13 Copper Hair Colors You’ll Love for Fall, From Smoky Cinnamon to Soft Strawberry

Key Points

• Copper hair is a fall-ready refresh that enhances hair’s shine.

• Those with cool undertones should opt for a reddish copper color, while those with warm undertones should select a more golden shade.

We may have been all about beachy, sun-kissed balayage over the summer, but now that fall is in full swing, we can’t resist the allure of rich, glossy, copper hair color ideas that mirror the orange leaves falling and the sprinkles of cinnamon dusted on our hot lattes. Turns out, it’s actually pretty genius for us to think this way, too. “[Copper hair] is a great way to refresh and shine up color for the change of season,” says Lorena M. Valdes, colorist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. “It gives hair a chance to get the shine back that it may have lost from constant sun exposure.”

As you’ll see from the 13 looks below, there’s a shade of copper that can work for anyone, from dark auburns to fiery golden tones. Keep reading for our favorite fall hair ideas and for Valdes’ tips for achieving a shade you’ll love.

Meet Our Expert

Lorena M. Valdes is a colorist at Maxine Salon in Chicago.

How to Pick The Best Shade for You

Your undertones are the most important factor to consider when choosing a copper hair color, more so than your actual skin tone, says Valdes. If you have warm or golden undertones, she recommends true, vibrant copper colors that skew golden, or even orange if you’re feeling bold. Those with cooler undertones should look to reddish hues instead. If you have neutral undertones, you have more room to experiment. However, Valdes notes you may want to go for a color that’s a similar intensity to your skin tone (i.e, a medium-toned copper for a medium complexion).

Your natural hair color and the level of upkeep you’re willing to commit to will also play a role. A copper-tinged strawberry blonde is easiest to achieve and maintain on blonde, light brown, or naturally red hair, while a deeper, more dimensional shade might be perfect for those with naturally dark hair. According to Valdes, an all-over copper color from root to tip requires a refresh every four to six weeks. Highlights are lower-maintenance, with eight to twelve weeks recommended between touch-ups.

Keep your copper vibrant in between touch-ups with a color-safe shampoo and conditioner. Always apply a heat protectant before styling, and Valdes says to minimize exposure to salt water and chlorine.

What to Ask for at the Salon

“I would avoid describing copper as everyone’s interpretation is different,” says Valdes. “Bringing in a picture of the color you want is perfect.”

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Pumpkin Spice

This medium, orangey copper shade shines on Leighton Meester and brings out the warmth of her dark brown eyes. A subtle lightening of her eyebrows plays into the look’s soft, monochromatic effect.

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Rich Russet

Keke Palmer’s head-turning look features a gorgeous, cinnamon-y shade of copper and a deep brown root. This can be achieved with a shadow root or a root tap, which will help you maximize time between salon appointments.

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Cherry Copper

Goodbye, cherry cola hair! Say hello to cherry copper. Shay Mitchell’s burnished red hue is fiercely fall-ready, with subtle, face-framing highlights to add extra dimension.

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Toasted Copper

As if a braided bob wasn’t chic enough already, Amandla Stenberg rocks the summer-to-fall style in a toasty, reddish copper hue. Her brows are defined with a mahogany color, rather than black, to complement her trending hair color.

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Natural Copper

We won’t tell anyone whether you’re a natural redhead like Jessica Chastain. With a dimensional, golden shade of copper and regular applications of a color-enhancing gloss, your secret’s safe with us.

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Dark Copper

A dramatic dark copper complements Sophie Turner’s cool undertones and makes her icy blue eyes pop. Subtle highlights are sprinkled throughout the moody base color.

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Copper Velvet Cake

This deep reddish hue exudes luxury. It’s especially ideal for those with naturally black or dark brown hair.

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True Copper

As Valdes mentioned, true copper colors stun on those with warm undertones. A flash of honey blonde highlights further enlivens this look.

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Copper Balayage

Balayage is a low-maintenance color technique that’s easier to grow out than all-over color or highlights. Here, Hari Nef’s dark brown hair is dipped in a shade of bright, mesmerizing copper, with bleached brows to match.

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Rooted Copper

This just in: A dark root can be extremely chic, as evidenced by actress Hoyeon Jung. Ask your stylist for a shade of copper that’s a similar depth to your natural color for a cool, lived-in effect as it grows out.

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Light Copper

A light, strawberry copper warms up fair complexions and sparkles in the fall sun. For the most natural-looking results, ask your stylist to add dimension with strategically placed babylights.

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Highlighted Copper

Celebrity hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos dubs this bold, fiery look “LiLo Red,” after Lindsay Lohan’s signature color. Bright copper hairlights and extra-long extensions deliver a style that’s completely unforgettable.

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Butterscotch Copper

If you love the soft, dimensional butteriness of the old-money blonde trend, but want to experiment with copper, take a page out of Sadie Sink’s book. Her neutral shade is understated and elegant.

Read the original article on InStyle