Photo of Kendall Jenner sparks spike in demand for red hair

Studies show people with this hair colour are less attractive – but after Kendall Jenner changed up her look, Aussies had a change of heart.

A hair colour that was once described as being the “least desirable” is now so popular, hairdressers are reporting a huge influx in demand.

Red tresses have sadly been underrated for decades, with studies concluding that people naturally born with the hair colour suffer most in the dating world, a term dubbed “anti-redhead prejudice”.

But after years of being brutally labelled the “least attractive” hair colour – redheads are finally having a moment.

In the past couple of months stars like Kendall Jenner – who is famous for her almost jet black hair – blonde actress Sydney Sweeney and singer Doja Cat have ditched their typical hair colours in favour of a red hue.

In particular, copper – a warm red shade – is being seen everywhere, with Sydney-based celebrity hair colourist Jaye Edwards telling news.com.au’s The Beauty Diary there’s a reason so many people are “obsessed” with it.

Kendall Jenner makes women go copper. Picture: Instagram/Matt Rez

“I think coming out of the pandemic, people are looking for change. We are seeing so many full transformation requests in salon,” he said.

“Natural copper tones are great option for those looking for a transformation as they can be tailored to match different complexions.

“It’s a bold look, but when paired with lighter undertones, it gives a ‘born with it’ rather than ‘from the bottle’ look.”

Jaye Edwards, an award-winning hair stylist, has reported an influx in demand for copper hair transformations. Picture: Supplied

Jaye, who owns eight EdwardsAndCo salons located around Australia, also added that Kendall’s recent transformation has “inspired plenty of people to give this look a go” – with the award-winning hairdresser stating he’d seen a spike in demand among his clients.

“Deep, natural-looking auburn tones, as well as coppery blonde tones have made a huge comeback while vibrant red has taken the back seat,” he said.

There’s also been an influx of TikTok users sharing videos under the hashtags “#kendallshair” and “#copperhair” – many of which have hundreds of thousands of views – proving the colour is truly in style.

“Why did I wait so long,” one influencer captioned her transformation video, that had over 940,000 views.

US-based colourist Matt Rez, the man behind Kendall’s dramatic hair revamp, said he has been “pleasantly surprised that everyone has been making a big splash and going for the warmth of copper tone”.

On TikTok, women have been raving about their copper hair transformations. Picture: TikTok/@annabellehooperrr

“Copper colours are trending on TikTok with how-to videos, and definitely more of my clients are asking for warmer colours these days,” Rez told WWD recently.

“Blondes are open to playing with strawberry tones and brunettes either want to switch to red shades or go really warm with their glosses for a reddish reflect.

“Hairdressers love doing a good red hair colour – it’s a fun challenge for us.”

If you’re now hankering for an all-new copper do, I can wholeheartedly relate. As a faux redhead the past few years, I’d been eyeing up copper for a while.

Recently, I took the plunge at Jaye’s newest salon in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane.

The whole process took about six hours because we had to take out the deep tones from my vibrant red colour to get it to a place where the copper shade would take. It’s definitely a long time in a chair, but I have zero regrets. I’m obsessed with my new golden locks.

@thisisbex Feck yes, I wanna go copper @redken X @_edwardsandco #hairtransformation#newlook#beautyeditor#beautyreview♬ original sound - TheUntamedSoul

Jaye recommends not turning to box dyes if you’re thinking about changing your hair to copper and advises you need to be prepared to cover the cost of regular maintenance visits with your colourist.

“Going copper can be a gorgeous statement piece, but it is probably the hardest colour to maintain and will require multiple trips to the salon to keep that colour looking fresh,” he warned.

“The colour does fade more quickly, and it is almost impossible to achieve it without a professional.”

There are products out there that can help prolong the colour, with Jaye advising you purchase

“professional/salon quality products” that state “safe for colour-treated hair”.

“These products don’t contain sulphates and parabens, which fade colour faster,” he said.

“Vibrant peachy tones will always fade over time – I recommend investing in a copper-pigmented treatment mask, such as the Christophe Robin Copper Shades Variation Mask.

“I also suggest booking in for regular glosses; these are quick 15-minute in-salon treatments that help make you colour pop again without booking a full colour service.”

My old red looked amazing, but only lasted a few weeks. Picture: Supplied/news.com.au

While the copper doesn’t fade as fast and gives me much more value for my money. Picture: Supplied/news.com.au

One of the main reasons I decided to go from the bold red I previously had was in a bid to get some longevity out of my colour.

Previously, I was getting about four weeks at best before I either had to go back for a colour or lather my locks in a coloured conditioner which was my preferred option as it’s heaps cheaper.

But with the copper, I’m finding it stays fresh for around eight weeks, which is a huge difference.

I’ve been using Redken’s Acidic Bonding shampoo and conditioner after it was recommended by my hairdresser. It’s definitely kept my colour fresh and vibrant, though of course, there’s still a little fade over time – but it’s nowhere near as dramatic as my old shade.

It also has a bonding technology, that seals the hair’s cuticle, helping to lock in moisture and the colour pigment.

I was recommended the Redken Acidic Bonding shampoo and conditioner and I am loving these products. Picture: Supplied

My hair doesn’t fade like it used to. It’s also healthier with visibly less split ends than before. Picture: Supplied

In the three months I have been using it, my hair has become noticeably glossier with far fewer split ends. Even my hairdresser commented when I had a trim recently, noting she didn’t have to take off as much as she usually does.

While a bottle costs $45 for 300ml on AdoreBeauty (both the shampoo and conditioner are priced the same), I only use a small amount as it lathers up beautifully – so a little goes a long way. I’ve had it about three months and am only roughly halfway through.

Are any of you tempted to embrace the new copper hair trend? Let me know in the comments below or jump into The Beauty Diary Facebook group and share your thoughts there.

This column is not advertorial content. Every review is independent, honest and ad-free. If you have a question about a beauty product or an item you’d like to see road tested in The Beauty Diary, jump into our official Facebook group where you can join like-minded beauty junkies. You can also catch me on Instagram or tweet me – don’t forget to hashtag #TheBeautyDiary.

Originally published as Photo of Kendall Jenner sparks spike in demand for red hair