If you’ve been itching for a bold-yet-sophisticated hair refresh, let me introduce you to the obsession of the season: auburn hair color with highlights. Auburn is the perfect middle ground between fiery red and soft brunette, and when you layer in the right highlights, it instantly adds depth, shine, and major main-character energy. Whether you’re going for soft sun-kissed vibes or a dramatic statement look, auburn with highlights can be customized to suit every mood, every outfit, and—yes—every skin tone. Let’s dive into the looks that are turning heads right now (and will have you texting your stylist immediately).
Auburn Hair Color with Highlights Ideas
1. Auburn Hair with Caramel Highlights
Caramel highlights melt into auburn like honey on warm toast. This look brings out golden undertones and adds a sunlit dimension. If your vibe is low-maintenance glam, you’ll love how this combo grows out seamlessly. Pair it with soft curls or a messy blowout to really make the caramel pop.
Pro tip: Best for warm undertones and anyone who loves a bronzy makeup palette.
2. Deep Auburn with Chestnut Highlights
If you’re craving richness, this blend of deep auburn and chestnut highlights is basically velvet for your hair. The chestnut streaks give depth, movement, and a sultry finish that screams fall chic. Perfect for straight hair or sleek blowouts that showcase the subtle light play.
Pro tip: Ideal for oval or heart-shaped faces and pairs flawlessly with power blazers or leather jackets.
3. Bright Auburn with Blonde Highlights
This is the “stop-traffic” version of auburn hair color with highlights. Blonde streaks cut through the fiery auburn base like lightning, giving you that fresh-from-the-salon shine every single day. It’s bold, playful, and super Instagrammable.
Pro tip: Works like magic on layered cuts and looks stunning with minimal makeup and a bold lip.
4. Soft Auburn Balayage Highlights
Balayage is still the queen of natural dimension, and when done in auburn, it feels effortlessly chic. This softer, painted-on highlight effect adds a whisper of brightness without screaming “I just dyed my hair.” Perfect if you’re testing out the auburn waters without diving all in.
Pro tip: Pairs beautifully with soft waves and casual outfits like oversized sweaters and boots.
5. Dark Auburn with Copper Highlights
Think molten lava but wearable. The copper highlights in dark auburn hair catch the light in the most mesmerizing way. It’s bold enough to stand out but sophisticated enough to work for the office.
Pro tip: Killer choice for medium to olive skin tones, especially if you love wearing warm neutrals and gold jewelry.
6. Auburn Hair with Honey Highlights
Honey highlights are like instant glow-up filters for your hair. They soften the red undertones of auburn and add a sweet, glossy finish. If you love polished yet playful, this one’s your go-to.
Pro tip: Perfect for medium to long cuts with beach waves—it’s the ultimate “effortless chic” vibe.
7. Mahogany Auburn Highlights
This look is moody, dramatic, and a little mysterious (aka date-night perfection). Mahogany blends seamlessly into auburn for a darker, more dimensional finish that still looks vibrant under the light.
Pro tip: Works especially well on long, straight hair paired with dark lipstick for full drama effect.
8. Auburn Hair with Rose Gold Highlights
Rose gold highlights are like jewelry for your hair. They bring a playful, romantic twist to auburn and look incredible in braids or styled updos where the pinkish shimmer catches the light.
Pro tip: Best for spring/summer vibes or festival season when you want to stand out.
9. Classic Auburn with Subtle Highlights
Sometimes, less is more. A few scattered highlights around the face can brighten your complexion and bring out your eyes without changing your base too much. This is the look for you if you want something chic and timeless.
Pro tip: Works well if you’re new to hair color or don’t want heavy upkeep.
10. Auburn Hair with Golden Highlights
Golden highlights on auburn hair = luxury in strands. They’re radiant, bold, and give your mane a glowing, lit-from-within effect. Basically, your hair will look like it belongs in a shampoo commercial.
Pro tip: Looks best on bouncy blowouts or polished curls for that expensive-hair finish.
Time to Screenshot Your Fave
See? Auburn hair color with highlights isn’t just a trend—it’s a whole mood. Whether you want fiery drama, soft shimmer, or barely-there dimension, there’s a version of this look with your name on it. Screenshot the styles you’re obsessed with, show them to your stylist, and don’t be afraid to experiment. After all, hair grows—but a killer color moment? That’s forever Instagram-worthy.
