Step into summer with the perfect copper shade—this sunset copper balayage by BTC Team Member Summer Labayen (@manely.summer) is sure to be a staple request this season. This look requires a combination of gray coverage, lowlights, balayaged tip-outs and glossing to build a rich multi-tonal blend. Get her steps and formulas below!
Copper Care: 3 ways to make your color last
Having a lasting, bright copper comes down to your commitment to at-home care. Keep your coppers salon fresh with our checklist below:
- Use salon-quality products: Haircare always starts with your client's washing system. Be sure to invest in a quality shampoo and conditioner—plus, never heat style without a heat protectant.
- Wash in cool water: To keep the hair cuticle closed, try washing your hair in cool water to avoid color fading (remember: warm water opens the cuticle allowing the color to rinse out faster!)
- Pro Tip: For clients who find this to be a hard ask, advise them to wash their hair in the sink with cool water. Then, they can tie their hair up and shower in warm water normally.
- Avoid chlorine and UV exposure: Although this combo pops into our head when we think “summer fun,” these factors will be huge culprits of fast fading. Encourage clients to keep their hair out of chlorine water and wear a hat during long period of sun exposure.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by SUMMER LABAYEN | SAN DIEGO | BLONDE’S | RED’S (@manely.summer)
The Formulas
- Formula A (base):
- L'Oréal Professionnel iNOA Permanent Color 7.34 + 7.43 + 15-volume developer
- Formula B (lowlights):
- L'Oréal Professionnel DIA Light Demi-Permanent 7.40 + 9-volume developer
- Formula C (balayage face frame):
- L'Oréal Professionnel Blond Studio Clay Lightener 7 + 9-volume developer
- Formula D (gloss):
- DIA Light Demi-Permanent 36g 8.43 + 26g 7.40 + 6-volume developer
Steps
1. Apply Formula A to the roots to cover any gray hairs. “I love L'Oréal Professionnel iNOA Permanent Color—it's an oil-based and ammonia-free color line. Always leaves such a shiny and vibrant result,” Summer shares.
2. Apply Formula B as a lowlight, working in horizontal sections, to add depth as needed.
3. Use Formula C to tip out pieces around the front face frame. “I used L'Oréal Professionnel Blond Studio Clay 7 Lightener. Hands down best clay lightener ever! I use this for so many techniques,” Summer says.
4. Rinse everything and apply Formula D globally and process for 20 minutes. “This is a must when creating any dimensional reds or coppers,” Summer explains.
5. Rinse and style as desired.
SAVE THIS! Check out Summer's quick step-by-step for you to screenshot:
