Cowboy Copper Hair: A Colorist Explains How to Get the Look

Red hair colors have been on a chart-topping streak with no signs of slowing down. If you're color-curious but not sure how to get in on the red trend, “cowboy copper” might be the perfect gateway hue for you. This celeb-endorsed copper shift is warm and vibrant but comes without the fear factor of going dramatically bold. Plus, cowboy copper works in any season (it's especially hot this summer), can be achieved with almost any base shade, and is universally flattering (just look at one of our writers who tried it). Cowboy boots and cutoffs not required, but definitely encouraged.

We hit up two celebrity colorists to get their take on the must-know info on cowboy copper hair before your next date with the salon.

Experts Featured in This Article

Cherilyn Farris is an LA-based celebrity hairstylist and colorist.

Chaz Dean is a colorist and creator of Wen Hair Care.

What Is the Cowboy Copper Hair Color Trend?

Think of cowboy copper as your standard coppery-red with a slow southern drawl. It uses your natural undertone, often a brown or dark blond, to subdue the intensity — resulting in a mellowed tone compared to more fiery copper counterparts. “Because this color generally has a natural background tone to it, a person's natural color can be the background tone, giving the shade a very customized, skin-tone-flattering tone,” LA-based celebrity hairstylist Cherilyn Farris tells PS.

How to Achieve Copper Cowboy Hair

Because this is a subtler take on copper, it's also somewhat less involved both in the salon and at home. While you can try to DIY the look with some cowboy copper hair dye, it's best to see a professional for this look. “Depending on a person's starting color, cowboy copper can often be achieved in a single-process color session, making it a quicker, less-intensive service,” says colorist Chaz Dean. However, if your natural shade is dark black or deep brunette, Dean advises that you'll need more lifting work (at least five levels) to get to copper.

“The good thing is the underlying pigments you're working with are red/orange tones. If you are in the blond family, you could potentially come out very vibrant during the process if the stylist doesn't fill the hair back in with enough brunette.”

According to Farris, asking your colorist for “a natural copper that plays off your natural level and undertone” can help steer you in the right direction, but both Dean and Farris agree that bringing photo references will save you and your colorist a lot of guesswork in landing on the perfect-for-you copper.

The in-salon upkeep of cowboy copper hair will ultimately depend on how your hair was processed to begin with. “If it's achieved with a permanent color or lightening was needed, and the new growth will be obvious six to eight weeks,” Farris says. “If it's achieved with a demi-permanent color or toner/gloss, upkeep could be six to 12 weeks, depending on your specific needs.” Your colorist will be able to walk you through upkeep before you commit to the color.

How to Maintain Cowboy Copper Hair at Home

In their nature, red-based hues can be quick-fading, making them somewhat tricky to maintain — but there is plenty you can do to keep your color vibrant between salon visits. “One of the main things I always stress is to avoid the use of hot water and shampoos, which will ultimately strip your hair and wash color down the drain,” Dean says.

Opt for sulfate-free, color-protection shampoos and bump the tempurature of your showers down a few notches to help combat excess pigment loss. In the summer, environmental factors like sun exposure, chlorine, and saltwater can also speed up fading. This makes maintenance slightly more intensive in warmer months for avid beach and pool-goers.

One of the easiest ways to maintain your color is with hydrating masks (Farris is a fan of Oribe's Masque for Beautiful Color ($66)) and pigment-depositing conditioners. We're fans of Good Dye Young's DYEposit in Copper ($20) or the beloved Christophe Robin Shade Variation Mask in Chic Copper ($53). These work by delivering a small amount of pigment to the hair with each use to perk up dull copper.

Hannah Cassidy is a PS contributor.