Over the last year, I think it’s safe to say that red hair in all of its forms has been one of the hottest hair color trends, with celebrities and beauty lovers alike experimenting with subtle shades à la cowboy copper to more fiery shades, all of which fall under the umbrella of chic, red hair colors. Cayenne pepper is the newest addition!
Cowboy copper was one of the most viral hair color trends this year, and while the auburn hue is still steadfastly popular, a new, spicier take on the trend has come into view just in time for fall: cayenne copper. Ahead, experts dive into this trendy hair color, perfect for fall – from what it is to how to maintain it.
Featured Experts
- Rita Hazan is a celebrity colorist and Founder of Rita Hazan Salon
- Ian Michael Black is Aveda’s Global Artistic Director for Hair Color
What Is Cayenne Copper? How Is It Different From Cowboy Copper?
“Cayenne Copper is the natural progression of redheads,” begins Aveda Global Artistic Director for Hair Color, Ian Michael Black. “First, we saw cowboy copper, a true, orange-based copper, [which can be] soft and translucent or more intense. Cayenne copper takes this trend to the next level with a rich, true red undertone to the copper and a greater intensity of tone, resulting in a stronger look that makes a bold statement. It can be done with a soft copper red hue on brunettes that wish to keep the look understated, or in a more vibrant shade for those who wish to go all out and make a statement.”
Celebrity colorist and founder of Rita Hazan Salon, Rita Hazan, adds that “The cayenne copper hair trend is a spicy copper red color perfect for this autumn season. It is more of a deeper tone and not a bright red pepper color. This tone of copper is a deep, fiery red color, while cowboy copper uses brown tones to create a reddish-brown hue.”
Who Does Cayenne Copper Hair Color Look Best On?
One of the biggest questions customers have when debating whether or not to try a new hair color is “Will this look good on my specific skin tone?” Luckily, as Hazan explains, “Just like cowboy copper, cayenne copper looks best on pretty much anyone, as long as you go to a professional hair stylist. Cayenne copper hair is a much deeper and brighter red, so someone with olive skin may look best with this, however, anyone can pull it off if it’s done correctly.”
Black adds, “If you have paler skin, perhaps with some freckles but a warm undertone, a lighter version of this color will suit you well. Those with olive, tan or darker skin who have warm undertones will want to opt for a deeper and richer version of the shade to complement their coloring.”
How Do You Maintain Cayenne Copper Hair?
Red hair, while beautiful and not super hard to achieve initially, is one of the harder colors to maintain. Red shades can fade easily, so having a good at-home maintenance routine for a cayenne copper shade is imperative. As Black explains, “To care for your cayenne copper at home, check out Aveda’s Color Control Collection, featuring plant-derived formulas that reduce color fade and nourish hair.” Another great option is IGK Color Depositing Hair Mask ($29) in Tarantino Red or Overtone Extreme Red Hair Coloring Conditioner ($32).
