Orange roots, the bane of many blondes and light-haired individuals, can be a frustrating issue when attempting to color your hair at home. That brassy, unwanted tone can throw off your entire look. But fear not! Fixing orange roots at home is achievable with the right knowledge and techniques. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the common causes, effective solutions, and preventative measures to ensure your hair remains beautifully toned.
Understanding Why Orange Roots Happen
Before diving into solutions, it’s crucial to understand why those pesky orange roots appear in the first place. Several factors can contribute to this unwanted hue.
The Underlying Pigment
All hair contains underlying pigments. For darker hair colors, this is often red or red-orange. When lightening your hair, you’re essentially lifting these pigments. If the lightening process isn’t sufficient, or if you’re not using the right products, the red-orange pigment can become exposed, resulting in that characteristic orange root.
Box Dye Pitfalls
Box dyes, while convenient, can be a major culprit. They often contain high levels of ammonia and peroxide, which can aggressively lift color, leading to uneven results and the dreaded orange tinge. The pre-mixed formulas also may not be suitable for your specific hair type and base color. The developer volume might be too high for your hair, causing excessive lifting and exposing the underlying orange tones.
Hard Water
Hard water, rich in minerals like calcium and magnesium, can deposit on your hair over time. These mineral deposits can react with hair dye, leading to discoloration and brassiness, including orange roots.
Sun Exposure
Prolonged exposure to the sun can also contribute to orange tones. UV rays can oxidize hair dye, causing it to fade and reveal the underlying warm pigments.
Incorrect Toner Selection
Toner is essential for neutralizing unwanted tones after lightening. However, if you choose the wrong toner, or if it’s not strong enough, it won’t effectively counteract the orange, leaving you with those unwanted roots. Understanding color theory is key to selecting the correct toner.
Effective Solutions for Fixing Orange Roots
Now that we know the culprits, let’s explore the solutions. The best approach depends on the severity of the orange and the overall condition of your hair.
Toning: Your First Line of Defense
Toner is designed to neutralize unwanted tones in the hair. It deposits pigment to counteract the brassiness, creating a more balanced and desirable color.
Choosing the Right Toner
The key to effective toning lies in selecting the correct shade. To neutralize orange, you need a toner with blue or blue-violet pigments. Look for toners specifically formulated for brassy or orange tones. Products labeled as “ash blonde” or “cool blonde” are often good choices.
Application Techniques
Apply the toner evenly to the orange roots, avoiding previously toned hair to prevent over-toning. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, paying attention to the processing time. Over-processing can lead to unwanted shades like purple or gray. Always perform a strand test before applying toner to your entire head.
Purple Shampoo and Conditioners
Purple shampoo and conditioners contain purple pigments that help neutralize yellow and orange tones. While they’re not as potent as toner, they can be used regularly to maintain your color and prevent brassiness from returning. Use purple shampoo 1-2 times a week, alternating with your regular shampoo.
Color Correction: When Toning Isn’t Enough
If the orange is particularly stubborn, or if you’ve already tried toning with limited success, you may need to consider color correction. This involves using a demi-permanent hair color to deposit the desired tone.
Demi-Permanent Color
Demi-permanent color doesn’t lift the hair’s natural pigment; instead, it deposits color on top. This makes it a gentler option than permanent color and ideal for correcting unwanted tones. Choose a demi-permanent color that’s one or two shades darker than your desired shade, with cool or ash undertones.
Strategic Application
Apply the demi-permanent color only to the orange roots, carefully blending it into the rest of your hair to avoid a harsh line. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for processing time.
Lightening Again: A Last Resort
If the orange is due to insufficient lightening, you may need to lighten the roots again. This should be approached with caution, as over-processing can damage your hair. It’s advisable to seek professional help if you’re unsure about this process.
Low and Slow Approach
Use a low-volume developer (10 or 20 volume) to gradually lift the color. Apply the lightener carefully to the roots, avoiding previously lightened hair. Monitor the color closely and rinse when the roots reach a pale yellow shade.
Protein Treatments
Lightening can be damaging to the hair. Using protein treatments can help rebuild the hair’s structure and integrity after lightening.
Natural Remedies: Gentle Alternatives
For minor brassiness, some natural remedies can help tone down the orange. These methods are gentler but may require multiple applications to see results.
Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
Apple cider vinegar can help balance the pH of your hair and remove mineral buildup, which can contribute to brassiness. Mix apple cider vinegar with water (1:3 ratio) and use it as a final rinse after shampooing.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice has natural lightening properties. Mix lemon juice with water (1:2 ratio) and apply it to your hair, then sit in the sun for 30 minutes. Be cautious, as lemon juice can be drying and may lighten your hair more than intended.
Preventative Measures: Keeping Orange Roots at Bay
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some steps you can take to prevent orange roots from appearing in the first place.
Choose the Right Products
Invest in high-quality hair dye and toners specifically formulated for your hair type and desired color. Avoid box dyes, which often contain harsh chemicals. Opt for professional-grade products whenever possible.
Professional Consultation
If you’re unsure about coloring your hair at home, consult a professional stylist. They can assess your hair’s condition, determine the appropriate products and techniques, and help you achieve your desired color without the risk of orange roots.
Water Softener
If you have hard water, consider installing a water softener in your home. This will remove the minerals that can cause discoloration and brassiness.
Heat Protection
Heat styling tools can contribute to color fading and brassiness. Always use a heat protectant spray before using hot tools like straighteners, curling irons, and blow dryers.
Sun Protection
Protect your hair from sun exposure by wearing a hat or using a UV protectant spray. This will help prevent your hair dye from fading and revealing underlying warm tones.
Regular Maintenance
Use purple shampoo and conditioner regularly to maintain your color and prevent brassiness. Get regular trims to remove damaged ends and keep your hair healthy.
Specific Scenarios and Considerations
Let’s delve into some specific scenarios and considerations that can influence your approach to fixing orange roots.
Dealing with Previously Damaged Hair
If your hair is already damaged from previous coloring or heat styling, proceed with caution. Harsh treatments like lightening can further damage your hair. Focus on gentle solutions like toning and color correction with demi-permanent color. Incorporate deep conditioning treatments and protein masks into your hair care routine to help repair and strengthen your hair.
Dark Hair vs. Light Hair
The approach to fixing orange roots can differ depending on your starting hair color. Dark hair has a higher concentration of red and orange pigments, making it more prone to brassiness when lightened. Light hair may be less prone to orange tones, but it can still occur due to insufficient lightening or the use of incorrect products.
Hair Porosity
Hair porosity refers to its ability to absorb and retain moisture. High porosity hair absorbs moisture quickly but also loses it easily, making it prone to dryness and damage. Low porosity hair has difficulty absorbing moisture. Understanding your hair porosity can help you choose the right products and techniques for fixing orange roots. High porosity hair may require more frequent toning and moisturizing treatments, while low porosity hair may benefit from using heat to help products penetrate the hair shaft.
Understanding Color Theory
Color theory is fundamental to hair coloring. Understanding which colors neutralize each other is crucial for fixing orange roots. As mentioned earlier, blue and blue-violet tones counteract orange. This knowledge will guide your toner and color selection process.
Final Thoughts
Fixing orange roots at home requires patience, knowledge, and the right products. By understanding the causes of brassiness, choosing the appropriate solutions, and taking preventative measures, you can achieve beautiful, toned hair without stepping foot in a salon. Remember to prioritize the health of your hair and proceed with caution, especially when using harsh chemicals. Don’t be afraid to seek professional help if you’re unsure about any step of the process. With dedication and the right approach, you can say goodbye to orange roots and hello to your dream hair color!
Why did my hair roots turn orange after bleaching or dyeing?
The most common reason for orange roots is that your hair wasn’t lifted to a light enough level during the bleaching process. Natural warm tones like red and orange are present in darker hair, and they need to be neutralized to achieve a true blonde or lighter color. If the bleach wasn’t left on long enough or wasn’t strong enough, these underlying warm tones will still be visible, resulting in the undesirable orange hue.
Another contributing factor can be using the wrong type of toner or not using one at all after bleaching. Toner helps to neutralize those brassy, orange, or yellow tones, shifting the hair color towards a cooler, more desirable shade. Without toner, or if the toner used isn’t strong enough for the level of orange in your roots, the orange will remain.
What are the best toners to fix orange roots?
For mildly orange roots, a purple-based toner is usually sufficient. Purple toners work by counteracting the orange tones, effectively neutralizing them. Look for toners labeled as violet or purple based, and choose a developer volume that is appropriate for your hair’s condition (usually a 10 or 20 volume).
For more intense orange tones, a blue-based toner might be a better choice. Blue is directly opposite orange on the color wheel, making it more effective at neutralizing strong orange tones. Similar to purple toners, select a toner and developer combination suited for your hair, paying close attention to the instructions to prevent over-toning and potential unwanted color shifts.
Can I use hair dye instead of toner to correct orange roots?
Yes, you can use hair dye, but it’s crucial to choose the right shade. Selecting a hair dye that contains ash tones (labeled as “ash,” “cool,” or ending in “.1”) can help neutralize the orange. It’s essential to pick a shade that is only slightly darker than your desired result to avoid making your hair too dark.
Remember to perform a strand test before applying the dye to your entire head. This allows you to assess the color outcome and ensure that it effectively neutralizes the orange without undesirable results. A strand test also helps to determine the appropriate processing time for your hair type and condition.
How do I do a strand test to check the toner or dye before applying it to my roots?
To perform a strand test, select a small, inconspicuous section of your hair, preferably near the nape of your neck. Apply the toner or dye mixture to this strand, following the manufacturer’s instructions regarding processing time. Keep the strand covered while the product processes.
After the recommended time, rinse the product from the strand and dry it thoroughly. Evaluate the color result under good lighting to determine if it effectively neutralized the orange tones and matches your desired shade. If the results are satisfactory, you can proceed with applying the toner or dye to your roots. If not, you may need to adjust the toner/dye shade, processing time, or developer volume and repeat the strand test.
How long should I leave toner on my orange roots?
The appropriate processing time for toner depends on the specific product and your hair’s porosity. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions on the toner packaging as they provide the most accurate guidance. Over-processing can lead to undesirable color shifts, such as ashy or muddy tones.
A general guideline is to start checking the toner’s progress after about 10 minutes. Observe the color of your roots and rinse the toner off when you achieve the desired neutralization of the orange tones. For particularly resistant orange tones, you may need to leave the toner on for the maximum recommended time, but constantly monitor the process to prevent over-toning.
Can I fix orange roots with purple shampoo or blue shampoo?
Purple and blue shampoos are helpful for maintaining toned hair and counteracting mild brassiness. However, they are not strong enough to completely fix intensely orange roots. These shampoos work by depositing a small amount of pigment onto the hair, which helps to neutralize unwanted tones over time.
They are most effective as a preventative measure to prolong the life of your toner or color treatment. If your roots are significantly orange, a toner or dye specifically formulated for color correction is necessary. Use purple or blue shampoo after the color correction process to maintain the desired shade and prevent brassiness from returning.
What can I do to prevent orange roots in the future?
To prevent orange roots in the future, ensure that you are using a strong enough bleach and developer for your hair type and color. If your hair is naturally dark, you may need to use a higher volume developer or perform multiple bleaching sessions to lift the hair to the desired level. It’s also crucial to apply the bleach evenly and saturate all strands, especially at the roots.
Additionally, always use a toner or color depositing product after bleaching to neutralize any remaining warm tones. Investing in professional-grade products and carefully following the instructions can also help minimize the risk of orange roots. Consider consulting a professional stylist for a consultation or color correction service, especially if you’re unsure about the process.