Nobody understands dazzling quite like a redhead. They stand out in every crowd, glossy locks reflecting each ray of sun. Red-haired ladies are natural-born showstoppers who understand the value of being unique.
Recently, we’ve been loving the array of copper hair shades available in salons. Whether you’re a peach girl or crave something vibrant like full-on phoenix hair, there’s a shade that’s bound to suit your personality and enliven your hair. We’ve even rounded up a few shades for those who still feel tied to their brunette or blonde roots.
Ready to spice it up?
Sunset
Copper sunset hair is a little different than the fantasy hair color looks you’ve seen on social media. Instead of a vibrant array of orange shades, you’re left with a wearable bright copper over shadowy roots. If you’re tired of wearing bright copper, transition into fall with this memorable look.
Burnt Orange
Like the bright, juicy interior of a citrus fruit, this punchy copper shade leans orange. While it may overwhelm medium complexions, ladies with very bright or dark skin should absolutely take burnt orange copper for a spin this summer.
Bronze
Consider bronze copper the sophisticated older sister of honey highlights. This color adds a neutral hue to red-influenced hair colors. If you’re wearing a tan or have naturally dark skin, you’d better believe bronze hair will make you look like a beachy goddess.
Auburn
If bronze hair color rules the summer months, auburn copper is the unofficial mascot for fall. With a glint of gold that’s reminiscent of falling leaves, you’re sure to adore the way your new color looks alongside leather jackets and cozy knit sweaters.
Copper Brown
Natural brunettes shouldn’t feel limited by their hair color. Instead, ask your stylist to explore subtle variants like copper brown. With the addition of a slight reddish tint, a skilled hair artist can transform your mane.
Copper Highlights
Many women are wary of diving into a full head of color if they’ve never tried it before. To ease the transition, jazz up your ‘do with copper highlights. They’ll help add depth and dimension to all levels of brown hair.
Copper Ombre
Go bold or go home. This effervescent blend of orangey copper and yellow isn’t for everyone, but the rare few who try it will be awed by its impact. If you like to turn heads when you enter the room, talk to your stylist about a vivid copper ombre.
Champagne
Electric yellow and orange not quite for you? Don’t worry. Copper is versatile, which means plenty of muted versions exist. If you’re more of a timeless beauty in the making, a subtle champagne copper will hit the perfect note.
Two-Tone Copper
A two-tone application is one of the edgier ways of wearing copper hair color. Your stylist will apply two very different shades next to each other, creating a striking, punk-inspired contrast. While upkeep on this look requires regular maintenance, we’re confident you’ll adjust to the routine.
Cherry
Do you lean toward the red end of the copper spectrum? Try bright cherry, a color reminiscent of the stain popsicles leave behind when they melt. We like the look of a statement color on very short hair.
Tangerine
The most orange of all copper shades, Tangerine looks particularly beautiful as an accent color. Try it with long auburn hair or even a dramatic buzz cut to pack a visual punch.
Ginger
Skip the trendy shades in favor of ginger copper hair color. This is a shade that’s been beloved by Hollywood’s A-listers for decades because it’s both fun and flattering. If you have extremely fair skin, don’t let ginger pass you by.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon copper hair is one of those shades that makes any hair texture or length look more beautiful. Reflective and silky, this brownish-red hue can do no wrong. Try it with brighter copper highlights for a multifaceted approach.
Spicy Copper
Feeling like your hair's a little lackluster? Don’t panic. Opt for a zesty, red-hued shade like spicy copper. Just barely edging into blonde territory, this bright copper shade will breathe new life into your look.
Saffron
Saffron might be the world’s most expensive spice, but taking inspiration from it doesn’t cost a thing. We’re totally smitten with the vibrant red shade. Be sure to consult with your stylist before choosing this one, since saturated colors like saffron copper can fade quickly.
Russet
Want to branch out into redhead territory but fear accidentally stepping outside your corporate dress code? Try russet copper, a brown-based take on red that’s stunning but not overwhelming.
Pink
Play on the pastel pink trend with this deep rose shade that incorporates the best of both worlds. Ask your stylist to place pink copper throughout the ends using a balayage technique. You’ll need less frequent touch-ups!
Apricot
At this point, there’s no fruit we won’t take inspiration from. Try apricot if you have a medium or dark complexion. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the way this deep, rich red makes your skin glow.
Peach
Let’s start on the lightest end of the of the spectrum: peach. The vibrant hair color is somewhere between a pastel and a full-fledged shade, and it’s perfect for the adventurous and youthful among us. Bright, blonde undertones meet top shades of copper and orange, creating a color that reminds us of melted sorbet.
We love this color for spring and summer, particularly as an eye-catching alternative to bleach blonde hair on the beach. For pale complexions, peach hair is a surefire win.
Mango
Not every copper shade is named after a fruit, we promise. Still, we can’t quite get over the vibrancy of mango hair, so named for its resemblance to the skin—not the flesh—of the beloved tropical fruit. This shade falls somewhere between copper and true red, mixing notes of both into a delightful, colorful cocktail.
Because this shade is so punchy, we prefer it on bobs, lobs, and pixie cuts instead of long lengths. A little goes a long way.
Rose Gold
Word on the street is that rose gold is the new millennial pink. Whatever the case, rose gold is practically inescapable these days—phones, laptops, accessories, you name it. Embrace the rosy hue by trying it out in your hair. Think of rose gold hair as a very light base of copper (almost a watercolor finish) topped with notes of pink.
It’s a lovely shade that’s almost reminiscent of a sunset. Lucky for you, the washed-out quality of the color means fewer dollars spent keeping it vibrant.
Golden Copper
Of all the shades of copper on the color wheel, golden copper is the one you’re most likely to spot on the red carpet—with good reason, too. The extra-warm shade of red is infinitely flattering and wearable, suiting nearly all hair lengths and textures.
If you’re a blonde who’s been looking to make the fiery transition to red, golden copper is an easy place to start. Be sure to ask your stylist for subtle blonde highlights, so you’re not too far from your comfort zone.
True Copper
As its name implies, true copper is the burnished red at its truest hue. The copper shade is warm, vivid, and exciting. It should liven up your complexion, bringing new life to your skin and brows. Copper isn’t just any shade of red—it’s one that turns heads and attracts attention.
If you’re ready to take a step into the spotlight and go copper, you’ll want to be sure and pick a hair routine focused on keeping the hair color vibrant. Any salon pro should be able to guide you.
Red Copper
For some women, there’s no such thing as too much red. Whether you’re a born redhead or recently converted, jolt your color into a new gear by opting for a copper that’s closer to a genuine red. This shade is far less blonde than its traditional counterpart, offering wearers a chance to enjoy purple undertones.
Take a walk on the dark side, and take your hair red copper. It’s a subtle change that will make your hair feel fresh without totally taking a chance on a new look.
Chestnut Copper
Fact: Chestnut copper is one of the most underrated, overlooked shades on the red spectrum. This stunning color rides the thin line between brown and red, melding the best of both shades to create a beautiful dark red. The shade is striking, especially against very pale skin, but never washes its wearer out.
Here’s note to take to your stylist: Try chestnut copper hair with a light copper balayage. It’ll help you transition to the new shade without feeling like you’re totally leaving redhead status behind.
Copper Balayage
Did someone say balayage? We love the hand-painted technique for trying any new color, but it’s particularly spectacular when used to dye copper streaks into brunette hair. The dark shade gives way to glowing, rich copper in a look that’s lovely for fall or winter.
Who says copper is just for the blondes to try out? Brunettes can have their turn, too, mixing their base color with exciting reddish hues while keeping the same color around the face.
Mahogany-Copper Sunset
Are you a woman who’s never met a color gradient she didn’t like? If so, mahogany-copper sunset might be the shade for you. Beginning with a deep, near-purple mahogany shade, this look fades gently into copper before transitioning to blonde. It’s Instagram-friendly, sure, but this color is also a unique opportunity to try a variety of shades and discover a new favorite.
If you decide to go for the full sunset, rest assured it’ll look stunning in braids and updos, as well as a traditional blowout.
Copper Ombre
Speaking of gradients, we’re also huge fans of copper ombre. It’s like the mahogany-copper sunset, but the darkest shade is largely confined to the root area. Bright copper dominates the lengths, ending in a brief burst of blonde.
This look is best for ladies who already know they’re committed to the copper lifestyle but may want to lighten up their color for summer.
Copper Dip Dye
If copper intrigues you but you’re not quite ready to take the plunge, opt for a copper dip dye instead of a full head. The sudden transition from brown to red enables you to hold onto your brunette identity while still offering a change.
We love this technique for ladies with darker complexions, particularly since your face-framing piece will remain a dark shade.
Phoenix Hair
All our favorite trends start with Instagram, and phoenix hair is no exception. The sunny color gradient spread took the internet by storm months ago and hasn’t dipped in popularity since. The look begins with fuchsia hair at the root, which fades into copper and then blonde.
Phoenix hair will require more maintenance than true copper, but it’s sure to get you plenty of attention.
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