Are you ready to saddle up for the hottest hair trend this season? Cowboy copper hair is taking over social media feeds and celebrity heads everywhere! This rustic yet refined hair color blends rich copper tones with warm brown undertones for a look that’s both striking and natural. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the 5 simple steps to achieve the perfect cowboy copper hair shade that will have everyone asking about your colorist. Whether you’re a hair color newbie or a seasoned pro at switching up your look, this trendy copper shade might just be your next favorite style.
What Is Cowboy Copper Hair?
Cowboy copper hair is the perfect blend of rich, vibrant copper with subtle warm brown undertones that create depth and dimension. Unlike traditional copper or red hair colors that can sometimes look artificial, cowboy copper hair has an earthy, sun-kissed quality that makes it appear more natural and lived-in.
This gorgeous hair color trend works wonderfully on various skin tones. People with warm, golden, or olive skin will find cowboy copper hair particularly flattering as it enhances their natural glow. Those with fair skin and freckles can embrace their natural redhead vibes with this color. Even those with deeper skin tones can rock a darker version of cowboy copper for a striking contrast.
The cowboy copper trend is having its moment right now for several reasons:
- It offers a fresh alternative to the standard blonde or brunette options
- It has a versatile, seasonless appeal that works year-round
- The warm, golden tones are especially complementary in natural light
- It has that perfect balance of statement-making without being too extreme
- Social media influencers and celebrities have embraced the trend, showcasing its adaptability
5 Steps to Get the Perfect Cowboy Copper Hair Shade
Ready to transform your locks into a beautiful cowboy copper shade? Follow these five simple steps to achieve the perfect color.
1. Choose the Right Shade of Cowboy Copper
Finding the ideal cowboy copper shade for your unique features is the first step to nailing this trend. Your skin tone and natural hair color should guide your choice:
For fair skin with cool undertones:
- Opt for a lighter cowboy copper with more golden highlights
- This creates a beautiful contrast without washing you out
For medium or olive skin:
- A true, vibrant cowboy copper will complement your warm undertones
- Look for a balance of copper and brown that enhances your natural coloring
For deeper skin tones:
- Richer, deeper cowboy copper shades with mahogany or auburn undertones
- These darker variations create stunning dimension against your skin
Your starting hair color also matters. Naturally light or blonde hair will take to cowboy copper more easily, while darker hair might need lifting first to achieve the vibrant copper effect.
Remember, cowboy copper isn’t one-size-fits-all! There are many variations, from light strawberry-tinged copper to deep russet cowboy copper. Browse social media or hair magazines to find examples that speak to you.
2. Prep Your Hair for Coloring
Proper preparation is key to achieving vibrant, long-lasting cowboy copper hair. Start prepping at least a week before coloring:
Deep condition your hair twice in the week before coloring. This helps create a smooth, even base for the dye and minimizes potential damage. Use a protein-rich deep conditioner to strengthen your strands.
Put away your heat styling tools! In the days leading up to coloring, avoid flat irons, curling wands, and blow dryers as much as possible. Heat-damaged hair doesn’t absorb color evenly, which can result in patchy cowboy copper.
The day before coloring, use a clarifying shampoo to remove product buildup, oils, and impurities that might create barriers to color absorption. However, don’t scrub your scalp too hard, as this could cause irritation during the coloring process.
Trim any split ends before coloring. Damaged ends can soak up too much color and appear darker than the rest of your hair.
Avoid washing your hair on the day you plan to color it. The natural oils on your scalp will help protect your skin from irritation during the dye process.
3. Pick High-Quality Hair Dye or Visit a Colorist
When it comes to achieving the perfect cowboy copper hair, you have two main options: DIY at home or visit a professional colorist.
For the at-home approach:
- Look for copper hair dyes specifically labeled for warm red tones
- Choose demi-permanent colors for less commitment or permanent dyes for longer-lasting results
- Select high-quality brands known for vibrant copper shades
- Consider color-depositing conditioners to enhance your cowboy copper shade
For the salon approach (recommended for the best results):
- Bring pictures of cowboy copper hair you love
- Ask for a consultation before booking the full color service
- Use specific language when describing what you want: “warm copper with brown undertones” or “rustic cowboy copper with dimension”
- Discuss maintenance requirements upfront
When visiting a colorist, be sure to mention that you want cowboy copper hair specifically. Explain that you’re looking for that perfect blend of rich copper with warm brown undertones that gives the color its distinctive, earthy quality.
For the best results, many colorists might recommend a combination of all-over color with highlights or lowlights to create the multidimensional effect that makes cowboy copper hair so special.
4. Apply and Process the Color Properly
Whether you’re coloring at home or watching your stylist work their magic, understanding the proper application process helps ensure even, beautiful cowboy copper results.
For at-home application:
- Section your hair into four parts: two in front, two in back
- Start applying color at the roots, which typically need more processing time
- Work in thin sections for even coverage
- Don’t pile hair on top of your head, as this causes uneven processing
- Follow the processing time on the package—not longer!
For salon application, your colorist might use several techniques to achieve the perfect cowboy copper:
- Balayage or hand-painting for natural-looking dimension
- Foils for precise placement of lighter copper pieces
- Root shadowing for a lived-in, low-maintenance grow-out
Processing time typically ranges from 30-45 minutes for cowboy copper hair, but this varies based on your starting color and the specific dye used. Remember that watching the development closely is important—copper can intensify quickly!
After processing, thoroughly rinse with cool water until it runs clear, then use the conditioner provided in your color kit or a color-safe option recommended by your stylist.
5. Maintain the Cowboy Copper Hair Color
Cowboy copper hair requires proper maintenance to keep its vibrant, warm glow. Follow these essential care tips:
Switch to sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo and conditioner immediately. Regular shampoos can strip the copper pigments from your hair, causing it to fade faster. Seek out products that are specifically designed for red or copper hair colors.
Limit washing to 2-3 times per week maximum. Each time you wash, some color molecules wash away. On non-wash days, use dry shampoo if needed.
Heat styling is copper hair’s enemy! The high temperatures can break down color molecules. When you do use heat tools:
- Always apply a heat protectant first
- Use the lowest effective temperature setting
- Limit use to special occasions when possible
Protect your cowboy copper from the sun by wearing hats or using UV-protective hair products. The sun’s rays can quickly fade your gorgeous copper tones to a brassy orange.
Incorporate a color-depositing product into your routine once a week. These tinted conditioners or masks refresh your cowboy copper between full color sessions.
Regular gloss treatments, either at home or in the salon, can help maintain shine and vibrancy, keeping your cowboy copper hair looking fresh.
Expert Tips for Long-Lasting Cowboy Copper Hair
Do you want your copper cowboy hair to remain vibrant for a long time? Follow these expert tips:
Make sure to touch up your roots every 4 to 6 weeks. Copper colors tend to fade faster than other shades, so staying on top of maintenance is key. If you’re on a budget, ask your colorist about a root touch-up rather than a full recolor each time.
Invest in a good color-depositing conditioner in a copper shade. Using it once a week can extend your color’s life by weeks. Apply it to damp hair, leave it on for 5-10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
If you’re heading to the beach or pool, wet your hair with clean water first. This prevents your hair from absorbing as much chlorine or salt water, both of which can strip cowboy copper color. For extra protection, apply a leave-in conditioner before swimming.
Hard water can be harsh on copper tones. Consider installing a shower filter or using a clarifying treatment followed by a color-depositing mask once every two weeks.
Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and color fade from cotton pillowcases.
Avoid clarifying shampoos after coloring, as they’ll strip your beautiful cowboy copper color faster than regular shampoos.
Using purple or blue shampoo (often recommended for blondes) is NOT advised for cowboy copper hair, as these can dull your warm tones. Instead, look for products specifically formulated for red or copper hair.
Before and After: Real Results of Cowboy Copper Hair
The transformation to cowboy copper hair can be truly stunning! When done right, this color brings warmth and dimension that enhances your natural features.
When going from blonde to cowboy copper, expect your face to appear warmer and more radiant. The copper tones often bring out gold flecks in the eyes and add a healthy glow to the skin.
Those transitioning from brunette to cowboy copper will notice how the copper highlights catch the light, creating movement and dimension that might have been missing before.
Even those with naturally red hair who enhance with cowboy copper tones often comment on how the added warmth makes their color look more intentional and polished.
In the first week after coloring, your cowboy copper will be at its most vibrant. By weeks 2-3, it settles into a slightly softer version that many people actually prefer. This lived-in look is part of cowboy copper’s charm!
The grow-out process with cowboy copper tends to be more forgiving than with other colors, especially if your colorist created a root shadow or balayage effect. The warm tones blend more naturally with most natural hair colors.
Final Thoughts
Cowboy copper hair offers that perfect blend of boldness and wearability that makes it such a standout trend. The rich copper tones mixed with warm brown undertones create a versatile look that works for all seasons and many different personal styles.
Whether you’re looking to completely transform your look or just add some warm dimension to your current color, cowboy copper hair is an excellent choice that adds character and warmth to your overall appearance.
Don’t be afraid to take the plunge! With proper preparation, application, and maintenance, your cowboy copper hair can become your signature look. Remember that hair color is always an opportunity for self-expression, so make it your own.
Ready to embrace this gorgeous trend? Save this guide, gather your inspiration photos, and book that appointment with your colorist! Your perfect cowboy copper hair awaits. If you love your new look, be sure to check out our other hair color guides for more inspiration on your hair color journey!
