What is cowboy copper hair?
Cowboy copper hair is a combination of red and brown tones. The color is slightly darker than regular copper and has a more earthy, reddish tone. Depending on your starting color and your desired result, cowboy copper can be more reddish or more golden. Because of its versatility, it looks good with practically every skin tone, hair type, and natural hair color. Cowboy copper, or cowgirl copper, gets its name because the color resembles the leather of cowboy hats.
How to Get Cowboy Copper Hair at Home
If you have brown hair, add copper and red tones for a warm color. Since cowboy copper combines red and brown tones, if you’re a brunette, you’re already halfway there! Look for dyes with a lighter copper base, especially if your hair is naturally on the darker side. This will help give you the warm tones you need to rock cowboy copper. If you’re not ready to commit to a permanent dye, consider using a semi-permanent color reviving gloss. These come in a variety of colors and are a quick, simple way to add copper tones to your hair. For a simple cowboy copper hair dye formula, try Argan Oil 5RG + 8RG or Bondbar 5RC + 8RC.
If you have red hair, add brown to tone down the orange. If brunettes need to add red tones for cowboy copper hair, it only makes sense that redheads need to add some brown. Choose a brown hair dye with warm undertones, like a bronze or caramel color. If your hair is on the lighter side, choosing a darker shade of brown may be preferable. Some expert stylists recommend this dye formula to balance warm brown and copper: Schwarzkopf Professional Igora Royal 3g 7-77 + 1g 7-57 + 4g 6-6 + Igora Royal Developer.
If you have blonde hair, add a dark copper to avoid brassiness. As a blonde, you may need a deeper copper dye to get the desired effect of cowboy copper hair. Lighter shades may leave your hair too brown or brassy. Look for dyes with caramel or bronze tones, as well. Some expert stylists recommend this dye formula to go from bright blonde to cowboy copper: Equal parts Redken Shades EQ 05 CB + 06GG + 07CB + 07CC + Shades EQ Processing Solution.
How to Maintain Cowboy Copper Hair
Wash your hair in lukewarm or cold water. Hot water causes the hair cuticle to open up, which allows the color to bleed out more quickly. Wash your hair under the coldest water you can stand to prevent it from getting dull. If you really can’t handle cold water, lukewarm should also prevent the dye from running as much.
Use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner. Hair products that aren’t specifically for color-treated hair can often strip the color. To keep your cowboy copper hair as long as possible, swap out regular shampoos and conditioners for those that clearly state they’re color-safe. Follow the instructions on the bottle to maintain your color properly.
Shampoo less often. The more you wash your hair, the more color you’ll lose. Try to shampoo your hair as infrequently as possible so the color remains in the hair cuticle longer. If you need an extra boost between washes, consider using a dry shampoo. Depending on your hair type, you may be able to go a few days between washes. If you need to wash your hair every day, use the other tips provided here to help maintain your color, like washing in cold water and using a color-safe shampoo.
Lock in moisture with a hair mask. Not only does moisture keep your hair healthy, but it can also help ensure your color lasts. Use a color-safe hair mask or leave-in conditioner to give your locks some extra moisture. If you blow dry your hair, opt for a heat protectant to keep your hair from drying out, as well. Toner gloss can also help prevent fading.
Avoid styling your hair with heat. In addition to causing breakage and other damage, excessive exposure to heat can cause your hair to lose its luster. After dyeing your hair, try to avoid using styling products like hair dryers, curling wands, or straighteners to keep your hair healthy and shiny. If you can’t avoid heat altogether, use the lowest temperature setting possible.
Stay out of direct sunlight. UV light fades color, and that includes hair color, as well. Try to avoid direct sunlight as much as possible. When you are out in the sun, wear a hat or apply hair sunscreen to keep the rays off of your head and protect your hair’s vibrant color.
Hairstyles for Cowboy Copper Hair
Embrace your inner cowgirl with some braids. If you’re into the Wild West aesthetic that inspired cowboy copper hair, why not go all out? Twist your new locks into a pair of cute braids and get ready to rock your denim vest and cowboy boots. Or, opt for a single braid or ponytail for a similar look. Cowboy copper also looks great with box braids!
Add some highlights to make curly hair pop. If you want to show off your curls’ texture and dimension, highlights are the way to go. For best results, choose warm, amber tones to match the cowboy copper color. Then, wear your hair down so everyone can admire your curls!
Consider a balayage for a soft, natural look. Balayage is a free-handed method of highlighting your hair that results in a natural gradation of lightness toward the ends. This often gives you a soft, sun-kissed appearance and is a great way to tone down your color if you don’t want something too bold.
Rock curtain bangs for a vintage look. If you want to look like a rockstar from the 70s, cowboy copper is a great option. Get some curtain bangs or a shag and throw on your favorite leather jacket or a pair of bell bottoms. This look is sure to turn heads!
Cowboy Copper Origins
Cowboy copper is a result of Western trends in haute couture. Cowboy copper was one of the hottest hair trends in 2023, after many celebrities like Kendall Jenner, Sophie Turner, and Megan Fox rocked the color. The shade often accompanied ensembles inspired by the Wild West/Americana aesthetic, and it was also a trendy fall color. Soon after, the term “cowboy copper” blew up on social media sites like TikTok and Instagram, with thousands of people wanting to know how to achieve the color themselves.
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