Blue toner for orange hair is a trending topic in the beauty industry. Many people struggle with unwanted orange hues after lightening their hair.
A blue toner can neutralize these warm tones. In fact, blue and orange are opposite on the color wheel, making them cancel each other out.
This article will explore how blue toner works, its benefits, and how to use it. We’ll also provide recommendations for the best products on the market. Say goodbye to brassy locks and hello to balanced, beautiful hair.
What Is a Blue Toner for Orange Hair?
Blue toner for orange hair is a semi-permanent hair color used to neutralize brassy orange tones. It contains blue pigments that counteract the orange hues. This gives your hair a cooler and more natural-looking shade.
Blue toners are ideal for natural brunettes who have bleached their hair or desire to cool off their warm hair color.
Here is how blue toner compared to other toners:
| Toner | Best For | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Blue | Neutralizing orange tones, natural brunettes | Use on bleached or orange-toned hair after dampening hair |
| Purple | Neutralizing yellow tones, natural blondes | Use on bleached or yellow-toned hair, usually in shampoo form |
| Green | Neutralizing red tones, especially in dark hair | Use on dyed red hair or red-toned hair, some cases post-bleach |
Remember, blue toner is specifically designed for orange hair; different toners will target other tones in your hair color. Ensure that you choose the right one for your needs!
The Science of Color: Hair and Toner
The color wheel is key to understanding hair and toner color relationships. Complementary colors like red and green, blue and orange, or yellow and purple cancel each other out.
When dealing with orange hair, you need to use a toner that contains blue-violet pigments. This is because these pigments neutralize the orange hues and tone down the warm, unwanted brassy color.
Color molecules in hair toners work by depositing cool shades on the hair’s surface. Just as artists mix primary colors to create new hues, you can adjust your hair color using toners.
Remember, blue is the opposite of orange on the color wheel and will help neutralize those pesky orange tones.
Processing of Hair: From Natural to Dyed
When you decide to change your hair color, the process involves two main steps: bleaching and coloring.
Bleaching
Bleaching is a chemical treatment meant to lighten your natural hair color. It allows you to replace it with the dye of your choice. Think of it as a blank canvas.
During bleaching, the color molecules in your hair oxidize and get lighter. They process from brown to red, orange, yellow, and finally to light yellow or white.
If the bleaching process stops before the light yellow stage, your hair may end up orange and brassy. This is where blue toner comes in handy. It neutralizes the brassiness and brings out cooler shades of blonde.
Coloring
Dyeing your hair involves using coloring agents, to alter the natural shade of your locks. You can also use these dyes to create various styles, such as highlights or ombre.
Highlights are lighter-colored strands throughout your hair. Ombre consists of a gradual fade from darker to lighter shades.
How to Use Blue Toner Effectively
To use blue toner on orange hair, follow these simple steps:
- Gather your supplies: You’ll need gloves, a blue toner, a demi-permanent hair color, a 20-volume developer, and a brush for application. Choose a toner brand free of ammonia to avoid damaging your hair.
- Mix the toner and developer: Follow the instructions on the toner’s packaging to mix the appropriate amount of toner and developer. Stir well to get a consistent mixture.
- Prepare your hair: Ensure your hair is clean and towel-dried. Wearing gloves, divide your hair into sections to apply the toner.
- Apply the toner: Using the brush, apply the toner evenly to each section of your hair, starting from the roots and working toward the ends.
- Wait: Let the toner process for the recommended amount of time on the package. Keep an eye on the color change to avoid over-toning.
- Rinse and condition: Rinse your hair, ensuring the removal of all toner. Follow with a moisturizing shampoo and deep conditioner to help lock in the new color and maintain hair health.
Always perform a strand test to check the outcome. Avoid processing for longer than recommended, and continue using blue or purple shampoo to maintain the cooler tones in your hair.
The Role of Shampoos in Toning
Blue and purple shampoos play a vital role in toning your hair. Blue shampoo is perfect for neutralizing orange tones in brunette hair. Purple shampoo works better for blondes, combating yellow tones.
These shampoos can be quite strong. It’s essential to follow the instructions and not overuse them. It’s a good idea to look for sulfate-free shampoos since they can be gentler on your hair.
Using toning shampoos, you can manage your hair color and keep it looking fresh and vibrant.
Weighing the Pros and Cons of Blue Toner
Blue toner can be a game-changer for orange hair, but it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons before deciding to use it.
Pros:
- Neutralizes unwanted orange tones in your hair
- Quick results, often after one wash
- Easy to use, especially toning shampoos
Cons:
- Not suitable for everyone’s hair type
- May need many applications for desired results
- Can cause dryness if used too often
How To Choose the Right Product
When searching for a blue toner to combat your orange hair, it’s crucial to consider:
- The product
- The formula
- The developer
It’s essential to choose a product with nourishing and damage-repairing ingredients. These include the Bio-Advanced Peptide Complex and Multi-Spectrum Defense Complex. These components will protect your hair and ensure its health while toning.
Avoid using toners with harsh chemicals that can damage your hair further. Instead, opt for products with a gentle formula that takes care of your hair while delivering the desired results.
DIY Blue Toner and Tips
Making a DIY blue toner for orange hair is easy and affordable. Here’s a simple recipe you can try at home:
- Mix a few drops of blue food coloring into a bowl of water.
- Add some vinegar to help the color stick to your hair.
- Apply the mixture to your hair, avoiding the scalp.
- Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse well.
For a more natural approach, consider using the following ingredients as a base for your DIY toner:
- Apple cider vinegar
- Green tea
- Lemon juice
- Virgin olive oil
Remember to experiment with different combinations and concentrations to find what works best for your hair.
Some quick tips for using blue toner on orange hair are:
- Apply the toner evenly, focusing on areas with the most brassiness.
- Monitor the time to avoid over-toning your hair.
Be patient, as you may need many applications to neutralize the orange color.
How To Care for Toned Hair
After using blue toner on your orange hair, it’s important to care for it to maintain its new color and keep it healthy.
Hydrate your hair by drinking enough water and using a moisturizing shampoo. It helps increase your hair’s moisture levels and prevents dryness.
To go the extra mile, apply a deep conditioning mask or coconut oil once a week. These treatments will nourish your hair deeply, leaving it soft and shiny.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water, use a moisturizing shampoo
- Deep Conditioning Mask: Apply weekly for soft, shiny hair
- Coconut Oil: Use as an alternative to a deep conditioning mask
Safety Concerns with Toner Use
When using blue toner for orange hair, it’s essential to consider safety concerns tied to some common ingredients in hair toners. These ingredients include:
- PPD
- Parabens
- Gluten
- Resorcinol
PPD
PPD (p-Phenylenediamine) is an ingredient found in certain toners that can cause allergic reactions. To avoid issues, consider using PPD-free toners.
Parabens
Parabens are preservatives that may carry health risks, and you might prefer to opt for paraben-free products.
Gluten
For those with gluten sensitivities, gluten-containing hair toners can cause scalp irritations.
Resorcinol
Resorcinol is another common ingredient that may lead to skin irritation or allergic reactions. Ensure that you do a patch test before applying any toner containing resorcinol.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does blue toner remove orange hair?
Yes, blue toner can help neutralize unwanted orange tones in your hair. The blue toner works by counteracting the warm orange hues, resulting in a cooler, more natural shade.
How long should I leave the blue toner on?
You should leave blue toner on for 15-20 minutes, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions and your desired result. Always follow the directions provided in the packaging to avoid over-processing your hair.
What are the best brands of blue toners?
Some highly-rated blue toners in 2023 include Fanola No Orange, Wella Color Charm T14, and Schwarzkopf Professional BlondMe. The best brand for you will depend on your hair type, color, and individual preferences.
Can I find blue toner at local stores?
Yes, you can find blue toner at local beauty supply stores, drugstores, and online retailers. When purchasing, make sure you choose a reputable brand and check the package instructions to ensure it’s right for your hair type.
How often should I use blue toner?
It’s generally recommended to use blue toner as needed, depending on your hair condition and how fast the orange tones reappear. You might need to use it every few weeks or every couple of months; the frequency will vary for each individual.
