Red hair, whether natural or dyed, is undeniably striking. However, one common frustration for redheads is the dreaded orange undertones. This brassiness can appear for various reasons, ranging from sun exposure and hard water to the natural fading process of red dyes. Fortunately, you don’t have to live with unwanted orange tones. This comprehensive guide provides various methods and strategies to cool down your red hair and achieve the perfect shade you desire.
Understanding the Orange Issue in Red Hair
Before diving into solutions, it’s crucial to understand why orange tones appear in red hair. Think of red hair color as a complex combination of red, orange, and yellow pigments. Red dye molecules are often the largest and most unstable, causing them to fade faster than other pigments. This leaves behind the smaller orange and yellow molecules, resulting in a brassy, unwanted hue.
The underlying natural hair color also plays a significant role. Darker hair naturally contains more warm pigments, making it more prone to pulling orange when dyed red. Lighter hair, on the other hand, might be less susceptible, but can still develop orange tones with fading.
Environmental factors, such as sun exposure, chlorine in swimming pools, and hard water, can accelerate the fading process and contribute to brassiness. Heat styling with tools like blow dryers and curling irons can also damage the hair cuticle, making it more porous and prone to color loss.
Preventing Orange Tones in Red Hair
The best approach is to prevent orange tones from appearing in the first place. This requires a proactive hair care routine focused on preserving color and minimizing damage.
Choosing the Right Red Hair Dye
Selecting the right red hair dye is the first line of defense. Opt for cool-toned reds, such as burgundy, auburn, or cherry red, which contain blue or violet pigments to counteract orange and yellow tones. Avoid shades with a lot of copper or gold, as these will naturally enhance warm tones.
When dyeing your hair, consider using a demi-permanent or semi-permanent dye instead of a permanent one, especially if you are trying to achieve a subtle change. These types of dyes are less damaging and tend to fade more evenly, resulting in less noticeable brassiness.
Always perform a strand test before applying dye to your entire head. This allows you to see how the color will look on your hair and adjust the application time or choose a different shade if necessary.
Protecting Your Hair from Environmental Damage
Shielding your hair from environmental aggressors is vital for color preservation. Wear a hat or use a UV protectant spray when spending time outdoors, especially during peak sunlight hours. UV rays can break down hair color molecules, leading to fading and brassiness.
If you’re a swimmer, protect your hair with a swimming cap or apply a leave-in conditioner before getting in the pool. Chlorine can strip the hair of its natural oils and cause color to fade.
Consider investing in a shower filter to remove chlorine and minerals from your water. Hard water can deposit minerals on the hair, making it look dull and brassy.
Using Color-Safe Hair Products
Switch to color-safe shampoos and conditioners specifically formulated for red hair. These products are designed to be gentle on the hair and help prevent color fading. Avoid products containing sulfates, which are harsh detergents that can strip the hair of its natural oils and cause color to fade quickly.
Look for products that contain ingredients known to protect and enhance red hair color, such as antioxidants, UV filters, and moisturizing agents.
Minimizing Heat Styling
Excessive heat styling can damage the hair cuticle, making it more porous and prone to color loss. Minimize your use of heat styling tools like blow dryers, curling irons, and straighteners. When you do use heat, always apply a heat protectant spray to shield your hair from damage.
Consider air-drying your hair whenever possible. This is the gentlest option and helps to preserve your hair color and overall health.
Toning Down Existing Orange Tones
If orange tones have already appeared in your red hair, don’t despair. There are several effective methods to neutralize brassiness and achieve a cooler, more balanced red shade.
Blue Shampoo and Conditioner
Blue shampoo and conditioner are designed to counteract orange tones in hair. The blue pigments in these products neutralize the orange pigments, resulting in a cooler, more balanced color. Use blue shampoo and conditioner once or twice a week, depending on the severity of the brassiness.
When using blue shampoo, apply it to wet hair and massage it in thoroughly. Leave it on for 3-5 minutes before rinsing. Follow with blue conditioner to replenish moisture and enhance the toning effect.
Be careful not to overuse blue shampoo, as it can sometimes leave a blue or purple tint on the hair, especially if your hair is very light or porous.
Hair Glosses and Glazes
Hair glosses and glazes are semi-permanent color treatments that add shine and tone to the hair. They can be used to neutralize orange tones and enhance the overall color of your red hair. Glosses and glazes typically last for several weeks and are a relatively gentle way to refresh your color.
You can purchase hair glosses and glazes at beauty supply stores or have them applied at a salon. Choose a shade that is slightly cooler than your current red color to counteract the orange tones.
Color Depositing Conditioners
Color depositing conditioners are another effective way to tone down orange tones in red hair. These conditioners contain pigments that deposit color onto the hair while conditioning it. They are a less intense option than hair dye and can be used to gradually tone down brassiness and enhance the overall color.
Choose a color depositing conditioner in a cool-toned red shade, such as auburn or burgundy. Apply the conditioner to clean, damp hair and leave it on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing. Use it once or twice a week to maintain your desired color.
DIY Hair Masks with Toning Properties
You can also create DIY hair masks with toning properties using natural ingredients. These masks are a gentle and cost-effective way to neutralize orange tones and nourish your hair.
One popular recipe involves mixing blue food coloring with conditioner. Add a few drops of blue food coloring to your favorite conditioner and mix well. Apply the mixture to your hair and leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing. Be cautious with the amount of food coloring, as too much can stain your hair blue.
Another option is to use tomato juice. Tomato juice contains natural pigments that can help neutralize green tones in hair, which can sometimes appear in combination with orange tones. Apply tomato juice to your hair and leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing.
Professional Color Correction
If you’ve tried various methods without success, or if the orange tones are very severe, it may be best to seek professional help. A colorist can assess your hair and formulate a custom color treatment to neutralize the brassiness and achieve your desired red shade.
Color correction can be a complex process, especially if your hair has been previously dyed or chemically treated. It’s important to find an experienced colorist who specializes in red hair.
Maintaining Your Cool-Toned Red Hair
Once you’ve successfully toned down the orange tones in your red hair, it’s essential to maintain the cool shade with a consistent hair care routine.
Regular Toning Treatments
Continue using blue shampoo and conditioner, hair glosses, or color depositing conditioners to maintain your cool-toned red hair. Adjust the frequency of these treatments based on how quickly your hair fades and how often you wash it.
Deep Conditioning Treatments
Regular deep conditioning treatments can help to keep your hair healthy and hydrated, which can prevent color fading and brassiness. Use a deep conditioner once or twice a week to replenish moisture and strengthen your hair.
Trimming Split Ends
Split ends can make your hair look dull and damaged, which can accentuate any unwanted orange tones. Trim your hair regularly to remove split ends and keep it looking healthy and vibrant.
Avoiding Harsh Chemicals
Avoid using harsh chemicals on your hair, such as bleach, perms, or relaxers. These chemicals can damage the hair cuticle and make it more porous, leading to color fading and brassiness.
Addressing Specific Scenarios
Sometimes, the appearance of orange tones can be linked to specific situations or hair types. Here are a few scenarios and tailored solutions:
Orange Tones After Bleaching
If your hair turned orange after bleaching, it means the bleach didn’t lift enough pigment. This is common with darker hair. A toner with a blue or violet base is crucial here. Consider consulting a professional as further bleaching at home can severely damage your hair. They can carefully lift more color and apply the correct toner.
Orange Tones in Dark Red Hair
Dark red hair can still develop orange tones due to underlying warmth and fading. Opt for blue-based shampoos designed for dark shades, and consider a semi-permanent dye in a cool, deep red to refresh the color without further damage. Hair glosses in deep burgundy or cherry red can also add depth and cool down the tone.
Orange Tones in Highlights
If only your highlights are turning orange, you can spot treat them with a blue-toned shampoo or a DIY mask using blue food coloring diluted in conditioner. Be extremely careful to avoid getting the blue toner on the rest of your hair, as it could create an unwanted tint. Precision is key here.
Final Thoughts
Achieving and maintaining the perfect red hair color requires patience and dedication. By understanding the causes of orange tones and implementing a proactive hair care routine, you can keep your red hair looking vibrant and cool-toned. Remember to choose the right hair dye, protect your hair from environmental damage, use color-safe products, and incorporate toning treatments into your routine. If you’re struggling to achieve your desired results, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from an experienced colorist. With the right approach, you can confidently rock your red hair and say goodbye to unwanted orange tones.
Why does my red hair turn orange?
Many factors can contribute to red hair fading or turning brassy and orange. Red hair dye molecules are the largest and most unstable, making them prone to fading quickly. This can be exacerbated by washing your hair too frequently, using hot water, or exposing your hair to excessive sunlight. Over time, the underlying warm tones in your hair, often a mix of yellow and orange pigments, become more visible as the red fades away.
Furthermore, the bleaching process, if required before applying red dye, can also contribute to the orange tones. Bleach lifts pigment, and if your hair wasn’t lifted to a light enough level, it can leave behind stubborn orange or yellow undertones. These undertones then become more prominent as the red dye fades, creating an overall orange appearance.
What are some preventative measures to stop red hair from turning orange in the first place?
Prevention is always better than correction when it comes to hair color. One of the best ways to maintain your red hair and prevent it from turning orange is to use color-safe shampoos and conditioners specifically formulated for red hair. These products are designed to deposit small amounts of red pigment with each wash, helping to replenish what is lost and prolong the vibrancy of your color. Also, consider washing your hair less frequently and using lukewarm or cool water to minimize color fading.
Protecting your hair from the sun’s harmful UV rays is also crucial. UV rays can break down hair dye molecules, leading to faster fading and increased brassiness. Use hair products with UV protection or wear a hat or scarf when spending extended periods in the sun. Additionally, consider using a color depositing mask regularly to refresh your red tones and neutralize any emerging orange hues.
What is a blue shampoo and how does it help with orange tones?
Blue shampoo is a color-correcting shampoo formulated with blue pigments. These pigments are designed to neutralize unwanted orange tones in hair. Because blue is opposite orange on the color wheel, they effectively cancel each other out, resulting in a cooler, more balanced tone.
When you use blue shampoo, the blue pigments are deposited onto the hair shaft. These pigments then counteract the orange tones, making your red hair appear less brassy and more vibrant. The key is to use it sparingly and according to the product’s instructions, as overuse can lead to a bluish or muddy tone, especially on lighter shades of red.
How often should I use a blue shampoo for red hair?
The frequency of blue shampoo use depends largely on the intensity of the orange tones in your hair and how quickly your color fades. Starting with once or twice a week is a good approach. Observe your hair’s tone after each use and adjust the frequency accordingly.
If you find that your hair is becoming too ashy or developing a bluish tint, reduce the usage to once every other week or even less frequently. Conversely, if you’re still noticing prominent orange tones after a week, you can increase the frequency slightly. It’s crucial to find the right balance to maintain your desired red tone without over-toning.
Can I use a hair gloss to tone down orange in red hair?
Yes, a hair gloss can be a very effective way to tone down orange tones in red hair. Hair glosses are semi-permanent treatments that deposit a sheer layer of color onto the hair shaft. They are less damaging than permanent dyes and can be customized to neutralize unwanted warmth.
When choosing a hair gloss, look for one with cool or ashy undertones to counteract the orange. A professional stylist can formulate a gloss specifically for your hair, taking into account your existing color and the intensity of the orange tones you want to neutralize. Regular gloss treatments can help maintain your desired red hue and keep your hair looking vibrant and healthy.
What are some natural remedies that can help reduce orange tones in red hair?
While not as potent as professional treatments, some natural remedies can help subtly reduce orange tones in red hair. Rinsing your hair with diluted apple cider vinegar can help balance the pH levels of your scalp and hair, which can reduce brassiness. Mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a cup of water and use it as a final rinse after shampooing and conditioning.
Another option is to use cranberry juice as a hair rinse. Cranberry juice contains natural red pigments that can help counteract orange tones. Apply unsweetened cranberry juice to your hair, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly. Be mindful that these remedies provide subtle changes and may not be as effective for intensely orange hair.
When should I seek professional help to correct orange tones in my red hair?
If you’ve tried various at-home remedies and are still struggling with persistent or severe orange tones in your red hair, it’s best to seek professional help from a hairstylist specializing in color correction. Correcting hair color, especially when dealing with unwanted warm tones, can be complex and requires a skilled hand.
A professional stylist can assess your hair’s condition, determine the underlying cause of the orange tones, and formulate a custom color correction plan to achieve your desired red hue. They have access to professional-grade products and techniques that can effectively neutralize the orange without causing further damage to your hair. Attempting to drastically alter your hair color at home can often lead to uneven results or even damage.