If you’ve already seen our fall 2020 hair color trend predictions, it should be no surprise that maroon hair color made the list. While so many favor chocolate brown and ash blonde shades once the temperature starts to drop, those itching to try red hair will love this deep red and purple hybrid hue for autumn.
George Papanikolas, Matrix brand ambassador and celebrity stylist, talks us through exactly how to get maroon hair color. Read on for everything you need to know, including exactly what maroon hair is, how to maintain it, and some of our favorite ways to try the shade.
What color is maroon?
Maroon hair color is a dark, reddish-purple hue with cool undertones. There are many shades on the maroon spectrum, so take some inspiration photos with you to the salon to ensure you’re getting the exact shade you desire.
For the blondes out there, your stylist may need to darken your base color before creating your maroon hue. This will help it properly stand out. Otherwise, the shade might tip over into the pastel range.
If your base is very dark, Papanikolas says, bleach might be necessary to make your maroon pop.
“If you need to pre-lighten first, I recommend that [your colorist] only lift to an orange...The underlying pigments can help the color adhere and keep it from fading fast," Papanikolas says.
It’s important to note that bleach will always cause some damage, but your colorist can work to improve the look and feel of your strands before you leave the salon.
Does maroon hair fade fast?
Shades of red are notoriously difficult to maintain, and maroon is no different. After a few weeks post-appointment, you’ll start to notice your maroon shade slowly fading and losing vibrancy. That’s why your at-home hair care routine and regular salon touch-ups are essential to keeping your maroon hair color looking its best for as long as possible.
How To Care For Maroon Hair Color
To keep your maroon hue from fading away, it’s essential to follow three simple rules: limit heat styling, avoid super hot showers, and don't over-shampoo your hair. You’ll also need to make a few changes to your product line up. First, swap your regular shampoo and conditioner for a system like Matrix Total Results Color Obsessed Shampoo and Conditioner. This system cleanses and conditions to help protect against fading and extend your color vibrancy.
Keep your color-treated strands hydrated using a hair mask like Matrix Total Results Miracle Creator Nourishing Strengthening Mask once a week. This formula instantly nourishes, revitalizes, and strengthens hair in just 60 seconds.
To stretch the time between shampoo sessions, reach for a dry shampoo like Pureology Style + Protect Refresh & Go Dry Shampoo. This dry shampoo absorbs oil and protects color-treated hair from fading, heat damage, and environmental stressors.
Lastly, but most importantly, don’t forget that regular salon appointments help keep your color fresh, your roots even, and your maroon hue vibrant!
Ready to try maroon hair color? Read on for five of our favorite ways to wear the hue.
The Best Ways To Try Maroon Hair Color
Photo Credit: @constancerobbins.
Maroon To Pink
Pink hair is having a moment, and luckily, the shade pairs perfectly with maroon. Ask your colorist for a maroon to pink ombre to stay on-trend for fall 2020.
Photo Credit: @krazy4hair.
Glossy Maroon
Fact: Every hair color looks best with a bit of shine! Make your maroon hair color look extra glossy using a shine spray like Redken Shine Flash Hairspray. This anti-frizz shine spray adds sleek, glossy, glass-like shine to all hair types without feeling greasy.
Photo Credit: @haircolorkilla.
Curly
Natural ringlets help show off the depth and dimension of maroon hair. Keep your ringlets frizz-free with a hair gel like Matrix Total Results Curl Please Super Defrizzer Gel.
Photo Credit: @sydneyannlopezhair.
Maroon And Cinnamon
If you want a maroon shade with extra dimension, ask your colorist for cinnamon highlights throughout your mane. This warm-toned color combination screams fall vibes.
Photo Credit: @dbellx22.
Maroon With Face-Framing Highlights
Those chunky, face-framing highlights you might remember from the ‘90s are back—so why not try them for yourself? We love the look of maroon hair with copper face-framing streaks for autumn.
Interested in trying maroon hair color? Use our salon locator to book an appointment at a salon near you.