It looks like the rise of copper hair colour is here to stay with Cowboy Copper topping the trends. We spoke to the experts to get the lowdown on the trending shade of the season.
It’s no secret that coppers and rich, warm tones always make their way back into the salon around autumn/winter. And after exploding on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, Copper Cowboy is the shade everyone is after. “This is an evolution from the red, copper trend that happened around this time last year,” says Amelia Evans of HARE & BONE Art Team. “Everyone is more into natural tones this season and I’m loving it.”
What is Cowboy Copper?
“The Cowboy Copper hair colour is a fusion of leather tones – hence the ‘cowboy’ name. It’s a mixture between warm brown and copper tones and tends to be an all over colour, or colour blocking application,” Carolyn Newman, International Educator and Colour Expert, tells us. But just how do you make this look relatable for all clients? “It’s a very personal and individual shade,” Carolyn adds. “The shade you create is a mixture of warm brown with copper so you can adjust the quantities and make a bespoke colour to suit your client’s hair and skin tone.”
Likewise, Emma Fowler, Colour Educator, says: “It’s a great way to take a brunette or blonde in an exciting new colour direction. You can be subtle with apricot or peach toners over pale blondes, or on darker hair you can go bold with level 5 or 6 in deep rich copper golds. If your client suits more red than gold, then customise them a copper red shade so they can have on trend colour that still complements their complexion.”
Can Clients Achieve Cowboy Copper With a Box Dye?
"Cowboy copper is a super fun, playful colour but it’s also high maintenance and complex to achieve. It’s fast fading and so I’d always recommend clients see an experienced colourist for this," says Katie Allan, Founder of MAYFIVE Hair.
How Can Clients Maintain Their Cowboy Copper Colour?
Like all hair colour, it’s important clients adapt their haircare routine to maintain their Cowboy Copper hair. “Clients need to be aware that colours like copper need a good home maintenance routine,” Emma says. “I advise a range of colour and restoring products for both colour and condition, often with the addition of a colour pigment conditioner.” What’s more, Carolyn recommends: “Advise clients to use a sulphur free shampoo and a colour protect range, plus a colour protection hair masque twice a week to help maintain moisture and shine.”
"Ensure clients hydrate their hair from within by drinking lots of water and by using hydrating, moisturising products. Using conditioning hair masks at home will also help keep their colour vibrant and healthy. Stay out of the sun as this can accelerate fading, and use heat protection and low heat styling methods as heat can also cause fading," says Katie Allan.
Image by Emma Fowler.
