I think there are endless possibilities for creating a new hair color idea. Hair colors come and go. Sometimes seasonal colors are more popular like golds or coppers and sometimes people are drawn to more neutral colors. As of spring 2023, I’m loving all the new options. Last year was pretty bland with just blonde and strawberry hair and now all the colors with depth are bringing so much more life into hair. The new collection of colors are going to be so much more than just neutrals to give some richness and dimension to the hair.
With the addition of gingers and new copper colors, a variety of warm tones will be added to the collection. Personally, I got really tired seeing the same neutral tone on clients over and over. Hair color is more than just a trend, there’s a mentality behind it and it’s very evident in those who opt for bold warmer colors. Get your headphones on because the warm colors are on? I’m excited to show you 25 of my favorite new looks that demonstrate what red can do this year.
#1: Long Wavy Copper with Soft Layering Through the Ends
When copper tones are added to long hair, some internal movement is needed so that the hair does not fall flat, and these layers are doing just enough to achieve this. There is enough variation to capture light at different angles, and this is what gives some depth to the copper tones that a single process would not achieve. This is thick hair doing what it does best. The warmth in this specific copper is stunning, especially and medium-deeper skin tones, although I’ve seen it work everywhere when the undertone is right. You will want a color depositing conditioner in the shower between appointments to keep this from becoming too brassy.
#2: Long Spiraled Copper Waves with Natural Texture
The hair is certainly eye-catching because of the beautiful copper color and the fullness of the spirals. The hair is really striking. The styling is very minimal, which is what I appreciate. With this much movement, it clearly avoids looking overstyled. For hair that is of medium density, the waves and curls will remain separate and create a more defined look instead of clumping together. If you have this kind of curl pattern, a leave-in conditioner and some air drying will really do the trick.
#3: Rich Red Waves with Depth Through the Midshaft
This copper has more blue in it than the other examples which moves into true red territory and alters the whole vibe. This color is more intentional and almost editorial, which looks effortless with the loose relaxed waves. The highlights woven through the mids keep it from being one-toned, which is a really big risk with reds that are more saturated at longer lengths. A sulfate-free shampoo is not optional here. It is the difference between looking expensive for six weeks versus two.
#4: Voluminous Copper Layers with Face-Framing Pieces
I love how these face-framing strands are working. Since they draw attention to the face regardless and open it up, they are shorter and easier than the rest. The body throughout the crown tells me this is thick hair, likely naturally so, that has been layered rather sparingly, just enough to allow it to breathe. I like that the copper here is leaning warm, without crossing into orange. It’s that sweet spot where the color becomes more expensive and intentional, which not every copper achieves.
#5: Long Red Curtain Bangs with Lived-In Color
The combination of the softness of the burled fringe and brightness of red hair is exceptional. The darker roots and lighter coppery ends have a grown in quality that is very nice. It is not often that hair looks better as it grows further from the salon, but that is the case here and it deserves to be noted. The subtle wave in the hair adds a polished touch and is the right choice.
#6: Fine-Textured Long Copper with Movement Through Layers
This hair is finer than most others listed, so I would like to point out that people with finer hair think copper won’t work for them. This isn’t true, especially when the layering is done to create the illusion of fullness instead of actually removing weight. The color also does some of that work as the difference in tone between the root and the ends gives the illusion of more density (even when the actual density is less.) Pair it with a volumizing mousse at the roots while damp and you’d be set.
#7: Medium-Length Red Waves with an Undercut Detail
This person clearly understands that some haircuts have a secret, and in this case, it’s the undercut. It is out of sight, but is very useful in removing volume at the nape and behind the ears, allowing the rest of the hair to sit and wave more naturally. It’s a practical decision that is disguised with a more edgy choice, which I appreciate. The medium length is also very flattering and the color is a perfect mid-tone red that is neutral enough to not be too orange or too burgundy. For someone trying out color, this is a very easy to wear version of red.
#8: Long Sleek Copper with a Slight Bend at the Ends
I appreciate the simplicity of this look! It is one length with a small movement, and the copper color is even and shiny from root to tip. This is the result one can expect when hair is in truly good condition – no amount of coloring or styling can replicate that level of shine. Straight and wavy hair will have the easiest time recreating this. This style is subtle, but impact comes from color quality – and sometimes that’s all you need!
#9: Short Copper Curls with Defined Shape
For me, copper colour on curls is always going to be a winner, especially as with the way the light bounces off each individual curl, it gives the hair an almost 3D effect, which is something flat hair just can’t achieve. The short length here keeps everything tight and structured, whilst still feeling fun. The defined layers give each curl the space to do its thing, and if you’ve got a similar curl pattern to mine, then you’re going to want to apply a curl defining cream to wet hair and then diffuse it, as that should achieve something very close to this. This cut would also look fantastic grown out a couple of inches, which is always a good sign.
#10: Sharp Copper Bob with Dark Contrast Ends
The look is very fashion forward for the list. The bright copper on top with dark almost black tips has a graphic quality that isn’t seen very often outside of editorial work. The blunt cut is essential here because any layering would dilute that impact. It is clean and intentional, and takes a skilled colorist to do placements like this. For most it is not an everyday look, but if your style is more architectural, this will definitely be worth the conversation.
#11: Long Red Waves with Body and Easy Movement
I really like how this looks. The hair doesn’t look like someone spent an hour on it, but the volume and waves look unstyled. The bright red color seems natural and not over done, plus this shade of red always makes people think it could be your natural color, which is the best compliment a hair color can receive. The layering is minimal and well placed so that it doesn’t look heavy or have a triangle shape at the bottom like some long hair can get.
#12: Long Textured Ginger with Soft Pieces Around the Face
This shade of ginger is perfectly balanced – warm enough to glow and bright enough not to look artificial. The framing pieces are slightly lighter, which is a subtle technique that impacts how the color works with your complexion in a big way. The natural wave pattern does all the work for you, and to be honest, the best thing you can do with hair like this is to leave it alone for the most part. Thick hair with so much natural texture needs little intervention, just good products and regular trims to keep the ends healthy.
#13: Short Copper Curls with Volume and Definition
This variation of the short copper curl includes more texture at the top, and a more relaxed curl pattern. The warm penny copper shade of this style reflects the light beautifully. I think this length is flattering on everyone, as it highlights the face and isn’t too distracting. If your curls get limp, a curl refreshing spray will revive them and keep them looking soft instead of crunchy.
#14: Blunt Copper Bob with a Subtle Lived-In Texture
The blunt bob trend is going strong and I love it in this gorgeous coppers color! This version of the blunt bob still shows some texture at the ends to avoid that blunt look. I get that concern a lot as I’m cutting it. This cut works best with fine to medium density hair as they are soft and flat enough to maintain that clean line while still having a little movement. Shoulder length bobs are the most low maintenance option for people who don’t want to think about their hair too much and that is an under appreciated selling point.
#15: Sleek Long Red with Textured Fringe
The fringe looks a bit piece-y at the ends and shaggly but this adds a nice contrast to the smoothness of the hair. Without the bangs, this could come off as so much more generic, but the bangs add a nice touch. The color is a deep and glossy red, which is the kind of color that looks best when the hair is in optimal condition. Not every style can say the same as this – it has a good chance of being highly photogenic, with nice defined lines and a strong silhouette.
#16: Long Flowing Ginger Layers with a Healthy Shine
Getting a haircut makes hair look healthy, and that’s what happens here. The layers are subtle enough to keep the ends from looking too blunt or thick. The warm, natural ginger tone looks like someone who was actually born with this color. A gloss treatment every few weeks would maintain this level of shine between color appointments.
#17: Long Copper Waves with Heavily Textured Layers
Unlike the other styles, this one has more layers, and you can see the difference instantly because of the increased movement. Each layer will catch a different amount of light which contributes to that multi-tonal effect, even if the base colour is the same. The texture works because the hair is thick enough to support it. With finer hair, this many layers would end up looking too thin at the ends. However, for those with this much density, this is a really dynamic way to wear copper.
#18: Long Ginger Locs with Vibrant Color Saturation
The color saturation on these locs is remarkable. Deep ginger contrasted with dark skin creates one of the most stunning hair color contrasts. The texture of these locs is unique, and length adds to the drama. This is a commitment, and a good one at that, as both the color and style are bold. The upkeep on a style this is a lot, and factoring in loc maintenance and color touch ups creates a real commitment. The impact of this look is definitely worth it.
#19: Copper Layered Shag with Soft Curtain Bangs
I like to recommend the shag cut for people wanting to try something different without the commitment of going really short. The copper shag at the top of this post shows this well. The layers create a laid back, casual appearance that is nice styled or not. The soft bangs blend into the rest of the cut and do not look like a disconnected piece. The color is a warm and muted copper which gives it a nice vintage feel. Shags are great with fine to medium hair since the layers create the illusion of having more hair.
#20: Long Copper Waves with Bold Lighter Pieces Around the Face
Highlights in the hair bring light to the face area, which is super complimentary and draws attention there. I tend to do this on a lot of clients who want a bit of added dimension to their hair, but don’t want to do a full balayage since there are fewer pieces to color and it’s usually a lot more impactful, creating a good pop where it matters most. The deeper rich copper on the rest of the hair is what grounds the whole look and keeps those lighter pieces from feeling out of place. The thick wavy texture also helps to keep everything together naturally.
#21: Long Copper Waves with a Glossy, Bouncy Finish
Check out that bouncin’ and behavin’ hair! We’re here thinking that it was just a professional blowout, but you could have also used a large barreled curling iron for soft bends. The copper color has an unusual depth; something like burnt caramel which shifts with the light. What really makes this look work is all of the gloss! The gloss elevates a standard copper color to a truly luxurious finish. This will be most flattering on oval and heart-shaped faces, but honestly, the cut is secondary to the color here.
#22: Long Copper Waves with a Polished, Fluid Movement
Pairing this look with the previous one would almost work because of the similar style. The difference is the looseness of the waves here, which show less of a structured look and more of a “my hair just does this” feel. The medium density is just right for this sort of movement as the hair is heavy enough to create those long, sweeping waves without needing a ton of product to hold them. The hair dye from root to tip is a solid copper color which shows a good color job and good hair health. Patience is key and for most straight to wavy hair, this should be achievable. If you plan on using a round brush while blow drying, this is very doable.
#23: Long Vibrant Red with Relaxed Beachy Texture
There is no doubt that this is the most laid back way to wear hair, and maybe the most functional for everyday life which is something. The gentle feel is not a smooth style that requires exactness or temperature, just some salt spray and a couple of scrunches ought to get you most of the way there. The red of the picture is warm and vivid with sufficient natural variations along the lengths to look more organic than box dyed. The hair’s density adds to a full healthy look that makes the whole style feel effortless, which is the aim even if it’s never exactly the case.
#24: Long Textured Ginger Waves with Woven Highlights
The highlights you did are good and well blended. This is really hard to do with red hair since the highlights do not stray far in tone to the base color. Red hair highlights tend to look more contrastive and streaky as compared to blonn or brunette hair, so having less warmth will show more contrast. The placement of the highlights is medium and balanced to create movement without an over layered look which can date the style quickly. Maintaining this will require a deep conditioning masque once a week.
#25: Long Sleek Copper with Minimal, Polished Styling
It feels nice to wrap things up with something clean and simple. This is a very classy look for copper hair, very smooth and polished with just enough movement to keep it from feeling stiff. There are no layers, no bangs, no highlights just great color on healthy hair and it’s a good reminder that sometimes a more simple approach is more effective. This style is the kind that highly depends on your hair being in good condition as there really isn’t much to it, but if you’re willing to put in that effort, the pay off is low-key stunning, and I find that much more interesting than anything overly complicated.
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