What to Know If You're Going Golden Copper
Colorist Joel Warren of Warren-Tricomi calls it "golden copper;" Lucille Javier at Sally Hershberger describes it as "vibrant strawberry red;" we call it the prettiest shade to keep popping up on the red carpet and tempting us to step out of our color comfort zone.
How do you make sure your stylist understands what you want?
Lucille Javier: I think it's important to bring visuals to your colorist. I love when my clients bring in pictures of two different reds-one they love, and another they absolutely don't like. I believe 80% of the time a client leaves unhappy, it's because of the consultation. Everyone has different lenses on and what is beautiful to one eye may not be to another.
How hard is this color to maintain?
Joel Warren: It requires a bit of upkeep and is slightly harder than if you are dark going to blonde. When you're dark going to blonde, you're removing all color molecules from the hair. With red, you have brown molecules incorporated that tend to wash out faster, which is why there's more maintenance.
What's the process like if you're going from dark brown color to this?
LJ: To achieve this color on a natural dark base includes bleaching and lightening that could possibly dry out the hair depending on previous color history. I'm keen on keeping the integrity of the hair and if it needs to be done in a couple processes, I will do this to make sure I don't do damage to the hair. If a client is realistic, hopefully they'll understand.
JW: Taking your hair from dark brown to golden copper is not difficult and will take either one hour or two depending on whether or not your dark color is natural or dyed. If it's your natural color, all you need to do is apply the color, let it sit and voilà. If your hair is colored dark, you'll need to remove it to some degree which is not a big deal because it helps with the redness. It may take an hour to remove, and then the process is the same.
If you're a blonde?
LJ: If you are already a blonde, it's a lot easier. When you are darker, you have a lot of darker pigments that needs to be lifted out, but depending on how blonde you are, you may be able to just tone the hair. I describe this as a watercolor: Since the hair is lightened, the red tones are able to attach on to the canvas much easier.
JW: Very easy. You apply the high-lift color, let it sit for 35 minutes, rinse it out and you're done.
If you're already a redhead?
JW: If you're already a redhead, getting this color is very simple-all you need to do is go to the salon, have color applied, let it sit and rinse it out.
What should you know post-process?
LJ: I would say Davines Red Shampoo would be the best to use. Not using hot water and washing less are also key. If you went from dark to light, your touch-ups will require a single process for the roots or lightening with bleach depending on the darkness and tone. If you're a blonde naturally, you'll need a root touch-up and a gloss.
JW: The most important thing is to use shampoo and conditioner intended for color-treated hair. And keep in mind that this color will require significant touch-ups as the shade has a tendency to fade. Be prepared to go to the salon more often than usual.
