Red hair has been cropping up all over our timelines, giving us some serious hair envy! From Gigi Hadid surprise debuting her fiery red-do at the 2021 Met Gala to Hailey Bieber’s more muted ‘cowboy copper’ which reignited the copper hair trend at the end of last year – it’s the colour that always makes a statement! It’s also the colour which has inspired millions of salon appointments, and we can totally understand why!
The versatility of this hue is endless and can suit almost any skin tone! RUSH’s expertise in hair colour will guide you on which copper shade is best suited to your skin type, so let’s break-down our favourite copper shades to bring your copper-coloured fantasies to life…
In this blog:
Copper Hair Colour: What To Know
Copper hair is not for the lighthearted – but if you’re thinking about taking the plunge, you’ll need to consider if you’re willing to keep up with the maintenance of copper hair, the pricing to go copper, what the best products are for copper hair and our tops tips to taking care of your new copper locks!
- To maintain copper hair, you’ll require a trip to the salon every 4 – 6 weeks to keep up with regrowth. The contrast between your natural colour and copper can be quite drastic, so it’s best to keep on top of your regrowth.
- Copper can fade quite quickly so we’d recommend limiting hair washing to stop your colour from fading. When washing your hair, we’d recommend using a shampoo and conditioner that is specifically designed for coloured hair. This won’t completely stop your colour from fading overtime, but it will slow down the fading process.
- As with any colour, minimal heat is always recommended! If you must use heat styling tools, always use a heat protectant spray to avoid your hair becoming damaged!
- Try a colour depositing shampoo and conditioner to intensify and brighten your colour in between your washes and appointments!
- If it’s your first-time going copper, expect to pay anywhere from £100 – £150 depending on your hair’s condition and the colour you’d wish to achieve. As we mentioned, copper is not from the lighthearted!
Copper Hair Colour Ideas for Fair Skin
Fair skin and copper hair compliment one another beautifully – accentuating the face’s features and truly make those with blue or green eyes pop. The warm, reddish tons of copper can add warmth to those with this complexion and create a beautiful balance. Fair skin with cool undertones can especially benefit from the warm hues of copper hair – this glowing vibrant shade can lighten up any skin tone! Our inspiration is copper goddess, Sophie Turner!
Bright Copper
Say hello to bright copper – perhaps one of the most out-there shades of copper! Bright copper is more orange-based shades of copper and could be the perfect colour transformation if you’re looking for a complete change. We’d recommend this colour for peachy fair skin tones, as the bright copper accentuates the undertones. This hue works beautifully with a pop of red lipstick for a more defined look!
Strawberry Copper
Strawberry copper is a warm combination of both golden and copper tones which complement fair skin. This almost pink take on the copper trend is maybe the most-natural looking type of copper, as the delicate shades blend seamlessly throughout. Strawberry copper is an easy colour to pull off – making it a perfect colour for those who are going copper for the first time but aren’t quite sure of their shade yet.
Rose Gold Copper
Rose gold copper hair is THE colour if you have fair skin with warmer undertones. This shade is perfect for the warmer months with a tan, really making you glow! The contrast between the rose gold copper colour and tanned skin accentuates the faces features – especially if you have light coloured eyes. If you’re wanting to pop your rose gold copper, ask your colourist about going lighter around the front too to create a beautiful copper halo! This is the perfect shade for those warm summer nights!
Copper hair for medium skin tones
If you’re thinking about copper hair and you have a medium skin tone, this can be the most ethereal finish for you – really brightening your whole appearance! You’ll be a literal ray of sunshine with copper hair as the orangey—red hues can complement and enhance the natural warmth found in medium skin tones, creating a radiant look! Channel your inner fairy and take the plunge with copper hair. Our inspiration for copper hair with medium skin tones is Megan Fox, who recently debuted a chic shade of copper at the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscars Party!
Auburn Copper
Auburn copper is more subdued than bright copper hair, with more brown and deep red undertones, whilst copper is less intense shades of orange that has subtle golden tones blended throughout. This rich, expensive-looking hue is perfect for those who are wanting a change, but don’t want anything too loud. A shade that’s very close to auburn copper is the hottest shade of the season – ‘Cowboy Copper’, which has slightly darker undertones. Auburn copper is striking shade is perfect for those with a medium skin tone to bring out a healthy glow in the skin.
Copper Balayage
Copper balayage is perfect for those who are wanting to try out copper but are maybe not ready to fully commit! This is also a great look for those who are not able to keep up with the maintenance that is required by copper hair and want to avoid any harsh regrowth lines that would appear from an all-over colour job.
Copper Highlights
Like copper balayage, copper highlights are a great opportunity for those who want to dip their toe into the copper life. Copper highlights work especially well for those with brunette hair who want to add a pop of colour to their hair! If blended seamlessly throughout, these highlights can beautifully complement the hair. Unfortunately, copper does fade quite quickly, making this rich hue a very high maintenance colour. But with copper highlights, the regrowth is less noticeable and often grows out better, so this could be an option if you’re not wanting to maintain the upkeep!
Copper hair for dark skin tones
Against a dark skin tone, all shades of copper really pop. Our inspiration is 70s icon Chaka Khan and her auburn, brushed-out curls that she rocked all throughout the era. Copper is a definite dark skin tone enhancer. For those with a deep skin tone, we’d recommend doing deeper and brighter – the richer, the better! Rich, coppery reds will complement the deep skin tone beautifully!
Burnt Copper
This is a rich, velvety take on the Copper trend, which beautifully complement a deep skin tone. Think of this hue as an orangey shade with a subtle hint of chocolate to cool things down a little. The golden intensity of this copper is unique, allowing you to completely custom this colour to suit your own personal style – let your individuality shine! To achieve the perfect burnt copper look, you must ask yourself to keep your colour warm and golden as this colour is all about the richness.
Copper Ombre
Copper ombre is a fun take on the copper trend as it blends the rich, warmth of the copper tones with a darker, cooler base. This trend looks stunning on longer hair and is a fun way to add a pop of colour to your hair if you’re not wanting to commit to going fully copper. Similar to balayage, this is a great look for those who are not able to keep up with the maintenance that is required by copper hair and want to avoid any harsh regrowth lines that would appear from an all-over colour job.
Copper Brown
Perhaps the richest copper shade of them all, Copper Brown! Think of this as a yummy red velvet cake; a rich chocolatey brown with a hint of cherry red blended seamlessly throughout. Absolutely divine! If you’re wanting to start experimenting with colour and you have a deeper skin tone, copper brown could be the perfect option for you. The mixture between warmth of the copper and the coolness of the brunette base beautifully contrasts one another, whilst enhancing the warm undertones in those with a deep skin tone.
How to Keep Copper Hair from Fading
You’ve invested time and money into getting your perfect copper hair colour, so it’s vital that you invest in an at-home routine that keeps things looking fresh. Consider using colour safe shampoos and conditioners that won’t pull colour from the hair, and try a colour toning conditioning mask; there are some great options out there in a variety of tones, so you can keep your colour as warm or cool as you like. Also, remember, healthy hair means hydrated hair; find a light hair oil that keeps ends looking neat and mid-lengths looking glossy.
How to Protect Your New Copper Hair
To maintain copper hair, you’ll require a trip to the salon every 4 – 6 weeks to keep up with regrowth, the contrast between your natural colour and copper can be quite drastic, so it’s best to keep on top of your regrowth. Try a colour depositing shampoo and conditioner to intensify and brighten your colour in between your washes and appointments!
Copper can fade quite quickly so we’d recommend limiting hair washing to stop your colour from fading. When washing your hair, we’d recommend using a shampoo and conditioner that is specifically designed for coloured hair. This won’t completely stop your colour from fading overtime, but it will slow down the fading process. As with any colour, minimal heat is always recommended! If you must use heat styling tools, always use a heat protectant spray to avoid your locks becoming damaged!
Book Your Hair Appointment Now
Are you ready to take the plunge and start your copper hair journey? Book your hair appointment with one of our skilled stylists at Rush.co.uk or find a hairdresser near you to embark on a personalised hair journey to finding your perfect copper shade. Our experts are here to bring your hair dreams to life.
FAQ's
What colour is copper in hair?
Copper hair is the younger, more subtle sister of red hair. Copper hair has a red hue with golden undertones blended throughout.
What skin tone suits copper hair?
Copper hair can suit any skin tone! We’d recommend chatting to your stylist to find the copper hue that complements your skin tone and will accentuate your features!
How long does copper hair colour last?
To maintain copper hair, you’ll require a trip to the salon every 4 – 6 weeks to keep up with regrowth. The contrast between your natural colour and copper can be quite drastic, so it’s best to keep on top of your regrowth.
Who can wear copper hair colour?
Anyone! This shade can suit anyone and can be customised to suit you individually! We’d recommend chatting to your stylist to find the copper hue that complements your skin tone and will accentuate your features and suits your style!
Does copper hair make you look younger?
Copper hair can give the face a younger appearance as it adds warmth to the complexion – ultimately, giving the face a youthful glow!
What colours not to wear with copper hair?
We’d recommend not wearing any pale, colourless fabrics like grey, cream, or white as the copper hair can be too contrasting – but this is all down to personal preference.
Can I achieve copper hair colour at home, or should I visit a salon?
It might be tempting to go out and buy a box colour to achieve your copper hair goals, but nothing is going to be as close to perfection as a visit to the salon. By visiting your local RUSH salon, you will have an expert colourist at hand to advise you on the right tone for your skin, as well as maintenance to ensure that colour lasts as long as possible. Plus, there will be stylists there to advise on the ideal cut that truly shows your colour at its best!
How can I maintain my copper hair colour?
Copper can fade quite quickly so we’d recommend limiting hair washing to stop your colour from fading. When washing your hair, we’d recommend using a shampoo and conditioner that is specifically designed for coloured hair. This won’t completely stop your colour from fading overtime, but it will slow down the fading process.
Will copper hair colour fade quickly?
Unfortunately, copper hair does fade quite quickly. We’d recommend trying a colour depositing shampoo and conditioner to intensify and brighten your colour in between your washes and appointments! If you’re not up for the maintenance of copper hair, try copper balayage which will not have as harsh a regrowth.
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