Copper hair is a blend of red and bronze colors and because there is no natural tone a copper hair dye is needed to achieve it. Copper is one of the most popular red hair colors for women right now. There are different shades of copper hair, including soft strawberry, deep ginger to copper penny. This hue is a slightly darker red compared to auburn hair color.
Picking the right combo will brighten your skin and give life to your tresses.
Here are the best copper hair colors that are trending this year!
Copper Highlights on Brown Hair
An easy way to brighten and give life to your brunette hair is to blend it with luscious hazel pieces! Plus, the copper hair highlights effectively shows off the shape and layers.
Bright Red Copper Penny Hair
Real classy and pleasing to the eyes – this glamorous bright copper red bob has captured our hearts! Style with a big wave to boast its vibrancy and with a full bangs for a complete sophisticated look.
Sandy Brown Copper Hair
Get a balayage peeking through your natural redhead with a pumpkin-inspired color melt. The rich tones compliment and show off the texture of the layers and ends.
Copper Bob
Give your tresses a light and healthy appearance by getting this lively red-orange hue. With a color that requires lots of TLC, keeping it short yet stylish is a smart way to rock this one out.
Sandy Brown to Brightened Copper Ombre
Those dramatic blonde ends make the look so lightweight and soft yet flattering and rich. A brown to copper hair ombre work best on any hair length as long as there are waves to make it look super dimensional.
Copper Red Bob
Who doesn’t love a good copper hair tone on a freshly cut wavy bob with really cute bangs? This multidimensional hairstyle is so effectively done, thanks to the colorwork that holds it all together.
Coppery Redhead Blunt Cut
Transition beautifully into the redhead world with a bright copper in a subtle ombre. This hair color is so vibrant yet soft and works well with dark red roots.
Orange Copper Hair
Orange copper hair has a soft and faded tone, which is very feminine! It offers that “cool girl” vibe that suits younger ladies. To give it a more modern touch, jazz it up with loose waves and curls. Then, secure the style with a mist of texture spray to boost its definition and dimension.
Dark Red to Bright Copper
What better way to show off your newly painted copper hair from roots to ends than styling it like this? The natural depth this edgy color would provide your hair will make you excited for the different ways you can style it.
Copper Blonde Ombre
Healthy hair is key in achieving a vibrant shiny and smooth ombre like this. This pretty color style would work best on long hair for a smoother transition.
Balayaged Copper
A stunning fiery auburn to copper melt deserves to be noted by everyone. Just remember to consider your undertones if you want to try this ombre that’s ideal for medium to long hair.
Gingered Copper
Don’t be afraid to go drastic with a bright ginger shade like this one that suits pale and cool skin tones. This very feminine bob cut with blunt ends wouldn’t be at its best without the help of this dimensional copper hue.
Dark Brown Copper
Copper browns would look the most adorable when done on super wavy fine hair as it captures the light best and gives off a smooth lustrous look.
Copper Color on Dark Hair
A vibrant copper undertone can add distinction to your hair and enhance your overall look when done properly. Reds and browns undoubtedly go together well.
Copper Hair for Dark Skin
A vibrant copper could bring out the warm undertones in your dark skin especially on multidimensional curls like this. If you’re wanting to have little daily upkeep and maintain moisture for your hair at the same time then styling it in a bold mohawk with cornrows at the sides would be the way to do it.
Long Hair with Light Copper Gloss
A vibrant warm copper on fabulously wavy hair is an easy classic style. Styling it with waves also gives a super polished neat effect and would look best on long hair.
Fiery Copper Balayage
A deep mahogany root melting into a deep reddish-brown makes this copper-inspired look stand out in a crowd.
Balayage Peach Copper
This is what we call color melting. It’s a technique that blends colors leaving no clear lines between the different tones which creates a multidimensional effect. It’s very trendy right now and so much fun to realize.
As for the color, I feel like there’s a new wave of copper and I’m in love with these new soft blond copper tones and decided to use them on this “canvas”. As for the mid-length haircut, “lob”, “clavi-cut”, or long bob, however, we call it, it’s simply gorgeous and easy to take care of. This style to me is liberating! No long hair tied up most of the time. Hello, Hollywood star – just make messy half-curled waves, get sunglasses, and you’ll already feel like a superstar!
First, you need to ask your hairstylist if your hair is healthy enough for a balayage. I personally use Depigmento, a nourishing, reconstructing lightener that gives the extra shine. This style is a perfect fit for many of us as it has different shades, therefore, goes well with different skin tones. However, it is always important to make sure that either the warm or cold hues fit our pigmentation in hair in the skin.
Easy to style since it’s not too long but you can still wrap it in a ponytail when you get to the gym! Perfect for a round face but suits pretty much every shape. I hope this style is here to stay because I love to see my clients leave the salon extra stylish!
Chestnut to Brighter Copper Ombre
My absolute favorite thing about this color is it reminds me of a sunset. The way the golden brown blends so nicely into the copper just reminds me of a perfect sunset.
When the curls hit the sunlight you see all of the different tones. This was definitely a lot of fun for me to do.
Warmer undertones in your skin will bring out coppers the best, so when choosing a color like this keep that in mind.
Second, be specific on what kind of copper you are looking for because there is a lot of different variations, and when getting a lighter color than your natural one, even with copper, be prepared to take good care of your hair. That means use the best shampoos and conditioners meant for color-treated hair and the right products to keep your hair’s integrity.
Last but not least, if your lifestyle is kind of busy then I think coppers tend to be a better fit just because the richer the copper the better the fade-out, and the better the fade out the longer you can go in between toners and touch-ups.
Cherry Red to Copper Colored
Fire hair, beautiful copper color, shiny hair, beautiful curls.
The best way to have beautiful hair, certainly, is to treat! I really like Olaplex treatment, and I used Lumishine coloring which repairs the hair.
For the curls, I like to use my iron cone, because it works miracles! Then just pass our fingers or a comb with big teeth and you’re done.
For the maintenance of this hair, it is necessary to have a good shampoo and conditioner that is from a professional brand (I like the Redken color extend magnetics). You will also need a good treatment that will repair, moisturize, and at the same time revive the colors like the Joico luster lock.
A curing oil always has its place too, and a little hairspray for finish will do the trick.
Long Copper to Merlot Ombre
This look is a warm red to copper color melt with a pop of yellow which I personally love the most.
Think if this would suit your personal style and lifestyle, as this type of color will need some maintenance.
Warm Copper
What I love about this warm copper look is that it’s very unique. Most women are afraid to get out of their comfort zone when it comes to their hair.
You cannot go wrong with copper. It’s is very universal and can work with anyone who isn’t afraid to rock it!
Chocolate and Copper
If you want a bright fun color like copper and chocolate, be ready to rock it! Heads will turn and you will get stared at. Be ready to look amazing and go for it!
The less you shampoo the better (dry shampoo is your best friend) and the cooler the water the better. Think of it like your bright clothes. You never want to wash your brights in hot water or they will fade extremely fast. Same goes for your hair!
Trust the process. If your stylist says it may take more than one session, let her do it in more than one session! If your hair is dark, you cannot just add a bright color without lightening it first. Think of your hair as construction paper and the hair color as the crayons. If you have a black or brown piece of paper and you color on it with a red or purple or copper crayon, it’s not going to show up well. But if you put it on a white piece of paper, amazing stuff can happen! You want to be lighter for the brighter colors to show in your hair.
Curly Copper Cinnamon
I would describe this look as a dimensional copper-red with a shadow root. I went about 2 shades darker on the base and melted it into a vibrant red on the ends.
For an added coppery pop, I used the semi-permanent Joico Intensities line in Orange while in the washbowl.
For the finished look, I styled the hair with loose waves to complement the fun dimension. Also, you can’t see it in this photo, but we tinted her brows to help bring the whole look together.
This look can be easily achieved for people with lighter colored hair, but those with dark brown or black hair will need to pre-lighten their hair to achieve this brightness.
Be prepared for the added time and expense. For those wanting this fun color, at-home care is critical. A salon-quality color-safe shampoo and conditioner are required to help maintain this color.
A professional color depositing shampoo or conditioner can also help with at-home maintenance, but it’s important to rebook with your stylist in about 4-6 weeks. This will ensure your copper red stays fresh and vibrant.
Pumpkin Spice Copper
This color melt reminds me of everyone’s favorite fall beverage the pumpkin spice latte! My favorite thing about it is that it’s a great transitional color for your summer blonde hair. It adds in that copper underlying pigment before transitioning them to their darker winter hues.
I recommend this look for fair skin types with more neutral/pink undertones. The high lift color on the ends does best on fine hair, but thick hair can wear it as well. It may just take two processes to get to the desired lightness.
I believe this color will suit nearly anyone looking for some warmth in their life! It can be classy or edgy, depending on who is wearing it.
Copper Sunset
This color is a rich blend of copper and red copper tones, combining a few different shades to make the overall look pop. It reminds me of the warm, glowing shades that the setting sun displays in the fall.
To keep the vibrancy of the color, use a sulfate-free, color-protecting shampoo like Redken’s Color Extend Magnetics.
This is a fairly low maintenance color which makes it an option for most. It does need to be refreshed about every six to eight weeks to replenish its intensity. It works well on every hair type and works wonderfully for those with cool skin tones.
Copper is an absolutely stunning color on those with blue or green eyes. However, copper can be customized for warm skin tones and any color eyes, so ultimately it’s an option for anyone if done properly!
Dark Copper Balayage with Mahogany Hues
This is a copper-infused balayage. It’s perfect for fall! I love the richness of the color and the movement the lighter copper pieces bring to the overall style.
This look is perfect for the on-the-go woman who can’t commit to coming into the salon every five weeks. It is a low-maintenance look that requires a root retouch at the client’s discretion. It’s both cost-efficient and easy, so you can’t go wrong with that!
Versatile Brown Copper Highlights
This particular copper balayage can go from season to season and still remain on trend. The grow out process is going to be seamless with no harsh line of demarcation. My favorite thing about this particular creation is the dimension. The highs and lows will force people’s eye to move up and down the hair!
The only part to maintain would be the shade you choose. With this copper look, you would pop in the salon for a glaze every six to eight weeks or whenever you feel the need for a refresher!
Copper can be brighter or toned down which allows for a variety of shades to cater to those in different work settings.
Classy Bright Copper
Ask your colorist to keep your natural root color, just enhance it slightly to give the dramatic look, but without creating and harsh regrowth lines. It also helps give a little more depth to the color and allows the copper to pop.
Unfortunately, copper/red tones like to fade. Use a gentler shampoo for colored hair or sulfate-free products. Adding in a copper shampoo like Joico Color Infuse copper shampoo/conditioner is a great way to keep the vibrancy of the copper at home in between salon visits.
This look is great for anyone who loves to stand out and be noticed. Copper tones are always great on a more fair complexion, and can also help to accentuate soft freckles and make green eyes pop! A copper hair gloss or conditioner are viable to maintain the tone.
This is a great way to rock a fun and loud color in a classy and beautiful way that makes it easy to rock in the office.
Dark Brown to Copper Red Ombre
I would describe this look as the perfect fall color. With the darker root and vibrant ends, it gives the look a deeper contrast around the face with a pop of warmth on the ends.
The best thing about this look is the seamless transition from dark to light. It is gorgeous professional color, but with just a pop of edginess.
This color is for anyone with a lighter skin tone. The warmth of the hair looks great with a light or light/warm skin tone. This look can be achieved on any hair type, but I would recommend straight or wavy hair to see the transition of colors.
I would not recommend this color if you wash your hair daily as the color tend to fade faster. I recommend this color to anyone who wants a creative new look without having to come in every four weeks for a touch up!
Sunset Copper
I would describe this look as sunset copper shade. My favorite thing about it is the vibrancy and dimension I am able to achieve with Redken Shades EQ Cream.
I used Redken Shades EQ Cream, pH Bonder, and Color Extend Magnetics to achieve this look. She was pre-lightened, so the ability to achieve vibrancy and the finished result was completely customized.
Redken Color Extend Magnetics shampoo, conditioners, and Megamask are what is needed to use between services to maintain the health and color.
This look is for anyone and everyone! As long as they are pre-lightened, they will achieve vibrancy. Results vary depending on starting level, but all Redken color is customized and produces beautiful results.
Natural Copper on Brown Hair
This natural copper on brown hair reminds me of fall. I love that it’s still natural, but vivid at the same time. My favorite thing about the look is the depth of the color.
I recommend this gingery color for medium-textured hair. Medium to pale skin tones (even with freckles) looks extremely cute with this look.
I feel like this look is perfect for any lifestyle. It is great for people who are always on the go, and also perfect if you want to put a little extra work into it with beach curls.
Intense Copper Hair with Yellow Highlights
I love this look because it really brings out that sassy edge that we need sometimes. It complements those who are natural redheads and strawberry blondes, as well as those who have a fair skin tone. By intensifying the copper/red tones and adding dimension with yellow highlights, it really brings the color to life.
You’ll want to use a sulfate-free shampoo to preserve the vividness of the color. Additionally, rinsing with cool water will ensure the longevity of the color.
This look is perfect for those who want to embrace their natural red hair and give it life again.
Short Copper Hair
I would describe this look in one word…fabulous! My favorite thing about this look is its shine and color. It works really well with the shape to show off the haircut.
I used Wella color on the hair, but to keep the color in tip-top condition, I recommend Lanza Healing Color shampoo and conditioner, as well as Lanza Healing Oil to style. These products give amazing smoothness and shine to show off the cut and color.
I think any client could wear this style, but it works best on thicker hair so you have the depth within your haircut. I have done this cut and color on both pale and olive skin tones.
To maintain the sharpness of this look, it does take maintenance and regular salon visits. As for the color, I think any skin tone can pull off copper colors. It’s simply a case of finding the right shade of copper that suits you best.
Natural Light Brown Copper
I think I would describe this look as a natural copper taken to the next level. My favorite thing about this look is that it is so multidimensional, and honestly so very natural and beautiful.
I created this look with some painted on balayage with Keune’s Ultimate Blonde Lightener with 20 volume. We rinsed, then continued with a mix of Keune’s Color Cravings conditioners in Peach Mist and Sunset Copper, letting it sit for 15 minutes.
To maintain her gorgeous color, I recommended using Unite 7 Seconds shampoo and conditioner for shine, moisture and color protection. For her gorgeous waves, I used a 1-inch iron from Babyliss, followed by Unite Texturiza and Unite Tricky Lite Spray to keep it voluminous and bouncy.
In my opinion, copper is so versatile. I truly believe that copper can work with most skin tones and hair textures, but finding the perfect copper for your guest is crucial. This color was natural and low maintenance, making it perfect for my client and her busy lifestyle as a teacher.
Blazing Red Copper with Bangs
This look is very trendy and copper has been a very studied color for many years. This copper is a blazing color that emphasizes the personality of the client. I love that!
To create this look, I used L’Oréal color, mixing 8.34 and 7.40 with 30 vol. at the roots. After, we balayage colored with Studio D 20 vol. for painting. I rinsed with Pravana ChromaSilk Copper for 20 minutes.
For maintenance, I recommend the Kerastase shampoo for colored hair and the Pravana ChromaSilk mask in copper. To emphasize the blow dry, use Kerastase Touche Finale Polishing Serum.
The skin tone is very important when choosing a copper hue. For example, light skin tones wear coppers nicely, as well as those with clear eyes. On naturally copper hair, we can opt for a light balayage to strengthen the color. For blondes, we opt for soft copper. For the brunettes, an intense copper color is marvelous.
I highly recommend consulting an experienced hairstylist/colorist to choose your copper color. Do not try this at home! As with any color, coppers require a fair amount of maintenance.
Deep Ginger Copper
Opt for deep ginger that’s full of depth. The roots gently melt into this rich and bright copper. It’s a very multi-dimensional color which makes it so luminous.
This fiery copper goes perfectly on light porcelain skin and it will give more tan to this skin tone. Any hair type can suit this color, but you have to know that it will be high maintenance. Unfortunately, copper, ginger, and red colors often wash out fast. Talk to your stylist about refreshing it every five weeks.
Sandy Brown Copper Curls
I love this look because I think balayage/ombré are really moving with the times rather than sitting still. Introducing the bold colors (rather than your everyday brunettes and blondes) is exciting!
I love playing with the copper colors and creating this copper balayage was really amazing! I love how edgy but classy looks.
I always stress the importance of quality products to my clients. To maintain this look, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner are a must! Coppers/reds/purples are the hardest color to maintain, so I always recommend my clients to come back into the salon in two weeks’ time for a Wella Color Fresh or a Wella Perfection to keep the vibrancy alive.
I finished my client’s hair with a wave. The Balmain Tong (medium-sized barrel) is perfect to create beach waves. My favorite product for wavy hair is Alterna Beach Waves. It’s oil-based so it helps fight frizz and the sea salt helps enhance the curl.
This color can suit any client, the coppery tones suit both cool and warm skin types which is great! The best sort of hair type for this color I would say is a medium to thick density, to allow the true color to shine through the more hair you have to play with and create movement the better. This color is perfect for clients who want something quite edgy and bold, and they want to express their boldness through their hair, but on the other hand, it’s not great for someone who wants something low maintenance.
Brighter Copper with Gold Highlights
This hair radiates warmth. Glints of gold play off of the copper tones when it hits the light. I love it because it is a fun but sophisticated look.
I used Wella hair color to create this shade on my client. Copper tones fade easily, so I recommend using a color-safe shampoo and conditioner to increase the longevity of the color.
Copper tones work well on fair-skinned people with green or blue eyes. These tones can warm up a pale complexion and add life to the hair. Copper hair does require maintenance and regular visits to the salon to refresh the color.
Rooty Long Layered Golden Copper
This is a rooty, dimensional, golden copper hair color, which is close to an auburn hair color! I love this color because it can be both traditional and head-turning at the same time. Being a redhead myself, I LOVE red/copper hair. Eyes are drawn to these warm tones and they stand out in crowds.
It’s always a constant battle to keep a red hair color as vibrant as it was when you walked out of the salon. My most important advice is to avoid washing your hair every day! To keep red hair vibrant in-between color services, I also always recommend investing in a red-toned shampoo. My personal favorites are WaterColors Fluid Fire for your true red-toned hair, Liquid Copper for your copper-toned hair, and Crimson Splash for your violet/red-toned hair. For this particular look, I would recommend Liquid Copper.
Salon visits are recommended every six to eight weeks to touch up roots and get a gloss to brighten up the overall color.
You need to make sure your client’s skin tone is complementary to the tone of red they are looking for. Fair skin types with pink/rose undertones wear strawberry blonde and light coppery tones very well. Light to medium skin tones with warm golden or red undertones are the most diverse and can wear anything from golden strawberry to copper/red auburn to bright, red-toned hair. Medium skin with olive undertones looks best with cherry and violet-red. Dark skin tones should stay away from golden tones as blue/violet reds are most complimentary.
Copper Auburn
I would describe the color as a copper auburn, and a beautiful color moving into fall ahead. To achieve this color, we use L’Oréal Dia Richesse 6.53 with a copper mixer to really intensify the color.
To maintain the color, I always recommend the L’Oréal Professional Vitamino Color Shampoo, as well as the L’Oréal Professional Color 10 IN 1 Perfecting Multipurpose Spray. These products will help bright colors like this last by protecting against fading. This also acts as a leave-in/heat protectant, so it is the perfect product for lower maintenance client that doesn’t want to use five different products in their hair!
This color is one of my favorites and I feel like anyone can pull this color off! As for my client, she has very thick, naturally curly hair. She also has an undercut (sadly not shown in the picture) to help remove some weight from her hair. This looks awesome when she wears her hair up! She is also pretty low maintenance when it comes to styling her hair. Some days she will wear it with her natural curl, or sometimes she’ll spend the time to smooth her hair. This color looks great either way! She has hazel eyes, but blue eyes would make this color pop as well.
I reached out to this client to ask if she wanted to say anything about her hair color and she said, “I love the color so much. I never thought I’d ever want to start coloring my hair, but now I wouldn’t want it any other color!”
Rich Copper
This look says fall! Fall brings out beautifully rich and warm tones.
This color is great for anyone who has a light skin tone. Reds help bring color to paler skin tones. The style is very versatile and would look great on anyone, no matter what length the hair is.
Blended Copper Tones
This is the perfect bold fall look with all of its blended copper tones. They remind me of Colorado’s autumn foliage.
UseJoico copper/red shampoo for at-home care, along with using cold water to shampoo and a medium heat tool to style. These items will all help with the fading process.
This look is for warm skin tones with fine-medium hair texture. It’s definitely a high maintenance look, so it’s not for the person who only visits the salon twice a year. To keep it nice and fresh, visits every four to six are preferred.
Balayage Peachy Copper
This is a natural melt into a balayage peachy copper. It will grow out naturally and softly, so it’s actually lower maintenance than one might think. My guest can pop into the salon to have her roots topped up and ends refreshed as needed.
I love this look because you can still have fun, even with it looking natural!
I used Wella Color Touch and Wella Magma to create this look. The products I recommend are Wella Color Brilliance fine/normal shampoo and Wella Recharge warm red conditioner to maintain condition and color vibrancy.
To style, I always recommend Wella EIMI Thermal Image heat protection spray. This will keep help to keep the color vibrant if the guest uses hot tools on their hair. I also recommend EIMI Flowing Form Anti-Frizz Smoothing Balm to create a smooth look with a high shine, as well as EIMI Glam Mist and EIMI Just Brilliant shine pomade to finish.
I recommend this look for the client who wants a low-maintenance root but wants to have fun with the ends. It’s perfect for someone who dares to stand out in the crowd, likes to have fun, and is outgoing.
When choosing a color for your hair, consultation is key. You must always take into account skin tone, eye color, and lifestyle. My guest’s skin tone is light with cool undertones. This tells me she will suit more peachy tones of copper rather than red copper. I used more pinky tones underneath, but on the face, I used more peachy tones to complement her skin tone.
Her hair is fine in texture, but she has a lot of it. It also has a slight natural wave to it. Her hair was in good condition and we didn’t compromise that. My guest is a full-time mummy and doesn’t want to be in a salon every four to six weeks. The root stretch color is not high maintenance and home care products will help her maintain the copper.
Copper Color Melt
I would describe this look as a copper color melt. My favorite thing about this color is how it complements the changing of seasons. For blonde clients who are wanting to go darker, this is the perfect transitional look.
Maintaining a copper hair color can be hard. I recommend using a color conditioner or color ball every few washes to prevent fading.
I recommend this color to any client who is looking for super fun but still natural hair color. Coppers also suit fair-skinned, freckled clients quite well.
Copper with Golden Tones
This look reminds me of autumn and the changing of the leaves. I love the red, copper, and golden tones
I blow-dried using Evo Shape Vixon volumizing lotion and Root Canal volumizing spray and curled with a 1-inch curling iron. Then, I used Evo Shebang-a-bang dry spray wax to give texture.
For reds, it’s especially important to use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner. I used Evo The Therapist shampoo and conditioner.
This client was very blonde prior to this color, so this is a great start if trying to transition from light to dark. She has fine hair, so the dimensional color adds depth and makes it look fuller and thicker. She has a light eye color, so the red really makes her eyes pop. Her hair has natural golden undertones so the reds really work for her.
Fierce Fiery Copper
I would describe this look as a fierce fiery copper. My favorite thing about it is that it’s a bold, vibrant color and is perfect for the fall.
My client had natural level 6 roots and pre-lightened level 9 ends. Using L’Oreal Professionnel Majirel color, I created a shadow root with 3/4 7.40, 1/4 7N, and orange booster @30V. On her ends, I used equal parts 7.40 and orange booster @30V which made the color so vibrant.
To maintain this look, I suggest using a professional color-safe shampoo and conditioner. I also recommend a colored conditioner such as Revlon’s Color Ball in 740. Using this will help maintain this hair color in between salon visits.
Generally, clients with fair skin and blue/green eyes such as my client look great in these tones. However, I do feel anyone with any hair type can rock this color if they really want it.
Your hairstylist should let you know that these colors do fade quickly and that maintenance is key. If you can’t make the commitment, then this color may not be for you.
