Having copper or red colored hair can be fun and eye-catching, but it also requires special care to keep the color looking vibrant. Using a shampoo made for copper hair is one of the best ways to maintain your color and prevent fading. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which shampoo is right for you?
How Copper Hair Color Fades
Before getting into shampoo options, it’s helpful to understand why red and copper hair fades in the first place. There are a few key factors at play:
- Oxidation – Exposure to air and water causes the cuticle of the hair to open and the color molecules to wash out.
- Sun exposure – UV rays cause faster fading, especially for warm copper tones.
- Heat styling – Frequent use of hot tools like blow dryers and straighteners causes fading over time.
- Clarifying shampoos – Harsh sulfates strip color molecules from the hair.
- Hard water – Mineral deposits can dull down vibrant copper shades.
The right color-depositing shampoo can help combat these fading factors by replenishing lost pigment each time you wash. But not all shampoos are created equal when it comes to color maintenance.
What to Look for in a Shampoo for Copper Hair
Here are the key ingredients and qualities to look for when choosing a shampoo to keep your copper color looking fresh:
- Violet or blue pigments – Counteracts brassiness and warms tones by adding cool, red-toned pigments.
- UV filters – Help protect hair from fading due to sun exposure.
- Anti-oxidants – Prevent fading by neutralizing free radicals and closing the cuticle.
- Lower pH – Keeps the cuticle closed so color stays put. Ideal pH is 4-5.
- Sulfate-free formula – Gentler cleansers preserve hair color better than harsh sulfates.
- Deep conditioning – Hydration and moisture help seal in hair color.
- Light hold – Prevents color transfer from wet hair to clothes and skin.
Best Shampoo for Keeping Copper Hair Vibrant
With the help of colorists and reviews, we’ve rounded up the top-rated shampoos for maximizing the longevity of copper hair color:
1. Overtone Daily Conditioner
Overtone specializes in colored hair care and their Daily Conditioner is a favorite for restoring copper vibrancy. It contains nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil and shea butter along with color-depositing pigments to neutralize brassiness and boost color intensity.
2. Redken Color Extend Magnetics
This sulfate-free shampoo uses amino ionic liquid crystals to adhere to the hair and deposit subtle color pigments over time. The anti-fade complex with vitamins C and E helps protect copper hair from oxidation.
3. Matrix Total Results So Silver
The violet pigments in this shampoo are ideal for neutralizing warm, brassy tones in light copper hair. The formula also contains silk amino acids to increase shine and softness.
4. Joico Color Balance Blue Shampoo
In addition to blue-violet pigments, this shampoo contains Quadramine Complex, a low-pH, gluten-free formula that seals the cuticle and prevents color molecules from escaping. It’s safe for daily use.
5. Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Shampoo
The copper pigments in this shampoo fill in gaps in hair color for optimized vibrancy. Anti-fade ingredients like astaxanthin provide long-lasting color protection and strength against damage.
DIY Options for Color Treatment
In addition to specialized shampoos, you can create DIY color-depositing treatments at home using semi-permanent hair dye or food items like black tea.
Semi-Permanent Dye
Using a semi-permanent dye in a matching copper shade once a week can help refresh your color. Opt for a formula without peroxide or ammonia to avoid damage. Apply it like a shampoo and leave on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing.
Black Tea Rinse
Brew a strong pot of black tea, let it cool, and use it as a final rinse after shampooing. The tannins in black tea help seal the cuticle and enhance shine. For best results, spray hair with cool water first.
Beet Juice Rinse
Blend up some raw beets or use beet juice to make a conditioning hair rinse. The pigments in beets can help strengthen copper hair color. Rinse out after 5-10 minutes.
Daily Care Tips
In addition to using the right shampoo, following these tips will help you get the most out of your copper hair color:
- Wash less frequently, every 2-3 days instead of daily.
- Rinse hair with cool water and use lower temperature settings when heat styling.
- Apply a UV protecting hair product before going outside.
- Use a sulfate-free, color-safe conditioner and mask for hydration.
- Trim your hair regularly to remove dry, damaged ends.
- Avoid chlorine exposure by wearing a cap in the pool.
How Often to Touch Up Your Copper Color
To keep your copper hair looking vibrant and shiny, plan to get a touch up appointment with your colorist every 4-6 weeks. Here are some signs it’s time for a refresh:
- Noticeable dark regrowth at roots.
- Brassy or warm tones creeping in.
- Color looking faded, dull or muddied out.
- Dark understrand banding showing through.
Getting professional color touch ups on a regular basis will ensure your copper shade stays bright and beautiful.
Can I Go Swimming With Copper Hair?
You can still enjoy swimming and hot tubs with copper colored hair, but chlorine and salt water can cause faster fading. Here are some tips to swim without wrecking your red hue:
- Wet hair with clean water before swimming – this prevents it from soaking up as much chlorine.
- Apply a pre-swim color protecting spray.
- Wear a tight-fitting cap while swimming.
- Rinse out immediately after getting out of the pool.
- Use a clarifying shampoo to remove chlorine buildup.
- Follow up with a hydrating deep conditioner.
Taking these precautions will allow you to enjoy the water without having to sacrifice your fabulous copper locks!
Common Copper Hair Color Q&A
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about maintaining copper and red hair color:
What is toner and do I need it for my copper hair?
Toner is a translucent hair color without ammonia or peroxide. It can be used to neutralize brassiness and provide shine. Ask your colorist if a toner is recommended to keep your color crisp between appointments.
Can I lighten my copper hair at home?
It’s not recommended to lighten colored hair yourself with bleach or highlighting kits from the drugstore. This can cause damage and patchiness. See your stylist if you want to go lighter.
What’s the difference between red and copper hair dye?
True reds contain a higher concentration of warm, orangey red tones. Copper hair colors have more subtle warmth with hints of gold, amber and brown tones mixed in.
How soon after coloring can I wash my hair?
It’s best to wait 2-3 days before washing newly colored copper hair to allow the cuticle to fully close and oxidization to complete. Use a dry shampoo if needed.
In Conclusion
Keeping copper hair looking salon-fresh requires diligent color maintenance. Invest in a good color-depositing shampoo, protect hair from UV exposure, limit heat styling, and get consistent touch up appointments. With the right home care and professional treatments, you can rock the copper trend without losing your shine and vibrancy.
| Shampoo | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Overtone Daily Conditioner | Color-depositing pigments, nourishing oils |
| Redken Color Extend Magnetics | Anti-fade complex, amino ionic liquid crystals |
| Matrix Total Results So Silver | Violet pigments, silk amino acids |
| Joico Color Balance Blue | Blue-violet pigments, Quadramine Complex |
| Pureology Strength Cure Blonde | Astaxanthin, anti-fade protection |