Bleaching your hair can be a transformative experience, taking you from your natural shade to a vibrant blonde. However, it’s a chemical process that doesn’t always go according to plan. One of the most common issues people encounter is ending up with orange or brassy tones instead of the desired cool blonde. This unwelcome orange hue can be frustrating, but don’t panic! There are several effective methods to neutralize those warm tones and achieve a more appealing color. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to fix orange bleached hair fast, helping you regain control of your hair color and confidence.
Understanding Why Hair Turns Orange After Bleaching
Before diving into solutions, it’s crucial to understand why bleached hair often turns orange. Hair contains natural pigments, primarily melanin. Bleaching lifts these pigments, and the process is rarely uniform.
The role of melanin: Melanin comes in two primary forms: eumelanin (responsible for brown and black pigments) and pheomelanin (responsible for red and yellow pigments). Eumelanin is easier to lift during bleaching, while pheomelanin is more stubborn.
The bleaching process: When you bleach your hair, you’re essentially oxidizing the melanin molecules, making them colorless. However, if the bleach isn’t strong enough, or if it’s not left on for long enough, it might only lift the eumelanin, leaving behind the warm pheomelanin pigments, resulting in orange or yellow tones.
Hair porosity: Hair porosity, which refers to your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture, also plays a significant role. Highly porous hair tends to absorb bleach quickly, but it also loses moisture rapidly, which can lead to uneven lifting and increased brassiness. Low porosity hair, on the other hand, can be resistant to bleach, requiring more processing time and potentially leading to damage.
Previous hair color: If you’ve previously colored your hair, especially with dark dyes, the bleaching process can reveal underlying warm tones that were masked by the dye. These underlying tones contribute to the orange or brassy appearance.
Assessing the Damage and Choosing the Right Solution
The first step in fixing orange bleached hair is to assess the extent of the damage and determine the best course of action. Not all orange tones are created equal, and the appropriate solution will depend on the severity of the brassiness and the overall health of your hair.
Evaluating hair health: Before attempting any corrective measures, carefully examine your hair for signs of damage, such as dryness, brittleness, split ends, and breakage. If your hair feels significantly damaged, prioritize repairing and strengthening it before proceeding with further color treatments.
Determining the level of orange: Is it a light, subtle orange, or a deep, intense orange? A subtle orange can often be corrected with a toner or purple shampoo, while a more intense orange might require a stronger approach, such as a color correction treatment or a second bleaching session (if your hair can handle it).
Considering your hair history: Has your hair been previously bleached or colored? What products have you been using? Understanding your hair history will help you choose the safest and most effective solution.
The Power of Toner: Neutralizing Orange Tones
Toner is a demi-permanent hair color that deposits pigment to neutralize unwanted tones. It’s a crucial tool for achieving the desired blonde shade after bleaching.
Understanding toner: Toner doesn’t lift hair color; instead, it deposits color to counteract brassiness. Toners contain pigments that are opposite to the unwanted tones on the color wheel. In the case of orange hair, toners with blue or violet pigments are used to neutralize the orange.
Choosing the right toner: Select a toner that is specifically formulated for neutralizing orange tones. Look for toners with blue or violet undertones. The level of the toner (e.g., level 8, level 9, level 10) should be close to the level of your bleached hair.
Application process: Always perform a strand test before applying toner to your entire head to ensure you achieve the desired result. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, and use gloves to protect your hands. Apply the toner evenly to your hair, focusing on the areas with the most orange tones. Leave the toner on for the recommended time, and then rinse thoroughly.
After-care: After toning, use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner to help maintain the color and prevent fading. Avoid using heat styling tools excessively, as heat can strip the color from your hair.
Purple Shampoo and Conditioner: A Gentle Approach
Purple shampoo and conditioner are popular products for maintaining blonde hair and neutralizing brassy tones. They contain violet pigments that counteract yellow and orange hues.
How purple shampoo works: Purple shampoo works on the principle of color theory. Violet is opposite yellow on the color wheel, so it effectively neutralizes yellow and orange tones in the hair.
Using purple shampoo correctly: Wet your hair thoroughly and apply purple shampoo, focusing on the areas with the most brassiness. Lather the shampoo and leave it on for 3-5 minutes, or as directed on the product label. Rinse thoroughly and follow with a moisturizing conditioner.
Frequency of use: Using purple shampoo too often can lead to a purple tint, especially on lighter blonde shades. Start by using it once or twice a week and adjust the frequency as needed.
Purple conditioner: Purple conditioner works similarly to purple shampoo, depositing violet pigments to neutralize brassiness. It also helps to moisturize and detangle the hair.
Color Depositing Masks: A Conditioning and Coloring Solution
Color depositing masks are a great option for adding color to your hair while also conditioning it. They can help to neutralize orange tones and add shine.
Benefits of color depositing masks: These masks deposit pigment onto the hair shaft, counteracting unwanted tones and enhancing the overall color. They also contain moisturizing ingredients that help to hydrate and nourish the hair.
Choosing the right shade: Select a color depositing mask with blue or violet undertones to neutralize orange tones. Consider your current hair color and desired result when choosing the shade.
Application process: Apply the color depositing mask to clean, damp hair. Distribute it evenly throughout your hair, focusing on the areas with the most orange tones. Leave the mask on for the recommended time, and then rinse thoroughly.
Frequency of use: The frequency of use will depend on the intensity of the mask and your desired result. Start by using it once a week and adjust the frequency as needed.
When to Re-Bleach: Proceed with Caution
If the orange tones are very stubborn, or if your hair is significantly darker than your desired blonde shade, you might consider re-bleaching. However, proceed with extreme caution, as re-bleaching can cause significant damage to your hair.
Assessing hair health: Before even considering re-bleaching, thoroughly assess the health of your hair. If your hair is already dry, brittle, or damaged, re-bleaching is likely to cause further damage.
Waiting period: It’s crucial to wait at least 2-3 weeks between bleaching sessions to allow your hair to recover.
Using a lower volume developer: When re-bleaching, use a lower volume developer (e.g., 10 or 20 volume) to minimize damage. Lower volume developers lift the hair color more slowly, but they are also gentler on the hair.
Strand test: Always perform a strand test before applying bleach to your entire head. This will allow you to assess how your hair reacts to the bleach and prevent unwanted results.
Professional assistance: If you’re unsure about re-bleaching your hair, it’s best to seek professional assistance from a qualified hairstylist. They can assess your hair health and determine the safest and most effective approach.
DIY Color Correction: Baking Soda and Developer
While professional color correction is always recommended, in some situations, a DIY approach can be considered with caution. One such method involves a mixture of baking soda and developer.
The process: A paste is made from baking soda and a low-volume developer (10 or 20 volume). This mixture is applied to the orange areas of the hair.
The risk: This method can be drying and potentially damaging, so it’s crucial to use it sparingly and carefully. It’s best suited for minor corrections and should only be attempted on healthy hair.
Important considerations: Always perform a strand test first to gauge how your hair will react. Monitor the process closely and rinse immediately if you experience any discomfort or see excessive lightening. Follow up with a deep conditioning treatment. It’s essential to recognize the limitations and risks associated with this method and prioritize professional help whenever possible.
Professional Color Correction: The Safest Option
If you’re unsure about fixing your orange bleached hair yourself, or if you’ve already tried several methods without success, seeking professional color correction is the safest and most effective option.
Benefits of professional color correction: A professional hairstylist has the knowledge, experience, and tools to assess your hair and develop a customized color correction plan. They can use a variety of techniques and products to neutralize orange tones and achieve your desired blonde shade, while minimizing damage to your hair.
Consultation: Schedule a consultation with a qualified hairstylist who specializes in color correction. During the consultation, discuss your hair history, your desired result, and any concerns you have.
The process: The hairstylist will assess your hair and determine the best approach for correcting the color. This might involve using a combination of toners, color fillers, and other professional products.
Cost: Professional color correction can be expensive, but it’s often worth the investment to avoid further damage to your hair and achieve the desired result.
Maintaining Your Blonde Hair After Color Correction
Once you’ve successfully fixed your orange bleached hair, it’s crucial to take steps to maintain the color and prevent brassiness from returning.
Color-safe shampoo and conditioner: Use a shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for color-treated hair. These products are designed to be gentle on the hair and help to prevent color fading.
Purple shampoo and conditioner: Continue using purple shampoo and conditioner once or twice a week to neutralize any yellow or orange tones that might develop.
Heat protection: Avoid using heat styling tools excessively, as heat can strip the color from your hair. When you do use heat styling tools, always apply a heat protectant spray to your hair.
Deep conditioning treatments: Deep conditioning treatments help to hydrate and nourish the hair, preventing dryness and breakage. Use a deep conditioning treatment once or twice a week.
Regular trims: Regular trims help to remove split ends and prevent breakage, keeping your hair healthy and looking its best.
Sun protection: Protect your hair from the sun by wearing a hat or using a hair product with UV protection. Sun exposure can fade your hair color and cause damage.
Fixing orange bleached hair can be a challenge, but with the right knowledge and techniques, you can achieve your desired blonde shade. Remember to assess your hair health, choose the appropriate solution, and follow up with proper maintenance to keep your hair looking its best. Whether you opt for a toner, purple shampoo, a color depositing mask, or professional color correction, prioritizing the health and integrity of your hair is paramount.
Why did my hair turn orange after bleaching?
Orange hair after bleaching is typically due to the underlying warm pigments in your hair being exposed. When bleaching, the goal is to lift the natural pigment. However, if the bleach wasn’t strong enough, wasn’t left on long enough, or your hair is naturally very dark, you may not have lifted all the way to a pale yellow, which is the ideal base for toning to blonde or other lighter shades. The remaining warm undertones, primarily red and orange, become visible.
Factors contributing to this include the starting hair color (darker hair has more red and orange pigments), the strength of the bleach developer used (lower volume developers are less effective), the length of time the bleach was left on the hair, and the porosity of the hair (damaged or porous hair may not lift evenly). If you pulled the bleach too soon, you’ll likely see this orange hue. This also indicates that there are still warm tones present in your hair, and more lifting or a strong toner is needed.
What are the fastest ways to fix orange bleached hair?
One of the quickest fixes is using a blue-toned shampoo or conditioner. Blue is opposite orange on the color wheel, making it effective at neutralizing the brassy tones. Apply a blue shampoo as directed, usually leaving it on for 3-5 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Follow with a deep conditioner to combat any dryness caused by the shampoo. This method works best for mild orange tones.
Another rapid solution, if the orange is more intense, is using a demi-permanent toner with a blue or violet base. Select a toner specifically formulated for counteracting orange tones. Mix it with a low-volume developer (typically 10 or 20 volume) according to the product instructions. Apply evenly to the orange areas, carefully avoiding previously lightened sections. Process for the recommended time and rinse thoroughly. Always perform a strand test first.
How does blue shampoo work to correct orange hair?
Blue shampoo works on the principle of color theory. It deposits a small amount of blue pigment onto the hair shaft. Since blue and orange are complementary colors, they neutralize each other, diminishing the orange tones and creating a more balanced, cooler shade. The effect is subtle and temporary, washing out over several shampoos, but it offers a quick and relatively gentle solution for reducing brassiness.
The intensity of the blue pigment in the shampoo determines its effectiveness. Some blue shampoos are lightly pigmented and designed for regular maintenance, while others are more concentrated and intended for occasional use when brassiness is more pronounced. Overuse of highly pigmented blue shampoo can sometimes lead to a bluish tint, so it’s important to monitor your hair and adjust usage accordingly.
When should I see a professional for orange bleached hair?
You should consider consulting a professional if the orange is very intense, if your hair feels damaged or brittle, or if you’ve already tried a few at-home remedies without success. A professional stylist has the expertise to assess your hair’s condition, determine the underlying cause of the orange tones, and formulate a customized solution that minimizes further damage.
A professional can also provide a more complex color correction, such as using a bleach bath or strategic highlighting, to even out the tone and create a more natural-looking result. They can also advise on the best at-home care products and techniques to maintain your hair’s health and prevent future color problems. Trying to fix severely damaged or overly orange hair yourself can potentially cause more harm than good.
Can I use purple shampoo instead of blue shampoo for orange hair?
While purple shampoo is generally used to counteract yellow tones in blonde hair, it can offer some benefit in neutralizing orange, particularly if the orange leans towards a more yellow-orange or brassy hue. However, blue shampoo is specifically designed to address the direct orange tones, making it the more effective choice for truly orange hair.
Using purple shampoo on orange hair might slightly reduce the brassiness, but it won’t be as targeted as blue shampoo. If your hair has both yellow and orange tones, using a combination of both types of shampoo may be helpful, alternating between the two with each wash. It’s essential to observe your hair’s reaction and adjust accordingly to avoid any unwanted color shifts.
What if my hair is damaged after bleaching and is also orange?
If your hair is both damaged and orange after bleaching, prioritize repairing the damage before attempting further color correction. Focus on using deep conditioning treatments, protein masks, and bond-building products to strengthen and hydrate your hair. Avoid using heat styling tools as much as possible, and when you do, use a heat protectant spray. Damaged hair is more prone to breakage and can react unpredictably to further chemical treatments.
Once your hair has regained some strength and elasticity, you can carefully proceed with color correction. Opt for gentler methods like blue shampoo or a color-depositing mask. Avoid harsh toners or additional bleaching, as these can further damage your already weakened hair. If the orange is severe and you’re concerned about further damage, consult a professional stylist who can perform a color correction while minimizing harm to your hair.
How can I prevent my hair from turning orange after bleaching in the future?
Preventing orange hair starts with a proper bleaching process. Ensure you’re using a bleach product that’s strong enough for your hair’s base color, and use the appropriate developer volume (usually 20 or 30 volume). Apply the bleach evenly and process for the correct amount of time, checking regularly to ensure you’re lifting to a pale yellow. Avoid overlapping previously bleached sections, as this can lead to breakage and uneven color.
Maintaining your bleached hair with the right products is also crucial. Use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to preserve the color and prevent brassiness. Incorporate blue shampoo or conditioner into your routine to neutralize any emerging orange tones. Protect your hair from sun exposure, as UV rays can cause color fading and brassiness. Regular deep conditioning treatments will help keep your hair healthy and prevent it from becoming overly porous, which can make it more susceptible to absorbing unwanted tones.