As a hairstylist, I’ve noticed how my clients’ faces light up when they spot that perfect shade of auburn in my color swatches. The right mix of warm auburn tones paired with highlights can bring out natural features without requiring constant touch-ups or excessive maintenance. After 12 years behind the chair, I’ve learned that sometimes the subtlest color combinations create the most striking results.
Whether you’re considering your first auburn adventure or looking to refresh your current color, here are 15 auburn and highlight combinations that blend beautifully and grow out naturally.
Copper Peek-a-Boo Highlights
Playing peek-a-boo with copper streaks through dark brown base creates that perfect balance of fun and sophistication. The warm metallic pieces catch light in all the right places, while loose waves add movement that makes the color really pop. (And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good copper moment?)
Soft Auburn Waves With Caramel Ribbons
Looking for that perfect fall-ready shade? These waves combine rich auburn base tones with subtle caramel highlights woven throughout, creating natural-looking dimension that catches light with every move. The gentle waves add body and movement, while the highlights are placed strategically to mimic the way sun naturally lightens hair – no harsh streaks or obvious patterns in sight.
Sun-Kissed Auburn Waves with Caramel Highlights
For those looking to add dimension to their auburn base, soft caramel highlights woven throughout create a natural, lived-in look. The highlights catch the light as they cascade down in loose waves, giving the hair movement and depth without looking overdone. It’s perfect for anyone wanting to brighten up their dark auburn shade while keeping things low-maintenance.
Copper-Kissed Auburn Waves
Ready to add some warmth to your look? Auburn hair with copper highlights creates natural-looking dimension that catches the light in all the right ways. The soft waves add movement and body, while the mix of rich brown and copper tones gives depth that works for any season. It’s the kind of color that makes you feel like you just stepped out of the salon, even on day-old hair.
Rich Auburn Waves with Subtle Red Undertones
Long layers with a touch of burgundy make this auburn shade feel perfectly lived-in and natural. The color starts deeper at the roots and gradually shifts to warmer red tones toward the ends, creating that coveted dimensional effect without trying too hard. It’s the kind of color that looks like you just got back from a long summer in the Mediterranean – effortlessly sun-kissed and gorgeously low-maintenance.
Copper-Kissed Auburn Waves
Ready to warm up your look? Long, layered auburn waves with subtle copper highlights create dimension and movement that catches the light just right. The blend of rich brown base with copper-toned accents gives off that perfect sun-kissed glow, while loose waves add a casual, lived-in feel that works for any occasion.
Rich Auburn Waves With Subtle Dimension
Looking for a way to warm up your brunette? The mix of deep auburn base with soft chocolate ribbons creates natural-looking movement that catches the light just right. It’s perfect for fall and winter when you want something cozy but not too dramatic. The loose waves show off how the colors melt together, making it look like you were born with this gorgeous shade.
Rose-Tinted Auburn Waves
Let those auburn locks flow with a hint of rose gold swimming through each wave. The mix of deep auburn base with lighter copper-pink highlights creates movement that catches light in all the right places. (From my experience, this combo works magic in both natural and artificial lighting, don’t you think?) Perfect for anyone wanting to dip their toes into the redhead pool without going full-on fire engine red.
Copper-Kissed Auburn with Subtle Golden Waves
Looking for that perfect fall-inspired hair color? Consider rich auburn tones with touches of golden highlights woven throughout. The combination creates natural-looking dimension while the shoulder-length cut with loose waves adds just the right amount of movement. It’s the kind of color that catches light beautifully and works especially well for anyone wanting to warm up their look without going too bold or dramatic.
Rich Auburn Waves With Copper Highlights
Long, flowing waves get an autumn-inspired upgrade with a perfect mix of deep auburn and copper tones. The highlights aren’t trying too hard – they’re woven through naturally, catching light in all the right places and giving the hair movement that looks effortless. It’s like someone bottled up the best parts of fall and poured them right into these locks.
Copper-Kissed Auburn Waves With Golden Tips
Let’s talk about fall-inspired magic happening here. The rich auburn base melts into those honey-gold highlights, creating the kind of dimension that makes you do a double-take. Between you and me, those loose waves are giving major coffee-with-cream vibes, and the way those lighter pieces frame the ends? Pure genius for anyone looking to soften their auburn game. (And honestly, who doesn’t want hair that looks like it was painted by autumn itself?)
Copper-Kissed Auburn Waves
Looking for that perfect fall-inspired shade? These warm copper highlights dancing through rich auburn waves create a dimensional look that catches light in all the right places. The soft, wavy texture adds movement while those subtle copper accents make the color feel natural and lived-in. (And between us, it’s the kind of color that makes everyone ask for your stylist’s number.)
Copper-Kissed Auburn With Golden Ribbons
Looking to warm up your look without going full-on fire engine? Try this mix of rich auburn base with golden highlights woven throughout. The combination creates natural-looking dimension that catches light in all the right places. Plus, the textured bob cut shows off the color play perfectly – it’s like having your own personal sunset wrapped around your shoulders.
Copper-Kissed Auburn with Golden Waves
Mixing warm copper tones with golden highlights creates the perfect autumn-inspired color combination. The waves add movement to the mid-length cut, while subtle light-catching pieces throughout give dimension that makes the auburn base really pop. It’s the kind of color that looks different every time the light hits it – sometimes more red, sometimes more gold.
Copper-Kissed Auburn Waves with Golden Ribbons
Looking for a fresh take on auburn? Mix in some honey-blonde highlights to create this gorgeous copper-meets-gold effect. The warm tones play together like autumn leaves catching sunlight, giving the hair natural-looking dimension. I’m particularly drawn to how the highlights are placed strategically throughout the waves – they’re not too uniform or perfect, which makes the whole look feel effortless and lived-in. If you’ve been thinking about brightening up your auburn base, this mix of shades would work well on most skin tones.