How long does copper hair color last for?

Typically four to six weeks before you need a root touch-up. To keep color vibrant, you should also be using a color-safe shampoo and conditioner.

Can you DIY copper hair at home?

Yes, but with caution. Try a semi- , demi-permanent , and/or ammonia-free hair dye since these will be more gentle on hair and can require less upkeep post-dye job, as well.

25 Copper Hair Color Ideas That Will Make You Want to Go Red

jourdan dunn — @jourdandunn / Design by Michela Buttignol

A Maryland-based hair colorist named Kasey Oh inspired thousands of double-taps on Instagram by creating a look called the "copper peach ombré melt." Like everyone else, we swooned over the warm tones that reminded us of the freshest summer fruits. As a response to the cool, ashy blondes that have been trending, beauty lovers and their colorists alike have begun craving sunnier tones (think more strawberry, less blueberry), which is probably why Google searches for "copper hair colors" have been sky-high.

Joico colorist Mark Mileti described copper hair to us as the sassier sister to auburn and the brighter, bubblier sister to burgundy. It's a super warm, rich tone that comes with a bit of a zing, like a copper penny. As far as red hair colors go, it's one of our personal favorites. But according to colorists Tiffanie Richards and Jill Buck, there isn't just one version of copper hair—there are shades that lean browner or blonder, and there are even shades that are more monochrome or more dimensional.

Meet the Expert

Tiffanie Richards is a master colorist at Louise O'Connor Salon in New York City.
Jill Buck is a Joico celebrity colorist. She is also a senior stylist at Nine Zero One Salon in LA.

If you're thinking about warming up your hair color, we know you'll definitely find the right copper shade for you below.

Copper Hair Color

Choosing a Shade: "There aren’t particularly different 'shades' of copper, but your colorist will guide you in how light or dark or intense your copper should be," says Richards.

Maintenance Level: High. "This color is typically done as a single process, making the grow out a straight line," Richards notes.

Goes Great With: All complexions. "Copper tones can honestly look great on anyone if done correctly," Richards says.

Similar Shades: Midlight red, auburn, strawberry blonde

Price: $150+. "If this is a change from a previous brunette or blonde color, it can be a little more costly," Richards adds.

01 of 25

Classic Copper

Julianne Hough with curled copper hair color and red lipstick — Getty Images

After years as a blonde, Julianne Hough dyed her hair this stunning copper hue at Nine Zero One salon in West Hollywood. Her red locks received lots of praise, especially from Hough herself: "I have never felt more like me than I do right now," Hough wrote on Instagram after revealing her transformation.

02 of 25

Copper-Meets-Auburn

Rihanna with copper hair color with deep side part — Getty Images

Rihanna has rocked many fabulous red shades, but we're particular fans of this natural, copper-meets-auburn take. Paired with a wine-colored lip and gold hoops, this shade is accessorized to perfection.

03 of 25

Bright Copper

Emma Roberts is famous for trying just about every hair color under the sun, and each shade always seems to suit her naturally. This bright copper is no different and perfectly balances with her peachy skin tone. This hue would be perfect for those transitioning to red from a golden or strawberry blonde.

04 of 25

Deep Copper

Jourdan Dunn with copper colored curly hair — Getty Images

Jourdan Dunn stuns with a deep copper color and bouncy ringlets. The vivid, almost-red-velvet undertones are so decadent and bold—we want to try it ourselves, stat.

05 of 25

Natural Copper

Lily Cole with natural red copper hair in blowout style — Getty Images

Unbelievable but true: This vibrant hair color didn't come from a bottle. Lily Cole is perhaps our ultimate copper-born muse, with bright, dramatic loose curls looking fit for a classic Renaissance painting.

06 of 25

Rich Copper

Zendaya with a copper-colored bob hairstyle with bangs at the 2018 Met Gala — Getty Images

This rich monochrome copper is at the top of our hair wish-list. Zendaya can always be trusted to sport cool hair, and this vivid shade and cropped style complement her armored outfit.

Copper is an extremely versatile red, according to Richards. "For darker, more olive skin tones I recommend going a little deeper with the color, incorporating some brunette in the formula," he says. "Lighter skin tones will benefit from lighter- to medium-colored copper tones."

07 of 25

Vivid Copper

Woman with curly copper hair, fresh-faced makeup look, and black and white scarf — @annettaprimadonna

There's something just so impossibly chic about the combination of a vivid copper color and big curls. This look from actress, model, and editor Annette Kemp has so much natural volume and bounce, resulting in some major hair envy.

08 of 25

Cinnamon Copper

SZA wears a copper-colored voluminous afro hairstyle — Getty Images

Known to try out various shades, SZA doesn't shy away from a vibrant tone and offers up some major hair inspiration with her gorgeous copper afro with hues of cinnamon.

09 of 25

Ginger Copper

Emma Stone wears a copper old Hollywood waves hairstyle and red lipstick — Getty Images

While bright copper may be Emma Stone's signature look, it's actually not her natural hair color. Stone is a blonde, and while we apologize for bursting your bubble if you didn't know, the good news is that you too can create this rich, red look with the help of a trusted stylist.

10 of 25

Tomato Copper

Hoyeon Jung wears red-toned copper hair color — Imaxtree

Long before her Squid Game days, actress and model Hoyeon Jung sported a tomato-copper shade with a dark root at Rag and Bone's Spring 2017 runway show. Jung was the only model in the show to rock this hue, resulting in a stunning and welcome surprise on the runway.

11 of 25

Glossy Copper

To keep your copper as shiny as Isla Fisher's, whose hair is truly blinding (in the best way possible, of course), try a color-enhancing deep conditioner like dpHue's Color Boosting Gloss+ Deep Conditioning Treatment in Burnt Copper ($35).

12 of 25

"Strawberry Feels"

Eva Mendes wears a copper-toned hairstyle and radiant makeup

Eva Mendes refers to this color as "Strawberry Feels," and it's safe to say that we're feeling it. Subtle with a kick, this charming style warms up a room and has us contemplating scheduling a touch-up sooner than usual.

13 of 25

Deep Copper

Julianne Moore is known for her signature deep copper hair, especially how it complements her jade green eyes. With an all-over color like this, opt for long layers to add movement and dimension.

14 of 25

Fiery Copper

Lizzo wears a long, curly bright red hairstyle with bangs — @lizzobeeating

We can't get over Lizzo's fabulous coppery color on her curly shag. A tint like this could be achieved with a semi-permanent color on certain hair, in case commitment to a whole copper head is too much for you.

15 of 25

Copper Ombré

Our Lady J wears a low ponytail with copper hair color — Getty Images

Matt Rez, one of Byrdie's favorite colorists, is best-known for his signature 4D Blonde, but he's also obsessed with doing impressive shades of red. He's even perfected the complex 4D Red. Rez is also a celebrity hairstylist to some of our favorite redheads and perfected this low ponytail on Our Lady J, who has a chic and subtle copper ombré.

16 of 25

'90s-Inspired

Tyra Banks wears a curly auburn copper hairstyle and burgundy lipstick — Getty Images

This rich '90s red with a brown undertone complements Tyra Banks's skin tone, burgundy lipstick, and full ringlets. We're here for all of it.

17 of 25

Soft Copper

Jessica Chastain wears collarbone-length curled copper hair — Getty Images

Jessica Chastain is one of the natural redheads we should all keep in mind when envisioning the ideal copper hue. Bring this picture to your colorist if you're going for a soft, summery shade that's positively radiant all year long.

18 of 25

Faded Copper

Irene Kim wears a light copper colored bob and gray brimmed hat — Getty Images

Influencer Irene Kim is constantly changing her hair. We love this faded take on copper, which is more on the orange side of red. Burnt orange lipstick completes the monochrome look.

"Using a professional line that is for color-treated hair is a must," Buck says. "A shampoo like Joico's Color Infuse Red ($20) will keep your hair shiny and bright until your next service."

19 of 25

Deep Copper Penny

Hayley Williams wears a copper red micro bob hairstyle and glossy lips — Getty Images

No matter what hair colors Hayley Williams tries out, she'll always be known for her signature flame red. Here, she sports a deeper copper penny color paired with a whole lot of texture.

20 of 25

Burgundy Copper

Ayesha Curry wears curled dark copper red hair and a blue color block jacket — @ayeshacurry

This darker, nearly burgundy red looks stunning against Ayesha Curry's medium tan skin tone. "Copper is also a very fun gloss color for brunettes," Richards notes.

21 of 25

Spiced Copper

Nine Zero One Salon colorist Lindsey Neavitt is responsible for this beautiful spiced copper shade on musician Girl Wilde. It appears to be all one color from a distance, but look closer and you can see carrot highlights over a deeper base.

22 of 25

Plummy Copper

Amanda Stenberg wears copper red box braids with plum undertones and burgundy lipstick — Getty Images

When it comes to her hair, Amandla Stenberg loves to experiment with cuts, colors, and styles. Here, her plum-toned copper braids present a fresh take on a classic hair color.

23 of 25

Bronzed Copper

Sophie Turner wears a copper crown braid hairstyle — Getty Images

Sophie Turner's bronzed copper crown braid is so regal. "Using a moisturizing conditioner (or mask) regularly and avoiding any oils should keep the color at its most vibrant," Richards says regarding at-home maintenance. "Also, if you’re using hot tools, definitely reach for a heat protectant." We like Ouai's Heat Protection Spray ($28).

24 of 25

Subtle Copper

Issa Rae wears short copper natural curls and pink lipstick — Getty Images

Issa Rae always stays close to her natural, dark color and uses color to add dimension, like she's done here with this subtle, all-over copper wash. Since the color contrast is subtle, upkeep is a breeze.

25 of 25

Toned-Down Copper

Amy Adams wears wavy copper hair and a minimal makeup look — Getty Images

Amy Adams' toned-down copper locks are stunning next to her dark green satin top. Richards calls copper "the best shade of red for hair color" because of how natural it can look.

FAQ

How long does copper hair color last for?

Typically four to six weeks before you need a root touch-up. To keep color vibrant, you should also be using a color-safe shampoo and conditioner.
Can you DIY copper hair at home?

Yes, but with caution. Try a semi-, demi-permanent, and/or ammonia-free hair dye since these will be more gentle on hair and can require less upkeep post-dye job, as well.

14 Orange Hair Color Shades Perfect for Any Season

25 Copper Hair Color Ideas That Will Make You Want to Go Red

Classic Copper

Copper-Meets-Auburn

Bright Copper

Deep Copper

Natural Copper

Rich Copper

Vivid Copper

Cinnamon Copper

Ginger Copper

Tomato Copper

Glossy Copper

"Strawberry Feels"

Deep Copper

Fiery Copper

Copper Ombré

'90s-Inspired

Soft Copper

Faded Copper

Deep Copper Penny

Burgundy Copper

Spiced Copper

Plummy Copper

Bronzed Copper

Subtle Copper

Toned-Down Copper

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