Copper is a bright orange-red hair color with a metallic warmth, like a new penny. Here's what sets it apart, who it suits, what to ask your colorist for and how to keep it looking fresh.
Copper hair at a glance
- Type: Red
- Tone: Warm
- Lightening needed: Yes, for dark hair, so the copper shows brightly.
- Maintenance: High
- Touch-ups: 4 to 6 weeks
What makes it different
It's more vivid than ginger and lighter than auburn. It catches the light and makes a clear statement.
Who it suits
Fair to medium skin with warm or neutral undertones. Deeper coppers suit olive and darker skin.
Not sure whether you're warm or cool? See how to find your undertone and the best hair color for your skin tone, or get your full palette with the free color analysis.
What to ask your colorist
- Say bright copper or a softer, browner copper.
- Ask how many sessions it takes from your color.
- Ask for a take-home plan to keep it from fading.
- Bring photos taken in daylight, and say what you don't want as well as what you do.
How to maintain it
Copper fades quickly. Wash two or three times a week with cool water and use a copper color-depositing conditioner.
Shades and variations
- Cowboy copper: copper blended with brown.
- Bright copper: vivid and orange.
- Dark copper: close to auburn.
- Copper balayage: copper ribbons on brown hair.
Try it before you dye
Color is hard to undo. Upload a selfie to the AI hair color changer and see copper hair on your own hair before you book.
Related hair colors
- Cowboy copper hair
- Ginger hair
- Auburn hair
- Strawberry blonde hair
- Fall hair colors
- All hair color ideas
FAQ
What is copper hair?
Copper is a bright orange-red hair color with a metallic warmth, like a new penny.
Who suits copper hair?
Fair to medium skin with warm or neutral undertones. Deeper coppers suit olive and darker skin.
Do you need bleach for copper hair?
Yes, for dark hair, so the copper shows brightly.
How often does it need touching up?
About every 4 to 6 weeks.
