Thinking about changing up your look?Copper hair colour might be just what you’re looking for. Copper hair is bold and never wants to just sit quietly in the corner. Even Hollywood’s elite caught the copper fever too. Copper hair colour screams warmth, compliments many skin tones, and turns heads.
The Reasons Behind Everyone’s Interest in Copper Hair
Warm tones of gold, auburn, and orange come together to make copper shine brighter than just plain ole red. Copper knows how to pull through every time, whether you are going subtle with a gentle balayage or ready for a complete changeover.
In a flash, copper will give you depth, character and that extra that a simple brunette or blonde just can’t accomplish on their own. From rose gold to golden ginger to deep red. There’s a copper shade for everyone. Not to mention, your copper will glow so much more here in Australia, where the sun truly knows how to make your colour pop.
Best Copper Shades to Consider
Not sure what shade of copper is right for you? Everyone has a copper shade that will complement their skin tone, and finding the right one makes a bigger difference than you think:
Classic Copper
Classic copper red hair colour is the real thing, what you think of when you imagine someone with copper hair. It works for anyone who’s constantly on the go and is perfect for people trying red for the first time who want something bold but still wearable.
Best for: People looking to dip their toes into copper hair.
Rich Auburn Copper
This is a beautiful wine red with a darker copper hair colour that complements deep skin tones and feels rich, moody, and perfect for fall and winter.
Best for: Medium to deep skin tones looking for something moody that will last.
Strawberry Copper
When you like warm colours, but aren’t quite ready to fully commit? Strawberry copper is here to help. Balancing out your skin tone with soft, smooth, and gloriously golden tones. This copper hair dye is a warm colour that won’t overwhelm your skin with too much intensity.
Best for: Fair to light skin tones looking for a warm colour.
Ginger Copper Shade
This shade is bold, bright and full of personality. This copper hair colour works amazingly with fair to medium skin tones by adding an edge you didn’t know you were craving.
Best for: Fair to medium skin tones wanting a high-energy copper.
Rose Gold Copper
Rose gold copper is your chill-friend that wants to try everything trendy. A warm copper paired with a subtle pink creates an extravagant, metallic shine. If you’re wanting to stand out without rocking a neon colour, this is the one for you.
Best for: Fair to medium skin tones with cooler or neutral undertones.
Copper Balayage Hair Ideas
Balayage is the technique of colouring your hair so that the application produces a gradient low-light that looks like the sun kissed your hair. Balayage is a beautiful hairstyle that is also super low maintenance because the way it grows out blends seamlessly with your natural base colour.
Balayage doesn’t always have to be blonde. Copper balayage is a perfect way to get that sun-kissed effect with way less maintenance than full dye jobs.
Dark Brown to Copper Melt
Beautiful caramel-coloured copper melt. Dark brown to copper melt is just like it sounds, the perfect blend of deep brunette roots and copper ends. It exudes a warm energy that makes it look like natural brunette wasn’t quite enough. Perfect for anyone with dark brown hair that wants to dip their toes into the copper hair trend without fully committing.
Copper and Honey Ribbons
If you want to get wows at the beach, copper and honey ribbons weave together to create sun-kissed highlights that blend seamlessly into your hair. Added depth and richness that look amazing year round but particularly on those with warmer skin tones.
Soft Rose Copper Tips
Pink-tinted copper balances your skin tone out with playful copper at the ends. It’s the perfect way to change up your look if you’re blonde and love seasonal changes but don’t want to fully commit to the copper trend.
Full Copper Balayage for Blonde Base
For those who like to shine bright like the sun and want people stopping them in the street. Full copper balayage starting with a blonde base is bold, yet tasteful, way to really make a statement.
Permanent or Semi-Permanent Hair Colour?
Permanent hair dye is going to be your best bet for rich colour that lasts long with full coverage. It’s for people willing to make a commitment and provides more longevity than temporary colours. If you want to experiment with a pop of colour or change your colour with the seasons without the long-term commitment, go semi-permanent.
Tip: Copper will adhere to your hair differently, depending on what your base colour is. Always run a patch test.
Should I Do It Myself or See a Professional?
If you want colour you can count on (especially if starting from a dark base), go see a professional. Dark hair requires precision in lifting and colouring; one wrong shade can leave you with patchy orange instead of a smooth coppery colour. Here are some instances where a professional can really make your colour come to life:
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You aren’t sure what shade would look best on you
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You’re starting with a dark base
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You want highlights or balayage
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You want something long-lasting
If you want to do it yourself, pick a premium quality dye from our Colour Range and follow the instructions on the packaging. Don’t skip the patch test! If you need a refresher or just want tips on the balayage technique.
How to Maintain Copper Hair Colour
Maintaining the colour requires a little extra effort. Copper tones fade faster than your average hair colour if not cared for properly. That is where GK Hair’s formula comes in and is trusted by professional salons across 75+ countries. Products recommended in this guide clearly reflect what works in real colour care settings.
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Use a sulfate free shampoo and conditioner: Sulfates often strip hair colour and moisture. GK Hair’s Gold Shampoo and Conditioner are specially formulated to cleanse your hair while preserving your copper colour. It contains Juvexin V2, a non-hydrolyzed keratin protein blend that penetrates the hair cortex and coats the cuticle. Best for: colour-treated hair that needs vibrant, long-lasting colour.
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Wash hair with lukewarm water: Water that’s too hot washes away your colour faster than you think.
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Protect hair from UV exposure: Excessive exposure to the Australian sun can cause colour fade. Always wear a hat before stepping out. Our Leave-In Bombshell Cream will keep your colour vibrant by sealing in moisture and protecting your hair from harmful UV rays. Best for: colour-treated hair or hair that’s been chemically processed and needs daily protection from the sun.
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Prepare for colour touch ups every 4-6 weeks depending on your chosen shade or base colour.
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Always use a heat protectant prior to styling. Our ThermalStyleHer Hair Cream will protect your copper colour from damage by heat styling tools. Ideal for: hair that is colour treated and styled daily with tools.
Like with any hair colour, how you care for your hair after you dye it is critical. Make sure to only use colour-safe products on your newly
Stylist Corner
Copper fades faster than most colours because the molecules that create the red and orange pigments are smaller and escape your hair first. When showering, always use cool water (or at least cool down for the final rinse). Cool water helps close the hair cuticle and helps prevent colour molecules from escaping.
Colours to Avoid With Copper Hair Colour
Ashy and cool-toned hair colours are the main ones to avoid. Any dye with grey-ash, platinum, or similar cool toned colours will create a muddy effect on your copper and make it hard to correct. Blue-dyes are another colour to avoid, as they can react with your copper pigment and create green tones. Stick with warm colours to maintain your copper, gold, red, and brown all work!
Final Thoughts
Ready to turn heads with copper hair colour? Go for it. Copper is for anyone who is ready to make a statement or shine bright like the sun. Whether you’re going full copper or just want to try copper hair colour as balayage, GK Hair has products for every skin tone and level of commitment. Shop our range of professional colour products and copper colour palettes today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What skin tone is good for copper hair?
Copper hair colour looks amazing on all skin tones. Fair, light and medium skin tones tend to do really well with brighter copper shades and strawberry hues. Rich and deep auburn looks gorgeous on deep skin tones. Olive and warm skin tones can pull off nearly every copper shade!
What is a good copper hair colour?
We think classic copper is the most versatile copper shade. It’s vibrant and warm without being too crazy. If you’re looking for something darker that packs more punch, go for rich, burgundy-like colours. For something trendier and will photograph beautifully, rose gold copper is the way to go.
What colours to avoid with copper hair?
Avoid cool toned hair dyes like ash, blue, and grey-blonde. Stick with warm shades to refresh your copper hair colour.
How often should I touch up copper hair colour?
Typically every 4-6 weeks is a good range. But depending on your hair colour’s base and how much contrast there is between your roots and your copper hair colour, you could go longer or shorter. If you get balayage or a copper melt, you’ll probably be able to go longer as balayage blends in better when growing out.
Can I maintain copper hair colour at home between salon visits?
Yes! Maintaining your colour between salon visits is key. Using a sulphate-free shampoo, sun protecting your hair with a leave-in and always rinsing your hair with cool water are all great ways to keep your colour fresher, longer. Using a toner or colour-depositing mask every few weeks can also help prolong the life of your colour in between full touch ups.
