Each summer there always seems to be a hot new shade that absolutely everyone is itching to dye their hair. I mean, who could forget last year when all the It girls were dying their strands quarantine pink? Well, this year the latest hair phenomenon has everyone seeing red.
That’s right, red hair — specifically copper-toned locks— has never been hotter. So many of your favorite stars, from former blondes Gigi Hadid and Ashley Benson, to former brunettes Sarah Hyland and Timothee Chalamet, and even Lizzo and Ciara have recently dyed their locks the bold hue, proving just how flattering a fiery red crown can actually be.
Why red? It’s rising popularity could have a lot to do with people just wanting to make a major change. “People are ready for something new and different post-pandemic and when is there a better time to play with warmth and brightness than summertime?” explains oVertone Ambassador and Denver-based hairstylist Douglas Michael. Celebrity hairstylist and founder of Vidov Salon, Vickie Vidov adds that copper hair is “the post-COVID ‘I want to have fun hair.’”
If you fancy going copper this summer, you’ll want to read on as Michael, Vidov, and celebrity hairstylist Sunnie Brook answer all the burning questions you probably have about achieving and maintaining the coveted hue.
What should I know before going copper?
Unlike pastel tones, copper doesn’t fade as quickly so expect to be a redhead for quite awhile. “I think it’s important to understand that red tones can be difficult to remove from the hair, especially for blondes,” says Michael. “ Not impossible, by any means, but, just know that it could be more of a process to get back to a neutral shade of blond before warming up your hair.”
How can I figure out what shade of copper is best for my skin tone?
The great thing about going copper is that there is a broad spectrum of shades to choose from, when it comes to deciding on your perfect color. “There’s an array of hues, tones, and depths that copper can offer,” says Vidov “You can customize by your skin tone, eye color, and personality. Whether it is a muted strawberry blonde, a modern auburn, or a vibrant brilliant copper, you can find a shade that works for you.”
As for what shades would best compliment your skin tone? Micheal explains that strawberry blonde to more golden copper shades work well against more fair to light skin tones, while more rich, burnt orange and auburn shades work well against darker skin tones. But, ultimately, you’ll want to leave choosing the perfect shade to a professional as choosing a hair color is often confusing, says Brook.
Is it possible to DIY copper hair at home or should I consult a colorist?
If you’re thinking of going copper, all of the experts advise seeking a consultation from a colorist. “Copper is definitely a color that should be left to a professional,” says Vidov. “This shade may involve lifting your color, which can be done safely in the alon, especially if you’re at a darker color. It is also difficult to pinpoint shades and tones if you are doing this at home and it is going to cost even more money correcting it if something goes wrong.”
How do I maintain my copper hair at home?
“As we know, this shade washes out quicker and must be touched up for vibrancy,” says Vidov. “The red hair color molecule is larger and heavier than other pigments, therefore it isn’t easy for it to penetrate the hair shaft and needs to be refreshed every so often.” According to Michael, you’ll likely want to pop into the salon to schedule a gloss with your stylists to maintain your color’s brightness and vibrancy.
And if you can’t make it into the salon, there are some amazing color-boosting products on the market that will help maintain your copper. “To extend the life of your hair color between salon visits, be sure to use a shampoo with a low PH, like Biolage ColorLast Shampoo, and a heat protector before styling. This will help protect your color from fading from heat and will gently cleanse your hair without stripping away all your beautiful color,” says Brook. “Follow this with a color-depositing conditioner, like Biolage ColorBalm, weekly to enhance and condition your color. This not only makes your hair five times more conditioned, but it will also give you that just-out-of-the-salon color in between visits.”
Will you be giving the copper hair trend a try? Let us know in the comments below!
