So, you’ve got orange hair. Maybe it was a planned experiment that didn’t quite pan out, perhaps it’s the result of faded red dye, or maybe your bleaching session went rogue. Whatever the reason, you’re now staring at a vibrant or subtly brassy orange hue and wondering, “What color can I possibly dye over this?” Don’t panic! Achieving your dream hair color is still within reach. This comprehensive guide will navigate you through the complexities of color theory, neutralization, and choosing the perfect shade to cover that pesky orange.
Understanding Color Theory: The Key to Success
Before diving into specific color choices, it’s crucial to understand the fundamentals of color theory. This will empower you to make informed decisions and avoid further color mishaps. Think of it as the foundation upon which your hair transformation will be built.
The Color Wheel and Complementary Colors
The color wheel is your best friend in this situation. It visually represents the relationships between different colors, highlighting primary, secondary, and tertiary hues. More importantly, it shows us complementary colors: colors that sit directly opposite each other on the wheel. These colors, when mixed, neutralize each other.
For orange, the complementary color is blue. This means that adding blue to orange will cancel it out, moving towards a more neutral tone, like brown. Understanding this basic principle is essential for effectively covering or toning orange hair.
Hair Levels and Undertones: Why Orange Happens
Hair color is categorized into levels, typically ranging from 1 (black) to 10 (platinum blonde). Bleaching lifts the hair’s natural pigment, revealing underlying warm tones. These undertones are always present, and they become more visible as you lighten your hair.
Dark hair typically has red undertones, which become orange, then yellow, as you lift to lighter levels. Orange hair is a common result when attempting to lighten dark hair, especially if the bleaching process isn’t strong enough or isn’t left on for the appropriate amount of time. It can also be a stubborn reminder of previous red or copper dyes. Knowing your hair’s current level and undertones is key to predicting how a new color will take.
Neutralizing Orange: The First Step to Your Dream Color
Before applying your desired color, you may need to neutralize the orange tones. This creates a more even base for your new dye, ensuring a truer and more vibrant result. Think of it as prepping a canvas before painting.
Using Blue-Based Toners
Toners are semi- or demi-permanent dyes that deposit color without lifting. They are perfect for neutralizing unwanted undertones. A blue-based toner will counteract the orange, moving your hair towards a more neutral or ashy tone.
Look for toners specifically formulated for brassy or orange hair. These often contain violet pigments as well, which help to neutralize yellow tones that may also be present. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and perform a strand test to assess the results before applying the toner to your entire head.
Color Correcting with Blue Dye
In some cases, especially with more intense orange, you might need to use a semi-permanent blue dye to correct the color. This is a more direct approach than using a toner. Choose a blue dye that is specifically designed for hair and is known for its color depositing properties.
Dilute the blue dye with conditioner to create a lighter, more manageable mixture. This will prevent your hair from turning blue. Apply the diluted mixture evenly to your orange hair, focusing on the areas with the most prominent orange tones. Monitor the color closely and rinse when the orange has been sufficiently neutralized.
Colors That Can Successfully Cover Orange Hair
Now, let’s get to the exciting part: choosing the color that will finally banish the orange and give you the hair you’ve been dreaming of. Several colors can effectively cover orange hair, depending on the intensity of the orange and your desired outcome.
Brown Shades: The Safe and Reliable Option
Brown shades are often the easiest and most reliable way to cover orange hair. They provide good coverage and can create a natural-looking result.
Dark Brown: A dark brown shade is an excellent choice for covering stubborn orange tones. The depth of the color will effectively mask the orange, resulting in a rich, dark brown hue. This is a good option if you’re looking for a significant color change and want to return to a darker shade.
Medium Brown: A medium brown can also cover orange, but it may require a slightly more ashy or cool-toned brown to counteract the warmth of the orange. Look for browns with green or blue undertones to help neutralize the orange. A strand test is particularly important with medium brown to ensure adequate coverage.
Ash Brown: Ash brown shades contain cool pigments that will neutralize orange and brassy tones, creating a cool, muted brown color. This is a good option if you want to avoid warm, reddish browns and prefer a more neutral or cool-toned result. This may require pre-toning, especially on very bright orange.
Darker, Richer Colors: Hiding the Orange with Depth
If you’re not afraid to go dark, richer colors can provide excellent coverage and create stunning results.
Dark Red-Brown (Auburn): A dark auburn shade can work well with orange undertones, as it will blend the orange into the overall color, creating a warm, reddish-brown hue. This is a good option if you’re embracing the warmth and want a vibrant, fiery result.
Dark Violet-Brown (Plum): A dark plum shade can neutralize orange and create a unique, dimensional color. The violet tones will counteract the orange, resulting in a deep, rich plum-brown hue.
Black: Black is the ultimate color for covering any unwanted tones, including orange. It provides complete coverage and creates a dramatic, bold look. However, be aware that black can be difficult to remove if you decide to change your hair color in the future.
Creative Color Choices: Working with the Orange
For those who want to be a bit more adventurous, you can explore creative color options that work with the existing orange tones.
Copper: Embrace the orange by enhancing it with a vibrant copper dye. This will create a bold, fiery look that celebrates the warmth of the orange. This works best if the orange is already fairly even and not too brassy.
Dark Blonde (if the orange is light enough): If the orange is very pale, you could potentially dye over it with a dark blonde. An ash blonde would be preferable to counteract the warm tones. This option is risky and will likely require professional help, and likely won’t work unless the underlying orange is very light.
Important Considerations Before You Dye
Before you reach for the dye, consider these crucial factors to ensure a successful and healthy hair transformation.
The Intensity of the Orange
The intensity of the orange will significantly impact the outcome of your chosen color. A light, brassy orange will be easier to cover than a vibrant, intense orange. Assess the strength of the orange tones and choose your color accordingly.
Your Hair’s Condition
Bleaching can damage your hair, leaving it dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Before dyeing, ensure your hair is in good condition. Use deep conditioning treatments to hydrate and strengthen your hair. If your hair is severely damaged, consider consulting a professional stylist for advice on how to proceed.
Porosity: How Your Hair Absorbs Color
Hair porosity refers to its ability to absorb and retain moisture. High porosity hair absorbs color quickly but may also fade quickly. Low porosity hair resists absorbing color. Understand your hair’s porosity to adjust your dyeing technique and processing time accordingly.
Performing a Strand Test
A strand test is non-negotiable! Before applying any dye to your entire head, test it on a small, inconspicuous section of your hair. This will allow you to assess the color outcome, processing time, and any potential allergic reactions. A strand test is the best way to avoid unwanted surprises.
The Dyeing Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Once you’ve chosen your color and prepared your hair, follow these steps for a successful dyeing process.
- Protect Your Skin and Clothes: Wear gloves to protect your hands and an old t-shirt to protect your clothes. Apply a barrier cream or petroleum jelly along your hairline to prevent staining your skin.
- Mix the Dye According to Instructions: Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing the dye. Use a non-metallic bowl and applicator brush.
- Apply the Dye Evenly: Apply the dye evenly to your hair, starting at the roots and working your way to the ends. Ensure all strands are thoroughly saturated.
- Process for the Recommended Time: Follow the recommended processing time on the dye instructions. Do not exceed the recommended time, as this can damage your hair.
- Rinse and Condition: Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear. Apply a deep conditioner to hydrate and nourish your hair.
- Style as Usual: Style your hair as usual and enjoy your new color!
Maintaining Your New Color: Keeping the Orange Away
Once you’ve achieved your desired color, it’s essential to maintain it to prevent the orange from reappearing.
Use Color-Safe Products
Use shampoos and conditioners specifically formulated for color-treated hair. These products are designed to be gentle on your hair and prevent color fading.
Avoid Excessive Washing
Washing your hair too frequently can strip away the color and cause it to fade faster. Try to wash your hair only when necessary, and use dry shampoo in between washes to absorb excess oil.
Protect Your Hair from Heat
Heat styling tools can damage your hair and cause the color to fade. Use heat protectant spray before using any heat styling tools, and try to minimize your use of heat styling whenever possible.
Consider Color-Depositing Products
Use color-depositing shampoos or conditioners to refresh your color and prevent fading. These products deposit small amounts of color with each use, helping to maintain the vibrancy of your hair.
When to Seek Professional Help
While dyeing your hair at home can be a cost-effective and convenient option, there are times when it’s best to seek professional help.
- If your hair is severely damaged: If your hair is severely damaged from bleaching or other chemical treatments, it’s best to consult a professional stylist before attempting to dye it again.
- If you’re unsure about the process: If you’re unsure about any aspect of the dyeing process, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and seek professional advice.
- If you want a significant color change: If you’re attempting a significant color change, such as going from dark to light, it’s best to consult a professional stylist to ensure a safe and successful outcome.
Dyeing over orange hair can be a challenging but achievable goal. By understanding color theory, neutralizing unwanted tones, and choosing the right color, you can transform your hair and achieve the look you’ve always wanted. Remember to prioritize the health of your hair and seek professional help when needed. With patience and careful planning, you can say goodbye to orange and hello to beautiful, vibrant hair!
What factors influence the success of dyeing over orange hair?
The success of dyeing over orange hair depends heavily on the shade of orange you’re working with and the target color you desire. A lighter, more yellow-toned orange will be easier to cover than a vibrant, coppery orange. Furthermore, the porosity of your hair plays a crucial role; damaged, porous hair tends to absorb color unevenly, potentially leading to patchy results. Carefully assessing these factors before choosing your next dye is essential for achieving your desired outcome.
Ultimately, understanding the color wheel and how it applies to hair dye is key. Orange sits opposite blue on the color wheel, meaning blue-based dyes are most effective at neutralizing orange tones. However, simply applying a blue dye over orange can result in muddy or dull shades. Considering your hair’s current level and undertones, along with the developer volume you use, will dramatically impact the final color.
What colors are easiest to dye over orange hair without pre-lightening?
Deeper, warmer shades like dark brown, auburn, or even a rich burgundy are generally the easiest colors to dye over orange hair without pre-lightening. These colors contain pigments that can effectively counteract and blend with the existing orange tones, creating a cohesive and relatively predictable result. The key is to choose a dye that is significantly darker than your current orange shade to ensure adequate coverage.
However, remember that the final result will likely have a warmer undertone than the color on the box. For example, a dark brown dye might appear slightly more reddish-brown when applied over orange hair. If you’re aiming for a cooler or more neutral tone, you’ll likely need to tone or lighten your hair first before applying the desired color.
What colors should I avoid dyeing over orange hair if I want a vibrant result?
Avoid attempting to dye pastel shades, very light blondes, or true ash tones directly over orange hair. These colors lack the necessary pigment density to effectively cover the underlying orange, resulting in a washed-out, uneven, or muddy appearance. The orange will likely peek through, leaving you with a brassy or unflattering final result.
Also, steering clear of bright blues, greens, or purples without prior toning or lightening is recommended. While these colors could technically cover orange, the result is often unpredictable and may lean towards undesirable shades. For instance, a blue dye over orange could result in a muddy green color instead of the vibrant blue you were hoping for.
How can I neutralize orange tones in my hair before dyeing?
Using a blue-toned shampoo or conditioner is a gentle way to gradually neutralize orange tones. These products deposit small amounts of blue pigment onto the hair, helping to counteract the orange and create a more neutral base. Consistent use of these products can significantly improve the outcome of your subsequent dye job.
Another option is to use a toner specifically formulated for neutralizing brassy or orange tones. These toners typically contain a blue or violet base and are applied after bleaching or lightening the hair. Follow the instructions carefully, as over-toning can result in overly ashy or even blue-tinged hair. A strand test is always recommended to gauge the toner’s effect on your hair.
What developer volume should I use when dyeing over orange hair?
When dyeing over orange hair, a 10 or 20 volume developer is generally recommended. A 10 volume developer will primarily deposit color without significantly lifting the existing hair color, which is ideal for simply covering the orange. A 20 volume developer will lift slightly while depositing color, providing a bit more coverage for resistant orange tones.
Using a higher volume developer, such as 30 or 40, is typically unnecessary and can potentially damage your hair, especially if it’s already processed. These higher volumes are designed for significant lightening and are not suitable for simply dyeing over existing color. Choose the lowest volume developer that will effectively cover the orange without causing unnecessary damage.
What are some essential hair care tips after dyeing over orange hair?
After dyeing over orange hair, it’s crucial to use color-safe shampoo and conditioner. These products are formulated without harsh sulfates that can strip the color and cause it to fade quickly. Look for products specifically designed for color-treated hair to help maintain the vibrancy and longevity of your new color.
Deep conditioning treatments are also essential to replenish moisture and repair any damage caused by the dyeing process. Regular deep conditioning will help keep your hair healthy, shiny, and less prone to breakage. Furthermore, minimizing heat styling and using heat protectant products can further extend the life of your color.
How do I perform a strand test before dyeing over orange hair?
To perform a strand test, select a small, inconspicuous section of your hair, ideally near the nape of your neck. Apply the dye mixture to this strand, following the instructions on the dye package. Leave the dye on for the recommended processing time, then rinse and dry the strand.
This strand test will allow you to assess how the dye will interact with your existing orange tones and whether the chosen color will achieve your desired result. It will also help you determine if the processing time needs to be adjusted or if the chosen dye is the right choice for your hair. Skipping this step can lead to unexpected and potentially undesirable results across your entire head of hair.