Sophie Turner Revives Sansa Stark Red Hair for Lara Croft Role

When an actor changes their hair for a role, it’s rarely just “a new colour”. It becomes part of the character’s silhouette, the story’s mood, and—especially in high-profile casting—an instant cultural moment. This week, Sophie Turner’s return to a vivid, Sansa Stark-inspired copper-red has sparked exactly that kind of conversation, tied to her reported new role as Lara Croft. You’ve known Turner as Sansa Stark and Jean Grey; now, her latest transformation reminds us how powerful hair can be in signalling a fresh chapter—on screen and in the salon chair.

From a UK hair perspective, this is also a useful springboard for anyone considering a bold red: it’s one of the most striking shades to wear, but it’s also among the most maintenance-heavy. The good news? With realistic expectations, the right colour strategy and a few smart aftercare tweaks, copper and auburn tones can look expensive, glossy and modern—rather than fading fast into brassy or pinkish territory.

Why Turner’s red reads “iconic” (and why it’s hard to copy)

Turner is closely associated with red hair thanks to her years as Sansa Stark, and that association matters. In celebrity beauty, returning to a recognisable signature shade often lands as both nostalgic and newly intentional—particularly when it coincides with big casting news. Red hair, in particular, photographs with high impact: it catches light, emphasises skin tone shifts, and makes styling details (waves, braids, sleek ponytails) look more sculptural.

But what looks effortless on a red carpet is usually the result of careful professional formulation. Reds are nuanced—copper versus auburn versus strawberry—and the right undertone is everything. Many colourists will balance warmth with just enough depth to avoid a “flat” orange finish, and will control brightness so the shade remains wearable in daylight, office lighting and flash photography.

• Shade depth matters: A mid-level copper can look vibrant without looking fluorescent.
• Placement matters: Dimensional reds (with lowlights or shadow roots) tend to fade more gracefully.
• Condition matters: High-shine hair makes reds look richer; dryness makes them look muddy.
• Lighting changes everything: Reds can look dramatically different indoors vs outdoors—something stylists plan for.

Real-world next step: If you’re taking a reference photo to your stylist, ask them to explain the undertone (copper, gold, red-violet) and the maintenance plan before you commit—especially if you’re starting from blonde, brunette or previously lightened hair.

The UK salon reality: what it takes to go copper-red well

In UK salons, going red can be a one-appointment win—or a multi-step process—depending on your starting point. If your hair is already lightened, your colourist may be able to glaze in a copper tone with a demi-permanent formula, prioritising shine and softness. If your hair is dark (especially naturally dark brunette), lifting to a bright copper can require lightening first to avoid the colour sitting too deep or turning overly burgundy.

Most professionals will also talk about porosity: hair that’s more porous (often due to heat styling, previous colouring, or environmental wear) can grab pigment quickly and then release it quickly—meaning it may look intensely red at first, then fade faster. That isn’t a reason to avoid red; it’s a reason to approach it with strategy.

To keep the colour looking intentional rather than fading unevenly, many stylists recommend building in one (or more) of the following:

• A shadow root: A softer, slightly deeper root can make regrowth less obvious and the overall red more wearable.
• Subtle lowlights: Adding depth helps the tone stay believable as it fades.
• A gloss schedule: Quick in-salon glosses (often 15–30 minutes) can revive vibrancy between full colour appointments.
• Heat and water awareness: Reds are notorious for fading with frequent hot washing and high heat styling.

While it can be tempting to chase a single “exact match” to a celebrity shade, the best UK colourists typically tailor red to your skin’s undertone, your brow colour and even how you normally wear your hair (centre part, fringe, sleek bun, loose waves). That’s how the colour ends up feeling like your signature rather than a costume.

How to maintain red hair at home (without overcomplicating it)

Red fades—it’s practically part of the deal. The aim isn’t to freeze the colour forever, but to manage fade so it stays flattering and glossy until your next refresh. Many stylists recommend gentle cleansing and consistent conditioning, because roughness and dehydration can make colour look dull quickly.

Practical, salon-aligned habits that can make a visible difference:

• Wash cooler and less often (where possible): Lukewarm water helps reduce unnecessary colour fade.
• Use colour-kind, gentle cleansing: Over-cleansing can strip tone and shine.
• Add a weekly nourishing mask: Well-conditioned hair reflects light better, making reds look richer.
• Protect from heat: Heat damage can make ends porous, which can speed up fading and make tone look uneven.
• Plan your refresh: A gloss/top-up appointment can be easier (and cheaper) than a full recolour.

If you’re considering an at-home colour deposit product, treat it as a tone refresh—not a full correction. Patch testing and strand testing are still sensible, and if your hair is bleached or highly porous, colour can take more strongly than expected.

Real-world next step: Put a “gloss week” reminder in your calendar for 4–6 weeks after your salon appointment. That small planning step can keep red hair looking polished instead of washed out.

What this transformation says about hair trends in 2026

Celebrity transformations often act like weather vanes for wider beauty direction. Turner’s return to red lands at a time when high-impact, character-driven colour is being embraced again—less “quiet luxury beige-blonde”, more statement shades that still look expensive and tailored.

In UK salons, that’s translating into:

• ‘Wearable copper’: Warm reds softened with beige or gold so they suit more complexions.
• Dimensional colour: Lived-in roots and multi-tonal techniques designed to fade gracefully.
• Shine-first styling: Gloss treatments and finishing techniques that make bold colours read luxe.
• Role-led transformations: The return of character beauty—hair that signals a persona, not just a palette.

For readers, the takeaway is reassuring: you don’t need a film role to justify a bold hair moment. If you’ve been flirting with copper or auburn, the current mood supports going warm—so long as you commit to the maintenance rhythm that makes red look intentional.

Key Takeaways

• Sophie Turner’s return to a Sansa Stark-style red is a reminder of how hair can signal a new era—especially in role-led transformations.
• “Celebrity copper” is usually built with professional formulation, shine-enhancing finishing, and often a shadow root for wearability.
• In UK salons, the best reds are tailored to undertone, hair history and porosity—not copied as a one-size-fits-all shade.
• Red hair fades faster than many colours; planning gloss top-ups and prioritising condition helps it stay rich and dimensional.
• A practical next step: bring 2–3 reference photos, then ask your stylist for a maintenance plan (wash frequency, gloss timings, and heat habits).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is copper-red hair hard to maintain?
It can be more demanding than many shades because red pigments tend to fade faster. Many stylists recommend a maintenance routine that focuses on gentle cleansing, good conditioning and periodic gloss refreshes.

Can I go copper if my hair is naturally dark?
Often yes, but achieving a brighter copper may require lightening first. A colourist will usually assess your natural base, previous colour, and hair condition to choose the safest approach.

Will red hair suit cool undertones?
Potentially. Cooler skin tones often suit reds with slightly deeper or more neutral balance rather than very orange copper. A salon consultation is the best way to land on a flattering undertone.

How often should I refresh red colour?
It varies by formula, hair porosity and wash frequency. Many people find a gloss every 4–8 weeks helps maintain vibrancy, with full colour appointments spaced further apart.

What should I ask for at the salon to get a “lived-in” red?
Ask about a shadow root, subtle lowlights for dimension, and a shine-focused gloss. This approach typically helps reds fade more gracefully and look less “block colour”.