How to Cover Up Orange Roots: A Comprehensive Guide

Orange roots, that unwelcome brassy tone appearing at the base of your freshly lightened or colored hair, can be incredibly frustrating. Whether you’re aiming for a cool blonde, a vibrant pastel, or simply a lighter shade, those orange roots can throw off your entire look. But don’t panic! There are numerous ways to tackle this common hair coloring issue, from quick fixes to long-term solutions. This guide will provide you with a detailed understanding of why orange roots occur and how to effectively cover them up, preventing future mishaps and achieving your desired hair color.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Orange Root Phenomenon

Before diving into solutions, it’s crucial to understand why those pesky orange roots appear in the first place. The underlying reason is the presence of underlying warm pigments in your hair.

The Science Behind Brassy Hair

Hair contains melanin, the pigment responsible for its natural color. There are two main types of melanin: eumelanin, which produces brown and black tones, and pheomelanin, which produces red and yellow tones. When you lighten your hair, you’re essentially lifting or removing these pigments. Eumelanin is easier to lift than pheomelanin. Therefore, as you lighten your hair, the red and yellow pigments are often the last to go, leading to that orange or brassy tone showing through, especially at the roots where the hair is newest and least processed.

Common Causes of Orange Roots

Several factors can contribute to the development of orange roots:

Insufficient Lightening: Not lightening your hair enough to reach the desired level of lightness is a primary culprit. If you stop the lightening process too early, those warm undertones will remain visible.
Using the Wrong Lightener: Choosing a lightener that isn’t strong enough for your natural hair color can also lead to orange roots. Darker hair typically requires a stronger lightener.
Incorrect Application: Applying lightener unevenly, particularly missing sections at the roots, can result in patchy lightening and orange roots.
Hard Water: Minerals in hard water can build up on your hair, causing it to appear brassy or orange over time.
Sun Exposure: Prolonged exposure to the sun can also oxidize your hair, leading to unwanted warm tones.
Product Buildup: Using styling products that contain silicones or other ingredients that build up on the hair can also contribute to brassiness.

Immediate Fixes for Orange Roots

If you’re facing the immediate problem of noticeable orange roots, here are some quick and effective fixes you can try:

Toning Shampoos and Conditioners

Toning shampoos and conditioners are your first line of defense against orange roots. These products contain pigments that neutralize unwanted warm tones.

Purple Shampoo: Specifically designed to combat yellow tones, purple shampoo can help to neutralize some of the orange, making it less noticeable. Use it once or twice a week, following the instructions on the bottle. Be careful not to overuse it, as it can leave a purple tint on your hair.
Blue Shampoo: Blue shampoo is formulated to neutralize orange tones. If your roots are particularly orange, blue shampoo might be a more effective option than purple shampoo. Again, use it sparingly to avoid over-toning.

To use toning shampoos and conditioners, apply to wet hair, focusing on the roots. Leave on for the recommended time (usually 3-5 minutes), and then rinse thoroughly. Follow with a moisturizing conditioner to keep your hair hydrated.

Root Touch-Up Sprays and Powders

For a temporary and immediate solution, root touch-up sprays and powders can be a lifesaver. These products come in various shades and can be applied directly to the roots to conceal the orange tones.

How to Apply: Shake the can well and spray the product onto dry roots, holding the can about 6 inches away from your head. Use short, controlled bursts to avoid over-application. For powders, use a brush to apply the powder to the roots, blending it seamlessly with the rest of your hair.

These products are wash-out solutions, meaning they will come off when you shampoo your hair.

Hair Mascara

Similar to root touch-up sprays and powders, hair mascara can be used to target specific areas of orange roots. It’s a great option for precision application.

How to Apply: Use the wand to apply the hair mascara directly to the orange roots, coating them evenly. Allow it to dry completely before touching your hair.

Like root touch-up sprays and powders, hair mascara is a temporary fix that will wash out with shampoo.

Long-Term Solutions for Orange Roots

While immediate fixes can provide temporary relief, addressing the underlying cause of orange roots is essential for long-term success.

Re-Evaluating Your Lightening Process

If you consistently experience orange roots, it’s time to re-evaluate your lightening process.

Stronger Lightener: You may need to use a stronger lightener to lift your hair to the desired level of lightness. Consult with a professional stylist to determine the appropriate strength for your hair type and color.
Proper Application Technique: Ensure that you’re applying the lightener evenly, saturating all of your roots completely. Use a mirror to check the back of your head and make sure you haven’t missed any spots.
Sufficient Processing Time: Allow the lightener to process for the full recommended time, checking regularly to ensure that your hair is lightening evenly. Don’t rinse it out too early, as this can result in orange roots.
Professional Consultation: Consider seeking the help of a professional hair stylist. They can assess your hair, determine the best lightening products and techniques for your specific needs, and help you achieve your desired hair color without the unwanted orange tones.

Toning with a Hair Toner

Hair toners are demi-permanent hair colors that deposit pigment to neutralize unwanted tones. They’re a more permanent solution than toning shampoos and conditioners.

Choosing the Right Toner: Select a toner that is appropriate for your hair color and the specific tones you want to neutralize. For orange tones, a blue-based or ash-toned toner is typically recommended.
Application: Apply the toner to clean, dry hair, focusing on the roots. Follow the instructions on the toner packaging carefully, paying attention to the processing time.
Neutralizing Orange with Blue: Blue toners are best at neutralizing orange. You can find them at most beauty supply stores. When using, apply carefully to the affected areas, keeping a close eye on the color development. It’s better to undertone than overtone.

Always perform a strand test before applying toner to your entire head to ensure that you’re happy with the results.

Color Correction Techniques

For more severe cases of orange roots, color correction techniques may be necessary. These techniques involve using multiple products and techniques to neutralize the orange tones and achieve the desired hair color.

Filler: If your hair is very porous or has been damaged by previous lightening, you may need to use a filler before applying toner. A filler helps to even out the porosity of your hair, allowing the toner to deposit evenly.
Lowlights: Adding lowlights in a darker shade can help to break up the orange tones and create a more natural-looking result.
Shadow Root: A shadow root technique involves applying a darker color to the roots, creating a gradient effect that blends seamlessly with the rest of your hair. This can be a great way to disguise orange roots while still achieving a lighter overall look.

Color correction techniques are best left to professional hair stylists, as they require expertise and experience to execute properly.

Addressing External Factors

In addition to addressing the lightening and coloring process, it’s also important to consider external factors that may be contributing to orange roots.

Water Softener: If you have hard water, consider installing a water softener to remove the minerals that can cause brassiness.
Clarifying Shampoo: Use a clarifying shampoo once or twice a month to remove product buildup and mineral deposits from your hair.
Heat Protectant: Always use a heat protectant spray before using heat styling tools, as heat can damage your hair and contribute to brassiness.
Sun Protection: Protect your hair from the sun by wearing a hat or using a UV-protectant hairspray.

Preventing Orange Roots in the Future

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to help you prevent orange roots from developing in the first place:

Start with Healthy Hair: Healthy hair is more resistant to damage and less likely to develop unwanted tones. Make sure your hair is well-nourished and hydrated before lightening it.
Use High-Quality Products: Invest in high-quality lighteners, toners, and aftercare products. These products are often formulated with ingredients that help to protect your hair and prevent brassiness.
Follow Instructions Carefully: Always read and follow the instructions on the product packaging carefully. This includes the processing time, application technique, and aftercare recommendations.
Don’t Over-Process Your Hair: Avoid over-processing your hair, as this can lead to damage and make it more prone to brassiness.
Regular Maintenance: Maintain your hair color with regular toning treatments and root touch-ups. This will help to keep your hair looking fresh and prevent orange roots from becoming noticeable.

Choosing the Right Products and Tools

Selecting the right products and tools is crucial for successfully covering up and preventing orange roots.

Lighteners

When choosing a lightener, consider your natural hair color and the level of lift you want to achieve.

Cream Lighteners: These are gentler than powder lighteners and are suitable for finer hair types.
Powder Lighteners: These are stronger than cream lighteners and are ideal for thicker hair types or those who need a significant amount of lift.
On-Scalp Lighteners: These are specifically formulated for use on the scalp and are less likely to cause irritation.

Toners

Choose a toner that is appropriate for your hair color and the specific tones you want to neutralize.

Blue-Based Toners: These are best for neutralizing orange tones.
Purple-Based Toners: These are best for neutralizing yellow tones.
Ash-Toned Toners: These create a cool, neutral tone.

Shampoos and Conditioners

Use shampoos and conditioners that are designed for color-treated hair.

Sulfate-Free Shampoos: These are gentler on your hair and won’t strip away color as quickly as shampoos that contain sulfates.
Toning Shampoos and Conditioners: These help to maintain your hair color and neutralize unwanted tones.

Tools

Having the right tools can make the lightening and toning process much easier.

Mixing Bowl and Brush: Use a non-metallic bowl and brush to mix and apply the lightener and toner.
Gloves: Protect your hands from chemicals by wearing gloves.
Applicator Bottle: An applicator bottle can help you apply the lightener and toner evenly.
Timer: Use a timer to ensure that you’re processing the lightener and toner for the correct amount of time.
Mirror: Use a mirror to check the back of your head and make sure you haven’t missed any spots.

Tackling orange roots can seem daunting, but with the right knowledge and techniques, you can effectively cover them up and achieve your desired hair color. Remember to understand the underlying causes, choose the right products, and follow the instructions carefully. Whether you opt for a quick fix or a long-term solution, patience and persistence are key. And if you’re unsure about any step of the process, don’t hesitate to seek the help of a professional hair stylist.

Why do my roots turn orange after dyeing my hair?

Orange roots, often referred to as “brassy roots,” are a common issue when lightening or dyeing hair, particularly dark hair. This happens because dark hair naturally contains warm undertones, like red and orange pigments. When you lift the color, these warm pigments are exposed before the hair reaches the desired lighter shade.

The specific reasons for this vary, but they typically include not using a strong enough developer, not leaving the lightener on long enough, or skipping the toning process. Your hair needs to be lightened sufficiently to reach a neutral base before adding your desired color. If it doesn’t, the underlying orange will peek through.

What products can I use to get rid of orange roots?

Several products can help you combat those unwanted orange roots. Toner is a popular choice, as it deposits cool-toned pigments (blue or purple) to neutralize the warmth. Purple shampoo and conditioners are also great for maintenance, helping to keep brassiness at bay between toning sessions.

Color-depositing masks and root touch-up sprays or powders can offer temporary fixes, providing a quick and easy way to blend the orange until you can address the issue properly. Always patch test new products to ensure you don’t experience any adverse reactions.

How do I choose the right toner for my orange roots?

Choosing the right toner depends on the level of orange and your desired end result. If your roots are a light orange or yellow-orange, a toner with a violet base is usually effective. For more intense orange, a blue-based toner might be necessary.

Consider your overall hair color. If you’re aiming for an ash blonde, a cooler-toned toner will work well. If you want a warmer blonde, a more neutral toner will suffice. Always consult a color chart or, ideally, seek advice from a professional stylist to ensure you pick the most appropriate toner for your specific situation.

Can I fix orange roots at home, or should I see a professional?

Fixing orange roots at home is possible, but it requires careful consideration and precision. If you have experience with hair color and are comfortable assessing your hair’s level and undertones, you might successfully tone your roots yourself. However, be prepared for potential mistakes and the possibility of uneven color.

If you are unsure about the process, have heavily damaged hair, or are attempting a drastic color change, seeing a professional is highly recommended. A stylist can accurately assess your hair, choose the right products, and apply them skillfully to achieve the desired result without causing further damage.

How can I prevent orange roots when dyeing my hair?

Preventing orange roots starts with proper preparation and technique. When lightening dark hair, ensure you use a developer strong enough to lift your hair to the desired level without over-processing it. Apply the lightener evenly and thoroughly, ensuring every strand is saturated.

Leave the lightener on for the recommended processing time, checking periodically to monitor its progress. Don’t rush the process; patience is key to achieving a clean lift. After lightening, always tone your hair to neutralize any remaining warmth before applying your final color.

How often can I tone my hair to fix orange roots?

The frequency of toning depends on several factors, including the porosity of your hair and the products you use. Generally, you should avoid toning more than once every 2-4 weeks to prevent damage and over-processing. Over-toning can lead to dryness, breakage, and a muddy or dull color.

Use color-safe shampoo and conditioner, and incorporate purple shampoo into your routine to maintain your tone and reduce the need for frequent toning sessions. If your orange roots reappear quickly, consider addressing the underlying cause, such as using a stronger developer or extending the processing time when initially lightening your hair.

What if toning doesn’t completely get rid of the orange in my roots?

If toning doesn’t fully eliminate the orange in your roots, it likely means the hair wasn’t lifted light enough to begin with. In this case, you might need to re-lighten the roots before toning again. This should be done carefully, avoiding overlapping with previously lightened hair to prevent breakage.

Alternatively, consider using a stronger toner or a blue-based toner if you initially used a violet-based one. If you’re still struggling, seeking the assistance of a professional stylist is advisable. They can assess your hair’s condition and determine the best course of action to achieve your desired color while minimizing damage.