Makeup for copper hair

Copper hair is a unique, beautiful color that can look just as natural and effortless as it does high-maintenance. Whatever your style, we’ve got makeup tips for you!

If you’re looking for a natural look, start with a foundation that has a matte finish. Make sure to choose one that matches your skin tone exactly—you don’t want to leave any pink or orange tones showing through. For eyeshadow, try a neutral color like brown or gray on the lid and black in the crease. Apply mascara to the top lashes only, and don’t forget some lip balm!

If you want to bring out those gorgeous highlights, try using a highlighter on your cheekbones, down the bridge of your nose, and even on top of your cupid’s bow (the little divot above your upper lip). As far as eyeshadow goes… well, why not? You can go crazy with colorful shadows if you like! But keep it simple around the rest of your face. Keep in mind that too much makeup will draw attention away from those beautiful highlights; keep it subtle and let those shine!

Gingers rejoice! Red hair of every hue and shade is all the rage this year. The hot pizzazz that is copper has got us completely obsessed. All everyone wants to know is, can you get copper hair at home?

In the world of hair colour, it’s a new and exciting trend. This golden red shade is just as beautiful as it is bold. But will it suit you?

If you’re looking to try out this look at home, there are a few things you need to know before going all-in to get the coveted bronze glow.

We’re here with everything you need to know to get the on-trend look on point!

Know Your Real Shade

It’s important to know what kind of red you are. Most reds fall into one of three shades: copper (orange) red, violet red, and red red, or true red. Natural reds, or natural-looking reds, are in the copper category; very dark reds are classified as violet red; and red reds are recognizable by their vibrant, true color. These last two shades do not occur in nature.

Knowing your true shade will dictate your color-palette options. If you’re a copper top, you want to make sure orangey makeup and clothing won’t clash with your hair hue. The same goes for violet redheads and purple shades, and true reds and red shades — and all three should be wary of pinks.

Your Color Palette

Makeup-wise, start neutral. Staples that look great on everyone are Nars blush in Orgasm or ELF blush from its studio line of blush and contouring powder ($3!) and black mascara — we love the new Lash Blast Fusion from Cover Girl and the Anastasia Lash Lifting Mascar). Green eye makeups (opens in new tab) are great on redheads, as is purple and any color you might find in an autumnal forest. For a more daring look, metallics work with every shade.

Your Brows

A great way to try out different brow colors without commitment or major catastrophe is with tinted mascara or a colored brow tamer like ELF’s Eyebrow Treat and Tame. Aim for one shade darker than your red hair color.

Your Complexion

Many natural redheads have freckles (which we love!). It’s up to you whether you want to go with sheer coverage or a higher pigment to cover them up. But either way, make the same choice for your whole face: Don’t use a super-coverage concealer in spots and sheer powder in other places, as that can end up looking splotchy.

Going from Blonde to Red?

Of course you will want to warm up your brows (see above), but you’ll find you need a little less makeup in general. And while you may need to reevaluate your lipstick and blush colors (especially the pinks and reds), try orange and copper tones in addition to greens on your eyes.

Going from Brunette to Red?

Again, unless you’re going to a very dark or winey shade of red, you’ll probably want to soften your eyebrow color a shade or two. You can still use the cheek and lip shades you’re used to, but they will stand out more that they did on you when you were a brunette. Other than that it’s the same as blondes changing to red: Just try on your blush and lipsticks and get reacquainted with how they look on you.

What is copper hair colour?

This hot hue is one of this years most popular red hair shades right now. It’s a bold, fiery, statement colour that gets you noticed and keeps you warm from season to season.

It’s a heady mix of golden, red and orange tones that magically combine to create a soft, subtle colour with a pop of brightness.

Along with rich auburn and cool rose gold, it’s one of the most coveted hair shades this year.

Despite it’s metallic name, most natural redheads have copper tones in their hair rather than the red tones you’d expect.

Natural red hair looks more like a dark red copper-blonde than an actual vibrant red. Those kinds of red colours are thanks to the wonders of our best friends the box dyes.

It’s also a fantastic base colour for all kinds of styles. From copper balayage to ombre, dark roots, colour melts, hair streaks and highlights. For all kinds of hair lengths and textures too.

From the deep dark copper tones of pumpkin to the more soft and subtle peach copper shades, there’s a tone or shade for everyone.

Check out the latest looks for ideas and inspiration.

What skin tone looks good with copper hair?

This colour is extremely versatile but whether or not it really suits you depends on the natural colour of your skin, your eyes and your base colour to begin with.

This colour really shines on people with a lighter base colour and those with fairer skin tones will glow in the contrast it makes. With tanned and olive skin, it’ll add richness and bring out your warm undertones.

Although copper is a warm colour that will suit people with warm tones, there are ways to cool it down.

If your undertones are cool, go for darker red-brown copper shades and steer away from colours that are too light or vibrant like mango or pumpkin.

You can also blend highlights and hair streaks to tone your hair down with ashy blonde or brown colours. These will add beautiful dimension and texture too.

Use our checklist below to find out whether your undertones are warm or cool.

If you have cool undertones:

Your skin tone is pink or pale.
You blush easily!
Jewel and pastel colours are so your thing.
The colour yellow washes you out and does not look good on you.
You have blue not green veins in your wrist.
Pearls and silver jewellery look awesome on you.

If you have warm undertones:

You have red or golden tones in your natural hair.
Your skin tone is golden, tan or olive.
You might have freckles.
You have green not blue veins in your wrist.
You suit bright or rich shades better.
Gold jewellery looks awesome on you.

What hair styles suit copper hair?

Copper hair looks great in a variety of styles, including sleek and straight, curly or wavy.

If you have layered hair, your copper locks will look especially fab with some tousled waves or curls.

For a red carpet-worthy look, try a chic updo or half-up, half-down style.

No matter what your hair type or length, there’s a gorgeous copper hairstyle out there for you!

Copper balayage

Copper balayage is a fantastic way to add a touch of fiery copper to your locks.

This technique involves painting on highlights in strategic places to create a natural-looking, sun-kissed effect.

You can ask your stylist for a few face-framing highlights, or go for an all-over copper balayage.

If you’re not ready to commit, try doing a copper balayage on your natural hair color.

This way, you can add as much or as little of the fiery hue as you want.

Plus, since the highlights are painted on, they will gradually fade out over time. So if you change your mind about the look, it won’t be permanent!

Red ombré

Another fun way to wear copper hair is with a red ombré.

This look involves transitioning from a rich, copper hue at the roots to a brighter, more fiery shade at the ends.

You can go bright and vibrant with a pillarbox red, or more subtle and softer with deep pink rose. You can also add blonde highlights at the end for a super gorgeous firey effect.

You can ask your stylist to do a gradual ombré, or go for a more dramatic effect by making the transition closer to your mid-lengths.

Blonde highlights

If you have a copper base, dyed or natural, you can also add blonde highlights to create a beautiful contrast.

The blonde highlights will help bring out the red tones in your hair, and give it a multidimensional look.

Go for cool blonde shades like ash or beige to contrast the warm tones or add golden blonde and honey shades for a hot look.

Auburn lowlights

If you want to give your copper hair a little depth, try adding some auburn lowlights.

This will help create a more natural-looking color, and give your hair some deeper. richer shades of reddy-brown.

Shadow roots

One of the hottest hair trends right now is dark roots. This look involves leaving your natural hair color at the roots, and transitioning to a lighter shade towards the ends.

It’s a great way to add depth and dimension to your hair and it’s a low maintenance style that grows out beautifully.

Is copper hair hard to maintain?

Because it’s part of the red colour gang, it means, just like red hair dye, it will unfortunately fade rather quickly.

This is because the dye is made up of extra large molecules that slide out of your hair with every wash.

To keep the colour locked in, you’ll need to use specially formulated shampoos and conditioners to make the colour stay rich and vibrant for longer.

How can I get copper hair at home?

It’s always a good idea to have a chat with your hairdresser if you’re thinking of trying a new colour. They’ll be happy to help.

How well your hair will take to this shade depends on the condition it’s in, whether it’s already colour treated and other considerations, as well as what your base colour is right now.

If your base colour hair is light brown to blonde – you have a good base for darker copper colours. If you want to go lighter or achieve that ultra-bright orange/ginger colour, you’ll need to pre-lighten your hair with bleach first.

If your base colour is mid-brunette and darker – you’ll need to pre-lighten your hair with bleach first to get the right colour base.

If you’re feeling confident and fancy taking the plunge at home, you’re in luck.

There are a wonderful range of bang on-trend copper box dyes that you can buy off the shelf to achieve that perfect all over bronze sheen.

Which copper hair dye should I use?

Here are some of the best copper box dyes you can try to put some bold, bronze beauty on your bonce today!

Our TOP PICK is below but you can read more about each one in our in-depth copper hair dye reviews.

Always do a strand test to determine what the colour will look like on your hair, compared to the picture on the box. And a patch test to check for any allergies.

Makeup for copper hair