I'm Calling It: This Will Be the Most Popular Hair Colour of 2021
From sweeping fringes to choppy bobs, hairdressers are predicting that there will be plenty of hair transformation fun to be had in 2021 once salons reopen. Unless you're brave enough to cut your own hair at home, of course. But what about when it comes to colour? Well, unlike some of the more low-maintenance hairstyles that are already trending this year, it looks like consumers are still willing to embrace at-home box dyes in their quest for a new hue. And there's one shade that looks set to dominate the year ahead: copper. Yes, burnished reds, coppery golds and sheeny ambers will be everywhere in 2021 and there are plenty of fashion girls and celebs already proving just how good this colour trend looks.
As for caring for this colour at home? "There is so much demand for copper colour and care, as the vibrancy fades quickly whether it’s natural or coloured," explains Josh Wood, expert colourist and founder of Josh Wood Colour. "I’d always recommend applying a hydrating treatment mask once or twice a week to keep that colour vibrant and always steer clear of sulphates in your shampoos."
Ahead, keep scrolling for 15 of the best copper hair colour looks.
Lizzo's embracing all things red with this tonal fashion and beauty look.
Zendaya was way ahead of the curve with this Met Gala beauty look—the copper-coloured bob is so 2021.
Copper looks so good paired with Courtney's cool-girl hair texture.
Emma's warm-toned hair and red lipstick oozes Hollywood siren.
For a more subtle take on the copper hair trend, opt for a deeper, burgundy-inspired shade like Jourdan's.
Isla's auburn hair always looks so incredibly glossy.
How good do SZA's curls look in copper?
Bouncy curls and auburn strands lend retro appeal to Rihanna's long hairstyle.
Emma has embraced all shades of red over the years but this rich, deep copper might be my favourite of all.
For a low-maintenance take on the copper hair trend, keep roots clear of colour like Phoebe and focus the colour at the ends.
I love the contrast between Nnenna's dark roots and her amber-tinged low bun.
Jessica's strawberry-blonde strands are a great entry point to the copper hair trend.
Brunettes like Eva look amazing with just a hint of copper gloss through their lengths.
Let's be real—Angela is always serving us redhead hair inspo and we're here for it.
Copper curls look so good on Freddie.
Now shop the best products for copper hair:
If you're looking to dip your toe in the copper hair trend then this semi-permanent treatment delivers a wash of high-shine colour that lasts for up to 6 washes.
This warm peachy shade looks great on all hair colours but particularly pops on blonde strands.
Intensify and protect your copper hues with this specially-formulated conditioning treatment.
This nourishing hair conditioner rejuvenates copper tones and boosts shine.
This peachy-pink conditioner enhances and moisturises red or copper hair for a brighter colour.
Up next, these low-maintenance hair trends are going to dominate in 2021.
Mica Ricketts is a freelance beauty editor, copywriter and regular contributor to Who What Wear UK. She also writes for titles including Marie Claire Refinery 29 and Cosmopolitan, and previously worked at Who What Wear UK as Beauty Editor. With experience in both editorial and content management, she also works with beauty brands and small businesses on brand messaging and content strategy. As a busy mum of two, she is passionate about finding efficacious beauty products that can disguise all signs of tiredness with minimal effort.
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