15 Trendy Burgundy Hair Highlight Ideas

Hey gorgeous! I’m Sophie Marie, and after fifteen years of making hair dreams come true, I can tell you that burgundy highlights are having their moment – and honestly, it’s about time. This rich, wine-inspired shade adds instant sophistication to any base color while maintaining that effortless, lived-in look we all crave.

What I love most about burgundy highlights is their versatility. Whether you’re a brunette looking to add depth or a blonde wanting to experiment with something bolder, this shade works beautifully on everyone. Plus, burgundy highlights are surprisingly low-maintenance compared to other fashion colors, making them perfect for my busy clients who want maximum impact with minimal upkeep.

1. Classic Burgundy Balayage on Dark Brown Hair

This is my go-to recommendation for clients wanting their first taste of burgundy. The hand-painted balayage technique creates natural-looking highlights that blend seamlessly with dark brown hair. I love how the burgundy catches the light without looking too dramatic for everyday wear.

The key to nailing this look is placing the highlights strategically around the face and through the mid-lengths. This creates movement and dimension while keeping the overall effect subtle and sophisticated.

2. Bold Burgundy Chunky Highlights

For my clients who aren’t afraid to make a statement, chunky burgundy highlights are absolutely stunning. This technique involves creating thicker, more noticeable sections of color that really pop against darker bases. It’s giving me major early 2000s vibes but in the chicest way possible.

I typically recommend this for clients with naturally thick hair since the chunky placement works best with volume. The contrast creates an edgy, fashion-forward look that’s perfect for creative types or anyone wanting to shake things up.

3. Subtle Burgundy Peekaboo Highlights

Peekaboo highlights are perfect for my corporate clients who want to add some personality without going full-throttle. The burgundy sections are strategically placed underneath the top layer of hair, so they’re only visible when the hair moves or is styled up. It’s like having a secret pop of color that makes you feel badass.

This technique works especially well for bob cuts and lobs since the shorter length shows off the hidden color beautifully when tucked behind the ears or styled in waves.

4. Burgundy Money Piece Highlights

The money piece trend isn’t going anywhere, and burgundy is the perfect color to try it with. These face-framing highlights instantly brighten your complexion and add that expensive-looking dimension that makes people ask where you got your hair done. Trust me, I’ve seen the transformation happen countless times.

I love placing these highlights strategically to complement each client’s face shape. The burgundy adds warmth without being too bold, making it perfect for professional settings while still feeling fresh and current.

5. Burgundy Ombré Highlights

Ombré never really left, it just got more sophisticated. This burgundy ombré technique creates a gradual transition from darker roots to rich burgundy ends, giving that effortless, grown-out look that’s actually quite intentional. It’s perfect for clients who want low-maintenance color that still looks intentional.

The beauty of this technique is that it grows out beautifully, so you’re not stuck with harsh regrowth lines. I recommend this for anyone with medium to long hair who wants to experiment with burgundy without committing to root touch-ups.

6. Burgundy Highlights on Blonde Hair

This combination might surprise you, but burgundy highlights on blonde hair create the most gorgeous contrast. The cool undertones of burgundy complement warm blonde beautifully, creating a unique look that’s both edgy and feminine. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart, but the payoff is incredible.

I usually recommend this for my blonde clients who are ready for something completely different. The key is choosing the right shade of burgundy – too dark and it can look harsh, too light and it won’t have enough impact.

7. Burgundy Highlights in Curly Hair

Curly hair and burgundy highlights are a match made in heaven. The natural texture of curls helps blend the color beautifully, creating this gorgeous, multidimensional effect that’s absolutely stunning. Every curl catches the light differently, showing off the burgundy in the most flattering way.

I love working with curly hair because the highlights look so natural and lived-in. The key is using techniques that work with the hair’s natural curl pattern rather than against it, creating seamless color placement that enhances the texture.

8. Burgundy Ribbon Highlights

Ribbon highlights are having a major moment, and burgundy is the perfect color to try this technique. These thin, precise highlights are placed strategically to create the illusion of ribbons woven through the hair. It’s subtle but incredibly chic – the kind of detail that makes other stylists ask how you did it.

This technique works best on straight to slightly wavy hair where the precision of the placement can really shine. I love how it adds interest without being overwhelming, perfect for clients who want something unique but not too bold.

9. Burgundy Highlights with Lowlights

This is my favorite technique for creating ultimate dimension. By combining burgundy highlights with darker lowlights, we create this incredible depth that makes the hair look thicker and more voluminous. It’s like having a professional hair filter in real life.

The combination of lights and darks creates movement and interest that photographs beautifully. I recommend this for clients who want sophisticated color that works for both professional and social settings.

10. Burgundy Highlights on Red Hair

Redheads, this one’s for you! Adding burgundy highlights to natural or colored red hair creates this gorgeous, tonal effect that’s absolutely stunning. The colors complement each other beautifully, creating depth without clashing. It’s like taking your red hair to the next level.

I love how this combination looks in natural light – the burgundy adds richness and sophistication to red hair while maintaining that fiery spirit. It’s perfect for redheads who want to enhance their natural color story.

11. Burgundy Highlights in a Pixie Cut

Short hair doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with color! Burgundy highlights in a pixie cut create this edgy, modern look that’s absolutely gorgeous. The shorter length makes the color pop even more, and it’s surprisingly easy to maintain.

I love how burgundy highlights can completely transform a pixie cut, adding interest and personality without overwhelming the style. It’s perfect for clients who want to make a statement with their short hair.

12. Burgundy Babylights

Babylights are the subtle sister to traditional highlights, and in burgundy, they’re absolutely magical. These super-fine highlights mimic the natural color variation you’d see in children’s hair, creating this gorgeous, sun-kissed effect that looks completely natural.

This technique takes time and precision, but the results are worth it. The burgundy babylights add just enough color to create interest without looking obvious or artificial. It’s perfect for clients who want to dip their toes into colored highlights.

13. Burgundy Highlights with Braided Styles

Braided styles and burgundy highlights are an incredible combination. The intricate patterns of braids show off the color placement beautifully, creating this gorgeous interplay of color and texture. Every twist and turn reveals different aspects of the burgundy, making for stunning visual interest.

I love how braids can transform highlights into something almost artistic. Whether it’s a simple side braid or an elaborate updo, the burgundy adds depth and dimension that makes the style look more complex and beautiful.

14. Burgundy Highlights in Layers

Layered cuts and burgundy highlights are made for each other. The different lengths create natural movement that shows off the color placement beautifully. Each layer catches the light differently, creating this gorgeous cascade of color and texture.

I especially love this combination for clients with fine hair because the layers add volume while the highlights create the illusion of thickness. It’s like getting a haircut and color that work together to enhance your hair’s natural beauty.

15. Burgundy Highlights for Special Occasions

Sometimes you need highlights that are photo-ready for special events. Burgundy highlights can be intensified and styled to create show-stopping looks that photograph beautifully. Think glossy, voluminous styles that make the color really pop under different lighting conditions.

For special occasions, I like to use deeper, richer burgundy tones and style the hair in ways that maximize the color’s impact. Whether it’s an elegant updo or Hollywood waves, the burgundy adds that extra touch of glamour that makes photos unforgettable.