Ever since Kendall Jenner braved the copper dye in the name of Prada back in 2022, the hue has been on my mind. While possibly not the right tonal choice for my chestnut locks, the fiery glaze is set to dominate the beauty radar this autumn.
Usurping honey blonde undertones that became a summer staple, spicy copper is already gaining traction on social media as people embrace warmer, richer shades that reflect our desire to hunker down in time for the cosy season. Indeed, searches for 'spicy copper hair colour' have increased by 300 per cent in the last three months.
The look comes celebrity-approved, with stars from Emma Stone to Sadie Sink proudly showcasing their enviable copper locks for both red carpet events and exclusive fashion campaigns. Not forgetting those who have, like Kendall, also temporarily toyed with the palette in the past, including Dua Lipa, Emily Ratajkowski and Joey King.
© Imaxtree“By the looks of things, copper is going to be the hair colour of autumn 2026, and I think its popularity comes down to how well-suited the colour is for the season as well as how versatile it can be,” says Annabelle Taurua, beauty expert at Fresha, the top-rated booking platform for hair salons. “Copper can be easily customised to suit a range of natural hair colours and skin tones. For example, from soft, subtle copper tones to richer auburns and fiery reds."
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© WireImageThe expert continues: “This autumn, I expect to see a rise in 'spicy copper', which is a warmer, deeper and bolder take on traditional copper that blends a mixture of tones from bright orange and rich browns, to auburns and deep reds for a more dimensional, low-key but fiery finish.”
As to how to achieve the look? “For anyone looking to jump on this trend this autumn, I would recommend asking your hairdresser for a warm, dimensional copper rather than a flat, one-tone colour.
© ImaxtreeIf you have naturally lighter hair, I’d suggest a copper blonde shade, combined with soft copper, caramel, and golden tones to give your hair that warmer autumnal feel. If you have naturally brown hair, I’d suggest a burnt copper or auburn spice shade to add warmth and dimension without going fully red. And if you have even darker hair, I’d suggest a deeper copper or mulled-wine red tone for a bolder take on the trend.”
