What is Cowboy Copper Hair? How to Get the Color Yourself

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Plus, how to maintain vibrant cowboy copper hair at home
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Cowboy copper is a trendy hair color that combines shades of warm browns and reds. Inspired by the leather of cowboy hats, this hair color began trending on social media like TikTok and Instagram after many celebrities adopted the style. In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about cowboy copper hair, including what it is, how to get the color at home, and how to maintain it. Plus, get the best hairstyling tips to show off your new color.

What is the cowboy copper hair trend?

Inspired by the color of leather cowboy hats, cowboy copper hair combines warm browns and red tones. The trend was popularized by many celebrities in 2023, paired with a Wild West-inspired fashion aesthetic. The color remains popular because it looks good on all skin tones, hair types, and natural hair colors.

Section 1 of 4:

What is cowboy copper hair?

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  1. 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. [1]
    • Cowboy copper, or cowgirl copper, gets its name because the color resembles the leather of cowboy hats.
  2. 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. [2]
    • 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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Section 2 of 4:

How to Get Cowboy Copper Hair at Home

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  1. 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. [3]
    • 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 equal parts Schwarzkopf Professional Igora Royal 6-77 + 7-57 + a squeeze of 6-00 . [4] This brand is available to the public, not just professional hairstylists, and can be purchased on Amazon.
  2. 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. [5]
    • If you have curly hair, show off your texture and your new color with some highlights. 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 the following formula to balance warm brown and copper: Schwarzkopf Professional Igora Royal 3g 7-77 + 1g 7-57 + 4g 6-6 + Igora Royal Developer . [6]
  3. 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. [7]
    • Try the following formula to keep some blonde undertones: Ion 8RC + 7RC + 7RR . Purchase Ion hair dye online or at a beauty supply store like Sally Beauty. [8]
    • 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. [9]
  4. A dye formula is a combination of different hair dye colors mixed together to create a new, unique color. The formula will tell you how many parts of each dye you’ll mix (ex: 1 part red for every 2 parts brown). Pour the correct amounts of each dye into a bowl, then use a dye brush to mix until the dyes are thoroughly combined. Then, follow your dye’s instructions to apply it to your hair . [10]
    • When applying hair dye, make sure your hair is clean and detangled and use a dye brush or applicator bottle to coat your hair. Be sure to wear gloves to keep the dye from staining your hands!
    • If you don’t have much experience dyeing hair, it’s probably best to find a pre-made formula online. This way, you’ll know the color will turn out how you expect it and you won’t have to try to calculate the parts yourself. Simply search “cowboy copper hair dye formula.”
  5. If you don’t have much experience dyeing your hair or are worried that the color might come out wrong if you mix your own box dyes, consider getting your hair dyed by a professional. Bring some reference photos so your stylist knows what color you want, and they’ll be able to whip up the color in no time. This may be the best way to ensure your hair turns out exactly how you want it. [11]
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Section 3 of 4:

How to Maintain Cowboy Copper Hair

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  1. 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. [12]
  2. 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, use color-safe shampoo and conditioner in place of your usual products. Follow the instructions on the bottle to maintain your color properly. [13]
  3. 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. [14]
    • 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.
  4. 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. [15]
  5. 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. [16]
    • If you can’t avoid heat altogether, use the lowest temperature setting possible.
  6. 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. [17]
    Jen Atkin, Celebrity Hairstylist

    Actively protect colored hair. "I always suggest using a UV protectant on the hair to protect color from fading or environmental damage. Moisturize and beware of sun damage — it can tarnish your strands and lead to frizz or color fadage."

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Section 4 of 4:

Hairstyles for Cowboy Copper Hair

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  1. 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!
  2. 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! [18]
  3. Since celebrities helped popularize the cowboy copper color, what better way to style the shade than to look like a Hollywood starlet yourself? Lightly curl your hair to create a glamorous look, or rock natural curls, if you have them. Pair them with your favorite dress and heels, and you’ll be ready to rock the red carpet. [19]
  4. Because of its associations with the Wild West, we often think of cowboy copper as a bold, edgy color, but it can be classy, too. If you want or need to tone down your look, pull your hair into a sleek, stylish bun for an elegant style.
  5. These days, bobs are all the rage, from blunt chin-length styles to asymmetric cuts and French-inspired bangs. If you’ve been thinking about chopping your hair off, why not go all out and dye it cowboy copper at the same time? [20]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.hair.com/cowgirl-copper.html
      2. ↑ https://www.hair.com/cowgirl-copper.html
      3. ↑ https://www.fashiongonerogue.com/cowboy-copper-hair-color/
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/pojkayV4pWw?t=150
      5. ↑ https://www.fashiongonerogue.com/cowboy-copper-hair-color/
      6. ↑ https://thehillcountryhoney.com/diy-copper-hair-color-at-home-copper-hair-color-formula/
      7. ↑ https://mirellamanelli.com/blonde-to-copper-red-hair-how-to-fill-hair/
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/BjtBHyN3VLY?t=312
      9. ↑ https://campus.edu/blog/cosmetology/balayage-hair
      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/c_LfzpWOooc?t=162
      2. ↑ https://www.hair.com/cowgirl-copper.html
      3. ↑ https://sites.uci.edu/morningsignout/2017/04/09/how-your-shower-routine-may-affect-your-health/
      4. ↑ https://www.vogue.com/article/how-to-maintain-colored-hair
      5. ↑ https://www.vogue.com/article/how-to-maintain-colored-hair
      6. ↑ https://brillarebeautyinstitute.edu/how-to-treat-damaged-hair/
      7. ↑ https://brillarebeautyinstitute.edu/how-to-treat-damaged-hair/
      8. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/best-ways-to-protect-your-hair-from-sun-damage
      9. ↑ https://www.vogue.com/article/guide-to-curtain-bangs
      10. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/gallery/most-popular-haircuts
      11. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/gallery/most-popular-haircuts

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