Cowgirls are taking over the summer beauty scene! Cowgirl copper, the warm, sun-kissed shade that stands as an antidote to prim and proper horsehair, has quickly become one of this season’s hottest redhead trends.
No matter if you’re transitioning into this vibrant hue or already rocking it, here are a few tips on achieving and maintaining this look.
Modern Shullet Cut
Cowgirl copper is a warm shade that suits all complexions. Texas-based hair artist Evana Elysa notes it doesn’t lean too red or too orange; rather it provides a more natural look than traditional auburn shades. Cowgirl copper makes an excellent option for brunettes with olive or rich skin tones as well as lighter blondes; Elysa suggests using sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to maintain the hue and prevent fade over time.
Elysa recommends adding metallic shimmer to cowgirl copper hues with face-framing highlights or shadow roots for those seeking an added pop. “This will help illuminate their features and illuminate their entire look,” according to Elysa. To maintain their stunning look, she advises using salon gloss every 6-8 weeks as this helps increase shine while protecting it against brassiness by infusing strands with jojoba oil and heat styling stressors.
Curly Hair
Join the trend, TikTok and Instagram users alike are loving Cowgirl Copper as an eye-catching hue that showcases warm copper tones with rich auburn undertones for an eye-catching sunlit glow reminiscent of rusted saddle leather or desert clay. It works for any hair type but especially flattering on wavy to curly textures.
Min Kim, L’Oreal Professionnel Global Ambassador and colorist of L’Oreal Professionnel Pro-Copper products explains: This shade lies between brunette and bronde and true copper and thus serves as a safer option for those averse to orange tones. She notes that brunettes who want to experiment can accomplish the look in one single step; for blondes however, multiple processes will likely be needed depending on current levels and desired hue.
Put this shade to work by pairing it with a sleek short bob for a modern silhouette that brings out its fiery tones. Additionally, add face-framing copper highlights or shadow roots for additional dimension and depth.
Money-Piece Highlights
For an eye-catching yet subdued look, add dimension with balayage highlights throughout your hair to soften the contrast between face-framing pieces and other strands, making maintenance much simpler.
This technique involves strategically lightening face-framing pieces of your hair, usually beginning at your bangs and moving down into your jawline, for an eye-catching pop of color that frames and brightens your complexion. It’s ideal for those who are curious to explore hair color but aren’t quite ready to commit fully yet.
Money-piece techniques offer another subtle, lived-in look by adding pops of color to your roots for a lived-in appearance. From subtle blonde highlights, like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley has, or rich copper tones, it will flatter both your face and natural complexion while being low maintenance compared to full head highlights.
Modern Cuts
Cowgirls have taken over fashion this season as an unconventional alternative to prim-and-proper horse girls, dominating fashion through fringe jackets and leather pants. Now their seductive style has spread even further through hair color with cowgirl copper; an eclectic combination of warm brown hues tempered by spicy copper tones that provides subtle red-auburn hints for an irresistibly romantic appearance.
Make an impression this fall with this stunning hue! Pair cowgirl copper with a modern shullet cut for an eye-catching aesthetic that accentuates its harmonious tones. This style also highlights your hair’s natural texture for maximum playfulness and movement.
Rex Jimieson of Maxine Salon in Chicago suggests virgin blonde as the optimal base color. Rex stresses using quality shampoo and conditioner products like Oribe’s Hair Products for Beautiful Color to maintain vibrant locks.


