Correcting orange hair depends on the desired outcome and the cause of the orange tones. Several methods can effectively neutralize or remove unwanted orange hues, whether from bleaching or dyeing.
Methods to Correct Orange Hair
Here are several effective approaches to fix orange hair, ranging from at-home solutions to professional salon treatments:
1. At-Home Solutions:
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Use a purple or blue shampoo: These color-correcting shampoos neutralize orange and brassy tones, gradually toning down the color. Look for shampoos specifically designed for blonde or highlighted hair. [Reference: John Frieda, Quora]
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Use a hair glaze or glossing color: A glaze adds shine and subtly adjusts the hair color, helping to minimize orange tones. Choose a glaze in a shade close to your desired result – ash or beige tones work well for neutralizing orange. [Reference: John Frieda, YouTube (multiple sources)]
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Apple cider vinegar toning rinse: A homemade rinse with diluted apple cider vinegar can help to slightly lighten and tone the hair, though results may be less dramatic than professional methods. [Reference: Various online resources]
2. Salon Treatments:
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Lighten your orange hair: If the orange is too intense for at-home correction, a professional stylist can safely lighten your hair further to achieve a more even base, before toning it to your desired shade. This is more suitable if you're aiming for a lighter blonde. [Reference: YouTube (multiple sources), John Frieda]
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Dye your hair darker: A darker dye will effectively cover the orange tones. This is a quick and easy fix, but it may not be suitable if you want to maintain lighter hair. Choose a shade a few levels darker than your current hair color. [Reference: YouTube (multiple sources), Quora, John Frieda]
3. Additional Tips:
- Consider your starting hair color: If your hair was dark before bleaching or dyeing, achieving a light blonde might require multiple professional treatments.
- Use a low-volume developer: Using a lower volume developer with your at-home dyes will help reduce the risk of further unwanted orange tones.
- Be patient: Color correction can take time and multiple treatments. Don't expect perfect results immediately.
Understanding the Cause
The cause of orange hair often influences the best corrective method. Bleaching too aggressively can lead to orange, as can using the incorrect dye. Understanding the root cause helps guide the correction strategy. For instance, if the orange is from incomplete bleaching, lightening is often necessary; however, if it's from a poor dye choice, a darker or corrective dye may be sufficient.
