Copper hair is having a major moment right now. The warm, reddish-brown tones are super flattering and can really make your features pop. If you’re looking to go copper, there are so many beautiful shades to choose from. In this article, we’ll go over the different copper hair color options and help you figure out which one is right for you.
What is Copper Hair?
Copper hair refers to shades that fall somewhere between red and brown. It’s sometimes also called “ginger” hair. True copper tones have an orangey-reddish tint to them, but there are also softer rose gold and strawberry blonde versions.
The warm, golden undertones in copper hair complement fair and medium complexions beautifully. Copper hair color helps bring out green and brown eyes. It also makes blue eyes really pop. Additionally, copper hair looks great with freckles and creates a striking contrast against darker skin tones.
Benefits of Copper Hair
There are many benefits to dyeing your hair a copper shade:
- Warms up your overall complexion
- Makes your eye color stand out
- Gives hair more vibrancy and shine
- Trendy and seasonally appropriate for fall
- Works well with a wide range of skin tones
The warm, reddish tone of copper hair is flattering on most people. It brings light and life to your features. The golden highlights also give hair a healthy, glossy appearance.
Best Skin Tones for Copper Hair
Copper hair looks beautiful on both warm and cool skin tones:
- Warm skin tones – Copper shades complement peach and golden undertones in warm complexions.
- Cool skin tones – Rose gold and strawberry coppers flatter ruddy and pink undertones in cool complexions.
- Neutral skin tones – Pure coppers with a mix of gold and red tones work well on neutral complexions.
- Fair skin – Softer coppers like strawberry blonde are ideal for pale skin.
- Medium & olive skin – Vibrant coppers pop against mid-tone complexions.
- Dark skin – Pure orange-coppers create dramatic contrast on dark skin.
The key is finding a copper shade that enhances rather than competes with your skin tone. Warm coppers look best on warm skin and cool coppers suit cool skin best. But copper hair can work on anyone when done right!
Different Shades of Copper Hair
Now let’s get into the specific shades of copper hair. Here are some of the most popular options:
Warm Copper
Warm copper hair has strong golden or orangey-red tones. This vibrant shade looks gorgeous on tan or olive complexions with warm undertones.
Strawberry Copper
Strawberry copper mixes red and blonde for a softer, rose gold hue. It’s flattering on fair skin with cool pink undertones.
Pure Copper
Pure copper is intensely reddish-orange. It has a lot of metallic shine and really makes blue and green eyes pop. Pure copper hair color suits medium neutral complexions.
Red Copper
Red copper hair leans more strongly towards auburn. These shades have a rich, reddish base with coppery highlights. Red coppers flatter ruddy complexions with lots of pinkness.
Light Copper
Light copper mixes copper with blonde for a soft, natural-looking hue. It’s ideal for pale or fair skin that can’t handle intense shades. Peachy undertones in light copper hair color complement very light complexions.
Here’s a helpful table summarizing the different copper shades and who they work best for:
| Copper Hair Shade | Description | Best Skin Tones |
|---|---|---|
| Warm Copper | Golden orange-red | Warm tan, olive |
| Strawberry Copper | Rose gold | Fair, pink undertones |
| Pure Copper | Reddish-orange metallic | Neutral medium |
| Red Copper | Auburn with copper highlights | Ruddy, pinkish |
| Light Copper | Soft peachy blonde copper | Very fair |
How to Maintain Copper Hair
One thing to keep in mind with copper hair is that it does require more maintenance than other shades. Here are some tips for keeping copper hair vibrant:
- Use a sulfate-free shampoo made for color-treated hair. Sulfates can cause copper tones to fade faster.
- Use a weekly conditioning hair mask to boost shine and moisture.
- Rinse with cool water to prevent color from oxidizing and fading.
- Protect hair from sun exposure which can also fade copper tones.
- Use a glossing treatment every 4-6 weeks to maintain intensity.
- Get a color refresh every 6-8 weeks to keep copper hair vibrant.
With the right hair care regimen, you can keep your copper color looking fresh and shiny.
How to Transition to Copper Hair
If you have darker hair, going copper will require lightening your strands first. This should be done gradually over multiple sessions to prevent damage.
Here are some tips for transitioning to copper hair:
- Do a strand test first to see how your hair lifts. This will help determine how long the lightening process will take.
- Lighten hair in stages, keeping overlapping foils to a minimum.
- Use Olaplex or another bonding treatment during the lightening process to strengthen strands.
- Tone hair after each lightening session to neutralize brassiness.
- Once hair is pale yellow, apply the copper color. A demi-permanent or semi-permanent formula is best.
- Deep condition hair for 30 minutes after each session.
Be patient – for some hair, the lifting and coloring process might take several months. Going slow preserves the integrity of your hair.
How to Dye Hair Copper
Once your base hair color has been lifted to an appropriate level, you can apply a copper dye. Here are some tips for the coloring process:
- Choose a semi-permanent or demi-permanent copper hair dye formula.
- For darker hair, use a 10 or 20 volume developer to deposit color.
- For lighter hair, a 10 volume or no developer is best.
- Mix the dye according to the brand’s instructions.
- Section clean, dry hair and apply the color using a tinting brush.
- Leave the dye on for 25-35 minutes then rinse until water runs clear.
- Shampoo and condition hair after rinsing out the color.
- Use a weekly conditioning treatment for 2-3 weeks post-coloring.
To maximize shine and minimize fading, avoid washing hair for 48 hours after dyeing it copper.
Best Copper Hair Dye Products
Here are some of the top-rated copper hair dyes:
| Product | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Clairol Professional Beautiful Collection | – Long-lasting, vibrant color |
| SCHWARZKOPF Igora Royal | – Over 70 copper shades |
| Redken Color Gels | – Creates bold or soft coppers |
| L’Oreal Paris Superior Preference | – No ammonia formula |
| Madison Reed Radiant Hair Color Kit | – Conditions while coloring |
Investing in a salon-quality brand will give you the most satisfactory copper coloring results. Always do a patch test before dyeing your full head.
Copper Hair Dyeing Tips
Here are some additional tips for flawless copper hair dye results:
- Wash and thoroughly dry your hair before applying dye.
- Protect clothing and skin around hairline from stains.
- Mix the color with developer in a non-metallic bowl.
- Pull hair taut when applying dye for even coverage.
- Reapply dye to any missed spots before time is up.
- Rinse with lukewarm water and towel dry gently.
- Avoid washing or heat-styling for 1-2 days post-dye.
Taking your time and thoroughly saturating every strand will help the copper color take evenly for beautiful results.
How to Maintain Copper Hair Color
Here are some top tips for keeping copper hair vibrant between dye jobs:
- Use a sulfate-free color-safe shampoo and conditioner.
- Rinse hair with cool water and limit washing to 2-3 times per week.
- Apply a weekly nourishing hair mask.
- Use a color-depositing conditioning treatment once a week.
- Avoid chlorine, salt water, and other chemicals that can strip color.
- Protect hair from sun exposure with a hat or scarf.
- Use heat protecting spray when heat styling.
- Get a gloss touch-up every 4-6 weeks.
With proper aftercare, you can extend the life of your copper dye job and keep your strands healthy.
How Often to Redye Copper Hair
Most copper hair dye lasts 4-6 weeks before you’ll need a touch-up. Here are some factors that affect fading:
- Your natural hair color – darker bases fade faster than lighter ones.
- Whether hair was pre-lightened – pre-lightened hair holds copper better.
- Shampooing frequency – less washing means longer lasting color.
- Use of heat styling tools – heat fades copper hair faster.
- Exposure to sun, chlorine, saltwater – these accelerate fading.
- Quality of the dye – salon brands last longer than box dyes.
Plan for your first color refresh around the 4 week mark. After that, touch up the roots every 6-8 weeks to maintain your copper hair.
Conclusion
Copper hair makes a gorgeous and unique statement. The right copper shade can enhance your complexion and really make your eyes pop. From bright pumpkin orange to soft rose gold, there are so many options to choose from. Find a copper hue that complements your skin tone and suits your style. With proper maintenance and regular dye touch-ups, you can keep your copper hair color looking fresh and vibrant.