Pamela Anderson unveiled her new copper red hair at Paris Fashion Week last week and the beauty world fell in love. Soft copper tones with a rose-kissed glow have quickly become the season’s most covetable shade. “It’s a much softer, diluted version of the flaming deep red we saw on Dua Lipa in Autumn 2024,” says Marc Armstrong of Marc & Maxwell salon in Surry Hills Sydney.
Marc says most hair colours can capture this look without compromising hair health. His advice? Match your copper to your undertone, embrace layered colour and never forget the gloss.
Why Pamela Anderson’s copper red works so well
“Copper isn’t just a colour, it’s a mood,” says Marc. “Pamela Anderson’s copper red proves you don’t need to stay locked into one shade forever. Blondes may feel safe, but copper is playful, dimensional and chic. In sunlight, it’s luminous; indoors, it looks warm and polished.
This is hair that feels effortless, not loud. It’s the kind of shade that turns heads for all the right reasons.”
Step 1: Find your perfect copper
Not all copper reds are created equal. Pamela’s copper red can lean pink, golden, earthy or muted. Your undertone will tell you which direction to go.
“The simplest way to land your best copper is by checking the veins on your wrists,” advises Marc. “If your veins look blue or purple, you’re cool. Aim for cooler coppers with a rose or ash edge.
“If your veins lean green, you’re warmer, so go with golden, auburn or rich earthy undertones,” suggests Marc.
“Always ask your colourist to show you swatches against your skin in natural light so you see how each variation plays.”
For cool skin tones
Marc recommends coppers with cooler edges. “Think rose golds or ash-tinted coppers that enhance, rather than clash with, your tone.”
For warm skin tones
Lean towards earthy, golden coppers or auburns,” suggests Marc. “Rich shades of copper red with golden undertones look radiant against warm skin.”
Step 2: Know your base
“Light hair like Pamela Anderson is ideal for brighter copper reds, while darker hair may need a lift before taking on this hue.”
Marc recommends layering tones rather than going flat.
“Ask your colourist for a mix of deeper roots, brighter ends and gloss makes the colour move with the light.”
Also, ask for depth, variation and gloss when at the salon. “Pamela’s copper red works best when it looks natural and luminous, not blocky or brash.”
Step 3: Commit or flirt with copper
Not sure? “Try a semi-gloss for shine and subtle colour that fades gracefully. For a longer-lasting affair, go permanent — but only with a colourist who knows how to handle copper.”
Step 5: Care for your new shade
Marc says the secret to keeping Pamela Anderson’s copper red luminous is treating it with the same gentleness you’d give silk.
“I always send my clients home with Mr Smith Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner because they cleanse without pulling pigment. They contain marula and cupuaçu, which leave hair supple, not stripped.”
Marc also swears by the Mr Smith Pigments Masque in Honey Blonde, Peach Blonde or Strawberry Blonde, which he describes as “a colour refresher and shine boost in one, like topping up your gloss between salon visits.”
Step 6: Shift with the seasons
Pamela’s copper red is versatile. “In summer, lighten with rose-gold touches,” suggests Marc. “In winter, go deeper and more auburn. Think of copper as a living shade that evolves with you.”
How to maintain copper red hair across the seasons
“To keep your copper red glowing for months, you’ll need a gentle, consistent routine,” stresses Marc.
“Wash with cool water, use sulphate-free products and pigment-preserving shampoos and conditioners. At home, revive your tone with a pigment mask or semi-gloss between salon visits. Use UV and heat protection whenever you style. With care, copper red doesn’t fade, it becomes your signature.”
