I'm Calling It: This Will Be the Most Popular Hair Color of 2021

From sweeping fringes to choppy bobs, hairdressers are predicting that there will be plenty of hair transformation fun to be had in 2021 once salons reopen. Unless you're brave enough to cut your own hair at home, of course. But what about when it comes to color? Well, unlike some of the more low-maintenance hairstyles that are already trending this year, it looks like consumers are still willing to embrace at-home box dyes in their quest for a new hue. And there's one shade that looks set to dominate the year ahead: copper. Yes, burnished reds, coppery golds, and sheeny ambers will be everywhere in 2021 and there are plenty of fashion girls and celebs already proving just how good this color trend looks.

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(Image credit: @ANYATAYLORJOY)

As for caring for this color at home? "There is so much demand for copper colour and care, as the vibrancy fades quickly whether it’s natural or coloured," explains Josh Wood, expert colorist and founder of Josh Wood Colour. "I’d always recommend applying a hydrating treatment mask once or twice a week to keep that color vibrant and always steer clear of sulphates in your shampoos."

Ahead, keep scrolling for 15 of the best copper hair color looks.

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(Image credit: @gigihadid)

Gigi debuted copper strands recently, proving the color really is the move in 2021.

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Lizzo
(Image credit: @LIZZOBEEATING)

Lizzo's embracing all things red with this tonal fashion and beauty look.

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Zendaya
(Image credit: GETTY IMAGES)

Zendaya was way ahead of the curve with this Met Gala beauty look—the copper-colored bob is so 2021.

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Courtney Trop
(Image credit: @ALWAYSJUDGING)

Copper looks so good paired with Courtney's cool-girl hair texture.

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Emma Roberts
(Image credit: GETTY IMAGES)

Emma's warm-toned hair and red lipstick oozes Hollywood siren.

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Jourdan Dunn
(Image credit: GETTY IMAGES)

For a more subtle take on the copper hair trend, opt for a deeper, burgundy-inspired shade like Jourdan's. 

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Isla Fisher
(Image credit: @ISLAFISHER)

Isla's auburn hair always looks so incredibly glossy.

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SZA
(Image credit: @SZA)

How good do SZA's curls look in copper?

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Rihanna
(Image credit: GETTY IMAGES)

Bouncy curls and auburn strands lend retro appeal to Rihanna's long hairstyle.

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Emma Stone
(Image credit: GETTY IMAGES)

Emma has embraced all shades of red over the years but this rich, deep copper might be my favorite of all.

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Phoebe Tonkin
(Image credit: GETTY IMAGES)

For a low-maintenance take on the copper hair trend, keep roots clear of color like Phoebe and focus the color at the ends.

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Nnenna Echem
(Image credit: @NNENNAECHEM)

I love the contrast between Nnenna's dark roots and her amber-tinged low bun.

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Jessica Chastain
(Image credit: @JESSICACHASTAIN)

Jessica's strawberry-blonde strands are a great entry point to the copper hair trend.

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Eva Mendes
(Image credit: GETTY IMAGES)

Brunettes like Eva look amazing with just a hint of copper gloss through their lengths.

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Angela Scanlon
(Image credit: @ANGELASCANLON)

Let's be real—Angela is always serving us redhead hair inspo and we're here for it.

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Freddie Harrel
(Image credit: @FREDDIEHARREL)

Copper curls look so good on Freddie.

Now shop the best products for copper hair:

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Mica Ricketts

Mica Ricketts is a freelance beauty editor, copywriter and regular contributor to Who What Wear UK. She also writes for titles including Marie Claire Refinery 29 and Cosmopolitan, and previously worked at Who What Wear UK as Beauty Editor. With experience in both editorial and content management, she also works with beauty brands and small businesses on brand messaging and content strategy. As a busy mum of two, she is passionate about finding efficacious beauty products that can disguise all signs of tiredness with minimal effort.