Staying in sync with ever-evolving beauty trends often feels like navigating the uncharted terrain of the Wild West, replete with hair in disarray, split ends galore, and metaphorical tumbleweeds strewn about. French bangs, “expensive” blonde hues, and “bixie” cuts — the options seem endless. I’ve discovered that the best approach to this beauty frontier is to select a trend that resonates with your style and beauty routine. Enter the “Copper Cowgirl” hair-color trend.
This fiery and vibrant shade kept popping up on my TikTok feed, and I decided that autumn was the perfect season to embrace it. With my grown-out bob, adorned with various shades of brown that had been my go-to for years, I realized a change was long overdue. Below, I’ll share my firsthand experience of trying the “Copper Cowgirl” hair color trend.
Understanding the Copper Cowgirl Hair Color
Inspired by the rustic yet vibrant hues of the American Southwest, the “Copper Cowgirl” hair color trend combines fiery copper tones, rich caramel accents, and subtle hints of brown, culminating in a stunning redhead transformation. Think of the warmth of a desert sunset merging with the rugged charm of well-worn, tan leather boots. Celebrities like Riley Keough, Phoebe Dynevor, Emily Ratajkowski, and Chrissy Teigen have already embraced this radiant shade.
One of the major attractions of this color trend is its versatility. You can dial up the intensity for a bold, head-turning red or opt for subtlety to suit different moods and occasions. Personally, I chose the latter, expecting to get more mileage out of my transformation.
How to Achieve the Copper Cowgirl Hair Color
Melissa Dwyer, a colorist at New York City’s Frederic Fekkai Salon, explained that what sets this trend apart is its adaptability, as there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. “It depends on each person’s natural tone,” she emphasized. “For individuals with pre-existing blonde hair, we would follow a different approach than for brunettes.” In essence, each cowgirl’s dye job is a customized process. The result, whether you’re a brunette or a blonde, is a complex, textured look that enhances warm features for brunettes and cooler tones for blondes.
With my brown hair, Dwyer recommended transitioning to copper would be easier for me. She initiated the process with a single dye application, starting at the roots and introducing highlights to create various tonalities of red. After allowing this to set in, my hair was rinsed, and a gloss was applied to introduce dimension.
Throughout the experience, I remained curious about how the dye would turn out, even though I trusted Dwyer’s expertise. When I looked in the mirror after the styling and blowout, I was thrilled. A sense of excitement surged within me as I gazed at my bold and vibrant reflection. I couldn’t decide if sentimentality had overcome me or if the fumes had gone to my head, but I felt like a million sparklin’ dimes a cowgirl would’ve rustled.
Maintaining the Copper Cowgirl Hair Color
Once I’d admired my new look for an appropriate duration, I was eager to understand how to keep the color fresh and lively at home. Dwyer offered valuable advice, noting that maintaining this color requires regular attention. “It’s a high-maintenance color; you’ll want to come in every three weeks on the dot so the color doesn’t fade out,” she emphasized. “You don’t want your copper cowgirl going yeehaw yellow.”
Dwyer also highlighted the importance of using “color-treated” rather than “color-safe” shampoos and conditioners. She recommended Color Technician Shampoo ($25) and Conditioner ($9) for their sulfate and paraben-free formula, ensuring that the shade remains vibrant and fresh.
The Results of the Copper Cowgirl Hair Color
In my opinion, this is the perfect experiment for any brunette curious about trying a copper hue. For me, it was a subtle yet exciting transformation that breathed new life into my otherwise straightforward hair color, invigorating my beauty routine. I’m delighted with the results and am grateful I took the plunge to embrace this trend rather than merely watching it on my FYP.
As I conclude this chapter of my journey and ride into the horizon with my newfound look, I encourage anyone considering a similar transformation to saddle up and make that appointment – it’s well worth it.
