The world of hair coloring can be incredibly rewarding, offering a way to express oneself and enhance one’s natural beauty. However, like any form of art, it involves a degree of skill and precision. One of the common issues that can arise from a hair coloring session, especially when attempting to achieve lighter shades, is the unwanted orange tone. This can be due to various reasons such as the porosity of the hair, the incorrect choice of hair dye, or insufficient processing time. If you find yourself in the situation where your highlights are too orange, there’s no need to panic. There are several steps and considerations you can take to correct this issue, restoring your hair to a more desirable hue.
Understanding the Cause
Before diving into the solutions, it’s crucial to understand why your highlights might have turned orange in the first place. The underlying cause of orange highlights often stems from the warm tones that are present in the hair, especially when trying to lift it more than two shades lighter than its natural color. When the hair is porous or previously colored, achieving the desired color can be challenging, leading to unwanted warmth. Another factor can be the choice of toner or dye; some products are more prone to producing warm tones, especially if not used correctly.
The Importance of Toner
Toner is a critical product in the hair coloring process, especially for those seeking to achieve lighter shades. It helps to neutralize unwanted warm tones and achieves the desired color. However, if the wrong toner is used, or if it’s applied incorrectly, it can exacerbate the orange tone, making the situation worse. For instance, using a toner with a blue base on hair that already has a lot of red undertones can push the highlights towards an unpleasant orange color.
Selecting the Right Products
When aiming to correct orange highlights, choosing the right products is key. This includes selecting a toner that is specifically designed to neutralize warm tones. For orange highlights, a toner with a purple or blue base can be highly effective. These cool-toned products work by canceling out the warm tones, thus helping to achieve a more natural or ashy blond look, depending on your preference.
Corrective Measures
Correcting orange highlights involves a process that requires patience and careful consideration. Here are some steps you can follow:
When you first notice the orange tone, it might be tempting to rush out and try to fix it immediately. However, it’s essential to give your hair some time to settle before making any drastic changes. Sometimes, the tone can appear more orange than it actually is due to the porosity of the hair or the condition it’s in. Waiting a few days can give you a clearer picture of the situation, allowing you to make a more informed decision about how to proceed.
If the orange tone persists, consulting a professional hairstylist is often the best course of action. They have the expertise and the right products to assess your hair and apply the correct toner or treatment to neutralize the unwanted warmth. A professional can also advise on the best aftercare to ensure the color lasts and the health of your hair is maintained.
For those who prefer a DIY approach, or as a temporary solution until you can see a professional, there are some at-home treatments you can consider. Toning shampoos and conditioners can be used to help correct the tone of your hair over time. These products are formulated with color-depositing ingredients that can help neutralize warm tones and achieve a cooler, more desired color.
At-Home Correction Techniques
While it’s recommended to seek professional help for significant color corrections, there are some at-home techniques that can help mitigate the issue of orange highlights. One common method involves using a color-correcting product specifically designed for this purpose. These products come in various forms, including sprays, creams, and masks, and are applied directly to the hair to neutralize unwanted tones.
Another approach is to use a purple shampoo, which can be very effective for blonde hair with orange tones. Purple shampoos are formulated with violet pigments that help to counteract yellow and orange tones, leaving the hair with a cooler, more ashy blonde color. When using a purple shampoo, it’s essential to follow the instructions carefully and not to overuse it, as this can lead to purple undertones, especially in lighter hair.
Maintenance and Aftercare
Once you’ve corrected your orange highlights, maintenance is key to keeping your hair looking its best. This involves using the right hair care products, such as color-protecting shampoos and conditioners, and minimizing your use of heat styling tools or using a heat protectant spray when you do. Regular trims can also help prevent split ends and breakage, keeping your hair healthy and vibrant.
Additionally, protecting your hair from the sun is crucial. Just like how the sun’s UV rays can cause skin damage, they can also affect your hair color, causing fading and dryness. Using a hat or a hair product with SPF when going out can help protect your hair from these harmful effects.
Conclusion
Finding yourself with highlights that are too orange can be frustrating, but it’s a common issue that can be corrected with the right approach. Whether you decide to seek professional help or attempt a DIY correction, understanding the cause of the problem and choosing the right products are crucial steps. By being patient, using the appropriate color-correcting techniques, and following a proper aftercare routine, you can achieve the hair color you desire and maintain its health and vibrancy. Remember, hair coloring is an art that requires precision and patience, and sometimes, it takes a little trial and error to get it just right.
What causes highlights to turn orange?
The main reason highlights turn orange is due to the porous nature of the hair and the way it reacts to the color treatment. When the hair is porous, it tends to absorb more of the warm tones from the color, resulting in an orange or brassy color. This can also happen when the wrong tone of bleach or color is used, or if the hair is not properly prepared before the highlighting process. Additionally, using high-lift bleach or over-processing the hair can cause damage to the cuticle, leading to an uneven color distribution and an orange tone.
To avoid this, it’s essential to consult a professional stylist who can assess the condition and porosity of your hair before applying any color treatment. They can help you choose the right tone and type of bleach or color that suits your hair type and desired outcome. It’s also crucial to follow a proper pre-color treatment routine, such as using a clarifying shampoo and a pre-color treatment to open up the hair cuticle and allow the color to penetrate evenly. By taking these steps, you can minimize the risk of your highlights turning orange and achieve a more natural, sun-kissed look.
How can I fix orange highlights at home?
Fixing orange highlights at home can be a bit tricky, but it’s possible with the right products and techniques. One way to tone down orange highlights is to use a color-correcting shampoo and conditioner specifically designed to neutralize brassy tones. These products usually contain purple or blue pigments that help to counteract the warm tones and achieve a more ash or beige color. You can also try using a toner or gloss to adjust the color and add shine to your hair. However, it’s essential to be cautious when using these products, as they can be damaging if used excessively or incorrectly.
When attempting to fix orange highlights at home, it’s crucial to follow the instructions carefully and start with a small test area to ensure the product doesn’t damage your hair. You can also try mixing a small amount of baking soda with your shampoo to help neutralize the brassy tones. However, if your highlights are severely orange or damaged, it’s recommended to consult a professional stylist who can provide a more personalized solution and help you achieve the desired color and texture. They can use specialized products and techniques to correct the color and restore the health of your hair, ensuring a more natural and long-lasting result.
What is the best way to tone down orange highlights?
The best way to tone down orange highlights depends on the severity of the color and the condition of your hair. If the orange tone is mild, you can try using a color-correcting shampoo and conditioner, as mentioned earlier. For more severe cases, a toner or gloss can be applied to adjust the color and add shine to your hair. It’s essential to choose a toner or gloss that is specifically designed to neutralize brassy tones and contains ingredients such as purple or blue pigments. You can also try using a semi-permanent or demi-permanent color to deposit color and tone down the orange highlights.
When toning down orange highlights, it’s crucial to consider the condition and porosity of your hair. If your hair is damaged or over-processed, it may be more challenging to achieve the desired color. In this case, it’s recommended to use a nourishing treatment or mask to restore the health of your hair before applying any color-correcting products. Additionally, it’s essential to be patient and not to over-tone, as this can cause further damage to your hair. Start with a small test area and gradually build up to the desired color, ensuring a more natural and long-lasting result.
Can I use purple shampoo to fix orange highlights?
Yes, purple shampoo can be used to help fix orange highlights, but it’s essential to use it correctly. Purple shampoo is designed to neutralize brassy tones and add a cool, ashy color to the hair. When used on orange highlights, it can help to tone down the warm tones and achieve a more natural, sun-kissed look. However, it’s crucial to choose a purple shampoo that is specifically designed for your hair type and color, as some products can be too harsh or drying.
When using purple shampoo to fix orange highlights, it’s recommended to start with a small test area to ensure the product doesn’t damage your hair. You can also try mixing the purple shampoo with your regular shampoo to dilute the formula and avoid over-toning. It’s essential to be patient and not to over-use the purple shampoo, as this can cause dryness and damage to your hair. Additionally, consider using a moisturizing mask or treatment to restore the health of your hair and prevent dryness. By using purple shampoo correctly, you can help to tone down orange highlights and achieve a more natural, vibrant color.
How long does it take to fix orange highlights?
The time it takes to fix orange highlights depends on the severity of the color and the condition of your hair. If the orange tone is mild, it may only take one or two treatments to tone down the color. However, if the orange tone is severe or your hair is damaged, it may take several treatments and a more extended period to achieve the desired color. It’s essential to be patient and not to rush the process, as over-processing or over-toning can cause further damage to your hair.
In general, it’s recommended to start with a small test area and gradually build up to the desired color, ensuring a more natural and long-lasting result. You can also consider using a combination of color-correcting products, such as purple shampoo, toner, or gloss, to achieve the desired color. Additionally, it’s crucial to maintain the health of your hair by using nourishing treatments and masks, and avoiding excessive heat styling or chemical processing. By taking a gradual and gentle approach, you can fix orange highlights and achieve a more natural, vibrant color that lasts.
Can I prevent orange highlights from happening in the future?
Yes, there are several ways to prevent orange highlights from happening in the future. One of the most effective ways is to consult a professional stylist who can assess the condition and porosity of your hair before applying any color treatment. They can help you choose the right tone and type of bleach or color that suits your hair type and desired outcome. It’s also crucial to follow a proper pre-color treatment routine, such as using a clarifying shampoo and a pre-color treatment to open up the hair cuticle and allow the color to penetrate evenly.
To prevent orange highlights, it’s also essential to maintain the health of your hair by using nourishing treatments and masks, and avoiding excessive heat styling or chemical processing. You can also consider using color-protecting products, such as color-depositing shampoos and conditioners, to help maintain the color and vibrancy of your hair. Additionally, it’s recommended to get regular touch-ups and maintenance treatments to prevent the color from fading or becoming brassy. By taking these steps, you can minimize the risk of orange highlights and achieve a more natural, long-lasting color that looks great.