So you’re thinking of Going Copper? Smart choice. Whether you’re starting with a Blonde or Brunette base, Coloured or virgin, Copper is a Shade that is as timeless as it is transformative. From soft Peachy Tones to deeper Chestnut Reds—it’s all about finding the perfect hue that’s uniquely yours.
The key to going Copper? It’s all about embracing where you’re starting. Knowing your base helps you choose the right products and steps to achieve that glowing Copper Shade—easily and beautifully at home. Ready to take the plunge? Here’s where to start.
The Best Starting Colour Base When Going Copper
Best
Natural, unColoured Hair. With a clean canvas, you can Lighten or Colour evenly, achieving a balanced Copper Shade.
Great
Previously Lightened Blonde. If your Hair’s been bleached or highlighted to a Light Blonde, you’re in an excellent position to introduce Copper. Whether you want something bright and fresh or more subtle, it’s a perfect match.
May Need an Extra Step
For balayage with a strong contrast between Light and Dark, or if you’re transitioning from very Light Blonde to a deeper, more Natural Auburn Copper, you might need a little extra help. But don’t worry, we’ve got the right steps to guide you.
More Work, But Not Impossible
Darker Coloured Hair Shades aren’t the easiest base to work with, but with the right approach (and no bleach), it’s absolutely possible to achieve your Copper dream. Patience and care will take you there.
What’s To Know About Copper
As a Hair Colour, Copper is surprisingly versatile. It complements both Cool and Warm skin tones effortlessly. Copper will make blue eyes pop, enhance green eyes with a touch of magic, and bring Warmth to even the Darkest Brown eyes.
For a bold, brazen pigment, Copper can also be soft and creamy. You can choose the pure fire of vibrant Copper or enrich it with Red Mahogany, brighten it with Golden tones, or even mix it with Cool Shades to create creamy, Naturally smooth, waterColour-like Coppers.
The beauty of Copper is that it can be tailored to fit any look. From very Light hues to deeper Brunette Shades, Copper is a Colour that can work for everyone—you just need to find the right Shade that complements your unique style and needs.
Get To Know The Types Of Copper Shades
Pure Copper
If you’re after that unmistakable Ginger-Orange hue, pure Copper is your go-to. These Shades strike the perfect balance—not too Light, not too Dark—and deliver the bright, vibrant Copper punch you crave. Think of it as the quintessential Copper Colour.
Red Copper
For those who love their Copper with a little extra Red, Red Copper is the perfect choice. Red is a powerful hue, often taking over on its own, but when balanced with Copper, it adds a rich, radiant glow. These Shades are bold and eye-catching, with an added touch of Mahogany wine to complement Cooler skin tones.
Golden Auburn Copper
If you’re drawn to the Warm, earthy tones of Strawberry Copper or Auburn chestnut, this one’s for you. This Shade is perfect for those with Warmer skin tones, adding an ethereal Golden glow that’s Natural and stunning. Think of it as the ideal choice if you have a russety undertone to your skin—this Golden Copper will illuminate your complexion beautifully.
Natural Peachy Copper
For a more subtle, Natural look, peachy Copper tones bring depth without being too bold. If you prefer something softer and more neutral, this mix of rich peach and Copper is perfect for you. It’s ideal for Cool or neutral skin tones, offering character and Warmth without being overpowering.
Cooler Creamy Peach
If you’re a fan of Light, creamy peaches and soft apricot hues, this is your Colour. A blend of beige Blonde with a touch of intense Copper creates a smooth, subtle apricot glow. Alternatively, you can mix beige Blonde Shades with a hint of 8.44 Intense Copper to create a creamy, intoxicating Copper-infused Blonde.
Pale Apricot
Blonde
Tip: Not sure where to start? Opt for the Lighter Shade if you're uncertain. To make your Copper easier to maintain or give it a more Natural look, choose a Copper that’s 1-2 Shades Lighter or Darker than your Natural Hair Colour.
Colouring Your Hair Copper
When You Are Colouring 100% Natural Hair
Starting with completely Natural Hair is a dream—it’s a blank canvas. While it may feel a little intimidating, I recommend going a touch Lighter than you think. It's always easier to deepen your Shade later on than to Lighten it once you've started the process.
Once you've found your Copper Shade, choose your developer.
To choose the perfect developer for your Hair and Colour, simply visit our page for detailed guidance—How To Choose Your Hair Colour and Developer. Alternatively, you can easily find the Developer recommendation that’s best suited to your Hair and chosen Shade on the product page. We’ve made it simple to ensure you get the right formula for stunning, salon-worthy results at home.
When You Are Going From Lighter Blonde to Copper
Best Colours to Try
If you’re a pale Blonde, transitioning to Copper lets you experiment with Apricot, Peach, or Strawberry. These soft tones work beautifully with your Blonde base.
Colouring Over Light Blonde Hair
When Colouring over Light Blonde Hair, apply your chosen Copper Shade with a No Lift Developer directly to your Lightened strands. For regrowth or balayage, use a developer to lift your Natural Colour to match the Lighter ends.
For example, if your Natural Hair is a 5 (Light Brown) and you’ve bleached it to pale Blonde but now want peach Blonde
Mix Peach Blonde with No Lift Developer and apply it to your Light Blonde Hair, avoiding regrowth. Apply your Peach Blonde mix with 40 Volume Developer to your roots to lift your Natural Hair by four Shades, blending seamlessly with your Light Peach ends.
For Extra Light Blonde or Balayage Hair
For richer Shades like Amber Blonde or Dark Copper Blonde, you’ll need a filler Colour to restore pigment. Apply the filler to your Lightened Hair, develop and wash as per instructions, then apply your goal Colour over dry Hair. You can do this on the same day or later. Learn more about Colour Fillers.
Colour
Filler
Pro Tip
Apply your goal Colour to the Lightened Hair first, then work it through your roots. This helps avoid harsh lines or hot roots and ensures a smooth, blended finish.
When You Are Colouring From Dark Blonde or Brunette to Copper
If your Hair is Coloured with a Darker Blonde or Brunette and you’re craving a Lighter, brighter Copper, start by removing your old Colour using Colour Remover You may need more than one application, and after that, wait 48 hours before re-Colouring.
Colour
Remover
What to Expect After Colour Removing
If your Hair was Natural or pre-Lightened before your last Colour, aim to get back to that base Shade. For a seamless Copper transition, choose a Colour that’s either the same or 1-2 Shades Lighter than your Natural hue.
After Colour removal, expect a Warmer, Golden tone—an ideal canvas for the vibrant Copper Shade you’ve been dreaming of. For best results, lean towards a Colour that’s a touch Lighter than what you originally envisioned.
