‘Tis the season for doing less – and that includes fewer salon appointments. So why not ditch the vivid auburn hues in favour of lived-in copper, a softer, low-maintenance iteration of the shade?
While deep, full-bodied reds fit winter's cosy mood, they also need constant touch ups. The beauty of leaning into lived-in copper for summer is that it embraces that faded, sun-washed effect and doesn't require as much fussy upkeep.
Lived-in copper already has a celebrity following. Daisy Jones & The Six actress Riley Keough has just swapped her all-over crimson locks for a lighter copper that reads golden in places depending on how the light hits.
According to Luci Green, colourist at London's Larry King salon, Riley's new hue is a sun-kissed version of ‘cowgirl copper’, a shade that mirrors the caramel hues in leather. “Ask your colourist for copper lights – highlights that weave a mixture of honey, caramel, cinnamon and light copper shades through the hair,” she says.
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As ever, there are a couple of different interpretations of the lived-in copper trend, ranging from mid-toned to light. Jessica Chastain's lived-in copper shade has a dustier, earthier vibe, while other celebrities including Sydney Sweeney and Ellie Bamber have often veered towards more of a blonde copper.
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If you're already copper, this trend needs almost no work at all as you can just let the sun do it's natural thing and take your strands one or two shades lighter.
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That said, Luci warns that “while the sun is a natural bleach, it's really important to hydrate your strands with a hair oil after a day outside.” She recommends Larry King's Spoilt For Choice Hair Oil, with rosemary and jojoba oils, which can also be used liberally as a hair mask. Other good options include the cult Kerastase Elixir Ultime L'Huile Original Hair Oil and the Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil, to ensure that only your colour, and not the condition of your hair, looks lived-in.
For more from Fiona Embleton, GLAMOUR's Acting Associate Beauty Director, follow her on @fiembleton.
