Written by Your Resident Hair Color Obsessed Beauty Editor
Copper hair is having a moment—again. From soft gingerbread shades to fiery auburn and rich penny tones, this vibrant hue is showing up on red carpets, runways, and your FYP. But if you’ve taken the copper plunge, you probably already know: it fades fast.
Unlike cooler shades, copper lives in that warm pigment family that tends to wash out quicker than we’d like. The good news? Keeping your copper color fresh, rich, and radiant isn’t rocket science—it just takes the right products, habits, and a little know-how.
Below, I’m breaking down everything you need to know to keep your copper hair from turning brassy, dull, or disappearing entirely by week two. Let’s keep that glow going, shall we?
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1. Wash Smarter, Not Harder
Hot water and frequent shampooing are public enemies #1 and #2 when it comes to preserving copper. Instead, wash your hair no more than 2–3 times a week. I’m not telling you to use cold water, use your regular tempeture water but try to do a quick cold water rinse at the end to seal your ends. It really works!
Pro Tip: Try a sulfate-free shampoo formulated for color-treated hair like this one. I swear by ones with gentle, moisturizing ingredients like argan oil or coconut milk—they cleanse without stripping your color instead they refresh your color every time you wash your hair between salon appointments.
2. Purple Shampoo? Skip It. Try Color-Depositing Instead
Purple shampoo is great for blondes, but it won’t do your copper strands any favors. In fact, it can actually dull your warm tones.
What you do need is a color-depositing conditioner or mask in a copper or red tone. These products boost vibrancy and refresh your color between salon visits or DIY dye jobs.
Editor Fave: Keracolor Clenditioner in “Copper”
3. Heat Styling? Protect at All Costs
Heat is a major culprit in color fade—and copper is extra sensitive to it. So if you’re curling, straightening, or blow-drying, you must use a heat protectant every single time.
Bonus Tip: Lower the heat setting on your tools (under 350°F is ideal), and always let hair air dry at least halfway before going in with heat.
4. Get a Glaze or Gloss Treatment (Trust Me)
If you’ve never tried a hair gloss, prepare to be obsessed. A color gloss adds shine, smooths frizz, and most importantly—refreshes your copper tones without the full commitment of re-dyeing.
Ask your stylist for an in-salon gloss every 4–6 weeks, or try an at-home version like this one from Garnier.
5. Hydration is Your Hair’s Best Friend
Color-treated hair is thirsty hair, and copper is no exception. Regular conditioning and weekly deep conditioning masks are essential to keep your strands soft and the color looking its best.
Look for masks with ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil, and proteins—they nourish, lock in moisture, and extend color life.
6. Sun & Pool? Proceed With Caution
UV rays and chlorine can wreak havoc on your copper hue. If you’re spending time in the sun or swimming, wear a UV-protectant leave-in spray and rinse your hair with clean water before and after dipping into the pool.
Hot Girl Tip: A cute silk scarf or wide-brimmed hat isn’t just a fashion moment—it’s functional protection for your hair color.
7. Don’t Overdo the DIY Dye
We love a good at-home color session, but overprocessing is a fast track to dull, dry hair. Stick to root touch-ups or color-refreshing treatments between salon appointments—and avoid box dyes unless you know exactly what you’re doing. When I had copper hair, I went to the salon every single month. Expensive? Yes! was it worth it? Yes! My hair was always looking fresh, healthy and natural because I never let me roots grow.
If you’re unsure, call your stylist (or at least DM them—we both know you follow them on IG).
The Bottom Line
Copper hair is bold, beautiful, and a little bit high maintenance—but totally worth it. With the right care, your strands can stay rich and radiant well past the first wash.
It’s all about preserving those warm tones, minimizing damage, and feeding your hair with the moisture it craves. Add a little shine here, a little tone-refresh there, and you’ve got a formula for hair color that stays lit—even when your roots start to grow out.
So go ahead—rock that copper crown. Just don’t forget your heat protectant, mmkay?
