Gingers rejoice! Red hair of every hue and shade is all the rage this year. The hot pizzazz that is copper has got us completely obsessed. All everyone wants to know is, can you get copper hair at home?
Well, you’re in luck because today, we’re diving into a detailed, step-by-step tutorial to help you achieve that beautiful bronze look without stepping foot in a salon.
Nothing screams uniqueness and confidence like a vibrant copper mane. It’s a style that turns heads and always stands out in a crowd. Plus, it has the magical ability to warm up your entire look, giving you that radiant glow you’ve always wanted, all season long.
Table of Contents
- How to dye your hair copper at home step by step.
- Step #1 Choose Your Shade
- Step #2 Prepare Your Hair
- Step #3 Bleach (if necessary)
- Step #4 Apply the Dye
- Step #5 Wait!
- Step #6 Rinse and Condition
- Watch and learn: How to dye your hair copper at home.
- Do I need to bleach my hair to go copper?
- Which is the best copper hair dye?
- Best copper hair dyes at a glance.
- TOP PICK!
- Garnier Olia Copper Hair Dye Permanent.
- How long will copper hair last?
- How to care for copper hair.
- Copper hair at home FAQS
- Parting words.
How to dye your hair copper at home step by step.
Ready to take the plunge and get that coppery glow? You’re in the right place!
With a little patience and the right tools, you can totally achieve this stunning look at home. Sit back, relax, and let’s walk through the process together.
What you’ll need:
Before we dive into the step-by-step process, let’s gather all the materials you’ll need to transform your hair into a beautiful copper masterpiece right at home.
- Hair color kit: Look for a high-quality, ammonia-free hair color kit specifically made for home use. We’d recommend a shade of copper that complements your skin tone.
- Bleach kit: Only if your hair is darker than the copper shade you’re aiming for. More on that later!
- Plastic gloves: To protect your hands during the coloring process.
- Old towel or shirt: To protect your clothes from any spills or drips.
- Vaseline: To prevent the dye from staining your skin.
- Hair clips: These will help you section your hair for even application.
- Hairbrush: To detangle your hair before you start.
- Mirror: A large one if possible, so you can see all sides of your head.
- Timer: You’ll need to keep track of the time once the dye is in your hair.
- Conditioner: To nourish your hair after the coloring process.
Step #1 Choose Your Shade
The first step towards achieving those stunning copper locks is by choosing the right shade.
Copper shades can range from deep, rich mahogany to softer, lighter hues with a hint of peach.
The choice depends on your skin tone, eye color, and personal preference.
A general rule of thumb is to go for cooler copper tones like reddish-browns if you have a fair complexion, while warmer tones with more gold and auburn shades work better for medium to dark skin tones.
Step #2 Prepare Your Hair
Before you begin applying hair dye to your tresses, it’s crucial to ensure that your hair is healthy and prepped.
This step can’t be underscored enough – it’ll mean the difference between a vibrant and even nod to copper or a dull, uneven mess!
Start with washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any buildup or dirt that may be present.
Follow it up with a good conditioner that will hydrate and protect your hair from chemicals and coloring agents.
Step #3 Bleach (if necessary)
If you have naturally dark hair, bleaching your hair is a must to achieve the copper hue you want.
Bleaching your hair can sound daunting, and it is!
It can be extremely damaging to your hair, so it’s best to head to a pro salon where experts can ensure that the process is done safely.
However, if you’re determined to bleach at home, make sure to do your research and follow product instructions to the tee.
Step #4 Apply the Dye
Now the fun part! It’s time to apply the copper hair dye.
Make sure you read the instructions provided on the dye kit packaging.
It’s essential to apply the dye using gloves, as it can stain the skin. It’s also important to follow the timing instructions – leaving it on for too long can cause damage to your hair, and tint it with more of a brassy look.
Divide your hair into sections to apply the dye evenly. Start with the roots and work your way downwards.
A great tip is to apply the dye with a brush or comb instead of using your hands. This ensures more precise application and avoids hair clumping.
Step #5 Wait!
Once you’ve applied the dye, you’ll need to wait for it to develop and process!
The time required may vary depending on the dye kit you choose and the desired shade.
Make sure to keep an eye on the time, and don’t leave the dye on for longer than what’s recommended. Remember, patience is key here!
Step #6 Rinse and Condition
Once the waiting time is up, it’s time to rinse the dye off thoroughly.
Begin by rinsing your hair with warm water until the water runs clear.
Make sure not to leave any residue, or it’ll affect the outcome of the color.
Follow up with shampoo and a color-safe conditioner to moisturize your hair and lock in the color. Voila! You now have beautiful, copper hair.
Watch and learn: How to dye your hair copper at home.
Here’s a great video tutorial that guides you through how to dye dark hair pumpkin spice copper step by step at home!
Do I need to bleach my hair to go copper?
If you’re want to transition from your natural color to a stunning copper shade, you might be worried about the bleaching process.
Well, here’s some good news for you: it’s not always necessary!
Whether or not you need to bleach your hair depends on your starting hair color and the shade of copper you want to achieve.
In general, if your hair is darker than the copper shade you’re aiming for, you will need to lighten it first. This usually involves bleaching.
If you’re starting with light or blonde hair, you might not need to bleach at all.
But if your hair is naturally dark, you’ll definitely need to lighten to make the copper color really pop.
Don’t worry though, if you’re not sure, get the help of a professional stylist who can assess your options and make the best decision for you and your hair.
Which is the best copper hair dye?
Ready to take the plunge and turn your hair into a fiery copper masterpiece? You’re going to need the right tools for the job!
That’s why we’ve painstakingly researched and compiled a list of the best-reviewed copper hair dyes on the market right now.
Each one has earned its place on our list thanks to rave reviews from users just like you, who love the lasting vibrancy and depth of color these dyes deliver.
Best copper hair dyes at a glance.
| Product | Looks like | Best for | Buy now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schwarzkopf Live Intense Colour Hair Dye, Mango Twist. |   | Warm tones and blending. | |
| Garnier Olia Copper Hair Dye Permanent. |   | Vivid, long lasting copper hair colour. | |
| L’Oreal Preference Infinia, Mango Intense Copper Hair Dye. |   | Super soft copper hair colour. | |
| Garnier Nutrisse Natural Light Copper Permanent Hair Dye. |   | Subtle copper hair colour. | |
| Clairol Nice’ n Easy Crème, Golden Auburn. |   | Warm, golden copper hair tones. |
TOP PICK!
Garnier Olia Copper Hair Dye Permanent.
Best for: Vivid, long lasting copper color.
This is a mighty vivid color and for us it came out just like the box! The natural glint and richness of the copper shade is stunning.
It’s a warm, almost golden-orange that made our skin look glowing too. It also lasted better than the other brands on this list. This is the best copper hair color for us.
Pros
- Vivid color that looks like the box
- Gives hair a glossy shine
- Great coverage for pesky greys
- Lasts longer than other brands
- Warm, golden orange tone with natural glint and radiance
Cons
- Can be too bright on dark ash brown hair (though it still gives great results)
How long will copper hair last?
Generally, you can expect it to last 4-6 weeks before it starts to fade. But with the right care, you can maintain that gorgeous copper glow for even longer!
How long your copper color will last largely depends on a variety of factors. It depends on things like:
- Your natural hair color: Lighter shades tend to hold copper color longer than darker ones.
- The health of your hair: Healthy, well-maintained hair holds color better and longer.
- Your hair care routine: The products you use and how often you wash your hair can greatly affect color longevity.
But don’t worry! Even if your hair is dark or not in the best shape, there are still ways to make your copper color last longer.
How to care for copper hair.
Here are some tips to extend the life of your copper hair:
- Use color-safe products: These are specially formulated to protect dyed hair.
- Minimize washing: Try to wash your hair only when necessary to prevent color fade.
- Protect from heat: Excessive heat can cause the color to fade, so limit use of styling tools and protect your hair when you do use them.
- Get regular touch-ups: Regular maintenance can help keep your copper hair shining bright.
Copper hair at home FAQS
What colors do you mix to make copper hair?
If you’re a dab hand with hair color and want to go for a DIY approach, then you’ll need some basic knowledge of hair color mixing theory.
To create a stunning copper shade, first, mix equal parts of red and gold hair dye to achieve a warm base.
Then, add in a small amount of ash brown to neutralize any brassy yellow tones.
And voila! You have a beautiful, coppery mane.
Remember, it’s important to always follow the instructions on the hair dye packaging and to do a strand test before applying the dye all over your hair.
What skin tone suits copper hair?
Copper is a warm hue, so it is flattering on those with an olive skin tone.
However, it also looks gorgeous on cooler complexions too!
There are plenty of copper shades out there for every complexion.
The key is to pay attention to the undertones of both your hair and skin.
Generally, warmer skin tones with golden or peachy undertones will complement copper hair well. Think of shades like honey, caramel, and bronze.
Cooler skin tones with pink or blue undertones can also look amazing, especially when paired with bright, fiery orange copper.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose a shade that makes you feel confident and beautiful in your own skin.
So go ahead and experiment until you find the perfect match – there’s really no right or wrong answer!
Do you need to fill blonde hair to go copper?
Generally speaking, if your hair is very light blonde or platinum blonde, filling it with a warm, golden shade will help the copper color adhere better and look more vibrant.
But, if your natural or current hair color is already a warm blonde or light brown with yellow or red undertones, you may not need to fill at all.
It’s always a good idea to consult with a professional colorist who can assess your hair’s condition and recommend the best course of action for the look you’re going for.
Can you go from dark hair to copper?
While it may seem daunting to go from dark hair to a bright copper shade, know that it’s totally possible.
The trick is to use bleach to lighten your locks, and it might take more than one round to get to the desired shade.
But, as with any bleaching process, it’s important to be conscious of the potential damage bleach can cause.
The good news is that with the right precautions and care, your hair can come out looking absolutely stunning with that fiery copper glow
Can I put copper over dark hair?
Yes! You absolutely can put copper over dark hair.
Copper is actually a great color for darker hair because it adds a lot of warmth and dimension.
One thing to keep in mind is that if your hair is very dark, you might need to lighten it first before the copper will show up as the vibrant shade you’re looking for.
But your stylist can help you figure out the best approach for your specific hair type and color, so don’t be afraid to ask for guidance.
You’ll might just love the way copper brightens up your look and complements your skin tone.
Parting words.
And there you have it! Now, you’re not only equipped with the knowledge to get that gorgeous copper hair at home, but also the tips to maintain and rock it like a pro. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to embrace the copper revolution!
