From soft ginger to spicy bronze: copper is officially having a comeback
Warm tones are having a serious moment, and copper is leading the charge. It’s bold without being brash, dimensional without trying too hard, and endlessly versatile.
Whether you’re into soft strawberry hues or rich, burnished bronze, copper hair has a way of flattering just about everyone, especially when tailored to your skin tone and personal style.
Part of the charm? No two copper shades for hair are the same. Some lean golden, others veer into auburn territory, and then there are those high-gloss, fiery finishes that basically say, “I’m booked and busy.”
Below, we’re spilling 15 copper hair shades that are trending hard right now, from subtle sunlit tones to full-blown redhead energy.
The allure of copper hair
Copper hair has never really gone out of style, it just evolves with the moment. From Old Hollywood starlets to modern red carpet icons, copper has long been the shade of choice for anyone wanting to turn heads without veering into cartoon-red territory. It’s sophisticated and surprisingly wearable.
Part of copper’s enduring appeal is its flexibility. It’s not just one color—it’s a whole spectrum, ranging from pale apricot to deep, rust-toned auburn. That means there’s a copper shade to suit every skin tone, from cool porcelain to golden olive and rich espresso.
It also adds instant depth and dimension to hair. The warm undertones catch the light beautifully, giving your strands that lived-in, multi-tonal glow that reads expensive (even if it wasn’t).
No matter if you’re just dipping a toe into something soft and peachy or going full glam with glossy paprika, copper lets you play with warmth, richness, and personality—all in one color family. It’s bold, but not loud. Trendy, but timeless. No wonder it’s having a moment (again).
15 trending copper hair shades
1. Classic Copper
This is the Meg Ryan rom-com of hair colors: charming and somehow always relevant. Classic copper hits that sweet spot between red and orange—warm, rich, and endlessly flattering. It’s the kind of shade that works just as well on a sun-drenched bob as it does on tumbling waves. It’s giving natural redhead, but dialled up with polish.
Best for: Those who want a true copper moment without veering too far into trend territory.
2. Copper blonde
If golden hour had a hair shade… Copper blonde is all soft light and flattering warmth—somewhere between honeyed glow and apricot fizz. It gives blonde a seasonal upgrade, adding just enough spice without ditching your base. Less Barbie, more beachy prosecco.
Best for: Natural blondes craving dimension or anyone flirting with copper without going full redhead.
3. Dark copper
Smokey and smouldering, dark copper is the espresso martini of the copper world. It adds instant drama, especially on longer hair, and pairs beautifully with olive and deep skin tones. You’ll catch hints of cinnamon and chestnut when it hits the light, but it never screams for attention. It just quietly wins.
Best for: Anyone who wants richness without the glare of brighter reds.
4. Light copper
This one’s got cottagecore energy. Light copper is soft, creamy, and just peachy enough to feel fresh. It’s the shade equivalent of a linen dress and no-makeup makeup—effortless but intentional. It lifts fair complexions and adds a whisper of color without overwhelming your features.
Best for: Those who want to glow, not shout.
5. Copper red
Not for the faint-hearted. Copper red is bold, cinematic, and borderline villainous—in the best way. It’s the kind of color you’d see on a fashion week runway or a '90s music video starlet. With its vivid red base and copper undertones, it’s full of fire and attitude.
Best for: The centre-of-attention type. You’ve been warned.
6. Copper brown
Picture the love child of a luxe chestnut roast and a late-autumn sunset. Copper brown blends brunette depth with just enough warmth to make it interesting, like your natural color got a designer upgrade. It doesn’t shout for attention, but it absolutely gets it.
Best for: Brunettes who want to dip into the copper trend without a full identity shift.
7. Ginger copper
This shade has main character energy. It can be likened to Lindsay Lohan in her Mean Girls prime or Anya Taylor-Joy sipping espresso in head-to-toe vintage. It’s punchy, unmistakably red, and full of personality—like natural ginger, turned up to eleven.
Best for: Anyone who wants to feel instantly more interesting in a crowd.
8. Peachy copper
If your Pinterest board is 60% Sofia Richie’s honeymoon outfits, this one’s for you. Peachy copper is warm, playful, and ultra-modern, just like the grown-up cousin of millennial pink. It reads soft and golden under natural light, but still gives enough punch to catch compliments.
Best for: Warm-toned skin, romantic aesthetics, and people who live in their Glossier cloud paint.
9. Rose gold copper
Somewhere between a Parisian rose macaron and a glass of sparkling rosé, rose gold copper is soft, elegant, and very Instagrammable. The pink undertone gives it a twist that reads cool-girl luxe, not cartoon cosplay.
Best for: Fashion lovers, wedding season flirts, or anyone overdue for a fresh selfie moment.
10. Auburn copper
Moody, expensive, and low-key regal—this is the copper you’d imagine on a ’90s Vogue cover or in a heritage haircare ad. Auburn copper leans deep and sultry, but still catches the light with those burnished, golden glints.
Best for: Anyone craving depth and a little old-money energy.
11. Strawberry copper
Strawberry copper is the girl-next-door of the red family—sweet, soft, but definitely not boring. It leans light and gold with just enough red to give it a flush. It pairs beautifully with summer freckles, fresh gloss, and Sofia Coppola lighting. It’s romantic without being fussy, and flattering without trying too hard.
Best for: Fair complexions, soft glam lovers, and anyone who wants their hair to look like it’s naturally that pretty.
12. Burnt copper
Burnt copper is all drama, no glitter. With its smoky undertones and fiery finish, it’s got that just-back-from-the-desert energy—like a Joshua Tree sunset bottled and dyed. It works well with darker wardrobes, deeper skin tones, and blunt haircuts that need a little edge.
Best for: The bold, the broody, and those who pair red lipstick with leather jackets.
13. Copper balayage
This is the “Oh, I just woke up like this” of copper color. Balayage gives you a slow fade from natural roots into custom-blended warmth, like your strands caught a golden-hour filter IRL. The best part? It grows out like a dream and looks effortless even in a messy bun.
Best for: Low-maintenance types who still want that salon-glow look. Also, people whose version of “running errands” involves flawless hair.
14. Copper ombre
Copper ombre is high contrast, high style. It shifts from dark roots into bright copper ends like a warm-tone mic drop. If you’re into two-tone looks, this one brings serious movement and attitude, like your hair is literally ~glowing~ at the tips.
Best for: Modern cuts, long layers, and those who want to make the most out of their selfies.
15. Cowboy copper
This shade is TikTok’s current obsession—and honestly, it lives up to the hype. Cowboy copper is a warm, bronzed blend of copper and brunette that looks slightly sun-worn and quietly expensive. The vibes? Soft Western, clean girl gone countryside, and just enough edge to feel modern.
Best for: Earthy, neutral wardrobes and people who pretend they don’t care about trends (but do).
Choosing the right copper shade for you
Copper comes in more flavours than you’d think, which is exactly why it works on so many people. The right shade depends on a few key things: your skin tone, your personal style, and how much upkeep you’re realistically willing to take on.
Skin tone compatibility
As a general rule, lighter coppers (think strawberry or peachy tones) tend to flatter fair skin, while richer, deeper shades like dark copper or auburn pop gorgeously against olive and deeper complexions. But rules were made to be broken—undertones matter more than levels. If in doubt, try holding a swatch of fabric or a photo filter over your face to test warmth.
Personal style
Are you the soft-glam type or going full red-carpet redhead? Classic copper works for almost everyone, but trendier shades like cowboy copper or rose gold copper are perfect if you’re chasing that editorial edge. Choose a tone that works with your wardrobe and makeup habits, not against them.
Maintenance level
Copper looks best when it’s fresh. If you're not into frequent salon visits, opt for balayage or more muted copper blends that fade gracefully. Glosses and color-depositing masks can stretch the time between appointments.
Still on the fence? A professional colorist can help you find a tone that brings out your best features—and if you're not ready to commit, The Lauren Ashtyn Collection’s lace-front human hair wigs let you test-drive a copper look, no dye required. Glam without the gamble.
How to keep your copper in check
Here’s the thing no one tells you: copper is a diva. It fades faster than other shades of copper hair, needs a little babying, and doesn’t love heat. But treat it right, and it’ll return the favor with shine and warmth.
Start with color-safe shampoo and conditioner—sulfate-free is non-negotiable. Wash with cool water (yes, even in winter), and try to stretch the days between shampoos to preserve vibrancy. When styling, always use heat protection, and dial down the hot tools when possible.
To keep the color from going brassy or dull, regular glosses or toning treatments are your best friend. And if you're not ready for the upkeep that comes with full-on dye jobs, temporary tints, and copper-enhancing masks can help you maintain the look.
Your copper hair era is calling
As we’ve established, there’s a copper shade to match every skin tone, season, and style personality. No matter if you’re testing the waters or going full flame, the right shade can transform your entire look. Ready to find your perfect match? The Lauren Ashtyn Collection specializes in premium wigs and extensions that can be expertly color-matched to your dream copper, so you can live the redhead fantasy!
