10 Copper Balayage Looks & How To Get The Shimmer.

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Want to know all about the shimmering copper balayage look? Of course you do!

Everyone wants to know how to get that beautiful, shimmering balayage effect. It’s all the rage right now and for good reason – it looks amazing.

We’ve got everything you need to know right here.

This guide will tell you everything from what color to start with, how long it will take, and all the products you’ll need, and more.

Plus you can discover whether it’ll suit your skin tones and whether it’s really the right look for you.

What is copper balayage?

This bright, burnt-orange color is a hot new hair trend that is perfect for fall.

Balayage is a French word that means “to sweep,” and this technique gets its name from the way the highlights are swept onto the hair.

The technique involves painting highlights onto the hair using a copper-based dye.

Unlike traditional highlights, which are usually applied in a foil, balayage can be applied directly to the hair. This gives your colorist more control over where the color is placed, and allows them to create a more natural-looking finished product.

Copper is such a popular choice for balayage because it delivers both richness and subtlety. Copper is part of the metallic trend featuring silver, gold and rose gold that’s popping up in everything from make-up to homeware.

When done correctly, copper balayage can give your hair a warm, sun-kissed glow.

The best part about this trend is that it can be customized to suit any hair color or skin tone. So whether you’re a brunette or blonde, you can rock copper balayage all year long!

copper balayage ideas pinterest board
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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.
cool or warm undertones infographic
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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 Me?

How do you make copper balayage?

If you’re looking for a way to add a little extra something-something to your hair, this is it.

This trendy coloring technique involves painting on highlights in a freehand style to create a natural-looking, sun-kissed effect.

To get the look, you’ll need to start by applying a base color to your hair. This can be a shade of copper or a complementary shade like caramel blonde or honey brown.

Then, highlights in a lighter copper or blonde shade are hand-painted on where the sun would naturally lighten your hair to get the overall, glistening balayage effect.

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.

Can I get copper balayage at home?

While you may not be able to achieve the same level of precision as a professional stylist, it is possible to get this look yourself at home.

The key is to start with a copper box dye and then use a balayage highlighting kit to add in some lighter copper highlights.

Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully and take your time. With a little patience and some practice, you’ll be able to create stunning results that will have everyone asking where you got your hair done!

Watch and learn: How to get copper balayage hair at home.

Here’s a great video that shows you how to get strawberry copper balayage at home, step-by-step.

Should I get full or partial copper balayage?

A partial balayage is a great option if you’re looking to add a touch of color without going too crazy.

It’s also a good choice if you’re worried about maintenance, as it will require less touch-ups than a full balayage.

A full balayage will cover your entire head with highlights, while a partial balayage will only target certain sections.

If you’re not sure which one to go for, we recommend starting with a partial balayage.

This way, you can get an idea of how the color looks on you before committing to anything too drastic.

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?

This article was written by:

  • Nicola Freeman, Creative Director & Content Lead
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    Creative Director & Content Lead

    With over two decades of passionate hair dyeing experience, I've experimented with nearly every shade imaginable. My journey began long before blogging; as an award-winning copywriter in London and New York, I shaped narratives for iconic brands. However, when friends sought advice during lockdown for at-home hair dyeing, I realized my true calling. Beyond being your hair color expert, I'm a mom of two girls, wife to artist Tony, and an avid soccer player!