Transformation Season — I dyed my blonde hair copper with this $15 hair gloss
Jessica Chastain. Nicole Kidman. Botticelli’s Venus. Christina Hendricks. Sansa Stark.
These are just a handful of the real and fictional redhead beauties I’ve envied over the years. Read on to find out how I took the jump in the cheapest and most low maintenance way possible (because, in this economy… amiright?).
BEFORE: Natural blonde balayage.
The Decision
As a natural honey blonde, I came into the hair coloring game late in my mid-twenties when long hours working in New York City turned my hair from a golden, sun-kissed blonde to a brassy, dark, not-quite-blonde-but-not-brown amalgamation. Since then, I’ve tried many shades of blonde and have settled into a natural beige for most of the year. However, there is one color I have always lusted after –– red.
After a post-pandemic breakup, I decided to hunt for a low maintenance but flattering way to don the fiery shade and celebrate my newfound independence. Enter: Kristin Ess Signature Hair Gloss in Copper Penny ($15).
The Process
The product is made to be used in the shower. After wetting your hair and squeezing out the excess water, you mix the two bottles together, apply all over, leave on for 10-20 minutes, shampoo, condition, and that’s it! You’re done.
DURING: Anxiously awaiting the results (with my slapdash bun for your viewing pleasure).
Personally, I could never do this without a mirror to ensure an even coat, so I opted to part my hair and work section by section from the bottom, combing through with a wet brush. After all strands were thoroughly saturated, I boldly let the product marinate for 30 minutes, striving for a rich copper over a strawberry blonde.
AFTER: Vibrant copper!
The Results
Not only was this product insanely easy to use (and the haphazard splatters cleaned surprisingly quickly from the walls of my family’s freshly-painted bathroom) but the shine and color payoff rivaled an expensive trip to a professional. The best part was, as a gloss, the pigment played well with my existing balayage and made the color look all the more natural and tailored to me.
With long, thick hair, I wanted to avoid any risk of running out of gloss halfway through the application process and purchased four boxes, but I was pleasantly surprised that I only needed two! Only $30 for a complete transformation.
As for the feeling of my fellow New Yorkers tripping over themselves to get a second look at my traffic-stopping locks? Well, for a peacock like myself, I’d say that’s priceless.
Run out and get it. If not Copper Penny, then one of the other 9 stunning shades from the brand. You’ll be left with a vibrant, healthy color refresh that will last you to the spring.
