So, you’ve embarked on a hair coloring adventure, dreaming of a vibrant blonde or a chic light brown, and instead, you’re staring at a head of hair with unwanted orange tones. Don’t panic! Many have been there, and the good news is you can often correct this at home. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the causes of orange hair, the best at-home remedies, and preventative measures to avoid brassiness in the future.
Understanding the Orange Menace: Why Does Hair Turn Brassy?
Before diving into solutions, let’s understand why your hair has turned orange. The culprit is often the underlying pigments in your hair. When you lighten your hair, you’re stripping away these pigments, starting with the darkest (brown and black) and working towards the lighter ones (red, orange, and yellow).
When you don’t lift enough color during the bleaching process or if your hair is naturally very warm, the orange and red undertones remain, resulting in that brassy appearance.
Several factors contribute to this phenomenon:
- Insufficient Bleaching: Not lifting the hair to the desired level before toning.
- Dark Hair: Naturally dark hair contains a high concentration of warm pigments.
- Hard Water: Minerals in hard water can deposit on the hair, leading to brassiness.
- Sun Exposure: UV rays can oxidize hair color, revealing warm tones.
- Certain Hair Products: Some shampoos and styling products can contribute to color fade and brassiness.
- Box Dye: Often contains metallic salts that react poorly with lightening.
Assessing the Damage: How Orange is TOO Orange?
The severity of the orange will dictate your course of action. Is it a subtle warmth, or a blatant, fiery orange? If it’s just a slight tinge, a simple toning shampoo might suffice. If it’s a more pronounced orange, you’ll need a stronger approach, potentially involving a toner or even re-bleaching in specific cases.
Knowing your hair’s starting level and the desired level is crucial. If you started with very dark brown or black hair, lifting it several levels at once can often lead to orange tones. A gradual lightening process, with proper toning in between, is usually the best way to achieve a cool-toned blonde or light brown.
Your Arsenal Against Orange: At-Home Remedies
Now for the good stuff! Here are several at-home remedies to combat orange hair:
Toning Shampoos and Conditioners: Your First Line of Defense
These are your go-to products for mildly brassy hair. Purple shampoos neutralize yellow tones, while blue shampoos counteract orange tones.
How to Use: Apply to wet hair, focusing on the brassiest areas. Leave on for 3-5 minutes (or as directed on the bottle) and rinse thoroughly. Follow with a moisturizing conditioner, as toning shampoos can be drying.
Important Note: Don’t overuse toning shampoos, as they can deposit too much pigment and create a dull or even purple/blue tinge. Once or twice a week is usually sufficient.
Toners: The Big Guns for Stubborn Orange
When toning shampoos aren’t enough, it’s time to bring out the toners. Toners contain pigment that cancels out unwanted tones. They are mixed with a developer, which opens the hair cuticle and allows the toner to deposit color.
Choosing the Right Toner:
The color wheel is your friend! To neutralize orange, you’ll need a blue-based toner. Look for toners labeled “ash blonde” or “cool blonde.” The specific shade will depend on the level of your hair and the intensity of the orange.
Developer Volume:
The developer volume determines how much the toner will lift and deposit color.
- 10 Volume: Deposits color only, with minimal lift. Best for already light hair with slight brassiness.
- 20 Volume: Lifts one level and deposits color. Suitable for more noticeable orange tones.
- Never use a developer higher than 20 volume for toning purposes at home unless you are experienced. Using too high of a volume can damage your hair.
Application:
Always perform a strand test before applying toner to your entire head. This will help you determine the processing time and ensure you achieve the desired result.
Mix the toner and developer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Apply evenly to damp hair, starting at the roots and working your way to the ends. Process for the recommended time (usually 20-30 minutes), checking the color frequently. Rinse thoroughly and follow with a deep conditioner.
Safety First:
- Always wear gloves when applying toner.
- Work in a well-ventilated area.
- Do not leave the toner on for longer than the recommended time.
- If you experience any irritation, rinse immediately and consult a professional.
DIY Hair Masks: Natural Remedies for Brassiness
While not as potent as toners, some natural ingredients can help neutralize orange tones and improve hair health.
- Blueberry Mask: The blue pigments in blueberries can help counteract orange tones. Blend fresh or frozen blueberries with a small amount of yogurt or honey to create a paste. Apply to damp hair, leave on for 20-30 minutes, and rinse thoroughly.
- Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse: ACV can help balance the pH of your hair and remove mineral buildup, which can contribute to brassiness. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of ACV with 1 cup of water. Pour over your hair after shampooing, leave on for a few minutes, and rinse.
- Purple Food Coloring: A few drops of purple food coloring mixed with your conditioner can create a DIY toning treatment. Be very careful with this method, as it’s easy to overdo it and end up with purple hair.
Important Note: DIY remedies may not deliver dramatic results, but they can be a gentle way to maintain your hair color and improve its overall health.
Re-Bleaching (Use with Caution!): A Last Resort
If the orange is very stubborn and other methods have failed, you may need to re-bleach your hair. However, this should be approached with extreme caution, as it can cause significant damage.
When to Re-Bleach:
Only consider re-bleaching if your hair is healthy and strong. If it’s already damaged or brittle, re-bleaching could lead to breakage.
The Process:
Use a low-volume developer (10 or 20 volume) and apply bleach only to the orange areas. Monitor the process closely and rinse as soon as the desired level of lightness is achieved. Follow with a deep conditioning treatment.
Professional Advice:
If you’re unsure about re-bleaching your hair at home, it’s best to consult a professional colorist. They can assess your hair’s condition and recommend the safest and most effective course of action.
Preventing Orange Hair: A Proactive Approach
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to prevent your hair from turning orange in the first place:
- Start with a Clean Slate: Before coloring your hair, clarify it to remove any buildup from products or hard water.
- Gradual Lightening: If you’re going from dark to light, lighten your hair gradually over several sessions. This will minimize the risk of orange tones.
- Use a Pre-Toner: A pre-toner can help neutralize warm tones before applying your final color.
- Choose the Right Products: Use color-safe shampoos and conditioners that are formulated for blonde or highlighted hair.
- Protect Your Hair from the Sun: Wear a hat or use a UV protectant spray when spending time outdoors.
- Install a Shower Filter: A shower filter can remove minerals from hard water, preventing them from depositing on your hair.
- Regular Toning: Use a toning shampoo or conditioner regularly to maintain your hair color and prevent brassiness.
- Professional Maintenance: Schedule regular appointments with your stylist for touch-ups and toning.
The Importance of Hair Health
No matter which method you choose to combat orange hair, remember that healthy hair is essential. Damaged hair is more prone to breakage and color fade. Focus on strengthening and moisturizing your hair with deep conditioning treatments and protein masks.
Key Ingredients to Look For:
- Keratin: Helps repair and strengthen damaged hair.
- Argan Oil: Provides moisture and shine.
- Coconut Oil: Nourishes and protects the hair.
- Shea Butter: Adds moisture and softness.
- Panthenol (Vitamin B5): Helps to hydrate and smooth the hair.
When to Seek Professional Help
While many cases of orange hair can be corrected at home, there are times when it’s best to seek professional help.
- Severe Damage: If your hair is already damaged or brittle, attempting to correct the color yourself could make things worse.
- Uneven Color: If the orange is patchy or uneven, a professional colorist can create a more uniform result.
- Complex Color Corrections: If you’ve tried multiple at-home remedies without success, a professional can assess your hair and recommend a customized solution.
- Unsure About the Process: If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about any aspect of the color correction process, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and consult a professional.
Finding a Reputable Stylist:
- Read online reviews and testimonials.
- Ask for recommendations from friends or family.
- Look at before-and-after photos of their work.
- Schedule a consultation to discuss your hair goals and concerns.
Conclusion: Embrace the Journey to Beautiful Hair
Dealing with orange hair can be frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be a disaster. With the right knowledge, tools, and patience, you can banish brassiness and achieve the hair color of your dreams. Remember to prioritize hair health, proceed with caution, and don’t be afraid to seek professional help when needed. The journey to beautiful hair is a process, so embrace the challenges and celebrate your successes along the way!
Why does my hair turn orange after bleaching?
Bleaching your hair lifts the natural pigment. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always lift all the pigment evenly. Orange tones are often caused by underlying warm pigments that remain after the bleaching process. These pigments are typically red and orange melanin, which are harder to remove and require stronger bleaching agents or more rounds of lightening.
The level of lift achieved during bleaching also plays a crucial role. If your hair wasn’t lifted high enough (typically to a pale yellow) before toning, the orange undertones will still be visible. This can happen if the bleach wasn’t left on long enough, the developer used wasn’t strong enough, or if your hair is naturally very dark. It’s important to assess your hair’s starting level and the desired end result before beginning the bleaching process.
What’s the best type of toner to use for orange hair?
For orange hair, a blue-based toner is generally the most effective. Blue sits opposite orange on the color wheel, making it the perfect neutralizing agent. Look for toners specifically formulated for neutralizing orange or brassy tones. These toners contain blue pigments that will cancel out the unwanted warmth and leave you with a cooler, more neutral shade.
Consider the intensity of the orange in your hair when choosing a toner. For light orange tones, a weaker toner or a toning shampoo might suffice. For more stubborn, intense orange tones, a stronger toner with a higher concentration of blue pigment might be necessary. Read reviews and product descriptions carefully to ensure you’re selecting the right product for your specific needs.
How often can I tone my hair to get rid of orange?
Toning your hair too frequently can damage it. Over-toning can lead to dryness, breakage, and even unwanted color build-up. It’s generally recommended to wait at least 2-3 weeks between toning sessions. This allows your hair to recover and minimizes the risk of damage.
If you find yourself needing to tone more frequently than that, it might indicate that your initial bleaching process wasn’t sufficient or that your hair is particularly prone to brassiness. In these cases, consult with a professional hairstylist to assess your hair’s health and determine the best course of action. They may recommend a different bleaching technique or a more permanent color solution.
Can I use purple shampoo on orange hair?
While purple shampoo is great for neutralizing yellow tones, it’s less effective on orange hair. Purple shampoo contains violet pigments, which are designed to counteract yellow, not orange. Using it on orange hair might have a slight effect, but it won’t be as significant as using a blue-based product.
If you’re dealing with both yellow and orange tones, you could potentially alternate between purple and blue shampoos. However, focus primarily on using blue shampoo or toner to address the orange, and then use purple shampoo to maintain the overall coolness and prevent yellow tones from returning. Remember to use both types of shampoos sparingly to avoid over-drying your hair.
What developer volume should I use with my toner?
The developer volume you choose for your toner depends on the desired intensity and the condition of your hair. A low-volume developer, such as 10 volume, is generally recommended for toning. It’s gentle on the hair and deposits the toner without significantly lifting the color.
Using a higher volume developer, like 20 volume or higher, can be more damaging and may result in uneven color or unwanted lift. Unless you’re trying to subtly lighten your hair while toning, stick to a 10 volume developer. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and consult the toner’s instructions or seek advice from a professional.
How long should I leave the toner on my hair?
The processing time for toner varies depending on the specific product and the desired result. Always follow the instructions provided by the toner manufacturer. Generally, toners are left on for anywhere between 10 to 30 minutes. It’s crucial to monitor your hair closely during the toning process to avoid over-toning.
Starting with a shorter processing time, such as 10 minutes, and gradually increasing it is a good strategy. This allows you to check the color development and rinse the toner off when you’ve achieved the desired tone. Over-toned hair can appear dull or ashy, so it’s better to err on the side of caution.
How can I prevent orange hair in the future?
Preventing orange hair starts with proper bleaching techniques. Ensure you’re using a strong enough developer and leaving the bleach on for the appropriate amount of time to lift your hair to a pale yellow. Consider seeking professional help for the initial bleaching process, especially if your hair is naturally dark or has been previously colored.
Maintaining your hair’s health is also crucial. Use color-safe shampoos and conditioners, avoid excessive heat styling, and protect your hair from sun exposure. Incorporating a blue shampoo or conditioner into your hair care routine can help prevent brassiness from developing. Additionally, consider using a hair gloss or glaze to seal the cuticle and protect your hair color.