The Universal Hair Color Trend: Flattering on All Skin Tones

When Kendall Jenner shocked everyone by dying her hair copper last year, I admit, I wasn’t ready. As a gal who doesn’t do much with her hair beyond a routine trim and the occasional long layer, the thought of transitioning from a gorgeous deep brown colour like hers to a fiery copper was too bold for me. Because of that, it was something I would never consider doing. But when I saw this year’s version of copper, I was a little tempted to make the change for the first time. As a true brunette, this chocolate copper hair shade feels more approachable, toned down, and warm, leaning more red than the orange and gold shade Kendall sported for a while. And with fall just around the corner, it’s no surprise that this new warm take on the copper trend is popping up all over our feeds.

Also called “autumn copper” or, my personal favourite, “cowgirl copper,” we’re sharing our favourite chocolate copper hair inspiration. Call your colourist—you will be in their chair with these inspo pics handy ASAP.

1. Chocolate roots with copper ombre

Kicking it off strong with another beauty-inspo queen, Zendaya‘s hair colour starts with rich chocolate at the roots and quickly, yet subtly, transitions into a beautiful warm copper shade that almost looks red at the ends. This is a perfect option for anyone with naturally dark roots who wants to add colour without constantly returning to the salon to keep up with new growth.

2. Light and long chocolate copper

Leaning more milk chocolate than dark, this colour looks super natural, and in the sun, the copper shades will shine, adding even more dimension and depth. If you want to dip your toe into the trend, you can start here and add more copper tones later.

3. Layered chocolate copper

Is this colour right here? Now, this is what I would be showing my colourist. It reminds me of a melty chocolate sundae with just the right amount of rich red that’s not too red. And the layering? Pure perfection.

4. Red-toned chocolate copper

Between the shine, layering, and shade, there’s no doubt this red-toned chocolate copper will earn you compliments everywhere you go. We’re not telling you to gatekeep your stylist when they nail this colour, but you might want to make sure you book your next appointment before they get booked.

5. Rich chocolate copper curls

This take on the chocolate copper hair trend is giving me all the cosy fall vibes. There isn’t much variation in the colour itself (no highlights or lowlights), but that’s because the cut and curls give this colour the show-stopping moment it deserves.

6. Chocolate with red copper highlights

If these copper bangs don’t convince you to try chocolate copper hair, I don’t know what else will. I love that the colours blend perfectly throughout the lengths, but there’s a little more emphasis on the copper and wispy bangs in the front pieces.

7. Chocolate with copper money pieces

Where are all my money-piece girlies? Turn your blonde money pieces up a notch this fall, and try out a warm copper shade instead. For the rest of your hair, opt for an actual chocolate copper.

8. Subtle copper tones

Medium-length natural brunettes, this one is for you. Add a little depth and colour throughout the ends of your hair to try out the trend. This is an excellent option for anyone who wants to prioritize the health of their hair and not use too much dye.

9. Dimensional chocolate copper

Is it brown? Is it red? Is it chocolate copper hair? I can’t get enough of the perfectly mixed shades here. The dimension is so stunning that you know it will look different, but equally as stunning, in any lighting.

10. Copper with brunette undertones

For all of you who swooned over the copper trend when it first started last year—try this 2.0 version. This shade is more copper-forward, but don’t worry; you’re still getting those rich chocolate undertones that make this hair colour an actual *moment*.