Going copper from blonde hair can seem daunting, but with the right approach, it can be an easy and successful color change. Copper hair has been a popular trend for the past few years, loved for its warm, reddish tone that flatters many skin tones. The key to an easy transition is to lift your blonde hair light enough so the copper shade will show through vividly. Understanding the coloring process and properly preparing your hair beforehand will help ensure your new copper mane is a hit.
How much lighter than your current blonde do you need to go?
When going copper from blonde, you’ll need to pre-lighten your hair to create an even, pale canvas for the copper color. Here’s a guide on how light you need to go:
| Current Hair Level | Lift to Level |
|---|---|
| Dark blonde | Pale yellow blonde |
| Medium blonde | Very light blonde |
| Light blonde | Pale yellow blonde |
The level system rates hair lightness from 1 (black) to 10 (lightest blonde). For medium to light blondes, you’ll need to lift up to a level 9 or 10 to allow the warm copper tone to come through. The paler and more even your blonde, the better the copper will deposit.
How to prep your hair for copper
Prepping your blonde hair properly before applying copper color is crucial for getting even results. Here are some tips:
– Clarify and deep clean your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup. Buildup can cause uneven coloring results.
– Use a pre-color treatment or bond-building treatment to strengthen and protect your hair from the lifting and coloring process.
– Avoid using conditioner or mask before coloring as they can create barriers that block even dye deposit.
– Dry your hair fully before applying color. Any remaining moisture can dilute and alter the color result.
– Remove any semi-permanent or temporary dyes, which can mix with permanent color unevenly.
Thoroughly prepping your hair ensures you’ll get the bright, consistent copper tone you want when dyeing.
Best methods for lifting your hair to pale blonde
The key step in transitioning to copper hair is lightening your current blonde shade as high as possible. Here are some effective lifting methods:
| Method | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Bleaching | Uses bleach powder and developer to dramatically lighten hair. More damaging but gets very light fast. |
| High-lift blonde dye | Ammonia-free dye that lifts up to 3-4 levels lighter. |
| Color remover | Removes artificial pigment but doesn’t lighten natural pigment. |
For darker or more stubborn blondes, bleaching may be required to reach the palest shades. Always use a bond-building additive like Olaplex to minimize damage when bleaching. On lighter blondes, high-lift dye or color remover may work to gently boost you to pale blonde. Consult a colorist to determine the best lift method for your hair.
Permanent vs. semi-permanent copper dye
When you’ve achieved a blank canvas at your desired lift level, it’s time to go copper! Here’s an overview of permanent vs. semi-permanent copper hair color:
| Type | How Long It Lasts | Color Results |
|---|---|---|
| Permanent | 4-6 weeks | Deeper, more opaque coverage |
| Semi-permanent | 4-12 shampoos | Sheerer, translucent color |
Permanent copper dye will last longer and create a richer, more opaque copper shade. Semi-permanent options offer sheerer coverage with a translucent copper effect. Semi-permanent fades out gradually over washes instead of root regrowth. Choose permanent for maximum durability or semi for a softer wash of copper color.
Best copper hair dye options
When selecting your copper hair color, look for shades featuring red or orange undertones as opposed to gold. Here are some top-rated dye picks for gorgeous copper hair:
| Product | Shade Name |
|---|---|
| L’Oreal Superior Preference | Light Auburn Red |
| Clairol Natural Instincts | Radiant Copper |
| Schwarzkopf Keracolor Clenditioner | Copper Chrome |
| Redken Color Extend Brownlights | Copper |
Do a strand test first when trying a new copper shade to ensure you like the tone against your skin. Intensify the copper color with a gloss treatment as it starts to fade out.
Caring for your new copper hair
Regular care is essential to keep your new copper hair looking salon-fresh. Here are some top tips:
– Use sulfate-free shampoo and cool water washes to prevent fading. Hot water opens the cuticle causing color to escape.
– Use a nourishing conditioner and mask to keep your lightened strands moisturized and healthy. Avoid over-conditioning the roots which can lead to limpness.
– Use a color-depositing shampoo or conditioner weekly to refresh your copper tone and prevent brassiness.
– Protect hair from UV rays with hats and heat styling damage with thermal protectant sprays to maintain vibrancy.
– Get a gloss service done every 4-6 weeks to boost shine and seal in color.
With proper at-home care and maintenance, your copper hair will maintain its striking, head-turning effect for weeks on end!
Common concerns when transitioning to copper
If you’re hesitant about taking the copper plunge, these are some typical worries – along with tips to overcome them:
| Concern | Tips to Address |
|---|---|
| Hair damage from lightening | Use bond-protecting additives, deep conditioning masks, Olaplex, and limit lightening sessions. |
| Skin tone not suiting copper | Opt for a more subtly translucent copper on darker skin tones. |
| roots looking obvious | Get roots touched up every 4-6 weeks to blend new growth. |
| Missing your blonde | You can go back blonde after! Use a color remover and toning treatments. |
Knowing how to prevent damage, match your tone, and handle roots and removal will help make copper hair color worry-free!
Calling in the experts for assistance
While you can go copper at home, visiting a professional colorist offers advantages like:
– Expertise on the right lifting and coloring technique for your hair
– Access to professional-strength lighteners and dyes
– Custom-blended color for an exact shade match
– Strand tests to gauge how your hair will react
– Aftercare guidance and maintenance between visits
Salon copper coloring services range from $100 to $250 depending on your location and the salon. Partial highlight services or glosses can offer more affordable options between full color appointments. Getting a consultation can help provide insight on whether to go pro or DIY it.
How long does it take to go copper from blonde?
The full processing time for going copper from your current blonde shade will depend on your starting point and how light you need to go. Here is a general timeframe:
| Lightening to pale blonde: | 1-2 hours |
| Applying copper color: | 30-50 minutes |
| Total time: | 1.5 to 3 hours |
The lightening process takes the longest, especially for darker starting shades. Processing times for permanent vs. semi-permanent copper will also vary. Plan to set aside an afternoon for the initial copper transformation – the results are worth it!
Maintenance timeline for copper color
One concern about bold copper hair is having to constantly maintain it. Here is a general guide to timing for keeping your copper color vibrant:
| Roots touched up: | Every 4-6 weeks |
| Glossing treatment: | Every 4-6 weeks |
| Deep conditioning: | Weekly |
| Color-depositing wash: | Weekly |
| Trim ends: | Every 8-12 weeks |
Book your touch-up and gloss appointments ahead of time to stay on top of root growth and fading. With good maintenance habits, you can keep your copper hair in tip-top shape!
Pros and cons of copper hair
Before committing to a dramatic color change, weigh the pros and cons. Here are the key factors to consider:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Warmer, more unique than blonde – Complements light eyes and pale skin tones – Fun way to experiment with a new hue – Attention-grabbing and stylish |
-Roots grow out quickly and obvious -Can turn brassy or fade out over time -Requires more maintenance -Permanent color change – going back difficult |
For many, the eye-catching effect of copper hair outweighs the higher maintenance. Embracing the root regrowth and deliberately transitioning back to blonde can help offset the cons.
Conclusion
Making the leap from blonde to copper hair is easier than you may think! With proper lightening, prep,product selection, and professional help if desired, you can rock this attention-grabbing shade beautifully. Understanding time commitments, maintenance needs, and using protective care will keep your copper hair in tip-top condition. While bolder than blonde, copper hair makes a fun, lively style change if you’re seeking to revamp your look. Go forth and shine copper!