Based on the provided reference, the best toner for orange hair, particularly for lightened brunettes and dark blondes, is a blue toner, specifically blue shampoo.
When dealing with unwanted orange tones in hair, especially after lightening processes, selecting the correct toner is crucial. According to the provided reference, a blue toner is highly effective for neutralizing orange and copper shades.
Why Blue Toner?
The principle behind using blue toner for orange hair lies in basic color theory. On the color wheel, blue is directly opposite orange. This means that blue pigments effectively counteract and cancel out orange pigments.
As stated in the reference: "As you can probably imagine, blue shampoo contains cobalt-colored pigments that help offset orange and other copper-leaning tones."
Blue Shampoo: A Key Solution
The reference specifically highlights blue shampoo as a "best friend" for those with orange tones, particularly lightened brunettes and dark blondes. This product combines the cleansing action of shampoo with toning pigments, making it a convenient way to maintain color balance.
Using blue shampoo regularly can help keep orange brassiness at bay between salon visits.
Who Benefits Most?
According to the reference, lightened brunettes and dark blondes are the primary candidates who will find blue shampoo most beneficial for combating orange tones. These hair levels are more prone to lifting to orange during the lightening process compared to lighter levels which tend to lift to yellow.
How Blue Toner Works
- Pigment Deposit: Blue toners or shampoos deposit blue pigments onto the hair strands.
- Neutralization: These blue pigments sit on top of or blend with the orange pigments, effectively neutralizing their appearance.
- Result: The result is a cooler, more neutral shade, reducing the brassy orange look.
Summary Table: Toner for Orange Hair
| Unwanted Tone | Recommended Toner Color | Example Product | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orange | Blue | Blue Shampoo/Toner | Lightened Brunettes, Dark Blondes |
| Yellow | Purple | Purple Shampoo/Toner | Blondes |
Note: While the reference focuses on blue toner for orange, purple toner is generally used for yellow tones, which occur at lighter hair levels.
In conclusion, blue toner, particularly in the form of blue shampoo, is the recommended solution for neutralizing orange brassiness in hair, especially for lightened brunettes and dark blondes, by using opposing blue pigments to cancel out the orange ones.
