26 Merlot Hair Color Ideas 2024

Are you thinking about switching up your hair color this season? Maybe you’re considering a rich, bold shade to match the cozy, moody vibe of fall and winter?

If merlot hair color has caught your eye, you’re not alone! This deep, luxurious shade is perfect for those looking to make a statement.

Don’t worry! I’ve put together 26 stunning merlot hair color ideas to inspire your next transformation, giving you all the tips and products to achieve the perfect hue.

Let’s dive in!

Merlot Hair Color

1. Merlot Curls with Subtle Highlights

This rich, merlot shade with soft highlights adds depth to the luscious curls, making the look feel dimensional and luxurious. To achieve this color, you’ll need L’Oréal Feria Power Reds R68, which delivers vibrant red tones, and Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream to enhance and define the curls for a bouncy finish. Finish with Kenra Professional Color Maintenance Shampoo to keep the color vivid.

2. Dark Merlot with Coppery Undertones

This dark base with subtle merlot and coppery accents creates a unique, sophisticated look. To recreate it, use Wella Professionals Color Charm in Burgundy for deep, multi-tonal hues and follow up with Redken All Soft Mega Mask to nourish and protect your hair. For extra shine, use CHI Silk Infusion to seal in moisture and smoothness.

3. Full-Bodied Merlot with Long Layers

This vibrant, full-bodied merlot shade is perfect for those who want a bold, one-tone look with long layers. Use Manic Panic Vampire Red for that vivid, rich finish. Pair it with Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector to maintain strength and reduce breakage, while Living Proof Restore Smooth Blowout Concentrate helps to give you that smooth, salon-worthy finish.

4. Merlot Highlights on Dark Hair

These vibrant merlot highlights on a deep base bring a playful twist to classic dark hair. For this look, Schwarzkopf Keratin Color in Ruby Noir is ideal for adding bold yet subtle highlights. Maintain the rich tones with Joico Color Balance Red Shampoo, and define your waves with Ouai Wave Spray to enhance the style while keeping the color radiant.

5. Sleek Merlot Shine

This sleek, straight merlot look is all about deep saturation and shine. For this smooth finish, use L’Oréal Paris Excellence Creme in Deep Red to achieve rich, long-lasting color. To keep the sleek look, finish with Tresemmé Keratin Smooth Serum, which provides a glossy shine while taming any frizz. Maintain the vibrancy with John Frieda Radiant Red Shampoo.

6. Soft Merlot Layers with Subtle Shine

This soft merlot color features layered styling that adds movement and dimension. To recreate this look, apply Schwarzkopf Igora Royal in Burgundy Red for a velvety finish. Use Kérastase Discipline Fluidissime Spray to enhance smoothness and shine, and top it off with Redken Color Extend Magnetics Conditioner to lock in moisture and keep the color bright.

7. Voluminous Merlot Waves

These voluminous merlot waves offer a bold, dramatic flair. Pravana Vivids Red is perfect for achieving this deep red shade. To create the full waves, use T3 BodyWaver Styling Iron, and finish with Moroccanoil Treatment Oil to keep the waves soft and shiny while maintaining frizz control. Maintain the vibrancy with Joico Color Endure Shampoo.

8. Merlot with Subtle Dimension

This stunning merlot shade has a mix of subtle undertones that add depth to the overall look. Matrix SoColor Cult in Crimson Red works best for achieving that rich color with dimension. For extra shine, use Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil to keep the hair healthy and smooth. Top it off with Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo to extend the life of the color.

9. Smoky Merlot Ombre

This smoky merlot ombre starts with a deep base and transitions into vibrant red tips. Achieve this gradient effect using L’Oréal Paris Feria in Intense Deep Auburn for the rich red ends. To blend the transition seamlessly, use Revlon Colorsilk Dark Brown at the roots. Finish with Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Primer to protect and add shine.

10. Deep Merlot with Fringe

This merlot color paired with soft bangs creates a chic, vintage vibe. For a deep, rich finish, apply Joico Vero K-Pak Color in Burgundy. To maintain softness and smoothness, use Kérastase Nutritive Nectar Thermique as a leave-in. Seal the color with Moroccanoil Color Depositing Mask in Bordeaux to keep the vibrancy fresh and bold.

11. Merlot Glam Waves

Merlot glam waves offer a high-gloss, polished look that stands out in any crowd. For this rich, saturated hue, use Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color in Dark Intense Burgundy. Keep the waves defined with Oribe Curl Gloss Hydration & Hold and top it off with Aveda Color Conserve Daily Color Protect to lock in the vibrancy while adding moisture.

12. Bright Merlot Pink Fusion

This eye-catching merlot-pink fusion combines deep reds with vivid pink tones. Manic Panic Hot Hot Pink mixed with Arctic Fox Wrath creates this bold look. To keep your hair vibrant, use Punky Colour Redilicious Conditioner and protect your locks with Paul Mitchell Color Protect Locking Spray. This combination ensures your pink stays bright and beautiful for weeks.

13. Subtle Merlot Waves

These soft merlot waves offer a rich but understated look, perfect for low-key elegance. Clairol Professional Texture & Tones in Burgundy creates this deep, dimensional shade, while Ouai Wave Spray adds texture and enhances the natural wave pattern. Keep the color fresh with Joico Color Infuse Red Shampoo to prevent fading and keep your waves looking vibrant.

14. Glossy Merlot Curls

These glossy merlot curls are perfect for those who love high shine and defined texture. Achieve this bold shade using Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color in Dark Intense Burgundy. To keep the curls defined and shiny, use OGX Moroccan Curling Perfection Defining Cream and finish with Kenra Shine Spray to give the hair a lustrous, glass-like finish.

15. Voluminous Merlot Glam

This voluminous merlot style is all about rich, dimensional color paired with thick, glam waves. Start with Wella Color Charm in Burgundy, and use Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray to add volume. Finish with Redken Frizz Dismiss Instant Deflate Oil to smooth the hair while keeping the color vivid and shiny.

16. Vibrant Merlot Pink Waves

These vibrant merlot-pink waves give off an edgy, bold look with a pop of brightness. Mix Manic Panic Hot Hot Pink with Arctic Fox Wrath for the perfect blend of merlot and pink hues. Use Briogeo Farewell Frizz Rosarco Milk Leave-In Conditioning Spray to maintain softness and prevent frizz. Lock in the color with Pravana Chromasilk Vivids Color Protect Shampoo.

17. Dimensional Merlot with Purple Tones

This merlot hair with striking purple undertones creates a bold and unique look. Manic Panic Purple Haze combined with Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color in Dark Intense Burgundy gives you that vibrant mix. To enhance the color dimension, use TIGI Bed Head After Party Smoothing Cream for added shine and smoothness. Keep the hues vibrant with Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo.

18. Glossy Straight Merlot Finish

This sleek and glossy merlot finish is all about shine and sophistication. Achieve the look with Wella Color Charm in Burgundy for the intense color and follow up with CHI Silk Infusion to create that glossy texture. To lock in the shine and protect from heat, use GHD Heat Protect Spray. This color works best on straight styles.

19. Voluminous Merlot Waves with Pink Undertones

These voluminous waves blend merlot with hints of pink for a playful yet elegant effect. Arctic Fox Wrath mixed with Pravana Vivids Pink gives you this pop of color. For defined waves, use BabylissPRO Nano Titanium Curling Iron, and to add volume, apply Oribe Maximista Thickening Spray. Maintain the boldness with Amika Vault Color-Lock Shampoo.

20. Soft Merlot Layers

This soft merlot look with subtle layers brings out a classic and polished style. Use Schwarzkopf Igora Royal in Dark Red Violet to achieve this rich color. To keep the layers looking smooth, apply L’Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Protein Recharge. Finish with TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Heat Protect Spray to maintain the glossy texture and protect against styling damage.

21. Bright Textured Merlot Updo

This bright merlot updo with textured volume gives a chic and playful vibe. Achieve this vibrant color with Adore Semi-Permanent Hair Color in Crimson Red. To add texture and hold, use Kenra Volume Spray 25 for long-lasting style. Finish with L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray to keep the updo in place while maintaining a soft finish.

22. Soft Merlot Bob with Fringe

This soft merlot bob paired with a fringe creates a fresh, romantic look. Use Schwarzkopf Igora Royal in Deep Red Brown for a soft yet rich finish. To enhance shine and smoothness, apply Redken All Soft Argan-6 Oil for silky strands. Maintain the fringe with TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Heat Protect Spray for frizz-free styling.

23. Glossy Merlot Waves with Subtle Purple

These glossy merlot waves with hints of purple add extra depth and dimension. Mix Arctic Fox Purple Rain with Garnier Nutrisse Burgundy to achieve this multidimensional shade. Define the waves using Ouai Wave Spray for natural texture, and keep the color vibrant with Aveda Color Conserve Daily Color Protect.

24. Sleek Straight Merlot Hair

This sleek straight merlot hair boasts a rich, vibrant hue that shines with smooth elegance. L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference in Intense Dark Red is perfect for getting this ultra-smooth and shiny look. To maintain sleekness, apply John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum. Protect the color with Moroccanoil Color Depositing Mask in Bordeaux for long-lasting vibrancy.

25. Vintage Merlot with Blunt Bangs

This sleek merlot style with blunt bangs offers a retro-inspired, bold look. Achieve this deep, rich color using Schwarzkopf Keratin Color in Ruby Noir. To keep the bangs smooth and frizz-free, use Living Proof No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream. Maintain the intense shine with John Frieda Luminous Glaze Clear Shine Gloss to keep the hair looking vibrant and glossy.

26. Fiery Merlot Red Balayage

This fiery merlot red balayage adds bold dimension with a mix of deep reds and brighter tones. Use Manic Panic Vampire Red for the base and Arctic Fox Poison to create that fiery balayage effect. Keep the waves soft and shiny with Davines OI All-In-One Milk, which also helps protect your color and prevent fading.