Copper brown hair with blonde highlights is one of the warmest, brightest colors you can wear in fall. The copper adds richness to brown, and the blonde catches the light so the color looks dimensional instead of flat. It suits warm and neutral skin tones especially well.
Below are eight copper brown and blonde looks, with exactly what to ask your colorist for. For softer, golden tones, see our golden brown hair with blonde highlights, and for more fall shades, our fall hair color guide.
What is copper brown hair with blonde highlights?
It's a brown base with a warm copper or auburn tone, plus blonde highlights placed through the lengths or around the face. The blonde is usually a warm honey or strawberry blonde so it blends with the copper. Ask for a copper brown gloss on the base and soft balayage or babylights in a warm blonde.
Copper brown hair with blonde highlights
Save the color closest to what you want. That's the photo to show your colorist.
1. Soft copper balayage
A copper brown base with soft, painted honey blonde balayage through the mid-lengths and ends. It's warm, natural and grows out softly.
Ask for:copper brown gloss on the base, soft honey blonde balayage from the mid-lengths.
2. Copper with a blonde money piece
Copper brown all over with two bright blonde face-framing pieces at the front. It brightens your face and is easy to maintain.
Ask for:copper brown base, a warm blonde money piece around the face.
3. Strawberry blonde ribbons
Copper brown hair with fine ribbons of strawberry blonde running through the lengths. It's the softest, most blended version.
Ask for:copper brown base, fine strawberry blonde ribbon highlights.
4. Dark copper with chunky blonde
A deeper auburn copper base with bolder, chunkier blonde highlights. It's high-contrast and a little 2000s.
Ask for:deep copper auburn base, chunky warm blonde highlights.
5. Copper ombre to blonde
Copper brown at the roots melting into a warm blonde at the ends. There's no harsh line, and the roots grow out easily.
Ask for:copper brown at the root, blended ombre to warm blonde ends.
6. Copper babylights
Tiny, fine blonde babylights all over a copper brown base. It looks sun-kissed and very natural.
Ask for:copper brown base, fine blonde babylights all over.
7. Copper bob with blonde highlights
A chin-length or collarbone bob in copper brown with soft blonde highlights. Highlights give shorter hair movement and depth.
Ask for:copper brown bob, soft blonde highlights through the top layer.
8. Copper curls with blonde tips
Curly copper brown hair with blonde painted onto the ends of the curls. The light ends show off every curl.
Ask for:copper brown base, blonde painted onto the curl ends, cut dry.
Who it suits
- Warm skin: copper and honey blonde look especially glowing.
- Neutral skin: most shades work; balance copper with a softer beige blonde.
- Cool skin: choose a softer copper and a strawberry blonde rather than a brassy gold.
Keeping copper bright
Copper fades faster than any other shade. Wash with cool water, use a color-safe shampoo, and book a gloss every six to eight weeks. A copper color-depositing conditioner keeps it rich between appointments.
FAQ
Does copper go with blonde highlights?
Yes. Warm honey and strawberry blonde blend beautifully with copper and make it look brighter.
How long does copper hair color last?
Copper fades faster than other shades. Expect four to six weeks before it needs a gloss.
Is copper brown good for fall?
Yes. It's one of the most popular fall hair colors because it looks warm and rich.
What should I ask my colorist for?
A copper brown gloss on the base and soft warm blonde balayage or babylights. Bring the photo you saved.
The bottom line
For copper brown with blonde highlights, start with soft honey balayage or a money piece, and keep the copper bright with glosses. Save the look you like and browse more hair ideas.
