Muted Auburn

As we move through the early months of 2025, one hair colour is quietly dominating salon chairs across the country: muted auburn.

This sophisticated blend of warm reds and subtle browns has emerged as the must-have shade of the season, offering a refined alternative to the bolder copper tones that dominated late 2024.

What Exactly Is Muted Auburn?

Muted auburn is best described as a warm, glossy take on brown with subtle copper and golden undertones that create a sunkissed appearance without veering into true red territory. Unlike its vibrant copper cousins, muted auburn offers a more natural-looking, multi-dimensional colour that works harmoniously with a variety of skin tones.

The beauty of this trend lies in its versatility and wearability. From rich chestnut hues to softer strawberry blondes, the muted auburn spectrum provides options for everyone seeking to add warmth and dimension to their hair.

Why Muted Auburn Is Having Its Moment

Celebrity influence has certainly played a role in catapulting this trend to the forefront. The 2025 awards season has been awash with stars sporting various interpretations of auburn locks. Leighton Meester showcased glowing auburn waves at the SAG Awards, while Emma Stone debuted a deeper "nutmeg" shade with her pixie cut at the Golden Globes. Zendaya and Ayo Edebiri have also embraced this warming trend, further cementing its status.

Is Muted Auburn Right for You?

Before booking your colour appointment, here's a simple way to determine if muted auburn will complement your complexion: check your jewellery preferences.

As trend expert Yiannis Lekas suggests, "If you find that yellow or rose gold jewellery complements you well, it’s a strong indication that this trend will suit you too.”

The most flattering muted auburn shades vary depending on your skin tone:

For fair to medium complexions with green or blue eyes:

Copper Auburn: Warm reddish-orange tones resembling a shiny penny
Strawberry Auburn: A delicate blend of blonde and red tones
Golden Auburn: Light auburn with golden highlights for a sun-kissed look

For medium to deep complexions with brown or hazel eyes:

Mahogany Auburn: Rich, deep shade with brown undertones
Chestnut Auburn: A balanced blend of browns and reds
Burgundy Auburn: Deeper red undertones for a dramatic effect
Seasonal Care for Your Muted Auburn

As we transition through the seasons, maintaining your muted auburn requires some thoughtful adjustments to your hair care routine.

Spring Maintenance:
As humidity increases, focus on keeping your colour vibrant while preventing frizz. Use a leave-in conditioner that won't weigh down your hair and consider a clarifying shampoo to remove winter product buildup. This is particularly important for auburn shades, which can fade more quickly than other colours.

Summer Protection:
The sun, chlorine, and saltwater can all accelerate colour fade—particularly challenging for red-based colours like auburn. Protect your investment by using UV-protective hair products or wearing a hat when outdoors. Deep condition regularly to maintain moisture and vibrancy.

The Multi-Dimensional Approach

The most natural-looking muted auburn is never a flat, single colour. As Yiannis Lekas at Gusto explains, " Natural-looking copper shades are always multi-dimensional, so consider incorporating highlights or a subtle balayage with gentle copper toners for a more authentic effect.

This multi-dimensional approach creates depth and movement, allowing your auburn to catch the light beautifully and appear more natural, regardless of whether you were born with red pigments in your hair.

Embracing the Auburn Evolution

What makes muted auburn particularly appealing is its relatively low maintenance nature. Unlike brighter coppers, these softer tones fade gracefully into a sun-kissed look that continues to flatter a variety of skin tones.

Ready to embrace this sophisticated, warming trend? Our award-winning stylists at Gusto Hairdressing are here to help create your perfect shade of muted auburn. Book your consultation today.

BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT AT GUSTO HAIR SALONS IN OXFORD STREET & COVENT GARDEN

To book, please call Gusto Hairdressing Covent Garden Salon on 020 7836 9163, or Oxford Street Salon on 0207 486 5044. Book online for our, Covent Garden Salon, or Oxford Street Salon.

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