Leighton Meester, famous for portraying the iconic brunette Blair Waldorf on Gossip Girl, is fully embracing her redhead era. The actress, who is set to star in the second season of Nobody Wants This on Netflix, has updated her look with a stunning sunset copper hue that shines brightly in the spring sunlight.
Meester’s hair journey started with warmer auburn tones, a trend also seen on stars like Michelle Yeoh and Emma Stone. However, over the weekend, she took the plunge into a lighter, more vibrant sunset copper that appears almost peachy under the Parisian sky. This color update debuted at the Elie Saab AW25 show during Paris Fashion Week, styled by Halley Brisker and assisted by Allie Harknett. The sleek, straight blow-dry and full fringe enhanced the vibrancy of the new tone, keeping the overall look understated yet elegant.
Going bright copper can be tricky—too orange, and it can feel overdone. But Meester’s new hue strikes the perfect balance, offering a deep, rich color that feels subtle and grown-up. The color was perfected by LA-based colorist Amy Huson, who explains that they initially eased into the red tone, making gradual steps before reaching this bold, bright copper. “Reds tend to fade quickly,” Huson shares, adding that regular salon visits every four weeks are key to maintaining the richness of the color.
For those looking to maintain their red tones, Huson recommends using color masks, like Christopher Robin Chic Copper, to keep the hue bright and add shine between appointments.
As the spring season kicks off, a sunset copper shade offers a refreshing lift to the complexion. It’s a lighter, more lively update compared to the deeper cherry reds of winter. For an even more sun-kissed effect, the copper sundowner look—seen on Aimee Lou Wood from The White Lotus—offers a beachy feel with balayage blending warm golden and copper hues.
With Meester’s sunset copper hair making waves, it’s clear that spring hair color trends are all about vibrant, fresh tones perfect for the season.
