Auburn Red Hair Color with Highlights Ideas – Caramel, Ombre, Balayage & Brunette Styles

I’m obsessed with auburn right now—it’s that perfect sweet spot between brunette warmth and red-hot attitude. In this roundup of 10 auburn red hair color with highlights ideas, I’ll show you how to go from subtle caramel shimmer to bold burgundy ombré without looking like a walking traffic cone. You’ll get inspo for every length and mood (short, long, soft, dramatic), plus pro tips so you and your stylist get it exactly right. Ready? Pick your fave and let your hair do the talking.

Auburn Red Hair Color with Highlights Ideas

Caramel Red Glow

If you want your auburn red hair color with highlights to feel warm and radiant, caramel red streaks are your best friend. They catch the light beautifully and add dimension to dark auburn locks without being too dramatic. This look flatters olive and medium skin tones, especially if you like a sun-kissed finish. Pair it with gold jewelry and autumn layers, and you’ll look like you own pumpkin spice season.

Brunette Lowlights Blend

For brunettes who want a subtle transition, go for brunette hair color with lowlights and red auburn highlights. This style is ideal if you’re nervous about going full fiery. The darker tones give depth, while the auburn highlights add that spicy edge. Best worn with soft waves—it screams cozy yet chic. Perfect for winter brunettes who want a warm-up.

Caramel Red Blonde Shine

Mix caramel and red blonde highlights into your dark auburn hair, and you’ve got instant glamour. This combo brightens your whole look, almost like built-in ring lights for your hair. If you’ve got hazel or green eyes, this one’s going to make them pop. Pro tip: keep your cut with layers so the light-catching highlights can really show off.

Auburn Ombre Balayage

Go for auburn red hair color with highlights ombre balayage if you love a low-maintenance grow-out. The rich auburn roots melting into coppery or lighter red ends is pure art. It’s trendy, effortless, and gives you that “I just rolled out of a Paris salon” vibe. Works especially well for long hair because it shows off the gradient. Bonus points if you style it in loose waves.

Burgundy Red Depth

Dark auburn hair color with burgundy ombre red highlights is a bold choice if you’re not afraid of drama. Think mysterious, moody, and ultra-sophisticated. The burgundy adds richness that’s perfect for fall and winter, and it works especially well on darker skin tones. Wear it sleek and straight for a power look that belongs on glossy magazine covers.

Short Auburn Dimension

Short hair doesn’t mean boring hair. Auburn red hair color with highlights on a chic bob or pixie brings instant attitude. Add some copper or caramel streaks to make every angle of your cut pop. It’s fun, edgy, and makes you look like the cool girl who’s always two trends ahead. Pair it with statement earrings for maximum impact.

Rose Gold Auburn Shine

If you’re craving something playful, try weaving rose gold highlights through your auburn base. This look balances soft femininity with boldness—it’s like your hair is blushing. Works perfectly for lighter skin tones and pairs beautifully with pastel outfits or soft glam makeup. Definitely a spring-ready idea for when you want to glow.

Copper Brown Balayage

Copper brown highlights are the definition of cozy chic when paired with dark auburn hair. It’s the perfect fall hair color for brunettes who don’t want to stray too far from natural. This look is flattering on warm undertones and pairs beautifully with chunky sweaters and oversized scarves. Think pumpkin patch selfies but make them editorial.

Light Auburn Blonde Fade

Adding light blonde into auburn red hair creates a soft fade that brightens your face instantly. The contrast is subtle enough to stay classy but noticeable enough to look trendy. This works wonders on long layered cuts where the lighter ends can frame your face. Pair with minimal makeup for a natural-but-glam effect.

Red Auburn Highlights for Brunettes

For dark brown brunettes, adding red auburn highlights is the easiest way to experiment without full commitment. It gives that fiery edge but still lets your natural color dominate. Perfect for anyone dipping their toes into red without a full plunge. Bonus: it looks incredible under sunlight—like your hair was made for golden hour.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it—ten ways to spice up your auburn red hair color with highlights. Whether you’re in love with caramel streaks, obsessed with rose gold, or ready to commit to a bold burgundy ombre, these looks are anything but boring. Save your favorite inspo, take it straight to your stylist, and don’t be afraid to experiment. After all, hair grows, but great color memories last forever.