Subscribe!
What we'll be talking about
In this episode, we’re talking about 5 must-know Copper hair colour formulas that work with every salon brand, and why you need them. I’ll share how to transform 5 different starting bases to achieve copper.
Achieving that perfect, fiery Level 7 orange copper can be a bit of a journey, especially when starting from different hair colours.
Imagine this: five clients walk into your salon, each with a different starting point. One is a bright blonde, another is rocking a deep brownish black, the third has luscious dark brown locks, the fourth is already a Level 7 but wants that extra copper kick, and the fifth has a stunning darker red. The challenge? They all want to walk out with that jaw-dropping Level 7 orange copper. Sounds like a colourful adventure, right?
Show notes for podcast episode 172
In this podcast episode, I share my top formulas and pro tips for transforming 5 different starting points into a show-stopping Level 7 copper. We’ll cover blonde to copper, Level 2 brownish black to copper, Level 5 dark brown to copper, Level 7 to Level 7 copper, and darker red to copper. No matter what brand you’re working with, I’ve got you covered!
Client 1: Blonde to Copper
Let's start with our first transformation: taking a bright blonde to a stunning Level 7 orange copper. Blondes can be a fun challenge because of their light base and tendency to have unwanted undertones. Formula: Use a Level 7 copper-gold mix. Depending on the brand, you could mix 7.43 (copper-gold) with a touch of 7.44 (intense copper) to add more vibrancy. Use a 20-volume developer to ensure the colour deposits well without too much lift. But first, you might need to fill the blonde hair if it’s lighter than Level 9.
Client 2: Level 2 Brownish Black to Copper
When transforming a Level 2 brownish black to a rich Level 7 copper, can be challenging due to the significant lift required, but with the right approach, it’s achievable. Formula: For this transformation, use a high-lift copper colour. I recommend a mix of a high-lift copper (e.g., 12.43) with a 30 or 40-volume developer, depending on the hair’s condition and desired lift.
Client 3: Level 5 Dark Brown to Copper
This level requires moderate lifting and careful toning.
Formula: Use a Level 7 copper (7.4) mixed with a 30-volume developer to achieve the necessary lift and deposit the vibrant copper tones. For clients with longer than 5-6 weeks of regrowth or virgin hair, you’ll need to mix a colour up that is lighter and brighter for the mid-lengths to avoid root glow or hot roots. I’d use 7.4 and 12%.
Client 4: Level 7 to Level 7 Copper
For those already at Level 7, achieving a vibrant copper is more about tonal adjustment than lifting. This makes the process simpler but still crucial for getting that perfect shade.
Formula: Use a pure Level 8 Copper with a 20-volume developer to deposit the colour effectively.
For extra vibrancy, add a custom copper or orange toning treatment at the basin to boost the tone.
Client 5: Darker Red to Copper
Finally, let’s transform a darker red to a stunning Level 7 copper. This involves shifting the tone rather than significant lifting.”
Formula: If your Darker Red is a buildup of semi or demi-permanent colour, you’ll need to mix up blue powder bleach and 10 vol to apply on wet hair. This is something I teach in my online course. I love Basin Balayge for customising redheads and for lifting out darker reds and banding to achieve copper.
Using a gloss or glaze with copper tones as a final step can enhance the shine and longevity of the colour.
Listen to episode 172 of the Colour Kristina Talks Podcast to to learn the 5 must-know Copper Formulas for every brand.
Subscribe
Leave a review
Recent
podcasts
Avoid the 3 biggest mistakes Hairdressers make with Reds & Copper Hair Colouring
Wondering how to avoid the 3 biggest mistakes when painting reds or coppers? In this episode, we answer that question.
Hourly Pricing is a Game-Changer for your salon biz, with Samantha Lacoste
Wondering if your self-belief is holding you back from a successful career as a hairdresser? Or perhaps you've been wanting to start earning more money and explore the concept of hourly pricing. In this episode, we answer both of those questions.
Niching down to grow a salon biz you will love, with Chelsea De Main
In this episode, we’re talking about finding your unique sense of style and why you need to niche down to grow a salon business you’ll love.
The Do's and Don't of Scalp Bleaching
In this episode, we’ll be talking about the do’s and don’t of scalp bleaching and why you need to understand the theory behind this before you try to paint your next client platinum.