Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images
it's something crazy cool like rainbow roots or a subtle change like reverse balayage, rocking a new hair color can work major magic. The latest hair color we’re crushing hard on comes in endless variations that can suit any and every skin tone (which is why it’s quickly become a top hair color trend). Enter: Copper. It’s a gorgeous sister to classic red that can be softened, lightened, intensified, and deepened to create a custom copper hue that’s just right for you. Before you book your next color appointment, or reach for a box of copper hair dye, we’ve got the lowdown on what you need to know about copper hair color from Sima Karshenas, a master colorist and co-owner of Roya Hair Salon in NYC. Plus, some celeb inspo below.
About the Expert:
Sima Karshenas is a master colorist and co-owner of RoyaHairNYC.
What You Need to Know About Copper Hair Color
It’s versatile.
What’s amazing about this shade is how it comes in different, eye-catching shades that can work for anyone. From fair skin to the deepest of melanin-rich, it’s easy to fine tune copper color to bring out the beauty of your skin tone. “On fair skin tones, copper can really make light eyes pop, while enhancing the glow of warmer skin tones. With copper, it’s all about playing with the contrast between cool and warm to make your best features stand out,” says Karshenas.
It makes hair look healthy.
“I love copper color for its ability to reflect major shine in comparison to ashier or brassy tones,” says Karshenas. Pro tip: Karshenas recommends using a cleansing conditioner (aka a co-wash) to keep your color bright and radiant. A co-wash doesn’t contain sulfates (which can contribute to fading color fast) and can help it hold on to its vibrancy.
Maintenance is key.
“You’ll likely need a root touch up every 6 weeks along with a toner to keep your color looking polished and rich, especially if you’ve got naturally dark strands. And don’t shampoo every single day (your color can fade quicker),” says Karshenas. If you’ve got a pretty active lifestyle and tend to shampoo more often, consider dry shampoo your BFF.
You can ease into it.
“Hair painting or copper highlights are the perfect way to incorporate different shades of copper into your hair without going with a full head of color. What’s key is that it blends in with your existing color or natural hair color for a natural look,” says Karshenas.
Copper Hair Color Looks We Love
1. Rihanna
Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images
This gorgeous brown toned copper blend gives off ridiculously high shine and channels major mermaid vibes. If you’ve got naturally dark strands like RiRi, this take on a copper do is a soft transition that adds depth, dimension, and movement to hair. We love how this shade complements medium to dark skin tones. Add some waves and babe, your look is fire.
2. Blake Lively
Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images
From Gossip Girl days to present day, we’ve seen almost every shade of blonde to red on Blake. But our favorite has got to be this ginger-tinted look that’s all glam, major gloss, and just the right amount of spice.
3. Julianne Hough
Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images
Who said blondes have more fun? Giant heart eye emojis for this deep cooper hue that Julianne Hough rocked effortlessly and unapologetically. This glowing vibrant shade lights up any skin tone. The takeaway from this look: don’t be afraid to make a major hair color change (and show your brows some complementary color love too!).
4. Zendaya
Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
Everything Zendaya does, we’re 100 percent here for. And this super deep copper textured crop reminds us just of how crazy cool she is. If you’re going for a monochromatic color like this, play it up with perfectly imperfect texture (get it with Saints & Sinners Diving Dry Finish Texture Spray) to add some fun and dimension to your look.
5. Natasha Lyonne
Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
This muted copper color just screams “classic.” Textured, straight, waved, or wild this gorgeous tone works in endless ways and on all skin tones. Pair it with a wispy fringe or parted curtain bangs like Natasha here and you’re golden. Maybe copper is the new black? (Sorry, had to say it).
6. Emma Roberts
Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
If you’re already rocking lighter hair, this look is an easier transition for you. We call it a bright berry meets copper that elicits all the vibes of old Hollywood glam. Pair it with a fiery red lip and pose for the paparazzi.
7. SZA
Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images
One word: Goddess: It’s no secret that we're crushing hard on SZA’s fabulous afro. This mocha copper mix looks amazing on naturally brown hair and deep skin tones, bringing out gorgeous red undertones and creating an overall radiant glow.
8. Emma Stone
Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Our resident red-haired girl crush has flaunted a wide range of fiery hair hues over the years (even though she’s really a natural blonde!). The secret to achieving copper color that looks like you were born with it too? Start with subtle transitions like Emma’s strawberry golden look here.
9. Isla Fisher
Photo by Pool/Getty Images
When it comes to rocking that red-headed siren look, Isla owns it all day, every day. This gingery-copper color shade that looks gorgeous on Isla’s peachy skin tone is definitely best left up to the pros. Your job is all in the upkeep. To maintain crazy shine and long-lasting color, use a color preserving treatment like Moroccanoil Color Depositing Mask in Copper.
10. Eva Mendes
Photo by Andrew Toth/Getty Images
Love those gorgeous natural highlights that reflect off your hair when the light hits? This copper hue imparts that same radiant halo and we’re here for it (especially the way it complements Eva’s honey-tan skin.
11. Ariel Winter
Photo by Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images
Craving a major change? Take note from Ariel who went from her Modern Family raven hair to this radiant, strawberry copper mix. If your hair is already on the darker side, this transition can be a process, but we think it’s totally well worth the time in the salon chair.
12. Bryce Dallas Howard
Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images
Two words: Copper Queen. If you’re not ready to go full on red, hints of golden blonde in this light copper shade make for an easy transition. If you’re a frequent heat styler, keep your color looking it’s brightest with a color preserving leave-in like L’Oreal Professional Serie Expert 10 In 1 Perfecting Spray For Colored Treated Hair.
13. Phoebe Dynevor
Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images
This Bridgerton star’s copper hair color is perfect for those looking to dip their toes into the trend without fully taking the plunge. Her take on the shade is soft and subtle with brassy tones and an extra dose of shine. And those complimentary copper toned brows? Icing on the cake.
14. Gigi Hadid
Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Because we’re used to seeing Gigi in so many stunning variations of blonde, this deep mahogany coppery hue stopped us in our tracks. We’re loving this edgy blend that perfectly contrasts her glowing olive skin.
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