A desire for change? If we dared the ombre? Its warm reflections bring relief to the cut and revive the color of the hair. It works on either light or dark hair, giving your look a hit that pulls your look together while staying professional enough to avoid any major risks. So how do you switch from regular highlights to an ombre? 

What Is Copper Balayage?

Long gone are the days when balayage was seen as a technique reserved only for the coloring of gray hair. Today it is conveniently utilized in coloring a wide range of shades, including the tinted reds, ruddy browns, mochas, and deep, rich, walnut-brown shades that make up the copper family.

Copper, as a shade, is different from other shades because it has no real direct relation to a particular root color. Often there is some natural root color, but the majority of the shade is developed through multiple tones and many blended highlights. This is true in both the red and brown families of shades. For instance, there is often a soft auburn-like color at the lightest, and at the deepest end, there is almost always a reddish-brown or maroon-like color).

How Does Copper Balayage Work?

The balayage technique works best on hair that has been previously lightened with the use of either bleach or a lightener. While it may still work on virgin hair, there is an increased risk of damaging the hair or causing uneven results without the use of a lightener. It is best to consult a professional stylist who understands these risks and will be able to show you a photo of how it will look and advise you based on your hair type and desired color.

What Are the Different Types of Copper Balayage?

While balayage on hair works best with naturally lightened hair, it is also a great way to enhance a darker shade. If you’re looking to go darker, consider the following.

Light Copper Balayage

This tone is described as a light auburn in color. It is lighter than a typical copper balayage and much more natural-looking. This is a great starting point for women whose hair is already lightened or for women who want a more natural look.

Medium Copper Balayage

There is no official range for this tone. It is any copper tone darker than the light copper tone but not dark enough to look maroon or reddish-brown. It is best for women who want to go darker but want to avoid a major color change. This tone does not look natural on all hair, so be sure to consult with a professional stylist.

Dark Copper Balayage

This tone is maroon in color. It is the darkest range of shades considered to be copper balayage. While it is an example of the ideal application of the balayage technique, it is very similar to a reddish-brown, so it is best worn on hair that is naturally at least a light brown.

Conclusion

If you have dark hair and want to go lighter without ending up with a reddish-brown, copper balayage can be the perfect solution. Generally, the darker your hair is, the more green your skin tone needs to be to avoid looking like you have a fake copper or red tint. If you have very light skin, you may still have the same problem but are on the opposite end of the spectrum. Going with a light copper scheme will ensure that you won’t be at the lighter end of the spectrum.

Here at The Glam House, we have talented and passionate stylists who want to make your hair goals a reality! From extensions, vivid tones, or a balayage, we have a stylist who fits your needs and loves what they do. We are a Latina, woman-owned salon that goes beyond beauty. Our hair color experts in Denver have you covered! If you aren’t sure what you want or are just tired of what you have been doing, contact us for a free consultation!