Dealing with unwanted orange tones in your hair can be frustrating, especially if you were aiming for a beautiful brown color. Whether you’ve tried dyeing your hair at home and ended up with an unsatisfactory result or visited a salon with a less-than-desirable outcome, there are ways to correct orange hair to achieve the brown shade you desire. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind orange hair, how to prevent it, and most importantly, how to fix it at home.
Understanding Why Hair Turns Orange
Before diving into the solutions, it’s crucial to understand why hair sometimes develops orange tones, especially when attempting to achieve a brown color. The interaction between the natural pigments in your hair and the dye is the primary reason for this unwanted result. Hair contains two types of melanin: eumelanin and pheomelanin. Eumelanin is responsible for brown and black pigmentation, while pheomelanin produces red and yellow tones. When you dye your hair, the dye penetrates the hair shaft and either deposits color or removes existing pigment, depending on the type of dye used.
The Chemistry Behind Hair Dye
Hair dye works by either depositing color onto the hair shaft or lifting the existing color to achieve a lighter shade. The process involves an alkaline substance (such as ammonia) that opens up the hair cuticle, allowing the dye molecules to penetrate. However, this process can sometimes result in unpredictable outcomes, such as orange tones, due to the overwhelming of warm tones in the hair. This is particularly common when trying to lighten dark hair or when using a dye that is not suitable for your natural hair color.
Preventing Orange Tones
Preventing orange tones from appearing in the first place is preferable to fixing them later. Here are a few strategies to minimize the risk:
– Always perform a strand test before applying dye to your entire head. This will give you a preview of how the dye will interact with your hair.
– Choose a dye that is formulated for your current hair color and the color you want to achieve.
– Consider consulting a professional, especially if you’re significantly changing your hair color or if you’re unsure about how to proceed.
Correcting Orange Hair at Home
Fixing orange hair to achieve a brown color at home requires patience, the right products, and a bit of knowledge about how hair color works. The approach you take will depend on the current state of your hair and the intensity of the orange tones.
Toning to Neutralize Orange
One of the most common methods for correcting orange tones is by using a toner. Toners are color-correcting products that can neutralize unwanted tones without significantly altering the overall color of your hair. To correct orange tones, you would typically use a toner with blue or purple undertones, as these colors are opposite to orange on the color wheel and can effectively cancel it out.
Choosing the Right Toner
When selecting a toner, look for products labeled as “blue” or “purple” based, and ensure they are suitable for your hair type (virgin, colored, bleached, etc.). It’s also essential to follow the instructions carefully, as leaving the toner on for too long can result in over-toning, leading to undesirable shades such as purple or blue hair.
Alternative Methods for Fixing Orange Hair
In addition to toning, there are other methods you can try to fix orange hair at home. These include using color depositing treatments or temporary color masks that are formulated to neutralize warm tones. Some people also find success with natural remedies like chamomile tea, which can help to soften and slightly tone down orange hues.
Using Permanent or Semi-Permanent Dye
If toners and temporary fixes are not sufficient, you may need to consider using a permanent or semi-permanent dye specifically formulated to correct orange tones. This method involves applying a dye that has ash or blue undertones to neutralize the orange. However, this is a more drastic measure and should be approached with caution, as it can further damage your hair or lead to additional unwanted color changes.
Considerations Before Using Dye
Before applying any dye, ensure you’ve done a strand test to predict the outcome and adjust the application time or product choice as necessary. It’s also crucial to condition your hair thoroughly after dyeing to minimize damage and help lock in the new color.
Given the complexity and variability of hair correction, it’s essential to approach these methods with a clear understanding of your hair’s unique conditions and how it might respond to different treatments. While correcting orange hair at home can be challenging, many people achieve the brown color they desire with patience, the right products, and careful planning.
When considering the options for fixing orange hair, keep in mind that professional advice can be invaluable, especially if you’re dealing with significant color correction or potential hair damage. However, with the right guidance and a bit of trial and error, you can successfully correct orange tones and achieve a beautiful brown color at home.
What causes orange hair after coloring?
Orange hair can occur after coloring due to a variety of reasons, including the use of the wrong hair dye, incorrect application, or inadequate toning. When hair is colored, the cuticle layer is lifted, allowing the dye to penetrate and deposit color. However, if the dye is not properly formulated or applied, it can result in an unwanted orange tone. This is especially common when trying to achieve a brown or dark hair color, as the warm tones in the dye can override the cool tones, producing an orange or brassy effect.
To avoid orange hair, it’s essential to choose a hair dye that is specifically formulated for your hair type and desired color. Consider consulting a professional hairstylist or using a high-quality, at-home hair dye kit that includes a toner to help neutralize any warm tones. Additionally, following the instructions carefully and performing a strand test before applying the dye to your entire head can help minimize the risk of orange hair. By taking these precautions, you can achieve a beautiful, even brown hair color without the unwanted orange tone.
How can I fix orange hair at home?
Fixing orange hair at home can be a bit challenging, but it’s definitely possible with the right products and techniques. One way to correct orange hair is to use a color-correcting shampoo and conditioner, which can help neutralize the warm tones and deposit cool tones. You can also try using a toner, which is a color-depositing product that can help adjust the tone of your hair. There are many at-home toner kits available, or you can purchase a toner at a beauty supply store and apply it yourself.
When using a toner to fix orange hair, it’s essential to choose a product that is specifically formulated to neutralize warm tones. Look for a toner that contains purple or blue pigments, which can help cancel out the orange tone. Apply the toner to your hair, following the instructions provided, and leave it on for the recommended amount of time. After rinsing, use a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner to help lock in the color and keep your hair looking healthy and vibrant. With a little patience and the right products, you can fix orange hair at home and achieve a beautiful, even brown hair color.
What are the best hair dye products for fixing orange hair?
There are many hair dye products available on the market that can help fix orange hair, including color-correcting shampoos and conditioners, toners, and at-home hair dye kits. Some popular options include Wella Color Charm, Loreal Professionnel DiaLight, and Joico Vero K-Pak. These products are specifically formulated to neutralize warm tones and deposit cool tones, helping to correct orange hair and achieve a beautiful, even brown hair color.
When choosing a hair dye product to fix orange hair, it’s essential to consider your hair type, desired color, and the level of correction needed. If you have virgin hair, you may be able to use a gentler product, while previously colored hair may require a more intense correction. Be sure to read the instructions carefully and follow any recommended usage guidelines to ensure the best results. Additionally, performing a strand test before applying the product to your entire head can help you determine the correct application time and ensure that you achieve the desired color.
Can I use a box dye to fix orange hair?
While it’s possible to use a box dye to fix orange hair, it’s not always the most recommended option. Box dyes are often formulated with harsh chemicals and can be difficult to predict, which can lead to further damage and disappointment. Additionally, box dyes may not provide the level of correction needed to fully neutralize the orange tone, especially if your hair is severely damaged or over-processed.
However, if you do decide to use a box dye to fix orange hair, be sure to choose a product that is specifically formulated for color correction. Look for a dye that contains cool tones, such as ash or blue, which can help neutralize the warm tones and produce a more even brown hair color. Follow the instructions carefully and perform a strand test before applying the dye to your entire head. Keep in mind that box dyes may not be as gentle as professional hair dye products, so be sure to use a moisturizing conditioner after dyeing to help hydrate and nourish your hair.
How long does it take to fix orange hair?
The amount of time it takes to fix orange hair can vary depending on the severity of the color correction needed and the products used. In some cases, a simple color-correcting shampoo and conditioner may be enough to neutralize the orange tone, while in other cases, a more intense correction may be needed, requiring multiple applications of a toner or hair dye.
In general, fixing orange hair can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the level of correction needed and the frequency of application. If you’re using a color-correcting shampoo and conditioner, you may start to see results after just one or two uses. However, if you’re using a toner or hair dye, it may take several applications, spaced out over several weeks, to achieve the desired color. Be patient and follow the instructions carefully, as over-processing can lead to further damage and disappointment.
Can I fix orange hair without re-dyeing it?
In some cases, it’s possible to fix orange hair without re-dyeing it, especially if the orange tone is mild and the hair is still in good condition. Using a color-correcting shampoo and conditioner, or a toner, can help neutralize the warm tones and deposit cool tones, producing a more even brown hair color. Additionally, using a purple or blue-based mask or gloss can help cancel out the orange tone and add a cool, ashy tone to the hair.
However, if the orange tone is severe or the hair is damaged, it may be necessary to re-dye the hair to achieve the desired color. In this case, it’s best to consult a professional hairstylist who can assess the hair and provide a personalized recommendation for correction. They may use a combination of color-correcting products, including toners and dyes, to achieve the desired color and restore the health and integrity of the hair. With the right products and techniques, it’s possible to fix orange hair without re-dyeing it, but in some cases, re-dyeing may be the best option for achieving a beautiful, even brown hair color.
How can I prevent orange hair in the future?
Preventing orange hair in the future requires a combination of proper hair care and color technique. To start, it’s essential to choose a hair dye that is specifically formulated for your hair type and desired color. Consider consulting a professional hairstylist or using a high-quality, at-home hair dye kit that includes a toner to help neutralize any warm tones. Additionally, following the instructions carefully and performing a strand test before applying the dye to your entire head can help minimize the risk of orange hair.
To maintain a healthy and vibrant hair color, be sure to use a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner, and avoid using hot water, which can cause the color to fade. You can also use a color-depositing mask or gloss to help maintain the color and add shine to the hair. By taking these precautions and using the right products, you can prevent orange hair and achieve a beautiful, even brown hair color that lasts. Regular trims and touch-ups can also help maintain the health and integrity of the hair, preventing dryness and breakage that can lead to orange or brassy tones.