I’ve got a bit of a soft spot for copper hair. Every time I see someone with that lovely warm, reddish color that somehow looks even better in the sunshine, I start wondering if it’s time to change my hair again.
And then I remember how much effort I’ve put into my current color. The struggle is real.
But that’s what I love about copper balayage. You don’t have to go all in and dye your whole head red to give it a go.
A few well-placed copper highlights can warm up brown hair, add a bit of life to blonde, or give already red hair something extra. And because it’s balayage, you get that softer, grown-in look rather than a big obvious line when your roots start coming through. Always a bonus.
The tricky bit is choosing your shade. Do you go for a subtle, cinnamon-y copper that almost blends into your natural color? Something brighter and more ginger? Or a deeper auburn that looks amazing on dark hair?
There’s quite a lot to choose from, actually.
So we’ve pulled together some of our favourite copper balayage looks to give you a few ideas before your next salon appointment. Fair warning, you might end up wanting more than one.
10 Stunning on-trend copper balayage hair ideas.
Here are some great hair color combinations that will give you the shimmering, copper balayage look you’re after for all skin tones and types.
Just find the perfect one to suit you!
#1.Strawberry copper balayage
This is a great option for those with lighter skin tones.
The strawberry blonde base color will add warmth, while the copper highlights will give you that shimmering, sun-kissed look.
#2.Cinnamon copper balayage
Cinnamon is the perfect choice for those with olive or darker skin tones.
A cinnamon base color and copper highlights will add richness and dimension to any style. Go for this if you have brunette or dark hair to avoid too much bleaching.
#3.Honey blonde copper balayage
This is a great way to add some subtle lighter blonde color to your hair.
A copper base will provide a beautiful foundation, while blended honey blonde highlights will give you that desired shimmering effect.
#4.Auburn copper balayage
This is perfect for those with red or light brown hair.
The auburn base color will deepen and enrich your natural hue, while rich red-copper highlights will give you a touch of brightness.
#5.Rose gold copper balayage
This is a lovely, girly take on the classic copper balayage.
With a rose gold base color and light pink highlights, it’s perfect for those with fair skin and lighter hair.
#6.Peachy copper balayage
This is a great choice for those with warmer skin tones.
A copper base colour with soft, peachy pink highlights will add a touch of sweetness. Or try neon peach highlights for an electric effect.
#7.Chocolate copper balayage
This is a delicious way to add some depth and dimension to your hair.
The chocolate base color will provide a rich dark canvas, while the copper highlights will bring burnt orange-red tones to add warmth and shine. Leave it darker at the roots for a low maintenance look.
#8.Cherry copper balayage
This is a fun and flirty way to add pops of red to your hair.
With a cherry red or copper base color and deep red highlights, it’s perfect for those with fairer skin tones.
#9.Mocha copper balayage
This is a rich, intense and darker variation that’s perfect for those with brown hair.
A mocha base color with rich copper highlights will create a gorgeous result that’s perfect for the fall and winter months.
#10.Caramel copper balayage
This is a softer, more natural take on the classic look and probably the most popular style.
Caramel or toffee colored highlights are carefully placed throughout the hair to create a beautiful, sun-kissed loo
Is copper balayage warm or cool?
This type of color can be either warm or cool, depending on how it’s done.
Copper itself is a warm color with red-ginger tones that suit those with natural warm undertones too.
That’s not to say you can’t cool it down by blending it with cool colors – think ash blondes, beige blondes or lowlights in ash brown and ice chocolate.
So whether your have warm or cool skin tones, there’ll be a color combo for you.
If you’re not sure what undertones you have, check out our handy checklist below!
If you have cool undertones:
- Your skin tone is pink or pale.
- You blush easily!
- Jewel and pastel colours are so your thing.
- The colour yellow washes you out and does not look good on you.
- You have blue not green veins in your wrist.
- Pearls and silver jewellery look awesome on you.
If you have warm undertones:
- You have red or golden tones in your natural hair.
- Your skin tone is golden, tan or olive.
- You might have freckles.
- You have green not blue veins in your wrist.
- You suit bright or rich shades better.
- Gold jewellery looks awesome on you.
Will copper balayage suit me?
If you’re looking for a change but nothing too drastic, then copper balayage is perfect for you.
It’s also a good option if you want to add some warmth to your hair without going for an all-over red color.
And because it can be tailored to suit any hair color or skin tone, there’s really no reason not to try it!
You can also find out which hair color suits you by taking our quiz!
Just answer a few quick questions to find out what other hair colours most suit you!
Which Hair Color Suits You?
Do I need to bleach my hair to get copper balayage?
Whether you need to lighten your hair with bleach to get the shimmering effect all depends on what base color your hair is now.
If you have blonde hair – whether that’s natural or dyed – then you can go ahead and add in your chosen copper highlights without having to lighten your hair first.
But if you have dark brown or black hair, you’ll need to bleach it to a lighter shade before adding any pigment.
This is because the darker your natural hair color is, the harder it will be for the dye to deposit evenly and show up properly.
So if you’re starting with dark hair, we recommend bleaching it to a light brown or blonde before going in with your chosen copper shade.
Does copper balayage fade?
Like all hair dyes, this very vibrant color will inevitably fade over time.
How fast it fades will depend on things like how often you shampoo your hair, the products you use, and how well you take care of it.
That being said, with proper care, your balayage should last anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks.
How do you maintain copper balayage?
Here are a few tips to help prolong the life of your color:
–Use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner: Look for products that are specifically formulated for colored hair. These will be gentler on your hair and won’t strip away the color.
-Avoid hot water: When washing your hair, use lukewarm water instead of hot. Hot water can cause the color to fade faster.
–Touch up your roots: As your hair starts to grow out, you’ll likely need to touch up your roots. This will help blend them in with the rest of your hair and keep the overall look consistent.
–Use a heat protectant: If you use heat styling tools, make sure to use a heat protectant before applying any heat. This will help prevent damage to your hair and keep it looking healthy.
By choosing the right shade of copper and placing the highlights strategically, you can create a stunning look that’s perfect for any season.
With proper care, your balayage can last for several weeks, so you can enjoy your new look for longer!
Parting words.
So there you have it. If you’re lusting after this look, whatever your skin tone of style, there’s a copper shade for you.
We hope you enjoyed this quick guide and feel inspired to try out this look for yourself. What are you waiting for?
Found your perfect shade? We’d love to see it! Tag us on Instagram @coloredhaircare or Facebook and share your hair color stories. Looking for more hair care tips? Check out How to Look After Colored Hair: 11 Expert Secrets For Long-Lasting Color.
Our Research & Review Process
To ensure our recommendations are as comprehensive and reliable as possible, we’ve undertaken an extensive research effort.
We cite scientific evidence and journals, collect real user reviews and gather impartial perspectives from hair stylists, users, and experts in the field.
Additionally, we conduct hands-on testing by using products and applying hair dyes not only on our own locks but also on real human hair extensions and hair pieces of different hair type, textures and lengths.
This rigorous approach allows us to provide you with insights into which products genuinely live up to their promises.
As always – please consult with a professional hair colorist or stylist for advice on how to color your own hair at home. It’s different for everyone!
