The most effective color to dye over orange hair to neutralize it is blue.
Understanding Color Neutralization
When dealing with unwanted orange tones in hair, the key is to use a color that sits directly opposite orange on the color wheel. These opposing colors are known as complementary colors. Applying a complementary color helps to cancel out or neutralize the unwanted tone, allowing you to then achieve a more natural shade or prepare the hair for another color.
Why Blue Neutralizes Orange
As stated in the provided reference, blue is the neutralizing color for orange. This is because blue and orange are complements on the color wheel.
Think about the primary colors: red, yellow, and blue.
- Orange is created by mixing red and yellow.
- When you add blue (the missing primary color) to red and yellow, you get brown or a neutral shade.
Therefore, applying blue tones over orange hair cancels out the brassiness, creating a more neutral base.
- Reference Insight: "Since red and yellow make orange, that means blue is the missing primary color. Blue and orange are complements on the color wheel, which means that blue will neutralize an orange hair color."
How to Use Blue to Correct Orange Tones
To neutralize orange hair, you typically use products with blue pigments. These can include:
- Blue toners: These are specifically designed to counteract orange. They deposit blue pigment without significantly lifting the hair color.
- Ash-based dyes: Hair dyes with an "ash" designation often contain blue or blue-violet pigments to neutralize warmth (including orange and yellow). Look for shades like "ash blonde," "ash brown," etc.
- Blue color depositing conditioners or masks: These offer a temporary way to add blue pigment and reduce orange tones.
Choosing the right blue-based product depends on the intensity of the orange and your desired final shade. Lighter oranges might only need a toner, while darker oranges might require an ash-based dye.
Quick Guide to Neutralization
| Unwanted Tone | Neutralizing Color |
|---|---|
| Orange | Blue |
| Yellow | Violet |
| Red | Green |
Using the principles of the color wheel ensures you select the correct color to counteract brassy or unwanted undertones effectively.
