by If you’re torn between different shades of auburn hair color, you’re not alone. Auburn has become one of the most in-demand shades because it sits right between brown and red, giving you warmth, depth, and vibrance without looking artificial. But with so many variations — from dark and natural to medium and coppery bright — it can be hard to know which one suits you best.
This guide compares the 5 best auburn hair color shades so you can decide confidently. Whether you’re curious about auburn hair color for black girls, want to try medium auburn hair color, or are debating between natural auburn and auburn with highlights, you’ll find the answers here.
Why Auburn Hair Color Works for Almost Everyone
Unlike blonde or jet black, auburn has flexibility. If your skin tone is warm, the golden-red tones bring out a glow. If it’s cooler, cherry or mahogany auburn adds balance. On dark hair, auburn blends naturally, while lighter hair can take on brighter, coppery shades. That’s why auburn is considered universal — but the “best” auburn is different for everyone.
The question isn’t “should I try auburn?” but rather “which auburn is best for me?”
Subtle Dark Auburn Hair Color
Dark auburn is where red meets brunette in its richest form. It leans more brown than red, so it’s perfect if you want to test auburn without going too bold.
Compared to lighter auburns, dark auburn is lower maintenance. It doesn’t fade as quickly, it blends well with natural dark roots, and it feels polished rather than fiery. That makes it especially flattering if you’re a black girl exploring auburn hair color or if your natural base is deep brown or black.
But if you’re chasing vibrance, this shade might feel too understated. When placed side by side with brighter auburns, it can look muted. Dark auburn wins for subtle sophistication, but loses in terms of drama.
Medium Auburn Hair Color
Medium auburn is the happy middle. It has more visible red than dark auburn, yet still carries enough brown to look natural. When compared with natural auburn, medium auburn looks warmer and more noticeable, while next to bright copper, it feels more wearable.
If you want a shade that says, “I changed my look, but not my identity,” medium auburn is it. It flatters almost every skin undertone, making it a go-to recommendation for people trying auburn for the first time.
The trade-off? Because the red tones are stronger than in dark auburn, fading is more obvious. Without regular upkeep, it may slide back into a duller brown. If you’re willing to do some touch-ups, medium auburn is the most versatile of the five.
Bright Copper Auburn
Copper-rich auburn is the life of the party. Compared to every other shade, this one shouts the loudest. It’s fiery, youthful, and impossible to ignore.
When you compare bright copper auburn to natural or dark auburn, the difference is immediate: it glows where the others whisper. On lighter skin, it creates a striking effect, and on darker hair, it transforms your entire look (though that usually requires bleaching).
But this boldness comes with a cost. No auburn fades as fast as copper. It demands frequent salon visits or at-home dye refreshes. If you’re not up for that, it can turn brassy quickly. Copper is unbeatable for vibrance, but the least forgiving if you skip maintenance.
Natural Auburn Hair Color
Natural auburn is the shade that makes people ask, “Wait, is that her real hair?” It’s softer and more muted than medium auburn, leaning into an almost chestnut look.
When compared with copper auburn, natural auburn is understated. When compared with dark auburn, it feels slightly warmer. It’s the middle ground for anyone who doesn’t want a dramatic statement but still wants the charm of auburn tones.
The strength of natural auburn is subtlety. It works in professional settings, doesn’t need constant refreshing, and is beginner-friendly. Its weakness is that it may feel “too safe” if you’re craving a bold transformation. If medium auburn feels too noticeable and copper feels too loud, natural auburn will fit you perfectly.
Auburn Hair Color with Highlights
Adding highlights to auburn isn’t a separate shade but rather a technique that changes how auburn behaves. Compared with solid auburn, highlights bring dimension, brightness, and texture. They allow you to customize auburn to your liking — copper streaks for drama, golden highlights for warmth, or caramel tones for softness.
Against plain dark auburn, highlighted auburn looks more dynamic. Next to copper, it feels more versatile because you can adjust how bold or subtle the highlights are. The downside is upkeep: highlights fade faster than solid colors and regrowth is obvious.
If you love movement and light catching your hair in layers, highlights are your best bet. If you’d rather stick to low maintenance, solid auburn is the smarter choice.
Caring for Auburn Hair Color
No matter which shade you pick, auburn tones fade faster than most. To keep your new color looking fresh:
1. Use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner.
2. Wash your hair two to three times per week at most.
3. Protect it from UV rays and chlorine, which strip color fast.
4. Refresh with a gloss or semi-permanent auburn hair color dye between full dye sessions.
5. If you’re choosing copper or highlights, be extra diligent with care. For darker or natural auburn, upkeep is easier, but color-safe products will still help you hold onto that glow.
Read about the 6 Best Copper Hair Color Shades Ranked from Best to Good
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right auburn isn’t about which shade looks good in photos — it’s about which one looks best on you. That’s why comparing them is essential. Dark auburn works when you want a subtle change, medium auburn balances warmth with wearability, copper brings bold fire, natural auburn stays understated, and highlights add the most flair.
So if you’ve been debating, now you can decide with confidence: pick the auburn that matches your personality, your lifestyle, and the statement you want to make.
