Cowboy Copper Hair Is the Fiercest Color Trend You Need to Try

While we’ve seen plenty of hair trends come and go—and come right back again (looking at you, 90s bangs)—one thing seems certain: Cowboy copper hair isn't going anywhere for a while. This rich red color looks vibrant and works with various hair types and skin tones. Here, a hairstylist breaks down the look, including how to get and maintain your cowboy copper look.

What Is Cowboy Copper Hair?

Cowboy copper hair (aka cowgirl copper) is a hue close in color to leather and rancher hats (hence its name) with earthy undertones. "Cowboy copper is the perfect warm blend of copper and brown," explains hairstylist Tina Malhotra. "It’s definitely in the brunette family, but embraces tones of gold and copper, giving the hair a beautiful rich color."

Why is it so popular? Well, it has everything to do with how flattering the color is to just about everyone, no matter your hair type or texture and skin tone. It gives your hair the perfect blend of gold warmth and strays from the more dramatic red and orange tones.

"It’s much more versatile than traditional copper, and it fades much slower," Malhotra says. "A lot of my blonde clients are opting for this in-between tone instead of going fully brunette. It still keeps the warmth and gold, but also adds a bit of richness to their hair for fall & winter months."

How to Get the Cowboy Copper Hair Look

There is a complex process to achieve cowboy copper hair. If the color doesn’t have enough golden warmth to it, the copper tones can get swallowed up by the brown, resulting in brassy hair; this is why this job is probably best for professionals. Your preferred hairstylist will be able to find the right color combination that works with your skin tone and hair texture.

Though seeing a professional stylist or hair colorist is best, it's possible to replicate the cowboy copper look at home. It will take some mixing to land on the right color shade—and the formula will depend on the base color you start with. However, in general, you'll want to combine a copper color with blond or brown (depending on how dark your hair is), to land on a vibrant copper and no orange.

Maintaining Cowboy Copper Hair

After you walk out of the salon feeling great about your new do, you’ll want to keep your hair looking its absolute best. While your stylist will have plenty of tips, here are a few considerations for maintaining your cowboy copper hair color.

Use Color-Treated Hair Products

Using products that are not for color-treated hair can strip the color you worked so hard to achieve. Be sure to use color-treated hair products, such as daily shampoos and conditioners, to help keep the color rich and avoid fading.

Lock in Moisture

It’s important to keep your hair healthy by retaining moisture so the color lasts. You can easily do this by using a heat protectant before using your blow dryer. Leave-in conditioners and hair masks also help add moisture when needed, and a toner gloss can not only add shine but prevent your hair from fading.

"Once you’ve transformed your hair to cowboy copper, you should visit your colorist for regular glosses every few months," Malhotra recommends. "But you can upkeep the rich tones at home using a color-depositing conditioner (no more than once a week). One of my favorites is by Wella, called their Color Fresh Mask."

Limit Heat-Inducing Tools

We all have our go-to hairstyling tools, but they tend to produce a lot of heat on our strands. Whether it’s a hairdryer, curling wand, or straightener, hair can lose its luster after too much use. This is why it’s important to limit heat styling tools. That way, your hair will stay healthy with limited breakage and keep the color looking its best for longer.

Wash Hair With Cold Water

To help your cowboy copper hair color last longer, wash your hair with cold water. Hot water can cause color to fade faster since it swells the cuticle, whereas cold water seals the cuticle (and color). At the very least, use lukewarm water when washing, then rinse the conditioner with cold water.