Red Wine Hair Is The Most Decadent Summer Trend

There's nothing quite like a glass of merlot or pinot noir after a long, hot summer day — in fact, let's make that two. But we're actually here to talk about a different type of wine: red wine hair, a luxurious and eye-catching trend that's enraptured the beauty world just as quickly as that first glass of wine kicks in.

This hair color is the perfect rich shade between red and purple — one that screams "the most fun you've ever encountered" while also giving "unbothered queen" vibes. And while anyone can rock this shade, it works particularly well on folks who naturally have brunette hair. "A natural brunette is a great base for a burgundy hue because its warm underlying pigment will contribute to the natural vibrancy of the desired color," hair colorist Joey LaBeija explained to Byrdie of the trend. "Lighter shades can have fun with this hue as well but it would be a lot more punchy and vivid as opposed to how it would deposit on a brunette." Now, if you still have any doubts about this hair trend, allow us to explain why red wine hair is a choice you won't regret.

If there's a season to rock a bold shade like red wine, it's undoubtedly summer. The fun and unexpected hue is bound to catch eyes everywhere you go, which makes it the ultimate accessory. Moreover, hair like this can easily dress up a simple tee and shorts or dress down any preppy look. However, there's one thing to keep in mind: Burgundy hair needs protection from the sun. "If you are in the sun, try to cover your hair whenever possible," Matt Swinney, the global creative director at RUSK haircare, told Byrdie. "The deep, rich tones of burgundy do not love sunlight."

Red wine hair works great on any hair length, from a short pixie to waist-length locks. "It looks super dimensional, youthful, and is a way more modern way to pull off a deep, red color," hair colorist Rachel Bodt explained to Allure. Of course, the more hair you have, the longer the dying process will be, but the outcome is oh-so worth it.

Can we take a minute to appreciate how stunning red wine hair looks in direct sunlight? If you ask us, no other hair color has quite the same effect, as burgundy tends to flawlessly flow from red to purple as you move. It can even look more like one shade than the other at times, which makes seeing it in the sunlight that much more fun.

Red wine hair suits every skin tone, too. When picking whether you should go slightly lighter or darker, consider your natural hair color, as it's the best guide for figuring out your exact shade. Depending on your skin's undertone, you can also play around with the balance between purple and red. If you have cool undertones, lean more into the purple pigment. Meanwhile, those with warm undertones should go a redder route. Of course, these guidelines aren't strict — picking the shade you're most drawn to is always the way to go.

Some hair colors blend into the masses, and others stand out — and red wine is definitely the latter. So, if you don't want people to compliment your hair and ask about the color, think twice before you commit to this shade, but if you don't mind the added attention, take this as your sign to explore this summer hair trend.

Anyone who's ever dabbled in red hair knows that it's not a low-maintenance color. "Red is the largest color molecule so it's the hardest color to get out of the hair, and also the hardest color to keep from fading," Joey LaBeija told Byrdie. Expect red wine hair to fade eventually, no matter how hard you try to keep it fresh between colorings. Of course, with fading comes a new shade, which often tends to be just as mesmerizing. If you prefer low-maintenance looks but still want to explore this trend, a red wine balayage is the perfect option for you.