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14 Copper Hair Color Ideas That Are Serious Redhead (Or Any Color!) Hair Goals

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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

A photo of Rihanna with brown toned copper wearing a leather jacket and a diamond choker with a cross
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

A photo of Blake Lively with ginger-tinted hair and a stunning silver see through dress
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

A photo of Julianne Hough with a deep copper hair and red lipstick wearing a white dress
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

A photo of Zendaya with a Joan of Arc inspired look with super deep copper textured crop hair and a custom Versace dress
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 

A photo of Natasha Lyonne with muted copper hair and pink lipstick wearing a black dress
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

A photo of Emma Roberts with cooper hair and bold red lips wearing a black dress
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

A photo of SZA with a mocha copper afro hair and wearing a black dress
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

A photo of Emma Stone with strawberry golden hair with pearl beads on her eyelids and wearing a bold red lipstick
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

A photo of Isla Fisher with a gingery-copper hair, wearing a black dress and silver necklace and earrings
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

A photo of Eva Mendes with copper hue highlights with nude colored lipstick and wearing brown hoop earring with a multicolored striped shirt
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

A photo of Ariel Winter with a strawberry copper hair, wearing a black dress
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

A photo of Bryce Dallas Howard with golden blonde hair and a light copper shade, wearing
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 

A photo of Phoebe Dynevor with a copper colored hair wearing a black dress
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

A photo of Gigi Hadid with deep mahogany copper hair with a light blue eyeshadow and nude lip color, wearing a diamond necklace and white dress
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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About the author
Runa Rhattacharya
Runa Bhattacharya
Runa is an NYC-based writer and Registered Nurse with over 8 years of experience covering beauty and wellness. She’s worked for publications like SELF, Cosmopolitan, and more. She’s passionate about beauty, science, and two careers that she loves!
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Article Last Updated October 26, 2021 12:00 AM