Are you tired of dealing with unwanted orange tones in your dyed hair? You’re not alone. Many people struggle with this issue, and it can be frustrating, especially if you’re trying to achieve a specific shade or color. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why your dyed hair might be looking orange and provide you with some valuable tips on how to prevent and fix this problem.
Understanding Hair Color Chemistry
Before we dive into the reasons why your dyed hair might be looking orange, it’s essential to understand the basics of hair color chemistry. Hair color is determined by the presence of two types of melanin: eumelanin and pheomelanin. Eumelanin is responsible for brown and black colors, while pheomelanin produces red and yellow colors. When you dye your hair, the colorant penetrates the hair shaft and interacts with the melanin to produce the desired color.
However, the interaction between the colorant and melanin can sometimes lead to unwanted results, such as orange tones. This is because the colorant can react with the pheomelanin in your hair, causing it to produce more red and yellow pigments, which can result in an orange color.
The Role of Warm and Cool Tones
Another crucial factor to consider when it comes to hair color is the concept of warm and cool tones. Warm tones are associated with red, orange, and yellow colors, while cool tones are associated with blue, purple, and pink colors. When you dye your hair, it’s essential to choose a color that complements your skin tone and natural hair color.
If you have a cool skin tone, you’ll look best with cool-toned hair colors, such as ash blonde or platinum. On the other hand, if you have a warm skin tone, you’ll look best with warm-toned hair colors, such as golden blonde or honey brown. If you choose a color that’s too warm or too cool for your skin tone, it can result in unwanted orange tones.
How to Determine Your Skin Tone
So, how do you determine your skin tone? Here are a few tips:
- Look at the color of your wrist veins. If they appear blue or purple, you have a cool skin tone. If they appear green, you have a neutral skin tone. If they appear yellow or golden, you have a warm skin tone.
- Consider your natural hair color. If you’re a natural blonde or redhead, you likely have a cool skin tone. If you’re a natural brunette, you may have a warm skin tone.
- Think about how you look in different colors. If you look best in cool colors like blue and purple, you likely have a cool skin tone. If you look best in warm colors like orange and yellow, you likely have a warm skin tone.
Common Reasons Why Your Dyed Hair Might Look Orange
Now that we’ve covered the basics of hair color chemistry and the importance of warm and cool tones, let’s explore some common reasons why your dyed hair might be looking orange.
Using the Wrong Colorant
One of the most common reasons why your dyed hair might be looking orange is using the wrong colorant. If you’re trying to achieve a cool-toned color, but you’re using a warm-toned colorant, it can result in unwanted orange tones. Similarly, if you’re trying to achieve a warm-toned color, but you’re using a cool-toned colorant, it can result in unwanted ash tones.
To avoid this problem, it’s essential to choose a colorant that’s formulated for your skin tone and natural hair color. If you’re unsure about which colorant to use, consult with a professional hairstylist or colorist.
Not Using a Toner
Another common reason why your dyed hair might be looking orange is not using a toner. A toner is a colorant that’s applied to the hair after the initial dye job to adjust the tone and remove any unwanted warm or cool tones. If you don’t use a toner, your hair may develop unwanted orange tones over time.
To avoid this problem, make sure to use a toner after your initial dye job. You can also use a toner to touch up your color and remove any unwanted tones.
Using a Colorant That’s Too Light
Using a colorant that’s too light can also result in unwanted orange tones. When you use a colorant that’s too light, it can lift the hair too much, causing it to become over-processed and develop unwanted warm tones.
To avoid this problem, make sure to choose a colorant that’s formulated for your hair type and desired color. If you’re unsure about which colorant to use, consult with a professional hairstylist or colorist.
Not Following the Instructions
Finally, not following the instructions on the colorant packaging can also result in unwanted orange tones. If you don’t follow the instructions, you may end up over-processing your hair, which can cause it to develop unwanted warm tones.
To avoid this problem, make sure to follow the instructions on the colorant packaging carefully. If you’re unsure about how to use the colorant, consult with a professional hairstylist or colorist.
How to Fix Orange Hair
If you’re dealing with unwanted orange tones in your dyed hair, don’t worry – there are several ways to fix the problem. Here are a few tips:
Use a Color-Correcting Toner
One of the best ways to fix orange hair is to use a color-correcting toner. A color-correcting toner is a special type of toner that’s formulated to remove unwanted warm or cool tones from the hair. To use a color-correcting toner, simply apply it to your hair after shampooing and leave it on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing.
Try a Color-Depositing Treatment
Another way to fix orange hair is to try a color-depositing treatment. A color-depositing treatment is a special type of treatment that’s formulated to deposit color pigments into the hair shaft. To use a color-depositing treatment, simply apply it to your hair after shampooing and leave it on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing.
Use a Purple Shampoo
If you’re dealing with unwanted orange tones in your blonde hair, you may want to try using a purple shampoo. A purple shampoo is a special type of shampoo that’s formulated to neutralize warm tones and add cool tones to the hair. To use a purple shampoo, simply apply it to your hair after shampooing and leave it on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing.
Conclusion
Dealing with unwanted orange tones in your dyed hair can be frustrating, but there are several ways to prevent and fix the problem. By understanding the basics of hair color chemistry and the importance of warm and cool tones, you can choose a colorant that’s formulated for your skin tone and natural hair color. Additionally, using a toner, choosing a colorant that’s not too light, and following the instructions on the colorant packaging can help prevent unwanted orange tones. If you’re dealing with orange hair, try using a color-correcting toner, a color-depositing treatment, or a purple shampoo to fix the problem. With a little patience and practice, you can achieve the hair color you want and say goodbye to unwanted orange tones for good.
| Colorant Type | Warm or Cool Tone | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Ash Blonde | Cool Tone | Cool skin tone, natural blonde or brunette hair |
| Golden Blonde | Warm Tone | Warm skin tone, natural blonde or brunette hair |
| Platinum | Cool Tone | Cool skin tone, natural blonde or brunette hair |
| Honey Brown | Warm Tone | Warm skin tone, natural brunette hair |
By following these tips and using the right colorant for your skin tone and natural hair color, you can achieve the hair color you want and say goodbye to unwanted orange tones for good.
What causes dyed hair to turn orange?
Dyed hair can turn orange due to a chemical reaction that occurs when the dye interacts with the hair’s natural pigment. This reaction can be triggered by a variety of factors, including the type of dye used, the condition of the hair, and the porosity of the hair shaft. When the dye penetrates the hair shaft, it can cause the natural pigment to break down and change color, resulting in an orange or brassy tone.
In some cases, the orange color may be more pronounced if the hair has been previously colored or chemically treated. This is because the hair’s natural pigment has already been altered, making it more susceptible to further color changes. Additionally, using a dye that is too light or too dark for the hair’s natural color can also cause an orange or brassy tone to appear.
How can I prevent my dyed hair from turning orange?
To prevent dyed hair from turning orange, it’s essential to choose a dye that is suitable for your hair type and natural color. If you have dark hair, it’s best to use a dye that is specifically formulated for dark hair, as these dyes are designed to minimize the risk of orange or brassy tones. Additionally, using a pre-color treatment can help to open up the hair shaft and allow the dye to penetrate more evenly, reducing the risk of an orange or brassy tone.
It’s also important to follow the instructions carefully when applying the dye, and to perform a strand test before applying the dye to your entire head. This will help you to determine the best course of action and avoid any potential color mishaps. Furthermore, using a color-depositing shampoo and conditioner can help to maintain the color and vibrancy of your dyed hair, reducing the risk of an orange or brassy tone.
Can I fix orange hair with a toner?
Yes, a toner can be used to fix orange hair. A toner is a type of color corrector that can help to neutralize unwanted tones and achieve a more desirable color. If your hair has turned orange, a toner can be used to cancel out the orange tone and achieve a more natural-looking color. There are many different types of toners available, including purple-based toners, blue-based toners, and green-based toners, each of which can be used to correct different types of color imbalances.
When using a toner to fix orange hair, it’s essential to choose a toner that is specifically formulated to correct orange tones. A purple-based toner is often the most effective type of toner for correcting orange tones, as purple is the opposite of orange on the color wheel. By applying a purple-based toner to the hair, you can help to neutralize the orange tone and achieve a more natural-looking color.
How long does it take for orange hair to fade?
The length of time it takes for orange hair to fade can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of dye used, the condition of the hair, and the porosity of the hair shaft. In general, orange hair can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to fade, depending on how frequently you wash your hair and how well you care for it.
If you want to speed up the fading process, you can try using a clarifying shampoo or a color-removing treatment. These types of products can help to strip the hair of excess color pigment, allowing the orange tone to fade more quickly. However, be careful not to over-use these types of products, as they can dry out the hair and cause damage.
Can I use a color remover to fix orange hair?
Yes, a color remover can be used to fix orange hair. A color remover is a type of product that is specifically designed to remove excess color pigment from the hair. If your hair has turned orange, a color remover can be used to strip the hair of the excess color pigment, allowing you to start again with a clean slate.
When using a color remover to fix orange hair, it’s essential to follow the instructions carefully and perform a strand test before applying the product to your entire head. This will help you to determine the best course of action and avoid any potential color mishaps. Additionally, be sure to use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner after using a color remover, as these types of products can dry out the hair.
How can I maintain my hair color to prevent it from turning orange?
To maintain your hair color and prevent it from turning orange, it’s essential to use a color-depositing shampoo and conditioner. These types of products are specifically designed to deposit color pigment onto the hair shaft, helping to maintain the color and vibrancy of your dyed hair. Additionally, using a color-protecting spray or serum can help to lock in the color and prevent it from fading.
It’s also important to avoid using hot water when washing your hair, as hot water can cause the color pigment to fade more quickly. Instead, use warm or cool water, and avoid using harsh shampoos or conditioners that can strip the hair of its color. By following these tips, you can help to maintain your hair color and prevent it from turning orange.
Can I dye my hair again to fix the orange color?
Yes, you can dye your hair again to fix the orange color. However, it’s essential to choose a dye that is specifically formulated to correct orange tones. If you try to dye your hair again with a dye that is not suitable for correcting orange tones, you may end up with a worse color mishap.
When dyeing your hair again to fix the orange color, it’s best to choose a dye that is one to two shades lighter or darker than your natural color. This will help to neutralize the orange tone and achieve a more natural-looking color. Additionally, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and perform a strand test before applying the dye to your entire head. This will help you to determine the best course of action and avoid any potential color mishaps.