7 Stunning Copper Hair Color Ideas That Are Sure to Turn Heads

They say blondes have more fun and that brunettes do it better, but don’t write off copper queens so fast. This fiery hue—which can range from sun-kissed strawberry tendrils to deep, burnished auburn—is definitely the hair color family more likely to turn heads and make a lasting impression. Keen on going copper yourself? We asked celebrity colorists to share the most gorgeous copper hair color ideas out there to inspire your next salon visit. 

1. Deep, Rich Copper

This rich, red-leaning hair color proves you don’t have to go bright or show with copper hues. “I love Emma’s hair when it’s a deep copper—it contrasts beautifully with her fair skin and green eyes,” says Kristina Moore, a stylist and colorist at BeautyWorx Hair & Nail Salon in Phoenix, Ariz. There’s an air of mystery and sophistication with it, she says, while it also feels like a classic Hollywood look. 

2. Copper Penny 

Lean into the metallic tones of copper with a bright and bold penny-inspired hue. “While this can read more as a fashion-forward copper of sorts, it still has a natural feel,” says Cassie Cohen, a celebrity stylist at the Chris McMillan Salon in Los Angeles, Calif.

She adds, “The tones of her color are more yellow and orange forward. I love this color because of the dimension, as well as the mix of copper tones she has. Ashlee’s colorist has strategically placed highlights that allow for a lot of dimension and movement in her color.” These highlights give the illusion of lighter copper mixed in with deeper tones. 

3. Strawberry Copper 

Copper naturally has elements of orange-y warmth in it, but you can quickly soften the drama factor by fusing a bit of pinkish-leaning strawberry tones. “This look may seem much less red than the others, but it’s special to me for the client experience. So often, clients with natural copper hair are looking to diminish the ‘ginger’ and start going lighter; we push into full blonde and skip over the stunning strawberry blonde,” says Steven Picciano, celebrity stylist and artist for National Goldwell. This is your sign to embrace those pink and red tones.

4. Cowboy Copper 

Picciano says one of his favorite copper hair color ideas is cowboy copper, a fun and flirty shade that combines brunette and copper tones. The result is a natural, warm, soft, and rich hair color. “It’s a fun, flirty shade that sits well with multiple skin types,” Picciano tells us. “It can be the perfect upgrade for a brunette who feels blah, and it’s also wearable at all ages. The deep warmth compliments lighter as well as olive skin tones and provides beautiful contrast to the face.”

5. Sun-Drenched Copper 

If you can’t choose between blonde and copper, consider fusing the two for a golden-y, sun-drenched hue. “Many clients who love Isla Fisher’s hair choose this copper shade to enhance their natural tones or achieve a natural ‘redhead’ look, as it mimics the multi-dimensional warmth and brightness of real red hair,” Moore says. To achieve this in the salon, she says she’d fuse a blonde golden copper with light blonde copper for that warm, multi-dimensional finish.

6. Warm Auburn Red

Another one of Hollywood’s favorite copper beauties is Sophie Turner, who has experimented with various red tones over the years. “This warm auburn red is sophisticated, soft, and professional,” Moore says. “This is another shade that clients often bring into the salon as their inspiration, as it offers dimension and vibrancy without being overly bold. Plus, this versatile color flatters a range of skin tones.”

7. Vivid Gold Copper 

Actress Jessica Chastain is revered for her acting skills, but she’s also a major source of hair inspiration in salons across the country. Picciano says this vivid gold topper tone is one of his favorites, and that it’s a common request in his chair. “I love this because as a colorist it is very gratifying to color every hair and yet have people assume your client is rocking their natural color,” he says. He says this look is achieved with a gold-leaning copper gloss for a shiny, bright finish.