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What is the difference between Loreal HiColor copper and sizzling copper?

With so many hair dye options on the market, it can be tricky to choose the right one for your hair goals. Two popular options from L’Oreal are HiColor Copper and Sizzling Copper hair dyes. But what exactly sets these two shades apart? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the key differences between L’Oreal HiColor Copper vs Sizzling Copper hair color.

Introducing Loreal HiColor and Sizzling Copper Hair Dyes

First, let’s take a quick look at what each of these hair dyes offers:

Loreal HiColor Copper

  • Part of the L’Oreal HiColor range
  • Permanent, ammonia-free hair dye
  • Designed to deliver bold, vibrant copper tones
  • Uses Liqui-Gel Technology for even results
  • Lasts up to 28 shampoos

Loreal Sizzling Copper

  • Part of the L’Oreal Excellence Creme range
  • Permanent, ammonia-free hair dye
  • Designed to give intense coppery-red tones
  • Uses Advanced Marine Care for hydrated, nourished hair
  • Lasts up to 28 shampoos

As you can see, both offer salon-quality, permanent copper hair color results. But there are some key differences that make each one better suited for different hair types and color goals.

Comparing HiColor Copper vs Sizzling Copper

Now, let’s take a deeper look at how L’Oreal HiColor Copper stacks up against Sizzling Copper across some key factors:

1. Color Results

When choosing a hair dye, the end color result is often the most important consideration. So what kind of copper can you expect from each one?

HiColor Copper Delivers a bold, vibrant copper with golden undertones
Sizzling Copper Gives an intense, fiery copper with red-orange undertones

HiColor Copper produces a slightly richer, golden copper, while Sizzling Copper has more of an intense red-copper tone. So consider your natural color and your ideal shade when deciding between the two.

2. Formula and Technology

The formula and dye technologies also impact the dye results…

HiColor Copper Uses Liqui-Gel Technology for even saturation and coverage
Sizzling Copper Uses Marine Care for nourished, hydrated results

HiColor uses Liqui-Gel for consistent, uniform color from roots to ends. Meanwhile, Sizzling Copper contains marine botanicals to condition hair and enhance shine.

3. Ammonia Content

When it comes to hair dye formulas, lower ammonia is better for your hair’s health. Here’s how they compare:

HiColor Copper Ammonia-free formula
Sizzling Copper Ammonia-free formula

The good news is that both HiColor Copper and Sizzling Copper are completely ammonia-free. This makes them gentler on hair than many permanent dye options.

4. Gray Coverage

For those with stubborn grays, gray coverage ability is key. Here’s how many grays each formula covers:

HiColor Copper Covers up to 100% of grays
Sizzling Copper Covers up to 50% of grays

HiColor offers superior gray coverage, making it the better choice if you have over 50% gray hair. For less gray hair, Sizzling Copper may provide enough coverage.

5. Bleach and Lightener Needs

Depending on your current hair color, you may need to pre-lighten with bleach before dyeing. Here are the recommendations:

HiColor Copper May require pre-bleaching for dark hair
Sizzling Copper Does not require pre-bleaching

Those with naturally light to medium brown hair can typically use Sizzling Copper straight away. But HiColor Copper will likely require bleaching first for darker hair.

6. Application and Process

The application and development process are also points of difference:

HiColor Copper Self-application with included applicator
35 minute processing time
Sizzling Copper Self-application with included applicator
30 minute processing time

Both are designed for easy at-home application. Sizzling Copper has a slightly shorter development time at 30 minutes vs 35 minutes for HiColor.

7. Lasting Results

Longer-lasting color is crucial for minimizing touch-ups. Here’s how the two hold up over time:

HiColor Copper Lasts up to 28 shampoos
Sizzling Copper Lasts up to 28 shampoos

Both HiColor and Sizzling Copper promise up to 28 shampoos of fade-defying color. So they are equal when it comes to longevity.

8. Conditioning Benefits

Many permanent dyes can leave hair feeling dry or damaged. Here are the conditioning properties in each formula:

HiColor Copper No specific conditioning agents
Sizzling Copper Contains marine botanicals for nourished, shiny hair

Sizzling Copper is the better option if you want added hair conditioning benefits from your dye. HiColor does not contain specific conditioning agents.

9. Price and Availability

The price and availability may also help determine which one to choose:

HiColor Copper Around $9 per application
Available at drugstores and beauty supply retailers
Sizzling Copper Around $8 per application
Available at drugstores and beauty supply retailers

Both offer similar availability both in-store and online. Sizzling Copper costs slightly less per application.

Who Should Use Each?

Based on the differences, here are some guidelines for who may be better suited to each copper hair dye:

Loreal HiColor Copper is ideal for:

  • Those with naturally light to dark brown hair
  • People wanting a rich golden copper shade
  • Maximizing gray coverage – great for over 50% gray
  • Longer lasting results between colorings

Loreal Sizzling Copper is better for:

  • People with natural dark blonde to light brown hair
  • Those seeking an intense red-copper hair color
  • Minimal gray coverage needs – covers up to 50% gray
  • Adding shine and conditioning hair while coloring

The Bottom Line

When comparing L’Oreal HiColor Copper vs Sizzling Copper hair dyes, HiColor provides bolder, golden copper tones with superior gray coverage. Meanwhile, Sizzling Copper offers more of an intense red-copper shade while conditioning hair. Consider your specific hair goals, needs and hair type before deciding which copper shade is right for you. Either way, you can achieve gorgeous salon-worthy copper hair color results from the comfort of home.