21+ Gorgeous Burgundy Hair Highlight Ideas to Ignite Your Look in 2025

I absolutely adore the richness of burgundy. As a stylist, I’ve seen it transform hair from ordinary to extraordinary, and let me tell you, it’s a shade that commands attention in the best way possible. There’s a certain magic to how burgundy highlights can weave through dark hair, creating depth, dimension, and a touch of rebellious elegance. It’s not just a color; it’s a statement, and it works beautifully across so many styles and skin tones. In 2025, we’re seeing this shade explode with creative new techniques that are making everyone fall in love with it all over again.

Stunning Burgundy Highlight Inspirations

1. Subtle Burgundy Balayage on Dark Chocolate Hair

For those who want to dip their toes into the world of color, a subtle balayage is the perfect entry point. I love this technique because it looks so natural and grows out gracefully. We hand-paint delicate, wine-colored ribbons through dark chocolate hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. The result is a gorgeous, sun-kissed effect that looks like the light is naturally dancing through your locks.

2. Deep Merlot Peekaboo Highlights

Here’s a look for the woman who loves a good secret. Peekaboo highlights are all about that surprise element. We place these deep merlot panels underneath the top layer of hair. When your hair moves, you get this stunning flash of rich, wine-red color. It’s playful, edgy, and a fantastic way to experiment with bold color without a full commitment.

3. Bold Burgundy Money Piece Hairstyle

If you want to make a statement, the money piece is your best friend. By coloring just the face-framing sections a vibrant burgundy, you instantly brighten your complexion and draw attention to your eyes. I love this on a sharp bob or a layered cut; it’s a high-impact look that feels incredibly modern and chic for 2025.

4. Burgundy & Black Cherry Ombré

The ombré trend is still going strong, and it looks absolutely breathtaking with burgundy tones. We keep the roots a natural dark color, then seamlessly melt it into a rich black cherry and finally a brighter burgundy at the ends. This technique creates incredible depth and makes long hair look like a cascading waterfall of color, especially with soft waves.

5. Chunky ’90s-Inspired Burgundy Highlights

The ’90s are back, and that includes chunky highlights! But don’t worry, we’re doing it with a modern twist. These aren’t the zebra stripes of the past. By placing bold, deliberate panels of burgundy through a dark base, we create a look that is edgy, cool, and full of personality. It’s a nostalgic nod that feels fresh and exciting in 2025.

6. Burgundy Babylights on Espresso Brown Hair

For the ultimate subtle effect, babylights are the way to go. These are micro-fine highlights that mimic the natural, subtle dimension you see in a child’s hair. By weaving in these tiny strands of burgundy through a dark espresso base, we create an all-over shimmer of color that is only truly visible when the light hits it just right. It’s sophistication at its finest.

7. Rich Cranberry Tones on Curly Hair

Curly hair and burgundy highlights are a match made in heaven. The color helps define the curl pattern and adds so much dimension. For this look, I hand-paint shades of rich cranberry and deep burgundy onto individual curls. This technique ensures the color pops and makes the texture of the hair the star of the show.

8. Burgundy Underlights on a Blonde Bob

Who says burgundy is just for brunettes? This look is for the bold and adventurous. By placing a solid panel of deep burgundy underneath a crisp, blonde bob, you get an electrifying contrast. It’s a high-fashion, edgy style that is completely unexpected and incredibly cool.

9. Mulberry Wine Frosted Tips

Frosted tips are another ’90s trend we’ve reinvented for the modern era. On a short, textured cut like a pixie or a short shag, concentrating the mulberry-wine color just on the very ends of the hair creates a cool, piecey effect. It adds texture and a pop of color without overwhelming the short style.

10. Soft Rose-Burgundy Tint on Brown Hair

This is less of a highlight and more of an all-over gloss or tint. For brunettes who don’t want distinct streaks, a semi-permanent rose-burgundy gloss can add a beautiful, subtle wash of color. In low light, your hair looks like a rich brown, but in the sun, it reveals a stunning rosy-wine reflect. It’s a low-commitment way to enhance your natural color.

11. Burgundy Root Smudge with Lighter Ends

This is a reverse of the classic ombré and it’s so unique. We apply a deep, rich burgundy at the root and “smudge” it down a few inches, blending it seamlessly into lighter, almost coppery ends. This technique gives you a beautiful lived-in feel with a very modern color palette. It’s also great for adding the illusion of volume at the roots.

12. Deep Plum and Burgundy Mix

Why stick to just one shade? By weaving both deep plum and classic burgundy highlights together, we can create a stunning, multi-dimensional, jewel-toned effect. The cooler plum tones and the warmer burgundy tones play off each other beautifully, adding incredible richness and complexity to dark hair. It’s a truly luxurious look.

13. Burgundy Sombré (Soft Ombré)

Sombré, or “soft ombré,” is the original ombré’s quieter, more sophisticated cousin. The transition from the natural dark roots to the muted burgundy ends is much more gradual and subtle. It’s a perfect choice for someone who loves the ombré effect but wants a more natural, low-maintenance look. The blend is so seamless it looks like it could have grown out of your head that way.

14. Burgundy Highlights on a Layered Wolf Cut

The wolf cut is all about texture and movement, and highlights are the best way to show that off. By placing burgundy highlights on the ends of the choppy layers and around the face, we accentuate the shape of the cut. It adds a bit of punk-rock edge to the style and makes every layer stand out.

15. Auburn & Burgundy Dimensional Weave

Mixing warm tones can create the most beautiful, natural-looking dimension. For this look, I use a traditional foil weaving technique to add both auburn and burgundy highlights. The slightly lighter, more coppery auburn plays against the deeper, cooler burgundy, resulting in a rich, warm, and incredibly dimensional color that looks stunning on brunettes.

16. Faded Burgundy on Pre-lightened Ends (Dip-Dye)

The dip-dye look has a soft, bohemian charm, especially when the color is a bit faded and lived-in. We pre-lighten just the last few inches of the hair and apply a burgundy color, allowing it to fade naturally into a softer, almost pinkish tone. It’s a low-maintenance style that looks effortlessly cool and romantic.

Ready to Embrace the Burgundy Vibe?

As you can see, there are so many incredible ways to incorporate burgundy into your look for 2025. This color is proving its versatility, moving far beyond simple highlights into techniques that are both subtle and show-stopping. Whether it’s the gentle shimmer of babylights, the edgy surprise of peekaboo panels, or a bold, face-framing money piece, there’s a burgundy style to match every personality. It’s a shade that adds warmth, richness, and an undeniable touch of sophistication.

What I love most is how it complements a dark base, making it a go-to choice for brunettes looking to spice things up. We’re seeing it on celebrities like Zendaya, who often plays with rich auburn and deep red tones, proving just how chic and high-fashion these shades can be. The trend is moving towards customized placements that enhance your specific haircut and features, making the color feel uniquely yours.

So, if you’re feeling inspired to make a change, consider diving into the world of burgundy. It’s a color that feels both timeless and perfectly on-trend for the year ahead. If you’re loving these ideas and want more weekly hair inspiration delivered straight to your inbox, don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter!