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Hair Color Techniques

Transition into Fall with Copper Brunette/Pecan Red Hair Color
By Tamar Slaughter, Product Club Educator

Copper brunette, also known as pecan red, is a perfect combination of sophistication and spice. This multidimensional tone fuses the opulence of brunette bases and lowlights with a harmonious blend of red/copper highlights. It is a great look for those looking to permeate warmth into their tresses as they tint back over-lightened hair. As a corrective color it can also create a range of brightness that clients can either live in or use as a bouncing off point up the color scale.

Close-up view of vibrant copper brunette hair showcasing its rich texture and multidimensional color, ideal for visualizing the described hair color techniques.

Let’s Formulate:

To formulate accurately, colorists must understand how to achieve the sought-after richness of copper brunette tones in conjunction with the current condition of the hair. These shades can be warm, neutral, or even cool and will mostly range from levels 4-7. Incorporate one or more of the following strategies to create dimensions into the color placement.

  • Highlights
  • Highlights Combined with Lowlights
  • Double Processing

HOT TIP

The starting level of the hair governs which strategy is best for the color application (e.g. highlighting, lowlights, double processing). The texture, density, and preferred visual aesthetic regulates the best technique (e.g. balayage, ombre, etc.).

Levels 1-2:

When starting at levels 1-2, a double process application is the best way to reveal the underlying pigment. This holds the key to successfully formulating beautiful copper brunette hues throughout the hair. The oxidation process between 10-volume developer and lightener on the hair holds all the power needed to achieve this multidimensional tone. This strategy also protects the integrity of it. If the hair is resistant or already has a history of artificial color, 20-volume developer may be required. Once complete, use temporary, or demi-permanent dyes to formulate a velvety brunette base and lowlights with exquisite red /copper highlights.

HOT TIP

A strand test verifies any history of artificial pigments on the hair. This step is important for all color services. If a strand test reveals previous color history on hair levels 1-2, the multidimensional curation of copper brunette tints is a great corrective color option.

Levels 3-4:

A double process application can be a go-to strategy when beginning a color journey from these levels. However, colorists should also consider that because pecan red highlights can live within levels 4-7, it may end up that a double process application is not necessary. The use of a demi permanent (10-volume) can enrich the depth of natural brunette tones. A permanent hair color (20-volume) can also provide grey coverage, and/or bump the base up a level or two, if needed. Lightener (10-vol) followed by copper brunette toners, can create a symphony of pecan red hues throughout the hair. Conversely, depending on the condition of the hair and the anticipated outcome, permanent color (20-30 volume) may garner the same results.

An array of hair color swatches displaying a variety of copper and brunette shades, demonstrating the possible outcomes of different hair coloring techniques.

Levels 5-7:

The color application process can be quite simple from these starting levels. When working with levels 5-7, demi permanent dyes (10-volume) can create the perfect brunette base and lowlights. If the hair is resistant or requires grey coverage, a permanent color (20-volume) can also be used. Red/copper highlights can be formulated with permanent color (20-30 volume) vs a double processing application.

Levels 8-10:

Because copper brunette hair color is lower on the color scale than these starting levels, there is no need to use permanent color or lightener. A tint back service will yield the best results. Copper brunette demi permanent tints can create the blend of lowlights and highlights needed to create a fierce, pecan red hair color.

HOT TIP

To ensure thorough color penetration of over processed hair, always apply a filler before toning. This step is also crucial if the desired final shades are more than two levels lower than the starting point.

Maintenance

Maintaining the vibrancy of beautiful copper brunette hues requires minimal effort. Frequent single process color services will enrich brunette tones while rejuvenating dull red/copper highlights. The frequency of permanent and double process applications is determined by the specific highlighting techniques used.

Product Club Tools Recommendations:

  • Product Club Paintbrush: Create seamless sweeping hand-painted highlights.
  • Product Club Digital Scale: This is a must have to formulate with confidence.
  • Product Club Premier Collection – Mixing Bowls: Use various color bowl options to organize multiple color formulations.
  • Product Club Blending Brush: Perfectly blends highlights and lowlights.
  • Product Club 2-In-1 Brush: Colorists can section hair and apply color with the same tool
  • Product Club Balayage Film and Clear Thermal Film: Use to monitor the color process.
  • Product Club Online Education, Blogs, and Events: Explore Productclub.com for more educational resources like this!!

SHOP THE LOOK: COPPER BRUNETTE/PECAN RED HAIR COLOR

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