Copper hair: How to keep your color fresh and vibrant
Copper hair is a stunning, bold choice that radiates warmth and personality. But keeping that rich, fiery color looking vibrant can be a bit of a challenge. Since copper shades tend to fade quickly, a little extra care is key to maintaining that bright, just-colored look for as long as possible. With the right products and a few simple tips, you can keep your copper hair as brilliant as the day you left the salon.
Why does copper hair fade so quickly?
Copper tones, like other red-based shades, are known for their vibrancy but also for how quickly they fade. This is due to the way red pigment molecules work in the hair—these molecules are larger than other colors, which makes them more prone to washing out and fading with time. Sun exposure, washing frequency, and heat styling can all speed up this fading process, turning a vibrant copper into a dull, less vibrant tone faster than you’d like.
5 tips to keep your copper color looking fresh
1. Use a color-depositing treatment
To keep that gorgeous copper shade alive between salon visits, a color-depositing treatment like Maria Nila’s Colour Refresh in Bright Copper is a game changer. This temporary, pigment-rich treatment helps revive faded color and add vibrancy, while conditioning the hair at the same time. Simply apply it to damp hair, leave it in for 3–10 minutes, and rinse out. You’ll be left with an instant color boost and softer, hydrated hair.
2. Choose color-safe, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner
Using a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner is a must for copper hair. Sulfates can strip color faster, leading to dullness and dryness over time. Maria Nila’s Luminous Color Shampoo and Conditioner are formulated to protect color-treated hair, reducing fade and adding shine with every wash. A mild formula will help extend the life of your copper tones, so your hair stays vibrant wash after wash.
3. Wash with cool water
Hot water may feel relaxing, but it can strip the color from your hair. When you rinse with cool water, you help the hair cuticle to stay sealed, locking in moisture and preserving color. Even if it’s just a quick final rinse with cool water, this small step can make a big difference for maintaining that intense copper shade.
4. Protect from UV exposure
Copper tones can lose their intensity when exposed to sunlight for extended periods. To shield your hair from UV damage, try a leave-in conditioner or styling product that includes UV protection, such as Maria Nila’s Cream Heat Spray. UV protection keeps your hair safe from fading, and the added moisture helps combat any dryness from sun exposure.
5. Minimize heat styling
Excessive heat styling can dull your copper color over time. If you must use heat tools, keep the temperature as low as possible and always use a heat protectant. A heat protection spray like Maria Nila’s Quick Dry Heat Spray will create a barrier between your hair and the high temperatures, helping to reduce color fade and prevent damage.
Why Colour Refresh by Maria Nila is perfect for copper hair
Maria Nila’s Colour Refresh Bright Copper is specially formulated to give copper tones an instant lift without any commitment to permanent color. Its nourishing, vegan ingredients keep your hair feeling soft and hydrated, making it ideal for weekly or bi-weekly touch-ups. With no sulfates or parabens, Colour Refresh is gentle yet effective, so you can keep your copper hue looking fresh without compromising on hair health.
With the right care routine, copper hair can stay as bold and beautiful as the day you colored it. By using color-preserving products, minimizing heat, and adding a bit of extra protection, you’ll keep your vibrant copper shade glowing for longer. For a rich, refreshing boost, try Maria Nila’s Colour Refresh Bright Copper and enjoy that salon-fresh color day after day.