The Copper Hair Comeback: What This Celebrity Stylist Wishes Every Woman Knew Before Booking

The Copper Hair Comeback: What This Celebrity Stylist Wishes Every Woman Knew Before Booking

Walk into any salon right now and you'll hear it: "I want copper." Browse Instagram for five minutes and you'll see it everywhere—from soft apricot tones to rich, burnished auburn. The copper hair trend has officially returned for 2025, and it's more wearable than ever.

But here's what I need to tell you after three decades of styling coloured hair for celebrities and everyday women: the consultation is the easy part. Keeping that gorgeous copper vibrant? That's where most women struggle.

I've watched too many clients invest hundreds of dollars in beautiful copper colour, only to see it fade to brassy orange within weeks because no one told them the truth about maintaining it. So let me be the one to tell you—not to discourage you from going copper (it's stunning!), but to ensure your investment actually lasts.

Why Copper Is Having Its Moment (Again)

Let's start with the good news: copper is universally flattering in a way few colours are. Whether you're going for soft peachy tones or deep auburn, there's a copper shade that works with virtually every skin tone.

Colour experts are calling it everything from "pumpkin copper" to "cowboy copper," but the unifying thread is warmth. After years of cool-toned ashy blondes and icy brunettes dominating, warm tones feel fresh and modern again.

The appeal is obvious:

  • Adds dimension and depth naturally
  • Creates a sun-kissed glow year-round
  • Works beautifully with autumn and winter wardrobes
  • Looks expensive and intentional (not accidental)
  • Photographs beautifully in natural light

But here's what the trend pieces don't tell you: copper is one of the most high-maintenance colours in the spectrum. The very pigments that make it so vibrant also make it prone to fading, and the warm tones can turn brassy if you're not careful.



The Uncomfortable Truth About Copper Hair

In my many years behind the chair, I've learned that the prettiest colours are often the most temperamental. Copper falls squarely in that category.

Here's why:

Copper molecules are larger and fade faster. The warm red and orange pigments that create copper tones are some of the first to wash out. This isn't a flaw in your colourist's technique—it's just chemistry.

Heat accelerates fading dramatically. Every time you style with hot tools, you're essentially "cooking" those colour molecules. This is why copper-haired clients who style daily see their colour turn brassy or orange within 2-3 weeks, while those who air-dry can stretch it to 6-8 weeks.

Hard water is copper's enemy. Mineral deposits from hard water create a film on the hair shaft that blocks moisture and makes copper look dull and muddy. If you have hard water (most Australian homes do), this battle is constant.

UV exposure changes the tone. Sun doesn't just fade copper—it changes the underlying tone, often shifting it toward orange or even strawberry blonde.

None of this means you shouldn't go copper. It just means you need to approach it differently than other colours.

What I Wish Every Woman Knew Before Going Copper

1. Your Colourist Consultation Should Include a Maintenance Reality Check

Before you book that copper appointment, have an honest conversation with your colourist about:

  • How often you heat style (daily? weekly? never?)
  • Your current haircare routine
  • Your budget for colour-safe products
  • Whether you're willing to adjust your styling habits
  • Your water quality at home

If your colourist doesn't ask these questions, that's a red flag. The best colour in the world won't stay beautiful if your lifestyle doesn't support it.

2. The First Week Determines Everything

The first 7-10 days after getting copper are absolutely critical. This is when the colour molecules are still settling into the hair shaft. What you do (or don't do) during this window affects how long your colour lasts.

Week One Rules:

  • No washing for 48-72 hours after colouring (I know, I know—but it matters)
  • Use only lukewarm or cool water when you finally do wash
  • Skip heat styling entirely if possible
  • Avoid chlorine, salt water, and excessive sun exposure
  • Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase (cotton creates friction that lifts the cuticle)

I've seen clients follow these rules consistently and get 8+ weeks of vibrant copper. I've also seen clients who washed with hot water the next day and were back in my chair within three weeks for a colour refresh.

3. Your Heat Tools Are Probably Too Hot

Here's where I lose some people, but I'm going to say it anyway: if you're using heat tools above 350°F (175°C) on coloured hair, you're actively destroying your investment.

Most women don't realise how hot their tools are running. Many flat irons and curling wands heat to 400-450°F (200-230°C) by default. That's hot enough to literally boil water inside your hair shaft, and it absolutely decimates copper pigments.

But here's the problem: if your tools are inefficient or poorly designed, you think you need that high heat to get results. You don't. You need better tools - look at the DCS that I created especially to deliver salon results with no heat damage.

Professional-quality tools work at lower temperatures because:

  • They maintain consistent heat (cheap tools have hot spots)
  • They transfer heat efficiently (you don't need multiple passes)
  • They seal the cuticle instead of damaging it
  • They often include ionic technology that protects colour

I've styled copper hair on celebrities for red carpets, editorials, and everyday appearances. The secret isn't hotter tools—it's smarter ones.

4. Your Shampoo Choice Matters More Than You Think

If you're washing copper-coloured hair with regular shampoo, you're literally washing your money down the drain.

What you need:

  • Sulfate-free formulas: Sulfates strip colour faster than anything else
  • Colour-depositing shampoos: These add back pigment with every wash
  • UV protection: Yes, shampoo can have SPF—use it
  • Chelating treatments: These remove mineral buildup from hard water (weekly)

How often to wash:

  • Ideal: Every 3-4 days maximum
  • Acceptable: Every 2-3 days if you must
  • Colour-killing: Daily washing (please don't)

Between washes, use dry shampoo at the roots only. Full disclosure: I'm not a fan of most dry shampoos because they create buildup, but if it helps you skip a wash day, it's worth it.

5. The "Brassy" Phase Is Preventable

Everyone dreads the brassy orange phase, but it's not inevitable. Brass happens when:

  • Red pigments fade faster than orange ones
  • Mineral buildup dulls the hair
  • UV exposure changes the tone
  • Heat styling oxidises the colour

To prevent brass:

  • Use a purple or blue shampoo once weekly (yes, for copper—it neutralises unwanted orange)
  • Install a shower filter to remove minerals
  • Apply a heat protectant with UV filters before every styling session
  • Get glossing treatments every 4-6 weeks (in-salon or at-home)
  • Avoid chlorine completely (it turns copper green)

If you're already brassy, don't panic. A professional toner can neutralise it, or you can use a colour-depositing mask at home to refresh the tone.


The Styling Habits That Destroy Copper (And What to Do Instead)

Let me walk you through a typical morning for most of my copper-haired clients before I intervene:

  1. Wake up with hair that needs help
  2. Wash with hot water and whatever shampoo is in the shower
  3. Roughly towel-dry (lots of friction)
  4. Apply some heat protectant (maybe)
  5. Blow-dry on high heat until mostly dry
  6. Run flat iron through damp sections at 400°F multiple times
  7. Wonder why colour looks dull within two weeks

This is what actually works:

The Colour-Safe Styling Routine

Step 1: Wash Smart

  • Use lukewarm water only
  • Colour-safe, sulfate-free shampoo
  • Focus on scalp, not lengths
  • Rinse with cool water (seals the cuticle)
  • Squeeze water out gently—never rub

Step 2: Prep Properly

  • Apply leave-in treatment to damp hair
  • Use a heat protectant with UV filters
  • Gently detangle with wide-tooth comb
  • Let air-dry for 10-15 minutes before heat styling

Step 3: Style at Lower Temperatures

  • Wait until hair is 100% dry before using normal hot tools - If you're lucky enough to be using the DCS, start at 80% dry
  • Set tools to 300-330°F (150-165°C) maximum - For the DCS set the plate temp and the hair dryer temp, plus the fan speed for precision
  • Work in small sections (reduces need for multiple passes) - the DCS let's you work in larger sections while not requiring a lot of passes
  • Keep tool moving—never clamp and hold
  • Use tension, not excessive heat, to create style - the DCS has the tension built into it with the bristles, so this will be simple for you drying, brushing and styling at the same time 

Step 4: Seal and Protect

  • Finish with cool air or cool shot setting
  • Apply lightweight oil or serum to ends only
  • Avoid touching hair excessively throughout the day

This routine takes approximately the same amount of time, but the results last exponentially longer.

When Your Tools Are Working Against You

I need to address something uncomfortable: most women are using tools that make it impossible to maintain copper.

If your flat iron takes 3-4 passes or more to smooth a section, it's not hot enough—or more likely, it's poorly designed. If your blow dryer takes 20 minutes to get hair fully dry, it's underpowered. If your curling iron creates uneven results, its heat distribution is inconsistent.

The solution isn't turning up the temperature. That's like trying to fix a dull knife by pressing harder—you're just creating more damage.

What professional-quality tools provide:

  • Consistent temperature (no hot spots that damage hair)
  • Efficient heat transfer (fewer passes needed)
  • Ionic technology (neutralises static and seals cuticle)
  • Multiple heat settings (so you can use the lowest effective temperature)
  • Automatic shut-off and safety features

 

I'm not saying you need to spend thousands on tools. I'm saying you need tools that are designed with hair health in mind, not just convenience or price point.

When I created the DCS (Dryer Curler Straightener), this was exactly the problem I was trying to solve. After decades of watching women damage their coloured hair with ineffective tools, I wanted to prove that you can get professional results at lower temperatures at home—if the engineering is right.

The Real Cost of Copper (And How to Make It Worth It)

Let's talk money for a moment, because copper isn't cheap:

Initial Investment:

  • Professional colour service: $200-500+ (depending on starting colour and length)
  • Colour-safe haircare products: $80-150
  • Professional-grade styling tools, like the DCS (if needed): $200-400

Maintenance Costs (every 6-8 weeks):

  • Root touch-up or full refresh: $150-350
  • Colour-depositing treatments: $30-50
  • Glossing services: $50-100

Annual cost: Approximately $2,000-4,000

Now, I'm not telling you this to discourage you. I'm telling you this so you can make an informed decision about whether copper is right for your lifestyle and budget.

Here's how to make it worth every dollar:

  1. Choose the right shade from the start. Work with your colourist to select a copper tone that complements your skin's undertones. The right shade requires less correction and maintenance.

  2. Invest in quality styling tools once. One good tool that you'll use for years beats buying cheap replacements every six months—and protects your colour investment.

  3. Master at-home maintenance. Learn to use colour-depositing masks and glosses between salon visits. This can extend your colour by 2-3 weeks, saving hundreds annually.

  4. Adjust your washing frequency. Every wash day you skip is money saved and colour preserved. Work up to washing 2-3 times weekly maximum. DCS users report being able to go 5-7 days between washes, this saves their colour!

  5. Protect your hair from heat and UV. Prevention is always cheaper than correction. Use heat protectants consistently and wear hats in strong sun.




What Success Actually Looks Like

I want to set realistic expectations. Even with perfect maintenance, copper fades. That's not failure—that's the nature of the colour.

What you CAN expect with proper care:

  • Vibrant, true-to-tone copper for 4-6 weeks
  • Gradual fading to a softer, still-beautiful tone (not brassy orange)
  • 6-8 weeks between major colour services (not 3-4)
  • Hair that feels healthy, not fried
  • Compliments on your colour, not concern about damage

What's NOT realistic:

  • Copper that never fades or changes
  • Zero maintenance required
  • Being able to style with high heat daily without consequences
  • Colour that looks exactly the same on week 8 as week 1

If you can embrace the evolution of the colour and commit to the maintenance, copper is absolutely worth it. If you want set-it-and-forget-it hair, copper probably isn't your colour.

My Professional Recommendation

After over 30 years of working with every hair colour imaginable, here's my honest take on copper:

Go copper if you:

  • Love the warmth and dimension it adds
  • Are willing to adjust your haircare and styling routine
  • Can commit to the maintenance schedule
  • Want a colour that makes a statement
  • Have found a colourist you trust completely

Reconsider if you:

  • Wash and heat-style daily without flexibility
  • Want the lowest-maintenance option possible
  • Have a very tight budget
  • Don't want to invest in colour-safe products
  • Aren't ready to change your current routine

There's no judgment either way. The right hair colour is the one that works with your life, not against it.

The Bottom Line

Copper hair is having a major moment, and for good reason—it's gorgeous, flattering, and makes a statement. But it demands respect.

The difference between copper that looks expensive and copper that looks regrettable comes down to three things:

  1. Choosing the right shade for your skin tone
  2. Using proper haircare products consistently
  3. Styling with tools and techniques that protect color

Skip any one of these, and you're fighting an uphill battle.

The good news? Once you dial in your routine, maintaining copper becomes second nature. You'll know which products work, which temperature settings preserve colour, and how to extend time between salon visits without sacrificing vibrancy.

Your Copper Hair Action Plan

Before You Book:

  • Screenshot 3-5 inspiration photos showing the exact copper tone you want
  • Research colourists who specialise in warm tones (check their portfolios)
  • Budget for initial service + first 3 months of maintenance
  • Clear your schedule for longer appointment times (copper takes time to do right)

The First Week:

  • Follow the 48-72 hour no-wash rule
  • Use only lukewarm water
  • Skip heat styling completely if possible
  • Invest in colour-safe products immediately

Ongoing Maintenance:

  • Wash 2-3 times weekly maximum with sulfate-free shampoo
  • Use colour-depositing treatments weekly
  • Style at 330°F (165°C) or lower
  • Apply heat protectant with UV filters before every styling session
  • Sleep on silk/satin pillowcases
  • Schedule glossing treatments every 4-6 weeks

When to Seek Help:

  • If colour turns brassy within 2-3 weeks (something's wrong with your water or products)
  • If hair feels crunchy or straw-like (heat damage)
  • If you're seeing breakage or excessive shedding (over-processing)
  • If the tone is pulling too orange or too red (needs professional toner)

Final Thoughts from Behind the Chair

I love copper hair. I love the confidence it gives my clients, the way it catches light, how it looks in photos. It's a colour that demands attention in the best way.

But I also respect it. I respect that it requires commitment, investment, and education to maintain properly.

If you're ready to do it right—with the proper products, techniques, and tools—copper will reward you with one of the most beautiful, head-turning colors you've ever worn.

Just promise me one thing: don't book the appointment unless you're ready to honour the maintenance. Your hair (and your wallet) will thank you.

Ready to make copper work for your hair? The key is protecting your colour investment with smarter styling techniques—not hotter tools. Look into a professional tool like the DCS that replaces all your heat damaging tools, cuts your styling time drastically and the exposure to heat is fine tuned. Explore more professional hair care tips and techniques on our blog, and discover how the DCS can help you maintain vibrant colour longer.

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