An attempt to scroll through TikTok without being confronted by “cowboy copper” is futile—and we aren’t mad about it. The shade is the latest in the ever-expanding (and every more nuanced) spectrum of red hair hues, one which includes vibrant berries, bold burgundies, warm gingers, and many more. But for now, let’s talk copper color hair.
The bronzed shade is ideal for fall, but the blend of spiced shades is subtle enough to wear well from season to season. “I think it’s so popular because it is very approachable,” says hairstylist Laura Bailey-Chaidez, owner of FeverFew. "It is a darker, deeper tone that can venture into brunette, making it easier to achieve on naturally darker hair and flattering on many.”
To choose the perfect copper for you, start with your skin tone. “The underlying pigment of your skin is key in selecting the right red,” says Bailey-Chaidez. “Cool tones will wear a deeper auburn or cinnamon tone very well, whereas warmer tones look great with bright coppers and strawberry tones.” Reds fade quickly and are difficult to remove (particularly for blondes), so be prepared for some upkeep and invest in a color depositing conditioner, like one of Bailey-Chaidez’s favorites, O&M CLEAN.tone or evo Fabuloso. But if you’re ready to commit to copper color hair, these 28 variations will help you find your perfect match.
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Cowboy Copper
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True cowboy copper is a medium tone that's reminiscent of rust, and this is a prime example of the color applied to textured hair. Opt for ample conditioning treatments (of both the color depositing and deep variety) to avoid damage and style away.
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Rooty Copper
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This ginger-copper hybrid feels natural, the only giveaway being a touch of auburn (and admittedly cool) rootiness. Opt for an air-dry with ends finished in your favorite oil to let the color take center stage.
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Soft Copper
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Single-toned and matte, this buttery copper shade renders shine superfluous. The hue is warm enough for fall and winter, but soft enough to fit well within spring and summer narratives, too.
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Tonal Copper
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Though many copper shades skew understated, there’s something to be said for a super-saturated take. Keeping this hue vibrant will require some maintenance, but it’s well worth it for the visual impact.
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Natural Copper
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This easy auburn-copper hybrid is chic and classic—likely because it’s natural, brightened by some subtle shade supplementation. Still, this image makes for a worthy inspiration shot for those looking to achieve an organic-looking red.
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Cherry co*ke Copper
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Burgundy blends with copper for a sophisticated shade. Hesitant to make a full-on commitment? Try the color on lengths and let your natural roots lend to a statement-making power ponytail, as demonstrated by actor Issa Rae.
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True Red
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When one considers a classic redhead, an iteration of this shade likely springs to mind. A blend of copper and something a tad more saturated, this bold choice makes a rumpled air-dry skew stylized and cool.
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Tangerine Copper
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Bright and playful, thiscopper veers into tangerine territory. Heavy roots help to ground this quirky hue while making for an easy and irreverentgrow-out.
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Ombré Copper
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If your shade is bound to fade, why not embrace the lack of color? Red that moves from copper at the root to pale ginger at the ends feels edgy—though you’re likely to deal with some variances of color and results if you attempt to achieve this naturally.
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Neon Copper
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If you want a red that packs a visual punch, this bright, consciously-colored copper may be for you. The shade takes a ginger-red base and turns it up to eleven. Expect regular root touch-ups and the aid of ample color-depositing conditioner to keep this color at its best.
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Mahogany Copper
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Consider this copper the Mexican hot cocoa of the bunch. This spiced brunette is just the right amount of ruddy and an ideal option for those who want a change without dramatically switching up their natural look.
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Ginger Copper
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Light copper takes a ginger turn, a sweet and bright alternative to deeper takes. Opt for a single tone or run through with highlights to elevate this natural-looking hue.
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Multi-Colored Copper
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This red is marked by a variance of shades. If you’re having trouble making up your mind (or are just looking for a color that’s more playful than polished), a medley of coppers and faded, almost blonde ends results in something punkish.
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Sophisticated Copper
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For a copper that feels thoughtful and luxurious, opt for a brunette root that leads seamlessly to auburn and finally ginger. If well-executed, the results will be as pictured—and will lend themselves to a relatively low-maintenance grow-out.
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Coastal Copper
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Bright, single-toned copper is a striking choice for down-to-there wavy hair. Consider it a reimagined, eye-catching answer to sun-kissed blonde.
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Tomato Copper
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Continue living your best tomato girl life with a copper that takes the nightshade into account. This shade feels as fresh as the fruit that inspires it, all while fitting well within the limits of the copper-toned spectrum.
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Auburn Copper
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Another color from the natural camp, this auburn-copper mash-up is the stuff of redhead daydreams. Though it may qualify as a further aesthetic leap, you may want to take a cue from this copper queen and dye brows to match for maximum effect.
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Deep Mahogany Copper
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A copper-toned red that's almost mahoganyoffers a subtle take on the trend—particularly when applied to ends alone. Invest in a color-depositing conditioner to ensure that the shade remains rich.
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Deep Copper
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A deep, saturated copper shade makes a foundational statement bold enough to render makeup unnecessary, but also provides a platform for even more striking beauty details! The choice is yours.
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Quiet Copper
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This coppery red is as minimal and subtle as a tawny brunette. To mimic this natural look (and for some flattering brightening), ask for face-framing babylights.
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Organic Copper
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For a shade reminiscent of some of Nicole Kidman’s most iconic turns, try this organic-seeming copper.
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Blood Copper
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Dark copper blended with blood red creates a can’t-look-away color that’s just the right amount of irreverent. If you need inspiration for the carry-off, look to a 2010s-era Florence Welch.
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Gentle Copper
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This soft take on the bold tone is an accessible switch for blondes and baby brunettes alike. Natural color may need quite the lift to achieve this hue’s light tone, so prepare for some deep conditioning to mitigate damage.
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Sherbert Copper
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Strawberry blonde gets a touch warmer with this sherbet shade. This take is a tad more twee than its counterparts, and a perfect choice for those who prefer pastels.
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Burnished Copper
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Is a matte finish too subtle for your taste? The correct shade and ample glossing will have your red hair shining like the literal sun—bright and molten.
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Pink Copper
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Red hair finished in pink results in a color that’s difficult to define. Reminiscent of a sunset, this shade is a show-stopping medley of warm and cool.
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Rich Copper
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“I think we will see deeper more saturated auburns and true rich reds as this trend continues,” says Bailey-Chaidez. This copper looks expensive, both for its rich hue and glossy finish—a natural extension of the year’s want of quiet luxury.
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Rose Gold Copper
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This copper is effectively a ginger-leaning strawberry blonde but of the natural-looking sort. Fans of rose gold jewelry will favor this shade.
