Copper hair catches light like nothing else. Those warm golden tones and fiery red highlights can transform your look completely. But walk into any shop and the wall of copper shades becomes overwhelming fast. Garnier offers at least six different copper options across their ranges. Which one actually delivers the colour you see on the box? Will it cover your greys? And how do you know if that intense copper blonde works on your current hair colour?
Garnier has spent decades perfecting their copper formulas. Their ranges include everything from subtle golden browns to bold fiery reds. Each formula addresses different needs whether you want permanent coverage for greys or a gentler demi option. The brand backs their colours with oil enriched technology and clear guidance on what works for your starting shade.
This guide walks you through choosing your ideal Garnier copper shade step by step. You’ll learn how to assess your current hair colour, match it to the right shade family, understand the differences between Nutrisse, Olia and their other ranges, then prepare and apply your colour at home with confidence. By the end you’ll know exactly which Garnier copper delivers the results you want.
What to know about copper dye before you start
Copper sits firmly on the warm side of the colour spectrum. Unlike cool blonde or ash tones, copper contains red and orange pigments that create those signature golden and fiery effects. These warm molecules behave differently than other hair colours. They grab onto your hair shaft more aggressively, which means copper can be brilliant or brassy depending on your starting point and technique.
Understanding copper undertones
Garnier copper hair dye comes in variations from subtle golden browns to intense red coppers. The level number (like 7.3 or 7.40) tells you how light or dark the shade sits, whilst the decimal numbers indicate the tone strength. A 7.3 leans more golden copper, whilst 7.40 pushes deeper into intense copper territory. Your natural undertones matter here. If your skin has cool pink undertones, you’ll want a softer copper. Warm peachy or golden skin tones can handle the boldest copper shades beautifully.
Copper hair colour amplifies any yellow or orange already in your hair, so starting with the right base makes all the difference.
How copper develops on different bases
Copper refuses to lighten dark hair on its own. You need level 6 or lighter (medium brown to blonde) to see true copper results without pre-lightening. On naturally dark brown or black hair, copper dye deposits only a subtle tint that shows mainly in direct sunlight.
Step 1. Assess your starting hair colour and goals
Your current hair colour determines which Garnier copper hair dye will actually deliver the results you want. Skip this step and you’ll waste money on a shade that either disappears into dark hair or turns brassy on previously lightened strands. Grab a mirror and good natural lighting to assess where you’re starting from and where you want to end up.
Identify your current colour level
Hold a strand of your hair against a white background in daylight. Natural levels run from 1 (black) to 10 (platinum blonde). Most people fall between levels 4 and 7. If your hair has previous colour or highlights, check your roots separately from your lengths. Virgin hair takes copper differently than previously treated hair. Grey coverage needs also matter here. Count the grey strands in your mirror view. Under 25% grey? Most Garnier coppers work. Above 50%? You need a permanent formula with stronger coverage.
Your starting level must be at least a level 6 (dark blonde) to see true copper tones without pre-lightening.
Define your copper goal
Do you want subtle warmth or bold fire? Picture your ideal result. A natural looking golden copper suits professional environments. An intense red copper makes a statement. Check photos of copper shades in similar lighting to where you spend most time. Indoor lighting dulls copper, whilst sunlight makes it glow. Your lifestyle dictates maintenance commitment too.
Step 2. Pick your Garnier copper shade family
Garnier splits their copper shades across three main permanent ranges: Nutrisse Crème, Olia, and GOOD. Each formula uses different technology and suits different priorities. Nutrisse relies on fruit oil concentrates for nourishment. Olia powers its colour with 60% oils and no ammonia. GOOD focuses on 90% natural origin ingredients with a mask-like application. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize grey coverage, gentle processing, or natural formulas.
The core copper shades explained
Garnier’s most popular coppers follow a consistent numbering system across ranges. The 7.3 Golden Copper delivers warm honey tones with subtle red highlights. The 7.40 Intense Copper (sometimes labelled Copper Passion or Copper Blonde) pushes into bolder red-orange territory. GOOD’s 7.43 Turmeric Copper sits between these two with earthy warmth and less red intensity. All three work on level 6 to 8 starting hair, but you’ll get different intensities depending on your base.
Match the shade number to your starting level: lighter bases amplify the copper, whilst darker bases soften it.
Quick shade matching guide
Use this guide to narrow your options:
- Level 6-7 (dark to medium blonde): Any Garnier copper hair dye works. Try 7.3 for natural results or 7.40 for bold impact
- Level 8-9 (light blonde): Stick with 7.3 or 7.43 to avoid overly bright results. Skip 7.40 unless you want intense fire
- Previous red/copper colour: Choose 7.40 to refresh or maintain vibrancy
- Virgin hair with greys: Pick Nutrisse 7.3 for guaranteed coverage in one application
Step 3. Decide on coverage, formula and maintenance
Your Garnier copper hair dye choice narrows down once you match formula technology to your specific needs. Grey coverage requirements, scalp sensitivity, and how often you want to reapply all play into which range delivers the best results. Each Garnier formula uses different processing technology that affects how long your copper lasts and how your hair feels afterwards.
Coverage levels across Garnier ranges
Nutrisse Crème offers the strongest grey coverage at up to 100% in a single application. The formula penetrates deeply with fruit oil concentrates that seal colour into your hair shaft. Olia provides similar coverage but processes without ammonia, making it gentler on sensitive scalps whilst still delivering permanent results. GOOD sits at 90% natural origin ingredients with coverage that works best on hair with under 50% grey. If grey coverage drives your decision, pick Nutrisse 7.3 Golden Copper for guaranteed results or Olia 7.40 for gentler processing.
Permanent formulas lock copper pigment inside your hair shaft, whilst semi-permanent options coat the outside and fade faster.
Maintenance commitment breakdown
Permanent Garnier copper hair dye lasts 6 to 8 weeks before you need root touch-ups. Nutrisse and Olia both sit in this category. You’ll need to refresh your colour every 4 to 6 weeks to maintain vibrancy as copper fades faster than other shades. GOOD requires similar maintenance but washes out more gradually. Plan for colour-safe shampoo and cool water rinses to extend your copper between applications. All three ranges include post-colour conditioners, but you’ll want weekly deep treatments to maintain shine. Budget 20 minutes for root touch-ups or 45 minutes for full head applications every month to six weeks.
Step 4. Prepare and apply your colour at home
Your Garnier copper hair dye application starts 48 hours before you open the box. That’s when you perform the mandatory allergy test by applying a small amount of mixed colour behind your ear. Skip this step and you risk serious reactions. Once you pass the allergy test, gather your supplies: old towels, petroleum jelly for your hairline, a timer, and clips to section your hair.
Pre-application essentials
Apply your colour on dry, unwashed hair that hasn’t been washed for 1 to 2 days. Natural oils protect your scalp during processing. Section your hair into four quadrants using clips: front left, front right, back left, back right. Protect your skin by spreading petroleum jelly along your hairline, ears, and neck. Wear an old shirt you don’t mind staining. Mix your colour according to packet instructions immediately before application.
Application order that works
Start at your roots where colour processes slowest, working through each quadrant methodically:
- Apply colour to roots first, staying 1cm from your scalp
- Work the colour through to your mid-lengths
- Saturate your ends last as they absorb colour fastest
- Set your timer for exactly 25 minutes (check packet instructions)
- Massage colour through before rinsing with lukewarm water
- Apply the included conditioner and rinse thoroughly
Process time matters: under-processing leaves patchy copper, whilst over-processing damages your hair without adding intensity.
Ready to choose your copper shade
You now have everything you need to pick your perfect Garnier copper hair dye with confidence. Start by checking your current hair level against the shade guide in step two. Match your grey coverage needs to the right formula in step three. Then prepare your space and follow the application order that prevents patchy results. Your copper transformation takes less than an hour from mixing to rinsing, and the results last six to eight weeks with proper care.
Smart Beauty stocks the complete range of Garnier copper shades alongside vegan alternatives and plex-enriched formulas that protect your hair. Browse copper hair dyes at Smart Beauty to compare shades, read detailed reviews, and find your ideal copper match delivered to your door.
