Burgundy vs Maroon — What’s the Difference?

People often hear “burgundy” and “maroon” used almost interchangeably when describing colors, hair dyes, clothes, or décor. They are similar — both deep reds — but they carry distinct undertones, moods, and uses. If you want to choose the right one for your hair, outfit, or design palette, knowing the difference helps.

1.What Are Burgundy and Maroon?

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Burgundy: Burgundy is named for the Burgundy wine region in France, and for the color of its wines. It’s a dark red too, but with purple (or violet) undertones, giving it a cooler, wine-like hue.

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Maroon: The word “maroon” comes from the French marron, meaning “chestnut,” reflecting its deep reddish-brown character. It’s a rich, dark red with brown undertones.

2.Is Burgundy the Same as Maroon?

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No — while they share a lot of visual similarity, they are not the same. Overlap: In many contexts, people will call both “deep red,” “wine red,” or simply “burgundy/maroon” without much precision. They can look very close under certain lighting or when faded. Key distinctions:

Undertone is the biggest: purple/violet in burgundy; brown in maroon.

Mood: Burgundy often reads as more regal, dramatic, cool; maroon more earthy, warm, comforting. 

Visual intensity: Burgundy may reflect light in a way that makes it “pop” more; maroon is more subdued or natural.

3.Maroon vs Burgundy in Hair Colour

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This is where the distinction becomes practical and visible.

Maroon hair: Deep red mixed with brown, maybe a slight muted red brown. Less flashy, more natural, often used to add warmth. It tends to blend with warmer skin tones nicely. 

Burgundy hair: Deep red + purple, sometimes mixed with blue to get a violet-touch. More noticeable under light; more dramatic. It can accentuate cooler undertones in skin, or create bold contrast.

Vibrancy & Maintenance:

Burgundy hair often requires more upkeep — the purple component can fade faster or shift colour (toward red or brown) as it fades.

Maroon, being more brown/red-based, may fade more gently or naturally. 

Fashion & Clothing:

Burgundy is often used for formal or evening wear — it has that elegant richness.

Maroon works well for casual wear, knitwear, boots, autumn/winter wardrobes due to its warmth.

4.Side-by-Side Comparison Chart Between Burgundy and Maroon

Here’s a quick-reference chart to help you keep the differences straight:

5.How to Choose Between Burgundy and Maroon

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Here are some guidelines: Know your skin undertone If your undertone is warm, maroon will likely flatter more; if cool or neutral, burgundy could be more striking. Consider the vibe you want Want drama, statement, richness? Burgundy. Want subtle warmth, elegance, comfort? Maroon. Lighting & environment Will others see the color under daylight or artificial lights? Purple undertones show up more under bright or cool lighting; brown undertones look richer in warm lighting.

6.How To Care & Maintenance for burgundy and maroon hair color

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Caring for burgundy and maroon hair colors is all about preserving vibrancy, preventing fading, and keeping your hair healthy. Since red-based tones (like burgundy and maroon) are among the fastest-fading colors, they require extra attention. Here’s a quick guide for care and maintenance:

1. Use Color-Safe, Sulfate-Free Shampoo & Conditioner 

2. Wash with Cool Water

3. Protect from Heat & Sun

4. Deep Condition Weekly

5. Refresh Your Color Between Appointments

6. Avoid Overwashing & Harsh Products

7. Trim Regularly

8. Opt for Gentle Styling

9. Professional Touch-Ups.

7.Conclusion

While burgundy and maroon are both beautiful, rich reds, they are not identical. Burgundy mixes red with purple/violet, giving a cooler, often more vivid wine-like appearance. Maroon mixes red with brown, creating a warmer, earthier, more muted tone. Knowing their differences can help you choose what flatters your skin, matches your mood, or enhances your style.

8.FAQs About Burgundy and Maroon Hair Color

Is wine red the same as burgundy?

Essentially, yes. "Wine red" is a general term for colors inspired by red wine, and burgundy is the most specific and well-known type. You can think of burgundy as a specific subset of wine red.

Can maroon have purple in it?

In practice, yes—colors exist on a spectrum, and you might find shades labeled "maroon" that have a hint of purple. However, the pure, classic definition of maroon is brown-based. If the purple becomes noticeable, it’s likely leaning towards a burgundy shade.

Which is darker, burgundy or maroon?

They are similarly dark, but maroon often appears darker and less vibrant because of the strong brown presence, which absorbs more light. Burgundy, with its purple base, can sometimes look richer and slightly brighter by comparison.