Picking a color-depositing mask comes down to two questions: what shade is your hair right now, and what do you want it to look like?
Get those two right and the mask does the rest. Get them wrong and you end up with a tone that fights your base color.
Here is how to choose between copper, black, and marsala — plus the two other shades in the range if none of those three is your match.
First, know your level
Hair color runs on a scale from 1 to 12. Level 1 is black. Level 12 is the lightest blonde.
- Levels 1–3: Black to darkest brown
- Levels 4–5: Medium to dark brown
- Levels 6–7: Light brown to dark blonde
- Levels 8–9: Medium to light blonde
- Levels 10–12: Very light to platinum blonde
You do not need to be exact. Just know roughly where you sit, because a mask deposits tone onto your existing level. It cannot lighten. A marsala mask on level 2 black hair will barely show.
Copper
Best for: Levels 6 to 8. Blondes and light brunettes who want warmth, or anyone whose copper or strawberry color has gone flat.
Undertone: Orange-copper. Bright, warm, high-energy.
How often: Every one to two weeks. Copper is one of the fastest-fading tones, so regular refreshing is the point.
Watch out: On very light blonde it can read almost orange. Strand test and keep your first application short.
Product: C29 Copper Apparel Orange Mask
Black
Best for: Levels 3 to 5. Brunettes who want deeper, glossier depth, or anyone covering faded ends before an event.
Undertone: Neutral to cool black. Adds depth and a mirror-like shine.
How often: Every two to three weeks. Dark pigment sticks around longer than warm tones.
Watch out: Use it sparingly on porous ends. Dark pigment builds up, and after several rounds your ends can end up noticeably darker than your roots. This is the hardest one to reverse, so go light.
Product: Nero Black Apparel Dark Mask
Marsala
Best for: Levels 5 to 7. Brunettes and reds who want cool, wine-toned depth with a strong sheen. This is the shade to reach for if you color with marsala and want to keep it vivid between appointments.
Undertone: Red-violet. Marsala sits on the cool side of the red family — deeper and less orange than a true red, with a violet cast that reads as wine rather than fire.
How often: Every two to three weeks. Always cool-rinse — red-violet pigment fades faster than any other family, and hot water speeds it up.
Watch out: Two things. On blonde or heavily lightened hair, marsala grabs hard and can go bright pink — always strand test first. And although the undertone is red-violet, this is not a violet neutralizer. It deposits wine tone; it does not cancel yellow brass. Blondes fighting warmth need a true violet, not this.
Product: Marsala Apparel Mask
Want marsala permanently instead of as a refresh? Browse the full Hair Color range.
Not copper, black, or marsala?
Two more shades round out the range:
Blonde and going yellow? The Nacre Blonde Apparel Glaçage Mask is your pick. It is a pearl tone that cools yellow instead of adding warmth. Blondes should start here, not with copper or marsala.
True red, not marsala? The Carmine Red Apparel Rouge Mask sits brighter and warmer, closer to a classic red than a wine.
Quick comparison
| Mask | Best levels | Undertone | Refresh every |
|---|---|---|---|
| C29 Copper | 6–8 | Orange-copper | 1–2 weeks |
| Nero Black | 3–5 | Neutral-cool black | 2–3 weeks |
| Marsala Apparel | 5–7 | Red-violet, wine | 2–3 weeks |
| Carmine Red | 5–8 | True warm red | 1–2 weeks |
| Nacre Blonde | 8–12 | Cool pearl | 1–2 weeks |
Care that keeps any shade looking fresh
- Wash 2–3 times a week with lukewarm water, then cool-rinse.
- Use a color-safe shampoo like the K. Fiber Shampoo Reestruturador.
- Shield daily with the Purifier Micelar Leave-in Spray 12 in 1 before sun or heat.
- Finish with shine. A drop of K. Fiber Reparador Essencial makes any tone read richer.
Frequently asked questions
Can I mix two masks together?
Yes. Mixing Carmine Red with Marsala gives you a tone between the two. Start with more of the shade closest to your goal and strand test the blend.
Is the Marsala mask a purple toner?
No. Marsala has a red-violet undertone, but it is a color-depositing mask for wine-toned hair, not a neutralizer. If you are blonde and trying to cancel yellow, you need a true violet product. Using Marsala for that will leave you with pink or rose tones.
Will a mask lighten my hair?
No. Color-depositing masks only add tone. If you want to go lighter, you need a lightening service.
What if I pick the wrong shade?
Warm tones like copper and red fade out over several washes. Black is the one to be careful with, since dark pigment lingers. When in doubt, start with a short processing time.
Can I use a mask on virgin, uncolored hair?
Yes, and it is a low-commitment way to try a tone. Just know it shows up more subtly on healthy virgin hair, since virgin hair is less porous.
Copper or marsala — what's the difference?
Copper leans orange and reads bright and sunny. Marsala leans red-violet and reads deep and cool. Copper tends to suit warm skin tones; marsala tends to suit cool ones.
Find your shade
Shop all Color Maintenance masks.
Ready to apply? Follow the 20-minute at-home gloss method, and check the mistakes to avoid first.
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