Fed up with brassy orange hair after bleaching? You’re not alone!
Discovering orange tones in your hair after bleaching can be frustrating. But it happens because of your hair’s natural undertones.
Don’t worry though. You can do something about it.
Say bye to those annoying tones with this ultimate guide on how to fix orange hair.
Why Do I Have Orange Hair After Bleaching?
Ever wondered why you ended up with orange hair after bleaching? Discover the science behind it and unravel the mystery in this article!
What is Hair Color Theory?
Color theory shows which shades counteract the unwanted orange tones in your hair.
In this case, you should use a toner that has a blue or purple base to neutralize the orange tones.
The basics of color theory serve as a guide on how to restore your hair’s desired color and avoid future damage.
How do you recognize the difference between brassy hair and bleached hair?
You can read more on how to identify the signs of brassy hair here. This will guide you in selecting the right toner or hair color to correct the issue.
What Causes Orange Hair After Bleaching?
If you bleach your hair, it may turn orange, which is a common occurrence.
This happens because the bleach removes the natural pigments. It leaves behind the underlying red and orange pigments.
Bleaching strips your hair’s natural pigments, which are responsible for your hair color. If all these pigments aren’t removed, you’ll end up with brassy orange hair.
Several factors can contribute to brassy hair after bleaching. One key factor is the starting hair color.
Darker hair is more likely to appear orange. This is due to its higher concentration of red undertones.
Additionally, the type of bleach, how it’s applied, and how long it’s left on can all affect the final result.
Why Your Hair Won’t Bleach Past Orange
Bleaching your hair works by stripping the color from your hair. However, there are several reasons why your hair might not bleach past the orange stage:
Underlying Pigment
Bleach reveals the hair’s underlying pigments. Darker hair tends to have a lot of red and orange pigments. So, if your hair is naturally dark, you may need to bleach it several times to get past the orange stage.
Hair Condition
If your hair is damaged, dry, or unhealthy, it might not respond well to bleach. The bleach may not be able to penetrate the hair shaft properly, leading to uneven results.
Bleach Strength
The strength of the bleach you’re using can also play a role. If the bleach isn’t strong enough, it may not be able to lift the color past the orange stage.
Processing Time
If you wash out the bleach too early, your hair might still look orange. It’s key to follow the bleach kit directions closely. But also, watch your hair. Wash it out when it gets as light as you want.
Previous Hair Treatments
Dark or red dyes are tough to get rid of. If you’ve dyed your hair darker, they can make your hair turn orange when you bleach it.
How to Fix Orange Hair After Bleaching
With some basic steps and a little know-how, you can get back on track to your desired hair color.
Results will vary depending on your hair type and the level of orange you’re dealing with.
So, take your time and treat your hair well. Here’s how you can do it:
- Use toners to neutralize unwanted orange tones
- Find the right color for your hair
- Stay away from hair products that contain sulfate
- Trust the pros for personalized advice on hair care
- Practice at-home treatments to combat brassiness
1. Using Toners to Fix Orange Hair
Use a toner after bleaching to neutralize the orange tones and give your hair a more desirable color.
Choose a purple or blue toner to counteract the unwanted orange hues. Apply the toner after washing your hair and follow the instructions on the product.
It’s important not to use toning shampoo after bleaching your hair immediately. This can cause damage.
2. Choose the Right Hair Color for You
Select the right hair color for your natural shade to prevent orange hair.
If you have brunette hair, go for a medium brown or similar shade instead of trying to achieve a light blonde color.
Lighter shades may need more peroxide to raise the chance of getting orange or yellow tones.
3. Use Sulfate-Free Products
Choose a sulfate-free shampoo to help maintain the color. A sulfate-free shampoo is milder and less likely to strip the natural color from your hair.
It will help avoid further damage to your lightened hair.
4. Professional Solutions for Fixing Orange Hair
Do you prefer professional results? Visit a salon and consult with a hair colorist.
They have the expertise to fix brassy hair and can provide customized solutions. Plus, they use a combination of toners, hair dyes, and other treatments suited to your hair.
Take advantage of their knowledge! You can avoid any potential damage by attempting to correct the issue on your own.
5. Home Remedies to Fix Orange Hair
There are also home remedies available for those who prefer a more DIY approach.
- Use blue or purple shampoos for an ashy, cool color
- Add hair toner to your daily hair care routine for vibrant results
Blue or Purple Shampoos
Blue or purple shampoos can neutralize orange tones in the hair, leading to a more ashy and cool color.
Blue shampoo on orange & brassy hair even works well at minimizing brassiness.
Leave the shampoo in your hair for a few minutes before rinsing. You may need to repeat this process a few times to achieve the desired color.
Hair Toners
Another option is using hair toners like blue or purple toner. They prolong the effect of toning treatments and keep your hair color vibrant.
Add blue or purple shampoo to your regular hair care routine to maintain an improved color.
Follow the application instructions on the product and always check the results.
Do’s and Don’ts for Orange Hair
Frustrated with your orange hair situation? Let’s turn things around with the do’s and don’ts tailored to rescue your hair from the brassiness.
Do’s:
- Get hair bleach treatment from an expert
- Use gentle hair care products and a shower filter
Don’ts
- Try box dye as a quick solution
- Over-bleach your hair
Do: Have A Professional Do It For You
Seek help from a professional stylist or salon. They will assess the situation. They can also recommend the right hair products that won’t cause breakage or dryness.
Do: Invest in Hair Care Products
Here are some natural ways to combat orange hair:
- Shower filter: It helps remove minerals from water that add to brassiness.
- Hair products: Products with color-correction properties neutralize brassy hair.
Don’t: Reach for the Box Dye
Avoid using box dye as a quick fix if you have orange hair after bleaching. This can cause further damage to your hair.
If you insist on dyeing your hair at home, avoid ammonia and peroxide-based products. They can exacerbate brassiness in hair.
Instead, choose a golden blonde dye that can neutralize orange tones. Follow the instructions and more do’s and don’ts of bleaching hair here.
Don’t: Bleach Your Hair Again
Don’t bleach your hair again, as this can lead to more harm than good. Repeated bleaching weakens the hair, often causing it to become brittle and dry.
Be patient when fixing orange hair after bleaching. It might take some time and effort to achieve your desired hair color.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bleach My Hair Again If It Turned Orange?
Yes, you can bleach your hair again if it turns orange after the first bleaching process. But you need to do it with care. Wait 1-2 weeks before re-bleaching. Your hair needs time to recover from the previous bleach application. In the meantime, use a blue shampoo to help neutralize the orange tones.
What Color Should I Apply Over Bleached Orange Hair?
You can apply toner or color with a cool or ash undertone to counteract the warm orange tones post-bleach. Some good choices are ash blonde or ash brown shades, depending on your desired hair color. Perform a strand test to ensure a satisfactory result before applying the new color.
Will Orange Roots Fade?
Orange roots will fade over time, but you can speed up the process by using a blue shampoo on a regular basis. Applying a toner or color with cool undertones can also help make the orange roots less obvious. But, be patient, it might take a few weeks to achieve your desired hair color.