Blonde and brunette shades are always a great choice, but if you’re looking for a drastic, fiery makeover for your winter hair color change, now's the perfect time to go red. While red shades have been overshadowed in the past, Cassondra Kaeding, Redken brand ambassador, says that red hair colors are the ones to look out for in the coming months.
“I’ve seen a huge influx in redheads in the past three years, which is amazing because it’s such a beautiful color if you execute it correctly...Redheads are kind of coming back in,” Kaeding says.
One of her favorite red shades, she says, is burnt sienna hair color. This warm-toned, orangey-red hue is perfect for winter. We’re breaking down everything you need to know about this orangey-red hue, plus Kaeding’s top tips and tricks on how to achieve and maintain it.
Good hair day by @ckaedingcolor.
What is burnt sienna hair color?
If you want to try a red shade with extra warmth for the colder months, look no further than burnt sienna hair color. Also known as ginger beer hair color, burnt sienna is the perfect mix of a coppery base with warm, fiery auburn tones.
“You want to ask your colorist for a coppery, golden red, so the main pigment in the color is that kind of orange you see,” Kaeding says.
Good hair day by @sabrina.mac.hair.
How do you achieve burnt sienna hair color?
If you already have pre-lightened or naturally light hair, you can likely achieve burnt sienna hair in one appointment. For those with darker shades, however, the process will take a bit longer. Your colorist will need to lift your current hue with bleach before applying the burnt sienna shade. It’s important to note that bleach will always cause damage, but a seasoned colorist can help to manage the look and feel of your strands before you leave the salon.
Once your hair is lifted, your colorist will create a custom shade of copper and auburn tones to give you a burnt sienna hue that compliments your skin tone. You can opt for more copper for a brighter, more orange-toned hue or mix in hints of brown and dark auburn for a more subtle take on the color.
Good hair day by @zoewarren22.
Who is burnt sienna hair color best for?
Though Kaeding says copper or orange-based hues look stunning on fair skin tones with light eyes, burnt sienna can be tailored to add depth and warmth to any skin tone. If your skin has red undertones, however, Kaeding says you should be extra careful when choosing a shade like burnt sienna.
“If someone has a lot more red tones in their skin, you want to steer away from a stronger red pigment in the hair,” Kaeding explains. “So you’ll want to stay away from those burgundies or really fiery reds because those reds will enhance the pigments in your face.”
Color Extend Magnetics Sulfate-Free Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair
A gentle cleansing shampoo to care for colored hair.
Color Extend Magnetics Conditioner for Color-Treated Hair
A moisturizing conditioner for colored hair.
Color Extend Magnetics Mega Mask for Color-Treated Hair
A mask for vibrant and long-lasting color protection.
Thermal Spray 11 Low Hold
A lightweight, thermal heat protection hairspray that adds shine and reduces frizz.
How do you maintain burnt sienna hair color?
Since salon red shades are notoriously difficult to maintain, coloring your hair red is a serious investment.
“I always tell people that they need to really be ready for red,” Kaeding says.
You’ll also need to maintain a regular touch-up schedule to keep your burnt sienna hue looking its best. Kaeding suggests booking a second appointment about three weeks after your first one.
“After your first red appointment, it usually lasts the least amount of time, but the second time they build up the color, it will last longer...so you’ll be able to elongate the time between your appointments,” Kaeding says. “Depending on how quickly your hair grows, you should also pop into the salon for a color gloss like the Redken Shades EQ gloss to enhance the color again. That will help the color to last you for another three weeks.”
Aside from heading to the salon more frequently, your maintenance routine can make a major difference in the longevity of your color. When you have color-treated hair, the first step of your shower routine can be the most essential one.
“A shampoo and conditioner system for color-treated hair is important with red because red is the hardest color to keep,” Kaeding says.
We recommend using Redken’s Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo and Conditioner. This gentle, sulfate-free system treats color-treated hair from the root to the core to the tip.
If you used bleach to achieve your burnt sienna hue, you should add a hair mask like Redken Color Extend Magnetics Mega Mask to your routine once a week. This two-in-one hair mask is both a care extender and treatment made specifically for color-treated hair.
For redheads, in particular, Kaeding also recommends asking your colorist for a personalized color maintenance kit.
“For my clients, I’ll give them a little bit of color to put in their conditioner,” Kaeding says. “I tell them to use it as a mask while they’re in the shower, leave it on for five minutes, and rinse it out...that way, I know the color won’t go array.”
Caring for burnt sienna hair doesn’t end with shampoo and conditioner. The products you use post-shower can also have an effect on how long your hue lasts. A lot of hairsprays contain alcohol, which can strip your color. That’s why Kaeding recommends only using color-safe formulas.
“You should also use a heat protectant if you’re going to be heat styling because that can take out some of the color,” Kaeding explains.
For those that heat style their hair often, we recommend the Redken Iron Shape 11 Thermal Holding Heat Protection Hairspray. This lightweight, thermal heat protection hairspray is perfect for use with flat irons and curling irons up to 450 degrees to protect your hair, add shine and reduce frizz.
If you’re ready to try burnt sienna hair color for yourself, keep scrolling for 10 gorgeous ways to wear the shade.
The Best Burnt Sienna Hair Color Ideas To Try Now
Burnt Sienna Balayage
Balayage is a classic way to brighten up your base shade without committing to a full head of burnt sienna hair.
Good hair day by @litchicoiffureurbaine.
Soft Burnt Sienna
Classic burnt sienna hair color is all about being bold and fiery. If you’re edging into red shades for the first time, however, you can opt for a softer version with more brunette tones throughout your hair.
Good hair day by @sydneydelanaaa.
Brown To Burnt Sienna Ombre
This brown to burnt sienna ombre is another subtle way to try the trend. Not to mention: An ombre technique makes the color super easy to maintain.
Good hair day by @lindsey.marie.olson.
Burnt Sienna Curls
Burnt sienna hair is so dimensional, which is why we love the way the shade looks on curly hair. Use a hair serum like Mizani Thermasmooth Smoothguard Serum to tame frizz and add shine while best showing off your new hue.
Good hair day by @angela_doeshair.
Burnt Sienna Highlights
Ask your colorist to paint burnt sienna highlights onto a dark brown base if you’re looking for a look with high contrast.
Good hair day by @haratml.
Burnt Sienna To Strawberry Ombre
We’re obsessed with this burnt sienna to strawberry ombre for pale skin tones.
Good hair day by @hairbyduhsavannah.
Half-And-Half
If you’re obsessed with more than one shade of red, we have a solution: Half-and-half hair color. Your colorist will dye half of your hair one color and a separate shade on the opposite side. If you need inspiration, we love this burnt sienna and dark auburn half-and-half look.
Good hair day by @adina_pignatare.
Burnt Sienna With Beachy Texture
Apply a few spritzes of texturizing spray like Redken Triple Dry 15 Dry Texture Finishing Spray to your mane to show off the dimension in your burnt sienna shade.
Good hair day by @pacolatorre.
Glossy Burnt Sienna
Give any hairstyle a high-shine finish to enhance the look of your burnt sienna hair color. Use a hair oil like Redken Oil For All Multi-Benefit Hair Oil Heat Protectant Spray. This weightless oil for every hair type adds shine, prevents frizz, seals in moisture, and provides heat protection.
Good hair day by @thestrawberryblonder.
Burnt Sienna Lob
You’ve got the on-trend color—now it’s time to snip a few inches off. While we love the way burnt sienna looks on long hair, we also can’t deny how stunning it is on mid-length strands. A lob is the perfect low-maintenance cut to pair with your new hue this winter.
Interested in trying burnt sienna hair? Use our salon locator to book an appointment at a salon near you.
Color Extend Magnetics Sulfate-Free Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair
A gentle cleansing shampoo to care for colored hair.
Color Extend Magnetics Conditioner for Color-Treated Hair
A moisturizing conditioner for colored hair.
Color Extend Magnetics Mega Mask for Color-Treated Hair
A mask for vibrant and long-lasting color protection.
Thermal Spray 11 Low Hold
A lightweight, thermal heat protection hairspray that adds shine and reduces frizz.
Thermasmooth Smoothguard Serum
An anti-frizz, hair smoothing serum.
Dry Texture Finishing Spray
Texturizing spray for all hair types that adds soft texture and lightweight volume for effortless style.
Oil for All Multi Benefit Hair Oil Heat Protectant Spray
A multi benefit hair oil for all hair types and hair textures.
