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Cowgirl copper hair is taking over our TikTok feeds. Discover how a pro colorist creates the hue and learn how to maintain it after your service.

Try the Trend: Cowgirl Copper Is TikTok’s Solution to a Subtly Transformative Hair Color

Cowgirl copper hair is taking over our TikTok feeds. Discover how a pro colorist creates the hue and learn how to maintain it after your service.
Try the Trend: Cowgirl Copper Is TikTok’s Solution to a Subtly Transformative Hair Color

You may be asking yourself, what is the hottest hair color for 2025? While a few hair colors may come to mind, like blue-black or ash gray, none have trotted onto the scene quite like cowgirl copper hair. Inspired by the rich, caramel hues associated with Western leather, the shade is a vibrant, earthy tone that falls squarely between brunette and full-blown redhead. It’s so sought-after that we’ve even seen it become a popular TikTok and Snapchat filter, inspiring people to take the plunge and go red once and for all.

“I think it's a beautiful shade,” says pro colorist Angela Carroll, who has experience transforming her clients into cowgirl copper beauties at Cutler Salon in New York City. Carroll isn’t gatekeeping her cowgirl copper hair formula, either. We tapped her for all her tips and tricks to nailing one of the year’s hottest hair color trends, so scroll on.

What Is Cowgirl Copper Hair Color?

Cowgirl copper—also called cowboy copper, depending on who you ask—is a warm shade featuring a rich blend of caramel, golden brunette, and amber tones. The resulting color is a statement-making yet ultra-wearable shade of reddish copper that’s a stunning foray into the world of red hair. And unlike some previous copper trends, this one is free of those bright orange tones that can make your hue appear unintentionally brassy.

We especially love how the rustic shade coincides with the popularity of Western fashion—think cowboy boots, denim vests, and fringed leather jackets.

What is the difference between cowboy copper and cowgirl copper?

The difference between cowgirl and cowboy copper hair is simply in the name, as both refer to a reddish-brown hair color with bronzy copper tones. However, there is a difference between true copper and the cowgirl iterations: The former is an intense, cooler shade of red with strong orange tones, whereas the latter incorporates more gold and brown into the look for a warm, earthy finish.

Who Can Wear Cowgirl Copper Hair?

The short answer is that everyone can dip their toes into cowgirl copper hair color. Whether you have porcelain skin or a deep complexion, cowgirl copper’s warmth is perfect for adding a glowing, sun-kissed touch to your look. The key, however, is to always visit a pro for your hair color transformation. Your stylist can customize your most flattering shade based on your skin tone, undertones, and preferred upkeep. Plus, hairdressers have access to some of the best-in-class formulas that can help you enjoy your new hue with the least amount of damage.

Try the Trend: Cowgirl Copper Is TikTok’s Solution to a Subtly Transformative Hair Color

How To Get Cowgirl Copper Hair

As mentioned, booking a consultation with a professional colorist can help you achieve your desired result. They can whip up a cowgirl copper “recipe” that meshes with your skin tone or eye color. Carroll shares her very own cowgirl copper hair formula, which combines a few Redken Shades EQ glosses in the Copper Blonde family. If you’re not already familiar with Redken Shades EQ Hair Gloss (available in participating salons), here’s a cheat sheet:

  • Demi-permanent hair dye that glazes, refreshes, and corrects your current color without over-processing or drying out your strands.
  • Boasts an ammonia-free formula and provides results in just 20 minutes.
  • Gradually fades within 4-6 weeks, meaning there will be no harsh lines or visible root regrowth.
  • Restores shine and leaves your hair looking and feeling healthier than before your appointment.
Try the Trend: Cowgirl Copper Is TikTok’s Solution to a Subtly Transformative Hair Color

To create the shade seen on Hair.com’s senior social media manager Leah Gay above, Carroll used the following shades:

  • 09CR Summer Sunshine to add depth at the root
  • 010AA Butternut for the base
  • 07AA Turmeric with a touch of 09CR Summer Sunshine throughout the ends

This cowgirl copper hair formula resulted in a rich, warm, brownish-copper. The beauty of this coloring approach is that the Redken Shades EQ range tends to be gentler on your strands than permanent hair dye. Not to mention, the formulas allow you to test the waters of a brand-new hue without too much commitment. That means, once you’re ready, you can move on to the next hair color trend of your choice (or TikTok’s).

Try the Trend: Cowgirl Copper Is TikTok’s Solution to a Subtly Transformative Hair Color

How To Care for Cowgirl Copper Hair

Leah’s locks were left with luxurious color and intense shine, but the result is easier to maintain than you may think. Just heed the following tips to keep your color looking vibrant long after leaving the salon.

Pick up color-safe products

When washing your cowgirl copper hair, you’ll want to use formulas made specifically for color-treated strands. We’re partial to a system like Redken Acidic Color Gloss, which was designed to extend the life of Redken Shades EQ hair glosses. Used in conjunction, the salon-quality shampoo and conditioner can help maintain color vibrancy for up to 32 (!) washes. Complete your routine with the range’s rinse-out hair gloss and leave-in heat protectant to help seal hair’s cuticle and deliver molecular-level shine. Learn more about the line (and see some pretty impressive results) in our complete Redken Acidic Color Gloss Haircare Review.

Use a toning gloss

Going red is a bit of a double-edged sword: On one hand, your bold, statement-making color will turn heads everywhere you go. On the other hand, red dye molecules are known to fade faster than other hair colors and can present as a dull-looking mane. When your cowgirl-inspired hue is looking a little worse for wear, reach for a pigment-depositing hair treatment like Puroelogy’s Color Fanatic Top Coat + Tone Copper. This high-gloss top coat restores color vibrancy in copper-red tones for up to six washes while leaving strands feeling soft and silky to boot.

Repair your hair

Those starting with darker bases (like chocolate or espresso) will likely need to use bleach to lift their existing hue so that their copper color can really pop. While bleach will always cause some damage, a skilled colorist will do everything in their power to preserve the integrity of your hair during the lightening process. How you care for your hair afterward—specifically, using reparative products—can also minimize damage. Head to our guide, 3 Types of Hair Bonds You Need To Know About on the Road To Repairing Damage, to discover the best bond repair formulas to shop from L’Oréal’s portfolio of professional brands. (Spoiler alert: Redken’s Acidic Bonding Concentrate 5-Min Liquid Mask is a mainstay in our bathrooms.)

Spritz on a dry shampoo

Even with the proper formulas lining your shower shelves, the fact remains that overwashing your hair can cause your cowgirl copper hair color to fade more quickly. As such, use dry shampoo to sop up oil at the roots and give your hair a fresh, revitalized appearance sans the suds. We love Pureology’s Refresh & Go Dry Shampoo because it protects your color and absorbs oil, dirt, and other buildup without drying out hair. Speaking of dry hair, if your ends need some TLC between conditioning treatments, rub a pea-sized amount of hair oil through them. Among our favorites is Biolage Professional’s All-In-One Hair Oil, which offers weightless nourishment and hydration for all hair types.

Plan for touch-ups

Demi-permanent hair color isn’t made to last forever; it will gradually wash out. Although a proper aftercare routine can prolong your results, you’ll still have to head to the salon for touch-ups if you want to keep your cowgirl copper hair going strong. You and your stylist can work out a schedule that works best for you, but in general, expect to pencil in an appointment every six weeks.

Next Up: 40 Copper Hair Color Ideas That Work for Every Skin Tone

Interested in trying cowgirl copper hair color for yourself? Use our salon locator to find a pro near you.

Header photo credit: Hair.com

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