When I sniff out a sprinkling of a new hair trend, I am all over it, keenly looking to see if it’ll take off imminently. And that’s exactly what happened when I noticed more people dyeing their hair copper at the tail end of the A/W season. The trend was cemented with Kendall Jenner’s hair colour switch last month and I think it certified as one of the hottest colours of the year. However, if you’re thinking of taking your hair copper, I have two words for you; colour fade. This hue requires a lot of upkeep but in a different capacity to bleaching your hair blonde. For reds, it’s all about topping up the vibrancy which will be naturally lost when washing, styling and exposing it to the elements rather than diligently fending off warmth (as with blondes) as this is what makes copper hair look super vivacious.
“Copper is the perfect trend for spring and summer as it has the warmth and shine of a red shade, but it is lighter and more delicate against the skin,” says Siobhan Haug, International Colour Director at TONI&GUY. “So, it makes it the ideal choice for this time of year when your make-up, clothes and hair all want an injection of summer sunshine.” If you’re worried about whether copper will suit your skin tone, you’re in luck, there’s a copper intensity for everybody. “The great thing about coppers is that you can add a little extra warmth or coolness to reflect every skin tone,” notes Siobhan, “there’s a whole spectrum to choose from, there isn’t only one shade of copper – think copper brown, rustic copper, lighter auburn or peach.”
If you’re unsure about the vibrancy or hue you want to go for, make sure you book a consultation with your colourist as they’ll guide you not only on the maintain level but also what will suit your skin and eye colour uniquely. “Copper is suitable for all,” says Matthew Evans, freelance stylist at Blushes. “It helps to make eyes pop with pale skin tones and gives a warm glow to those with more olive tones to their skin. It’s the colour that can really be as muted or as vibrant as you want it to be.” Not quite ready to make a full switch? You can dip your toe into the trend too. “If you want to try the trend but aren’t totally sure you want it all over, try complimenting shades of copper round the face, or a few highlights to add dimension and interest,” says Karen Perry Karen Perry co-owner of Room 97 Creative. “And don’t worry if it starts to fade; it looks just as gorgeous when it’s a muted peach or paler rustic version.”
The punchier the hue, the more upkeep it’ll be at home so a colour-protecting haul will be necessary. “Copper can lose up to 20% of the vibrancy in the first wash, so choose your products wisely,” warns Matthew. The first thing you need to do is switch your shampoo and conditioner for a duo that’s completely colour-safe. I usually opt for ones that are created by colour brands as tone maintenance is usually at the top of the list of properties. Along with this, Karen advises keeping a UV heat protector to hand and a weekly hair mask too. The heat protector will ensure your colour doesn’t become dull due to sun exposure and excess heat styling while the hair mask will stop dryness creeping in, especially important if you had to pre-lighten your hair to achieve your look.
This shampoo is free from sulphates to prevent over-drying and leaves hair feeling smooth and strong. It helps to prevent UV damage and the complex at the core of the formula binds to hard water minerals to help preserve hair colour.
Fortify the strength of your hair and the boldness of your colour with the signature complex in this formula. It protects against oxidation, with honey-derived humectants to provide dye protection and edelweiss flower extract to stop dryness.
This iconic pre-treatment mask is a must-have if you’ve bleached your hair before dyeing it copper. Where bleach can disrupt the structure of hair, this builds the bonds back up to enhance strength.
No time for a deep conditioning session? This water works in just 8 seconds and is great for finer hair types thanks to the lightweight lamellar technology.
Use this hair protector pre heat styling or air dry your hair before you head out into the sun for UVA and UVB protection. The texture is light so you don’t have to worry about it weighing your hair down.
I swear by the Glaze glosses to maintain shiny colour at home. Use a few times a month to refresh your colour and leave your hair with a mirror-like shine. Next up, the 15 best daily SPFs.
