natural hair with multiple fruit-derived oils like avocado oil, shea, and olive oil. In addition, SoftSheen created a permanent hair color formula that will last for up to 8 weeks.
SoftSheen’s kit includes a care conditioner with vitamin E and permanent color. In addition, this is a non-drip formula that also offers up to 100% gray coverage. The shade Rich Auburn is ideal for naturally dark hair to achieve a rich, warm hue.
The Dark and Lovely Fade Resist Conditioning Color is suitable for natural, relaxed, curly, wavy, and transitioning hair types. Your curls will be vibrant and nourished from roots to ends. Now everyone can finally achieve the color of their dreams!
17. Schwarzkopf Keratin Color Permanent Hair Color Cream
Schwarzkopf has another color collection that will get you into the fall spirit. This shade is the deepest and boldest shade of auburn on the market. This color has rich red and purple undertones that make the hue of auburn bold and dark.
Schwarzkopf provides everything you need to keep your hair’s integrity. You’ll receive a pre-color serum that will condition the hair and prepare it for the permanent color.
In addition, the Keratin will protect the cuticles after the coloring process for healthy strands.
The Permanent Hair Color Cream offers 100% gray coverage, and it will last for up to 8 weeks. If you have long hair, you will need at least two boxes for even coverage. You’ll achieve a rich auburn color that keeps your hair healthy and happy.
Up Next: Best Direct Dye Removers
