Oh, copper hair. Let me tell you, every time I scroll through my feed and see those rich, fiery hues, I can’t help but sigh. It’s one of those hair colors that feels like a bold statement and a warm hug all at once. I adore it.
Do I have the guts to pull it off? Not a chance.
My hair is about as fragile as my self-control in a shoe sale, and the bleaching it would take to achieve those vivid tones would send it running for the hills.
Plus, my complexion leans cool, and let’s just say copper and I would not be the dynamic duo I dream of. But for those lucky enough to pull it off? Absolute show-stopper material.
Copper hair is having such a moment right now, and it’s no surprise. It’s a shade that feels both timeless and fresh, like the ultimate intersection of classic beauty and modern cool.
Part of its resurgence is thanks to celebrities embracing the hue—think Kendall Jenner’s bold copper moment or Zendaya’s endless parade of stunning red tones.
And let’s not forget seasonal influences. Copper screams autumn, with its toasty undertones and “freshly fallen leaves” vibe. But it also transitions seamlessly into winter, offering warmth and depth against the chill.
It’s daring yet wearable, bold but still sophisticated. Whether you’re going for a soft, understated chestnut copper or an electrifying light copper blonde, there’s a shade for everyone (well, almost everyone… I’ll be cheering from the sidelines).
Ready to see which look might suit you? Let’s dive into 10 gorgeous copper hair ideas that’ll have you dreaming of fiery locks!
10 On-Trend Copper Hair Ideas
#1 Copper Balayage
Copper balayage is a fantastic way to add a touch of fiery copper to your locks.
This technique involves painting on highlights in strategic places to create a natural-looking, sun-kissed effect.
You can ask your stylist for a few face-framing highlights, or go for an all-over copper balayage.
If you’re not ready to commit, try doing a copper balayage on your natural hair color.
This way, you can add as much or as little of the fiery hue as you want.
Plus, since the highlights are painted on, they will gradually fade out over time. So if you change your mind about the look, it won’t be permanent!
#2 Copper Red Ombré
Another fun way to wear copper hair is with a gorgeous red ombré.
This look involves transitioning from a rich, copper hue at the roots to a brighter, more fiery shade at the ends.
You can go bright and vibrant with a pillarbox red, or more subtle and softer with deep pink rose. You can also add blonde highlights at the end for a super gorgeous firey effect.
You can ask your stylist to do a gradual ombré, or go for a more dramatic effect by making the transition closer to your mid-lengths.
#3 Copper Blonde Highlights
If you have a copper base, dyed or natural, you can also add blonde highlights to create a beautiful contrast.
The blonde highlights will help bring out the red tones in your hair, and give it a multidimensional look.
Go for cool blonde shades like ash blonde or beige blonde to contrast the warm tones or add golden blonde and honey shades for a hot look.
# 4 Copper With Auburn Lowlights
If you want to give your copper hair a little depth, try adding some auburn lowlights.
This will help create a more natural-looking color, and give your hair some deeper, richer shades of reddy-brown.
#5 Copper Shadow Root
One of the hottest hair trends right now is dark roots. This look involves leaving your natural hair color at the roots, and transitioning to a lighter shade towards the ends.
It’s a great way to add depth and dimension to your hair and it’s a low maintenance style that grows out beautifully.
#6 Copper highlights on black hair
If you have black hair, you can add some spice to it by adding copper highlights.
Copper highlights add warmth and dimension to your hair, giving it a fun twist.
It’s an easily achievable look that won’t require high maintenance. With a professional stylist’s assistance, you can attain this bold and edgy look.
#7 Pumpkin spice
For those who want to stick to darker tones, this shade of copper is for you.
Pumpkin spice is a dark copper mahogany hair color that gives your hair a rich and luxurious finish, making it perfect for fall.
#8 Chestnut Copper Brown Hair
Chestnut copper brown is a softer look for those with a brunette base looking to add just a little bit of copper to their hair.
The chestnut shade is warm and earthy, making it ideal for wintertime.
This shade will look excellent on brown skin tones and add a subtle pop of color to your hair.
#9 Cowboy Copper
If you have brown hair, adding copper highlights to a brown hair balayage can give your hair a new lease of life.
Cowboy copper highlights can give your hair warmth and a glamorous twist, making it ideal for a night out. This color is relatively low maintenance and is sure to make heads turn.
#10 Light Copper Blonde Hair Color
If you’re looking for something lighter, a light copper blonde hair color could be perfect.
It’s bold and vibrant, making it a statement color that adds excitement to your overall look.
This shade has hints of strawberry blonde and is the one to give your tresses some sweet summer vibes.
Check out even more more copper hair color ideas over on our Pinterest board!
Will Copper Hair Suit You? Shade Selection Guide
Choosing the right copper hair shade is all about finding that perfect harmony between your skin tone, undertones, and the color’s intensity.
Sure, instagram might serve up endless inspo, but it doesn’t always tell you how to pick the right hue for your unique look.
Let’s break it down so you can strut into your next salon appointment fully armed with the knowledge to nail your copper dream.
Step 1: Find Your Undertone
Your undertone is the subtle color that peeks through your skin, influencing how you rock different shades. Not sure what yours is? Use this cheat sheet:
- Cool Undertones: Your skin has pink, blue, or red hues. You tend to blush easily, veins on your wrist look blue, and silver jewelry flatters you more than gold.
- Warm Undertones: You have golden, yellow, or peachy hues. Your veins look green, and gold jewelry makes your skin glow.
- Neutral Undertones: You’re a mix of both! Lucky you—you can often pull off a wider range of shades.
Step 2: Pair Your Undertone with the Right Copper Shade
Now that you’ve nailed down your undertone, here’s your cheat sheet to the perfect copper hue:
Cool Undertones
Opt for cooler coppers with pink or peachy undertones. These shades complement your skin without overwhelming it.
- Peach Copper: A soft, muted copper with a hint of pink. Think subtle sophistication.
- Strawberry Copper Blonde: A light, creamy mix of copper and blonde with cool undertones.
- Rose Gold Copper: A metallic hue with pinky-red tones that leans more pastel.
Pro Tip: If your chosen copper feels too warm, ask your stylist to mix in violet-based tones to cool it down.
Warm Undertones
You can rock rich, fiery shades that bring out the golden or olive tones in your skin. The warmer, the better!
- Burnt Orange Copper: A vibrant, spicy orange-based shade that radiates warmth.
- Chestnut Copper: A deep, earthy copper that’s perfect for brunettes looking for a subtle transformation.
- Golden Copper: A bright copper infused with golden hues—ideal for sun-kissed skin.
Pro Tip: To enhance the warmth, your stylist can add gold or caramel tones for a luminous finish.
Neutral Undertones
You’ve hit the hair jackpot! With your balanced undertone, you can experiment with almost any copper shade.
- Pumpkin Spice Copper: A cozy, mahogany-meets-copper tone that works year-round.
- Classic Copper: That perfect, middle-of-the-spectrum copper—neither too warm nor too cool.
- Light Copper Blonde: A bright, sunny copper that leans blonde for a summery vibe.
Pro Tip: Not sure where to start? Bring a photo of your favorite shade and let your stylist tweak it to suit your undertone.
How to care for copper hair.
Vibrant tones liek copper are notoriously difficult to maintain and can quickly become dull and lifeless if not taken care of properly.
But don’t worry – here are some tips on how to do just that!
#1 Use the Right Products
One of the most critical pieces of advice to keep in mind is that copper hair requires special products that are specifically formulated to maintain its unique hue.
You’ll want to invest in a high-quality shampoo and conditioner that is specially designed for color-treated hair.
These products will help maintain the pigment’s vibrancy and nourish the hair to keep it looking healthy.
#2 Avoid Overwashing
While it’s essential to keep your hair clean, you don’t want to overdo it.
In general, you should aim to wash your hair every 2-3 days to prevent it from becoming too dry and damaged.
If you’re worried about your hair looking oily, you can always use dry shampoo to freshen up your roots between washes.
#3 Protect Your Hair from Heat Damage
Hairdryers, straighteners, and curling irons can wreak havoc on your hair, causing it to become dry, frizzy, and brittle.
If you want to keep your copper locks looking healthy, limit your use of these tools, and always use a heat protectant spray when you do decide to use them.
#4 Invest in Regular Trims
Even if you take excellent care of your hair, it will still grow and become damaged over time.
Regular trims are an essential part of maintaining healthy hair, and they will help prevent split ends, breakage, and other types of damage that can cause your hair to lose its luster.
#5 Protect Your Hair from the Sun
Believe it or not, the sun can also wreak havoc on color-treated hair, causing it to fade and lose its vibrancy over time.
To protect your locks, wear a hat or scarf when you’re outside on bright, sunny days. If you’re going swimming, use a protective spray to prevent the chlorine from stripping the color out of your hair.
Parting words
Overall, copper hair is a fabulous way to show off your personality in bold and eye-catching fashion!
With so many gorgeous shades and styles to choose from, there’s something for everyone looking to make a statement with their hair.
So why not take the plunge and go for it? Take some time to browse through our 10 suggested copper hair ideas above and see which one catches your eye.
After all, you deserve to have beautiful locks that make you feel confident every day. So don’t wait another day — get ready to rock that stunning copper look!
Found your perfect shade? We’d love to see it! Tag us on Instagram @coloredhaircare or Facebook and share your hair dye success stories. Looking for more hair care tips? Check out How to Look After Colored Hair: 11 Expert Secrets For Long-Lasting Color.
Our Research & Review Process
To ensure our recommendations are as comprehensive and reliable as possible, we’ve undertaken an extensive research effort.
We cite scientific evidence and journals, collect real user reviews and gather impartial perspectives from hair stylists, users, and experts in the field.
Additionally, we conduct hands-on testing by using products and applying hair dyes not only on our own locks but also on real human hair extensions and hair pieces of different hair type, textures and lengths.
This rigorous approach allows us to provide you with insights into which products genuinely live up to their promises.
As always – please consult with a professional hair colorist or stylist for advice on how to color your own hair at home. It’s different for everyone!
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