Kate Middleton sparks autumn 2025 hair trend: copper highlights

Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, has ushered in an undeniably wearable colour story for autumn 2025: a warm brunette base woven with honey-copper highlights. The look instantly brightens the complexion, reads polished yet effortless, and signals a broader return to soft, sun-cast warmth after seasons of cool-toned colour. Below, we unpack why copper-leaning highlights flatter so many faces, how the placement works, and the smart way to try the trend while protecting hair health.

Why warm copper lights the complexion

Copper highlights don’t just alter hair colour; they influence how light reflects around the face. Warm amber, honey and golden-copper notes bounce light, softening features and countering late-autumn dullness. This is why a brunette canvas nuanced with honey-copper ribbons can project a lit-from-within glow without skewing orange or brassy when done correctly.

Colour theory helps explain the effect. Copper sits in the warm spectrum between red and gold, which can neutralise ashiness in skin and make cool complexions look fresher. On deeper skin tones, strategically placed copper reads luxe and dimensional—never flat—especially when glossed to a high shine. Texture matters too: curls and coils showcase warm highlights beautifully as each bend catches the light, while straight hair displays a sleek, satin ribbon effect.

• Warmth adds radiance: honey and amber tones reflect light back to the face.
• Skin-friendly: copper often softens sallowness and ash undertones in winter light.
• Dimension without drama: micro-highlights and balayage create natural depth.
• Universally adaptable: works on brunettes, dark blondes and textured hair when tailored.

The shade map: from honey-copper to cinnamon brunette

Think of this trend as “expensive brunette, warmed up”. The base remains rich and refined; the highlights are delicate and precisely placed to frame and lift. In practice, colourists are blending:

• Honey-copper babylights: ultra-fine threads that brighten the overall tone without obvious streaks.
• Face-framing ribbons: slightly lighter copper pieces around the hairline for a candlelit halo.
• Balayage sweeps: hand-painted warmth through the mid-lengths to ends for sun-touched softness.
• Cinnamon brunette lowlights: deeper amber-brown strokes that keep the colour grounded and sophisticated.

The key is restraint. Rather than a full copper transformation, the most modern interpretation uses a brunette base—mocha, chestnut or espresso—then layers in honeyed copper only where it will illuminate. Glossing finishes the look, adding slip and reflective shine while refining tone.

Will copper suit me? Undertone and texture guidance

The right copper lives in harmony with your skin’s undertone and your natural depth. A good colourist will test strand swatches and adjust the warmth with controlled amounts of gold/neutral/red pigment, but this at-a-glance guide helps set expectations:

• Cool undertones (pink, rosy, or blue veins): lean into soft honey-copper or rose-gold copper highlights to avoid excess orange. Keep placement fine around the face.
• Neutral undertones: you can wear classic honey-amber with ease. A seamless balayage through mid-lengths brightens without overwhelming.
• Warm undertones (golden or olive): try amber-copper or caramel copper for a naturally sunkissed lift; add a slightly lighter face frame for glow.

By natural hair colour:

• Dark brunette to black hair: expect controlled lifting via micro-highlights; keep copper subtle for a luxurious, multi-dimensional effect. A root shadow preserves depth and reduces upkeep.
• Medium to dark blonde: copper glosses and babylights can shift tone beautifully with minimal lightening.
• Redheads: honey-copper lights add sparkle without changing your identity; focus on mid-lengths to ends.

By texture: Coily, curly and wavy hair magnifies highlights as each curl reflects light. Ask for surface painting and diffused placement to avoid striping. For straight or fine hair, micro-weaves and translucent glossing keep everything soft and seamless.

Salon strategy and maintenance—without compromising hair health

Warmth is most flattering when hair looks healthy. Whether you’re brunette curious or ready for a copper lift, prioritise scalp and strand integrity at every stage:

• Consultation first: bring reference photos that capture tone and placement—honey versus amber, micro-lights versus face-framing ribbons.
• Patch test: request an allergy test (common with oxidative dyes) at least 48 hours before colour.
• Gentle lifting: for dark hair, micro-highlights placed sparingly achieve dimension with less processing. Avoid aggressive global lightening for a copper look; it isn’t necessary.
• Glossing/toning cadence: warm shades stay freshest with a demi-permanent gloss every 4–6 weeks, while highlight touch-ups can stretch to 8–12 weeks.
• Heat protection and UV care: warmth can fade under UV and high heat. Use a heat protectant before styling and consider UV filters on sunny winter days.
• Colour-safe cleansing: opt for gentle, sulphate-free formulas; avoid frequent clarifying shampoos which can strip warm reflect.
• Swim savvy: chlorine may distort tone; wet hair with clean water first and use a cap or post-swim cleanse.

Brassiness is often a technique or maintenance issue rather than an inevitable outcome. The remedy is calibrated pigment and timely glossing—not overcorrecting with strong blue or purple shampoos on brunette copper, which can mute the very warmth you’ve added.

Trend context: the softer side of luxury colour

Every few seasons, warmth cycles back with a more refined hand. Autumn 2025’s take swaps high-contrast caramel streaks for finely milled highlights and glassy finishes. The result is quietly luxurious: flattering in daylight, elegant under evening lighting, and camera-friendly without looking obviously coloured. It’s also a nod to reality—complexions often lose radiance in cooler months, and honey-copper tones bring that glow back in the most natural way.

For professionals, this represents an evolution of the “expensive brunette” aesthetic: keep the base dimensional and healthy, introduce controlled warmth, and focus on bespoke placement. For clients, it means a trend that suits daily life as much as red carpets and engagements.

Key Takeaways

• Honey-copper highlights over a rich brunette base create a complexion-brightening glow ideal for autumn light.
• Fine placement—babylights, face-framing ribbons, and balayage—keeps the finish modern and low-maintenance.
• Match copper intensity to your undertone: rose-gold for cool, classic honey for neutral, amber-caramel for warm.
• Maintain tone with gentle cleansing, heat/UV protection, and 4–6 weekly gloss appointments.
• Prioritise hair health: patch test, avoid unnecessary global lightening, and choose minimal-lift techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will copper highlights suit cool undertones?
Yes—opt for softer honey or rose-gold coppers applied in fine ribbons, especially around the face. Ask your colourist to keep red pigment balanced with neutral/gold for a refined result.

Can very dark hair achieve copper without heavy bleach?
Subtle copper dimension is possible with carefully placed micro-highlights or surface painting. Your colourist may still need to lift a few levels; the difference is in strategic, minimal placement.

How do I stop copper from turning brassy?
Book regular glosses to refresh tone, use colour-safe shampoo, protect from excessive heat and UV, and avoid frequent clarifying washes. Brassiness usually reflects fading or overexposure, not the shade itself.

Is copper high-maintenance?
Not necessarily. A lived-in brunette base with delicate highlights can stretch to 8–12 weeks between lightening sessions; gloss top-ups every 4–6 weeks keep warmth luminous without harsh regrowth lines.

What should I ask for at the salon?
Bring photos and request a warm brunette with honey-copper babylights, subtle face-framing ribbons, and a high-gloss finish. Specify how bold or soft you want the tone and where you prefer brightness concentrated.

Is hair colouring safe during pregnancy?
Many opt to wait until after the first trimester and request well-ventilated appointments and patch tests. Always consult your healthcare professional for personalised advice.