Who doesn’t love the look of mahogany hair color? It’s a gorgeous deep brown with red undertones that will make your hair shine. We’re here to tell you how you can get this fabulous color at home like a pro!
This rich red-brown is all the hair color trends charts right now but it can be a tricky color to get right at home.
Too dark and you’ll look like you’re channelling gothic trends from the 90s; too light and it won’t fit with your wardrobe or skin tone.
Don’t worry! We’ve got everything you need to find your perfect color match.
Our guide will walk you through finding your ideal tone, hair dye and how to get the look at home. Follow this guide for gorgeous hair color in no time!
Table of Contents
- What is mahogany hair color?
- 20 On-Trend Mahogany Hair Color Ideas
- #1. Mahogany Highlights
- #2. Rich Mahogany All Over
- #3. Copper Mahogany Balayage
- #4. Mahogany Ombré
- #5. Mahogany Blonde Balayage
- #6. Mahogany and Copper Highlights
- #7. Mahogany and Caramel Highlights
- #8. Dark Mahogany Brown Hair Color
- #9.Mahogany Highlights on Black Hair
- #10. Mahogany Brown Lob with Straight Bangs
- #11.Mahogany with Auburn Tones
- #12.Mahogany and Caramel Balayage
- #13.Merlot Wine Mahogany Hair
- #14.Mahogany with Dark Chocolate Brown Hair
- #15. Light Brown Hair with Mahogany Lowlights
- #16. Mahogany with Cinnamon Highlights
- #17. Mahogany and Rose Gold Hair
- #18.Mahogany Hair with Violet Tint
- #19.Burgundy Mahogany Ombre
- #20.Bold Mahogany with Berry Balayage
- Mahogany hair color FAQs
- Is mahogany red or brown?
- Which is darker, burgundy or mahogany?
- Is mahogany a cool or warm color?
- What skin tone suits mahogany hair?
- Will this color suit me?
- Which Hair Color Suits Me?
- Can I dye my hair mahogany at home?
- Which are the best mahogany hair dyes to use at home?
- Best mahogany hair dyes
- Watch and Learn: How To Dye Your Hair Mahogany At Home.
- Does mahogany hair color fade?
- How do I care for mahogany hair?
- Parting words.
What is mahogany hair color?
Mahogany is a dark, auburn-brown autumn color that ranges from light to medium.
It’s always in style, and can make your hair appear glossier, healthier and thicker from season to season.
It’s the perfect color for someone who wants to stand out without being too bold or daring. It’s a brown-red hair color with a little something something. Simply put: it looks good on everyone!
There is a lot of confusion about what this color actually looks like. Is it a warm brown? Or could it be an ashy red-brown? The answer is yes, to all of these!
This rich shade is a spicy color that ranges from strawberry blonde tones to auburn and deep dark chocolate brown, but the general consensus is that this color typically falls somewhere in between those two extremes.
In fact, if you’re looking for a new name for this shade, we recommend ‘dark copper brown‘ or ‘chestnut cherry red‘. Whatever your skin tone or style, there’ll be a shade for you.
Check out the latest looks for ideas and inspiration.
20 On-Trend Mahogany Hair Color Ideas
There’s nothing quite as exciting as changing up your look, and there’s no better way to do it than with a new hair color.
Here are 20 stunning mahogany hair color ideas that you’ll absolutely love this year.
#1. Mahogany Highlights
If you’re not ready to go all-in with a head full of mahogany, try adding some subtle mahogany highlights to your hair instead.
The highlights will add brightness and dimension to your hair, while still keeping your natural color visible. This style is perfect for those with dark hair who want a more low-maintenance color change.
#2. Rich Mahogany All Over
If you’re ready for a more dramatic change, go all-in with a rich mahogany color all over your head!
This hair color is perfect for people with dark hair and darker skin tones, as it adds warmth and depth to your complexion.
#3. Copper Mahogany Balayage
If you’re feeling more adventurous, try adding some copper balayage highlights to your mahogany hair color.
This look is peak on-trend right now. The combination of red and brown hues will give your hair a stunning, sun-kissed glow.
#4. Mahogany Ombré
Ombré hair is a beautiful way to add some interest and depth to your hair.
Instead of the traditional blonde-to-brown ombré, try a black-to-mahogany ombré instead. This look is perfect for those who want a subtle change, but still want to make a statement.
#5. Mahogany Blonde Balayage
Mahogany shades with blonde might seem like an unlikely pairing, but trust us – it works!
Adding some blonde honey highlights to a mahogany hair base will give it a modern twist and add some brightness to your face. Platinum blonde also looks epic on a deep mahogany red base.
If you have a light hair base, add in some mahogany lowlights or opt for a dark mahogany color melt at the roots for an edgy effect.
#6. Mahogany and Copper Highlights
Copper highlights are the perfect way to add some next level warmth and shine to your locks.
This gorgeous, metallic combination works especially well for people with warm skin tones or fair skin.
#7. Mahogany and Caramel Highlights
If you want to add some sweetness to your hair, try mixing mahogany with caramel highlights.
This blend is perfect for people with medium skin tones, as the warm hues will complement your skin tone beautifully.
#8. Dark Mahogany Brown Hair Color
If you prefer a more classic look, try a dark mahogany brown hair color all over your hair.
This glossy, deep mahogany shade is rich and luxurious, and will give your hair a timeless appeal. If you have dark brown hair color or a dark brown base, this mahogany hair look is for you.
#9.Mahogany Highlights on Black Hair
If you have dark brown hair or black hair, adding some mahogany highlights and hints can create a stunning contrast that highlights your facial features and brings out your eyes.
What’s great about this look is that it’s not too high maintenance; you can still rock your signature black locks while enjoying a fun pop of color.
#10. Mahogany Brown Lob with Straight Bangs
This hairstyle combines a classic bob with straight bangs for a retro-inspired look that’s both modern and timeless.
The warm, rich color of mahogany brown adds a touch of spice to the classic bob haircut, while the straight bangs frame your face perfectly. With this hairstyle, you’ll look effortlessly chic and put-together.
#11.Mahogany with Auburn Tones
The mahogany base adds a rich, deep undertone while auburn undertones brighten up your strands.
This color has a magnificent mixture of warm red-brownish top and lighter color, auburn undertones that create a stunning effect on the hair when the light hits it.
#12.Mahogany and Caramel Balayage
A great way to draw attention to your hair is by blending mahogany with warming golden caramel balayage.
The combination of the warm caramel tones and the rich mahogany hues will bring out the best in your complexion and give you a youthful and fresh appearance.
Not only is it a great option for those who want to switch things up, but it is also a low maintenance and easy to maintain hair color too – great for those with a busy lifestyle.
#13.Merlot Wine Mahogany Hair
Merlot Wine hair color is a deep, rich hue with hints of purple, perfect for those who want to make a statement. It’s subtle but still brings a cool, casual vibe to your look.
Plus, these darker shades work well with a variety of skin tones. We love it for being a sultry and seductive look that is fit for a fall season.
#14.Mahogany with Dark Chocolate Brown Hair
Emphasize your hair’s elegant mahogany tones by adding chocolatey brown lowlights for an unforgettable, multidimensional look.
This rich and luxurious color can bring out the best in anyone’s natural hair texture and skin tone. Cool it down with mocha lowlights if you’re skin undertones are cooler.
#15. Light Brown Hair with Mahogany Lowlights
Another way to add dimension to your mane is to go for mahogany lowlights throughout.
This trendy color combo is perfect for those who want to add dimension and depth to medium brown or light brown hair while still keeping it natural-looking.
#16. Mahogany with Cinnamon Highlights
Mahogany hair with cinnamon highlights is a gorgeous hair color that is stunning in all hair lengths and textures.
The natural-looking cinnamon highlights give it a touch of playful spice, creating a dimensional look that’s perfect for autumn.
#17. Mahogany and Rose Gold Hair
This color combo is trendy and versatile, adding a striking metallic effect to the hair.
It begins with a rich base of warm, reddish-brown mahogany and is then blended with gorgeous hues of soft, shimmering rose gold.
The end result is a hair color that boasts sophistication, radiating a sense of style and individuality.
#18.Mahogany Hair with Violet Tint
Take your hair game up a notch up by adding a purple carmine tint to your mahogany hue; it’s a bold and creative choice that adds depth to the dimension.
It’s a modern take on a traditional mahogany hue, with edgy and cool undertones of violet. Pair this gorgeous color with soft waves or a sleek bob and you’ll be the envy of every room you walk into.
#19.Burgundy Mahogany Ombre
If you’re a fan of bold and vibrant hair colors, take the plunge with burgundy mahogany ombre.
Burgundy hair colors pair so well with mahogany shades. This hair color starts with a dark mahogany root that fades to a rich burgundy red at the tips.
The result is a head-turning, eye-catching hair color!
#20.Bold Mahogany with Berry Balayage
For a truly eye-catching hair color, consider going for a bold mahogany with berry balayage highlights.
This shade is perfect for anyone who wants slight mahogany tint with berry colored balayage highlights. Red berry, blackberry or hints of plum? The choice is yours!
Mahogany hair color FAQs
Is mahogany red or brown?
Some say it is a red hair color, some say it’s firmly on the brunette hair color spectrum.
The truth is, it’s both!
This earthy color can range from dark brown brunette shades to reddish-brown or even golden brown depending on its hue and undertones. So there really isn’t an answer that applies to all colors.
It has a reddish hue, but depending on the lighting, it can look more brown than anything else. The type of hairstyle you go with also makes a difference and can make either red or brown undertones show up more prominently.
This is also true if you’re blending your color with darker roots, hair streaks or ombre looks.
So it’s really it’s up to you whether the shade you choose is more red or brown!
Which is darker, burgundy or mahogany?
When it comes to these two shades, there can be a lot of confusion between the two. Let’s clear it up.
Mahogany is a dark brownish-red.
Burgundy is a deep purple-red.
Tonally, they are similar shades with depth and dimension. That’s why there’s often confusion between the two. But you can think of burgundy as more from the purple hair family and mahogany as more red.
Neither one is darker than the other – it’s just that one has brown-red tones and one has purple. Simple!
Chestnut hair is another similar shade. It’s conker-like, nutty tones are very similar too. But chestnut brown is a lighter, softer color.
Is mahogany a cool or warm color?
This radiant hair color has always been a popular choice for those looking to switch up their style, but with so many tones out there, it can be hard to decide which one is the right shade.
How does this rich hue stack up against other shades in terms of warmth and coolness?
On the hair color wheel, it falls on the “orange-red” side of the spectrum, which makes it one fo the warm hair colors.
Reds are always warmer hair colors than cool hair colors like blue because they have an orange undertone.
If you suit warm colors and have warm skin tones, it could be perfect for you.
That’s not to say you can’t cool it down, by adding cooler shades like ash blonde, burgundy or ashy browns to tone the warmth. It all depends on which shade suits you.
What skin tone suits mahogany hair?
Matching your hair color to your skin tone is one of the most important parts of hair coloring.
Choosing the right shade can be daunting, especially when you’re not sure what hue looks best on you!
If you’re unsure about whether this shade would suit your skin tone, you can use our checklist to find out if you suit warm colors.
If you have cool undertones
- You have a light skin – pink or pale skin tone.
- You blush very easily.
- You’re drawn to jewel and pastel colors.
- The color yellow does not look good on you.
- You have blue not green veins in your wrist.
- Silver jewellery and pearls look awesome on you.
If you have warm undertones
- Your natural hair color draws gold or red tones.
- Your skin color is golden, tan or olive.
- You get freckles in the sun.
- You have green not blue veins in your wrist.
- You suit bright or rich shades and colors.
- Gold jewellery looks awesome on you.
Will this color suit me?
If you’re still unsure this is a color that will suit you, you can take out quiz! Just answer a few quick questions and we’ll tell you which hair colors best suit you.
Which Hair Color Suits Me?
Can I dye my hair mahogany at home?
Sure you can! But the color you’ll achieve will all depend on the color your hair is now.
If you have light brown to blonde hair – you have a light base so you may find this color erring on the side of red. If you’re planning on dyeing your own hair at home, you may need a couple of hair dye boxes to get the right coverage.
Go for a darker shade than you want your hair to be sure you get the right level of darkness and depth.
If you have brown to black hair – you have a good base for this tone. Think about adding colored low lights, streaks or even dark ombre to play with different depths and dimensions.
If you want a bright and more vivid shade of mahogany, you may need to visit your local colorist at a salon who can lighten your hair with bleach.
As always, we recommend doing a strand test at home before you start to check the color of your chosen hair dye will come out the color your heart really desires
Which are the best mahogany hair dyes to use at home?
Here are our top picks of mahogany box dyes you can buy in the local drugstore to get the mahogany look at home.
Best mahogany hair dyes
| Hair dye | Looks like | Buy it now |
|---|---|---|
| Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Hair Color Creme, 415 Soft Mahogany Dark Brown |  | |
| Clairol Nice'n Easy Crème, Medium Mahogany Brown |  | |
| Revlon Colorsilk Permanent Hair Dye Dark Mahogany Brown | ![Revlon ColorSilk Hair Color, [32] Dark Mahogany Brown 1 ea](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41FKOcVmpZL._SL160_.jpg "Revlon ColorSilk Hair Color, [32] Dark Mahogany Brown 1 ea") | |
| John Frieda Precision Foam Colour Number 5R, Medium Red Brown |  | |
| Garnier Olia Deep Cherry |  | |
| Clairol Nice'n Easy Crème, Dark Burgundy Brown |  |
Watch and Learn: How To Dye Your Hair Mahogany At Home.
Here’s a great video tutorial that guides you through how to dye your hair with Nice’n Easy 5M Mahogany Hair Dye at Home.
Does mahogany hair color fade?
This beautiful red-brown shade can be difficult to maintain due to its tendency for fading.
It’s really the condition of your hair and how often you wash it that will determine how long your new shade lasts.
It also depends on what type of dye you use when dyeing your locks – permanent or semi-permanent hair color.
If you decide to go with an ammonia-free product or a semi-permanent hair dye, then it will take less time for the color to fade, around 4- 6 weeks.
However, if you choose a traditional ammonia-based product or permanent hair dye, then it will likely last longer, around 6 to 8 weeks.
How do I care for mahogany hair?
For starters, try using color protecting shampoos and conditioning treatments. These will help seal the cuticle layer of your hair which protects the color from fading.
You should also avoid washing your hair too often as this can strip away vital nutrients that keep your hair healthy and vibrant.
We’re going to go over some tips below on how to keep your lovely hair hue for longer!
1.) Use a sulfate-free shampoo or shampoo bar, this will help maintain the color in your locks.
2.) Keep up with regular trims so the ends don’t break off prematurely and strip away all pigment from your strands.
3.) Avoid excessive heat styling like straighteners, curling irons, flat irons, blow dryers which can damage your color.
4.) Use a deep conditioner at least once a week to lock in moisture and keep your hair supple and vibrant.
Parting words.
If you’re looking for a new way to update your look or if you’re just feeling like something different, the tips in this blog post should help.
You can use these ideas at home and save yourself some time and money by doing it yourself! Plus, with our advice on how to care for your newly dyed hair, you now know everything there is know about dyeing your locks this on trend colour!
You don’t have to be a professional hair colorist in order to get this sassy shade. It’s easy and affordable! Give it a try today, you’ll love the results!
Found your perfect mahogany shade? We’d love to see it! Tag us on Instagram @colouredhaircare or Facebook and share your hair dye success stories. Looking for more hair care tips? Check out How to Look After Colored Hair: 11 Expert Secrets For Long-Lasting Color.
