Mahogany Hair Colour Ideas
Everyone Will Be Drooling Over Mahogany Hair This Season
As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.
If you're in the mood to usher in new energy into your life, might we suggest a simple hair refresh? It's guaranteed to make you feel like you've turned a new leaf. 2024 has seen no shortage of fun hair-colour trends to try. Of course, there are subtle options, like espresso hair and milk tea" bronde, but if you're looking to make a splash, how about mahogany hair? The shade has been seen on stars like Rihanna and Lala Anthony, and honestly, we might be next in line.
Ahead, experts break down everything to know about the mahogany hair-colour trend, like who it works best on, how to ask for it in the salon, and how you can achieve the look at home.
What Is Mahogany Hair?
"Mahogany hair colour is a reddish-brown shade with a slight violet cast," Lauren Mildice, colour specialist at Maxine Salon, tells POPSUGAR. "Think of a deep mahogany wood."
This tone works well on all hair types and can be customised to suit your individual needs. "This colour is very diverse, meaning it works on all textures, colours, and lengths," Mildice says. "If you have layers, you may want to add stronger pigmented pieces or muted highlights that will build dimension."
If you're interested in trying out the look, it's best to arrive at the salon with inspiration photos in hand. "If you're looking for one solid tone of mahogany, tell your colourist that you want an all-over deep reddish brown shade with a violet cast," Mildice says. Mahogany is a solid colour, but if you're looking to also add balayage, foil, or lowlights, an inspiration photo specifically for placement will be helpful to your colourist.
Also, because this is an all-over colour, you can also opt to get the look at home without heading to a salon. For mahogany hair dye, Melissa Wade-Smith, hair artistry education manager at Zotos Professional, suggests using Better Natured's Liqui-Creme Hair Colour ($19) in shade 4NRV, which is a medium natural red-violet brown.
How to Maintain Mahogany Hair at Home
As with any colour-treated hair, it's important to use quality products that will help maintain the integrity of the hair and the longevity of the colour. Opt for a shampoo and conditioner that are both colour-safe, like the Kérastase Chroma Absolu Hair Care Set ($194). "These products will preserve your colours' vibrancy," Mildice says.
If you use hot tools to style your hair, you'll also want to make sure you're using a heat protectant when your hair is wet and dry. When it comes to maintenance, Mildice says you'll need a touchup application done every four to six weeks to keep up with outgrowth. "If you're adding dimensional pieces, you can get those done every other time," she says.
If you opted to colour at home, Wade-Smith says she recommends only colouring your new growth without "pulling" the colour through the mid-lengths to ends since this could cause the colour to become a muted shade of brown.
Mahogany Hair-Colour Inspiration
If you're ready to try the trend for yourself, keep scrolling for some inspiration you can bring with you to your next salon appointment.
Curly Mahogany Hair
You can opt for an all-over colour or you can add depth and dimension to your layers by deepening the shade in certain areas. This version has darker roots and lighter mid-lengths to ends.
Shaggy Mahogany Hair
The tone looks great on every cut, including shaggier styles like this "wolflette" haircut.
Mahogany Hair with Curtain Bangs
This hue doesn't need any additional flair, but if you want to step things up a notch, we love the look with curtain bangs or face-framing layers.
Ombré Mahogany Hair
If you don't want to opt for an all-over shade, try out the mahogany hue on just the ends of your hair for a fun ombré look.
Mahogany Brown Hair
If you want something a little closer to your natural shade, try mahogany brown hair colour. It's dark and deep, but still has violet hues.
Dark Mahogany Hair
One of our favourite iterations of this trend is dark mahogany hair, which looks great on all hair types and lengths.
Copper Mahogany Hair
Whether you're a natural redhead or you just want to add some warm pieces to your hair, this copper mahogany hair colour is a great way to add depth and dimension.
