Loved by celebrities from Kendall Jenner to Sydney Sweeney, this rustic shade is perfect for this season.
Get ready for the mane event: cowboy copper, the must-have hair colour of autumn 2024.
Whether you’re sipping pumpkin spice or heading to a cosy bonfire, this warm, earthy hue will have you looking like the embodiment of autumn.
What is cowboy copper, you ask? Think rich, burnt copper tones with a hint of sunlit warmth — a shade that brings all the cosy, rustic vibes we love as the temperature dips.
Here, L360 looks at the hottest hair trend bound to lasso you some compliments.
Why cowboy copper is the ultimate autumn shade
Autumn is all about those warm, comforting colours that match the mood of the season.
Copper, with its vibrant blend of red, orange and gold undertones, is the perfect fit for the changing landscape. It’s rich, dimensional and works with the autumnal wardrobe — think knits, plaids and brown boots.
Read more: 8 autumn nail trends you’ll want to rush to the salon for
Ellie Kaps, CEO of Pretty Gorgeous Hair, says: “This rich, warm colour not only adds a touch of vibrancy to your overall look, but also enhances your natural complexion, giving your skin a lovely glow.
“The versatility of copper hair makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of skin tones, from fair to deep, highlighting your facial features and creating a striking contrast that draws attention to your eyes and smile.”
Cowboy copper is a softer, subtler take on the typical copper hue, with a bit more brown and bronzy warmth that gives it a laid-back, lived-in vibe — hence the cowboy reference.
It’s the colour for those wanting to turn their hair from yee-naw to yee-haw.
Celebrity copper hair inspiration
Need some inspo? Some of your favourite fashionistas have rocked various shades of copper over the years.
First up, we’ve got the trend queen herself, Kendall Jenner, who previously debuted a glossy copper look that sent Instagram into a frenzy. Her version leans towards a cooler, golden copper, perfect for that chic, high-fashion vibe.
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Then there’s Sydney Sweeney, whose switch to a sultry burnt copper shade gives her usual blonde an autumnal edge.
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Gigi Hadid also tried her hand at a soft auburn copper earlier this year, proving that copper is the shade for golden girls wanting to embrace a seasonal switch-up.
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Ciara previously dipped her toes into the trend with some copper lowlights to warm up her hair while not going full-blown copper.
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What to ask for in the salon
So, you’re ready to giddy up and go copper. Now what?
Hair expert Nicole Petty shared how to achieve the cowboy copper look when you hit the saloon – sorry, we mean salon.
Nicole, from hair extension company Milk + Blush, says: “Ask your stylist for warm auburn hair with copper and golden undertones. Your stylist will be best positioned to give advice on how to customise the colour to suit your features.
“Be sure to bring some reference photos of the shade you want, as this will help to make sure that you and your stylist are on the same page about the result you’re looking for.”
Read more: Autumn 2024 fashion trends you don’t want to miss — including the TikTok colour of the season
Best at-home copper hair dyes
If you’re more of a DIY gal, here are some of the best at-home copper dyes that can give you salon-worthy results without leaving your bathroom:
L’Oréal Paris Casting Crème Gloss in Amber Copper — A brilliant non-permanent option for anyone testing the waters of copper. It leaves your hair shiny and with a luscious warm tint.
Purchase from Look Fantastic for £9.99.
Garnier Olia in Intense Copper — This ammonia-free formula is perfect for deeper copper tones with a vibrant, glossy finish.
Purchase from Look Fantastic for £11.99.
Clairol Natural Instincts in Spiced Bronze — Another semi-permanent option that adds subtle coppery depth without the long-term commitment.
Purchase from Superdrug for £6.99.
Wella Colour Charm in Copper Red — A bold, permanent option that’s highly pigmented. Perfect if you want a more intense cowboy copper.
Read more: M&S shoppers are praising the new autumn 2024 collection — here are 8 pieces to nab
How to maintain your copper colour
Copper hair is fabulous, but like a wild horse, it can be tricky to keep under control.
Nicole Petty says, “Once you’ve dyed your hair, avoid washing it for at least 72 hours to allow the hair cuticle to seal in the colour.
“You can increase the longevity of your colour by washing it using warm or cold water. Hot water will strip the copper tones out of your hair and make it fade much faster.”
Make sure you’re stocked up on a few essentials to keep your colour fresh and vibrant:
- Sulphate-free shampoo: Keep that colour locked in with a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo that won’t strip your hair.
- Colour-protecting conditioner: Nicole says: “Opt for colour-protecting products that will preserve the colour and apply plenty of heat protectant to hair before styling. Apply a deep conditioning treatment to keep locks hydrated and healthy.”
- Heat protectant: If you’re using hot tools, always spritz on a heat protectant to prevent your copper hue from fading.
Nicole adds: “To keep the copper tone looking vibrant, visit the salon every six to eight weeks for a colour touch-up.”
Read more: The best makeup, and skincare and hair products to buy on TikTok Shop this autumn
Other autumn 2024 hair trends
While cowboy copper reigns supreme, this town is big enough for more autumnal trends:
Caramel bronde: If you’re not quite ready to go full copper, this blend of caramel and brunette is the perfect transitional shade. It’s warm, soft and gives a natural glow.
Mulled wine: Rich, deep burgundy tones inspired by your favourite autumn drink. This shade works especially well on darker hair, adding a mysterious, moody vibe.
Dark red is the colour of the season, with it dominating fashion and nail trends, too.
Blush blonde: For the fair-haired folks, a touch of rose or blush added to your blonde brings a subtle pinky hue that’s super on-trend for autumn.
Buttery blonde: Those not ready to ditch their blonde locks can add some autumn warmth with golden, buttery tones that soften and brighten their look.
