Leighton Meester, known for her iconic portrayal of Blair Waldorf on Gossip Girl, is embracing a new look as she enters her “redhead era.” While she has previously experimented with warmer tones, such as a muted auburn, this weekend she took her color to new heights with a vibrant, sunset copper hue that appears almost peachy under the Parisian sunlight.
Meester debuted her stunning new look while attending the Elie Saab AW25 show during Paris Fashion Week. Her hair was styled by Halley Brisker, who created a sleek, straight blow-dry paired with a full fringe, enhancing the vibrancy of the copper color while maintaining an elegant, understated vibe. The color itself has depth, avoiding the orange tones that can sometimes make bright copper look overdone, making it sophisticated and grown-up.
The actress’s color was perfected by LA-based hair colorist Amy Huson, who shared with Harper’s Bazaar how the transition to red was gradual. Meester began with subtle steps toward red, especially as she filmed a show in Scotland, allowing the color to fade out naturally before becoming more bold with each salon visit. Huson emphasizes the importance of regular visits every four weeks to maintain the richness of red hues and suggests using color masks, such as Christopher Robin Chic Copper, to keep the tone bright and shiny in between salon appointments.
As we head into the new season, a sunset copper shade provides a refreshing change from the darker reds of winter, offering a lift to the complexion while feeling lighter and fresher. This tone is also a great option for those looking for a beachy, sunkissed effect, as seen in Aimee Lou Wood’s balayage on The White Lotus, where golden and copper hues blend for a more subtle look.
Leighton Meester’s sunset copper hair is not just a seasonal trend but a vibrant choice that feels fresh and sophisticated—perfect for ushering in the warmth of spring.
