11 Best Burgundy Hair Dyes
If you are considering burgundy hair, the right dye depends on more than finding the prettiest swatch on the box. Your starting colour and the type of formula matter just as much.
Burgundy hair sits between deep red, berry, wine, plum, and violet tones, so it can look dramatically different depending on your starting colour and the shade you choose.
Before buying a dye, compare the shade family, formula, starting-level guide, grey-coverage claims, developer requirements, and application method so you have a more realistic idea of the result.
What are the best burgundy hair dyes?
The best burgundy hair dye for you is one that matches your preferred red-to-purple tone, works with your current hair colour, and fits the level of commitment you want. Permanent colour is useful for longer wear and grey coverage, while direct or semi-permanent colour is better for experimenting, refreshing tone, and avoiding developer.
Below, we break down what to look for and how the featured burgundy dyes differ, including which options are permanent, semi-permanent, colour-depositing, or designed with grey coverage in mind.
How To Choose The Best Burgundy Hair Dye
Choosing a burgundy hair dye takes some planning because the same shade can look very different on blonde, brown, red, grey, bleached, or previously coloured hair.
Pay particular attention to your starting colour, colour history, the burgundy undertone you prefer, the type of dye, and whether the product is intended to lighten, deposit colour, or simply refresh an existing shade.
Here are the things to consider when choosing the best burgundy hair dye:
Your Skin Tone
Burgundy can work across a wide range of complexions, and undertone suggestions are best treated as styling ideas rather than rules you have to follow.
If you enjoy warmer colour, look for burgundies with more red, auburn, mahogany, or brown in the shade description.
If you prefer cooler colour, look for berry, violet, plum, or blue-red undertones.
With neutral undertones, both warm and cool burgundies can work. Your personal preference, makeup, wardrobe, and starting hair colour may matter more than a rigid undertone rule.
Your Hair Colour
Your starting hair colour has a major effect on the final result. Hair dye adds or changes pigment, but not every formula can lift a very dark base enough for burgundy to look vivid.
Consider your current hair colour.
Dark brunette or black hair may take on a burgundy sheen or red-violet reflection with some formulas, especially in bright light. A vivid, clearly visible burgundy may require a formula designed to lift dark hair or some degree of pre-lightening.
Blonde, light brown, and naturally red hair usually show burgundy more readily, but very light, highlighted, or porous hair can also grab red and purple pigment more strongly than expected.
Always compare your starting shade with the colour chart and instructions on the current packaging. A strand test is the most useful way to preview how the burgundy will develop on your particular base before colouring your whole head.
Hair Dye Ingredients
Any oxidative or direct hair colour can cause dryness, irritation, staining, or an unexpected colour result, even when the formula includes conditioning oils, proteins, or other care ingredients.
Instead of assuming that one ingredient list guarantees a gentler result, follow the product directions carefully and check for ingredients you already know your scalp or skin reacts to.
This list includes conventional permanent and semi-permanent formulas. If you use henna or other plant-based colour, remember that later chemical colouring can be less predictable, so disclose previous colour history to a professional.
Choose the formula that fits your colour history, scalp sensitivity, maintenance preference, and desired longevity.
Conditioning ingredients can make the hair feel softer after colouring, but they do not make chemical processing risk-free.
Ingredients such as plant oils, conditioners, and proteins may improve slip, softness, or shine, depending on the formula and your hair type.
Type Of Hair Dye
The main choices are temporary, semi-permanent or direct colour, demi-permanent, and permanent colour. They differ in how they deposit pigment, whether they can lift the base, how quickly they fade, and whether developer is required.
If you like changing colour often, a temporary or semi-permanent burgundy can be easier to experiment with, although red and violet pigments can still stain porous, bleached, or very light hair longer than expected.
If you want stronger grey coverage or a longer-lasting base colour, a permanent formula may be more suitable. Expect the burgundy tone to soften with washing while new root growth becomes visible over time.
For grey coverage, use a product that specifically claims it and check whether the shade is recommended for the percentage of grey you have.
Application
Burgundy pigment can stain skin, towels, clothing, grout, and bathroom surfaces, so application setup matters as much as the texture of the dye.
A complete kit with gloves, developer when required, and an applicator bottle is usually easier for beginners. Professional tubes may require a separately purchased developer, measuring tools, and a specific mixing ratio.
Creams, gels, masks, foams, and direct dyes all apply differently, so choose the format you can distribute evenly through your own hair length and density.
Patch Test And Strand Test
Before using any new hair colour, complete the manufacturer’s allergy-alert test within the timeframe stated on the packaging. A previous trouble-free colouring session does not guarantee you will never develop sensitivity.
A strand test is equally useful for burgundy because it shows how your current base, previous colour, porosity, and underlying warmth affect the final red-purple tone before you commit to your whole head.
The Best Burgundy Hair Dyes
The products below cover several approaches to burgundy, from permanent grey-coverage kits to semi-permanent jewel tones and colour-depositing maintenance products.
Use the descriptions as a starting point, then check the current shade chart and instructions because the result will depend on your base colour, previous dye, porosity, grey percentage, and processing history.
| Rank | Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Clairol Professional True Color Permanent Cream | All-in-one prime color and seal, 100% grey coverage, permanent color |
| 2. | Revlon Permanent Hair Color Deep Burgundy | Nourishing and conditioning, permanent, 100% grey cover |
| 3. | Arctic Fox Semi-Permanent Hair Dye Ritual | Vegan, dilutable, free from harmful chemicals, semi-permanent |
| 4. | Adore Semi-Permanent Haircolor Burgundy Envy | Semi-permanent, vibrant color, beautiful shine |
| 5. | Keracolor Clenditioner Hair Dye Merlot | Color depositing conditioner maintains shine and vibrancy |
| 6. | Schwarzkopf Keratin Color Permanent Hair Dye Ruby Noir | Three-step process leaves hair strong, permanent hair color, 100% grey coverage |
| 7. | L'Oreal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Hair Color Violet Noir | Shimmering color, permanent color, 3x highlights |
| 8. | Clairol Nice'n Easy Permanent Hair Color Burgundy | Permanent color, 100% grey coverage, kind on hair and skin |
| 9. | Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Permanent Hair Color Berry Burgundy | Nourishing hair dye, 100% grey coverage, pure pigments |
| 10. | L'Oreal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent Hair Color Burgundy | Semi-permanent, no mixing required, no harmful ingredients |
| 11. | Schwarzkopf Color Ultimate Hair Color Cream Ruby Red | Diamond shine, semi-permanent, UV filter protection |
1. Clairol Professional True Colour Permanent Cream
The Clairol Professional True Colour Permanent Cream is a permanent colour option aimed at users who want a traditional oxidative formula and burgundy-toned coverage.
It is better suited to someone comfortable with permanent colour than to someone who wants a short-term burgundy experiment.
The product line is marketed around colour deposit, shine, and coverage rather than the lower-commitment fading of a direct dye.
If grey coverage is your priority, check the current shade directions and developer requirements before applying it.
Clairol describes its system as helping prepare the hair for colour and support a more even-looking result. Treat those as brand claims rather than a guarantee against dryness, damage, unevenness, or fading.
The cream format can make section-by-section application easier, particularly for root coverage.
Because this is permanent colour, follow the stated developer ratio, processing time, allergy-alert test, and strand-test instructions rather than adapting a routine from another brand.
Choose this option if you want a deeper, longer-wearing burgundy and are comfortable working with permanent colour.
As with any permanent dye, the exact tone will be influenced by your starting level and previous colour.
2. Revlon Permanent Hair Colour Deep Burgundy
The Revlon Permanent Hair Colour in Deep Burgundy is a convenient box-kit option for anyone who wants permanent burgundy colour with the developer and aftercare supplied together.
A boxed kit can be simpler for beginners because the developer and after-colour conditioner are designed to be used together according to one set of instructions.
The formula includes conditioning ingredients such as keratin and silk amino acids, which may help the hair feel smoother after rinsing.
The most important expectation, however, is colour: Deep Burgundy will generally look richer and more noticeable on compatible starting shades than on very dark untreated hair.
Being ammonia-free does not mean a permanent dye cannot dry, irritate, or stress the hair. Patch-test as directed and avoid colouring a scalp that is already irritated or broken.
This line is also marketed for grey coverage, which makes it more practical than a semi-permanent fashion shade if covering greys is one of your main goals.
Revlon describes the formula as providing full grey coverage and multidimensional colour; actual coverage can vary with resistant grey, hair density, and application.
For an even result, fully saturate resistant areas and use the processing time on the current box rather than rinsing early.
This is a practical pick for someone who wants permanent colour, an all-in-one kit, and a deeper burgundy result.
If you are comparing it with the semi-permanent options below, remember that permanent colour involves more commitment and visible root regrowth.
3. Arctic Fox Vegan Semi-Permanent Hair Dye Ritual
Arctic Fox Ritual is a semi-permanent direct dye, making it better suited to users who want a vivid burgundy tone without mixing the colour with developer.
The brand markets its fashion-colour range as vegan and cruelty-free, and Ritual sits in the deep jewel-toned red-purple family.
Because it is a direct dye, the final shade depends heavily on your starting level and porosity.
On a light or pre-lightened base, Ritual can appear much more saturated; on medium or dark hair, expect a deeper tint or red-purple reflection rather than the same intensity shown on a very light swatch.
The formula does not require peroxide or ammonia to deposit colour, but that does not guarantee zero dryness, staining, or irritation for every user.
Direct dyes can be refreshed more easily than permanent colour, which is useful if you enjoy changing or maintaining fashion shades.
You can also mix compatible Arctic Fox shades to customise the tone.
Diluting Ritual can create a softer berry effect, although pale or dusty results generally require a sufficiently light, even base.
Check the brand’s current base-level guidance before colouring. A strand test is especially useful with light, bleached, or porous hair because it can absorb direct pigment intensely.
4. Adore Semi-Permanent Haircolor Burgundy Envy
Adore Burgundy Envy is another semi-permanent direct colour for users who want burgundy without mixing an oxidative dye and developer.
The formula is sold as ammonia-free, peroxide-free, and alcohol-free, but irritation or sensitivity is still possible, so follow the label and patch-test as directed.
Expect the strongest, most visible burgundy result on a lighter or already colour-compatible base.
On darker hair, it may work more as a red-violet tint than a dramatic transformation.
Choose this type of formula if you value easy application and gradual fading more than permanent grey coverage.
5. Keracolor Clenditioner Hair Dye Merlot
The Keracolor Clenditioner in Merlot is different from a standard box dye because it combines cleansing, conditioning, and colour-depositing pigment in one product.
That makes it most useful for refreshing or building tone rather than replacing permanent colour when you need dependable grey coverage or significant lightening.
You can work it into a maintenance routine to keep burgundy from looking washed out between full colour services.
Because it deposits pigment during use, the visible effect becomes more noticeable on hair that is light enough for the Merlot pigment to show clearly.
It can also be useful for maintaining previously coloured burgundy hair as fading begins.
Colour-depositing conditioners still fade, so think of them as maintenance products, not a promise of no-fade colour.
The formula contains conditioning ingredients including coconut, rosehip, shea, jojoba, and almond oils, which can help with softness and slip.
How shiny or conditioned the hair feels will vary with porosity, previous processing, and how often you use the product.
This is a useful option if you want to refresh burgundy gradually between colouring sessions instead of repeatedly applying oxidative dye through the lengths.
Wear gloves and protect porous surfaces because colour-depositing products can stain even when they are used like a conditioner.
6. Schwarzkopf Keratin Colour Permanent Hair Dye Ruby Noir
The Schwarzkopf Keratin Colour Permanent Hair Dye in Ruby Noir is another permanent option for a deep red-burgundy result with grey-coverage positioning.
It is designed for longer-lasting colour and coverage, making it more comparable to the Revlon and Clairol permanent kits than to Arctic Fox or Adore.
The kit includes a pre-colour step intended to prepare the hair before the colour cream is applied.
Careful sectioning and full saturation are more important for even colour than relying on the conditioning components alone.
Schwarzkopf markets its K-Bond-Plex component around strengthening and reduced breakage. Treat that as a supportive care claim, not proof that permanent colouring cannot weaken or dry hair.
Hair that is already heavily bleached, breaking, or very fragile may need a gentler plan or professional assessment before another oxidative colour service.
The line is also marketed for grey coverage, which may appeal to users who want burgundy and grey blending in one step.
Follow the kit order exactly, including the pre-colour product, colour cream, processing time, and aftercare.
If your goal is a low-commitment burgundy, however, a semi-permanent direct dye will be easier to fade and refresh.
7. L’Oreal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Colour Violet Noir
L’Oreal Paris Feria Violet Noir leans toward the cooler, more violet side of burgundy rather than a warm mahogany or red-brown.
That makes it useful for someone who specifically wants a dramatic purple-red result rather than a classic warm burgundy.
The conditioning components in the kit can help improve feel and shine after colouring, but the product is still a permanent oxidative dye.
Use only the components supplied or specifically instructed for the kit and do not substitute developer from another system.
Because permanent colour does not produce the same result on every starting shade, compare your hair with the current box chart before committing.
The cooler Violet Noir tone may appeal to people who prefer plum, violet, and berry burgundies, regardless of skin undertone rules.
8. Clairol Nice’n Easy Permanent Hair Colour Natural Dark Burgundy
The Clairol Nice’n Easy Natural Dark Burgundy is a permanent box-dye option aimed at a deeper, more blended burgundy result rather than a neon fashion shade.
The shade is marketed as multidimensional rather than a flat single-note red, which may suit someone who wants depth instead of an intensely bright fashion colour.
The line is also positioned for grey coverage; resistant grey may still require especially careful saturation and the full processing time.
Its cream format is designed to reduce dripping, but you should still protect clothing, counters, and the hairline from burgundy staining.
Conditioning steps may help the hair feel softer after processing.
No hair-dye formula can guarantee that an allergy will not occur. Always complete the manufacturer’s allergy-alert test exactly as instructed, even if you have used hair colour before.
9. Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Permanent Hair Colour Darkest Berry Burgundy
The Garnier Nutrisse Darkest Berry Burgundy is a permanent kit for users who want a dark berry-red result with an all-in-one application system and grey-coverage positioning.
The formula includes conditioning oils such as olive, avocado, and shea intended to support softness and slip after processing.
The non-drip cream format can be easier to control during at-home application, particularly if you section the hair before you begin.
Expect the Darkest Berry Burgundy tone to look different depending on whether your base is blonde, brown, red, grey, or previously coloured.
The line is marketed for grey coverage, which gives it an advantage over many semi-permanent fashion dyes when covering greys is important.
Use the included oil or aftercare component only as directed in the kit.
For the most even colour, fully saturate the hair and respect the processing time rather than trying to stretch one box over more hair than it can cover.
If your hair is long or very dense, check the packaging guidance to see whether you need more than one box.
10. L’Oreal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent Hair Color Burgundy
L’Oreal Paris Colorista Burgundy is a semi-permanent option designed to deposit colour without the developer or root-regrowth commitment of permanent dye.
It uses direct pigments in a conditioning base and does not rely on ammonia or peroxide for colour deposit.
That generally means less chemical processing than permanent oxidative colour, but the product can still stain, feel drying on some hair, or cause sensitivity.
Check the current label for the brand’s vegan claims and full ingredient information if that feature matters to you.
The no-mix format makes application straightforward.
Apply it evenly to the recommended starting shades, wear gloves, and protect porous bathroom surfaces from staining.
Semi-permanent colour fades with washing, but the exact number of washes varies with porosity, shampoo, water temperature, starting colour, and previous lightening.
This is a better fit if you want a purple-based burgundy that gradually fades rather than permanent regrowth.
11. Schwarzkopf Color Ultimate Hair Color Cream Ruby Red
The Schwarzkopf Color Ultimate Ruby Red is a permanent colour option with a stronger red direction than the cooler violet-heavy burgundies above.
Choose it if you prefer a ruby-red burgundy rather than a cooler wine or violet shade.
The brand markets the formula as fade-resistant and long-wearing, although visible red vibrancy will still change with washing, sun exposure, heat styling, and hair porosity.
Its finish is intended to look glossy and dimensional rather than flat.
The included care treatment is designed to condition the hair after processing and support softness and shine.
Colour-protective aftercare, lower wash frequency, and protection from heavy UV exposure can help burgundy appear fresher for longer.
This is a permanent hair colour, not a semi-permanent one, so expect more commitment and eventual root regrowth.
The Best Burgundy Hair Dye
Burgundy can range from warm mahogany to cool berry and violet, which is why the best choice starts with the shade you actually want to see in your hair.
The list above includes permanent box dyes, professional-style permanent colour, direct semi-permanent dyes, and a colour-depositing conditioner so you can match the formula to your maintenance preferences and comfort level.
If grey coverage is essential, focus on products that specifically make that claim. If experimentation is the goal, a semi-permanent direct dye is usually easier to live with.
Your starting colour is just as important as the brand. The darker the base, the more likely burgundy will read as a subtle red-violet reflection instead of a vivid, clearly visible fashion shade.
Before colouring, read the current packaging, perform the required allergy-alert test and a strand test, and avoid applying dye to an irritated or damaged scalp.
Related Questions
Here are some more questions and answers regarding burgundy hair dye.
Does burgundy hair dye fade quickly?
Burgundy can fade noticeably because red and violet tones lose visible intensity over time, but how quickly depends on the formula, porosity, wash routine, water temperature, sun exposure, and heat styling.
Permanent burgundy colour generally lasts longer than semi-permanent colour, but even permanent dye gradually loses vibrancy while new growth becomes visible.
Is burgundy red or purple?
Burgundy is fundamentally a deep red family, but hair-colour versions can lean strongly toward red, wine, berry, plum, or violet.
A classic burgundy usually combines a dark red base with cooler purple or wine-like undertones.
If you want a warmer result, look for mahogany or red-brown descriptions. For a cooler result, look for plum, violet, or berry.
Can I dye dark hair burgundy?
Yes, you can dye dark hair burgundy, but the result may be subtle rather than vivid if the formula mainly deposits pigment and does not lift your base.
You do not always have to bleach dark hair. Some burgundy permanent dyes or direct dyes can add visible red-violet tone to brunette hair, while a brighter, lighter, or more true-to-swatch burgundy may require pre-lightening.
Use the product’s starting-level chart and perform a strand test before deciding whether lightening is necessary. If significant bleaching is required, consider a professional if your hair is already coloured, uneven, fragile, or difficult to lift safely.
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