Orange hair, a common woe for those lightening their locks, can be a frustrating hurdle on the path to blonde or lighter shades. When unwanted orange tones rear their head, many turn to toners as a quick fix. But what happens when you reach for that purple toner? Does it magically cancel out the orange, or are there nuances to consider? Let’s delve into the science, application, and potential pitfalls of using purple toner on orange hair.
Understanding Hair Color and Tone
To understand the interaction between orange hair and purple toner, it’s crucial to grasp the fundamentals of hair color theory. Hair color comprises two primary elements: the underlying pigment and the tone.
The underlying pigment is the warm color revealed when hair is lightened. This pigment is determined by the natural melanin in your hair and, as you lift the color, it progresses through stages: dark red, red, red-orange, orange, orange-yellow, and yellow. This is why achieving a truly ashy blonde from a dark base is such a multi-step process.
The tone, on the other hand, refers to the overall hue or shade you perceive. Tones can be warm (golden, red, copper), cool (ash, violet, blue), or neutral. Toners are designed to deposit specific pigments that neutralize unwanted tones and create the desired final shade.
The Color Wheel and Complementary Colors
The color wheel is your best friend when dealing with unwanted tones. It’s a visual representation of color relationships, showing which colors are complementary, analogous, and triadic. Complementary colors are those that sit opposite each other on the wheel. When mixed, they neutralize each other, creating a neutral brown or gray.
In the case of orange hair, the complementary color is blue. However, purple is a combination of red and blue. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how a purple toner, with its red undertones, impacts an orange canvas.
How Purple Toner Works
Purple toner works by depositing violet pigments into the hair shaft. These pigments counteract yellow tones, which are often present in blonde or lightened hair. The goal is to neutralize the brassiness and create a cooler, more neutral blonde.
The effectiveness of purple toner hinges on the intensity of both the unwanted tones and the toner itself. A highly pigmented purple toner will obviously have a stronger effect than a diluted or weaker one.
Toning Orange Hair: Will Purple Work?
This is the million-dollar question. The answer isn’t a simple yes or no; it depends on the specific shade of orange and the purple toner being used.
The Spectrum of Orange
Orange isn’t just one color; it exists on a spectrum. Light, yellow-orange tones are more likely to be effectively neutralized by purple toner. Deeper, more intense, reddish-orange tones will require a different approach.
- Light Orange-Yellow: Purple toner can often effectively neutralize these tones, creating a more neutral or cool blonde.
- Medium Orange: Purple toner might work, but it’s more likely to create a muddy or muted result, or even shift the orange tone slightly towards a more red-orange hue.
- Deep Red-Orange: Purple toner is unlikely to make a significant difference and could potentially worsen the color by adding unwanted red tones.
The Specifics of Purple Toner
Toning products vary considerably in pigment intensity and formulation. Some purple toners are heavily pigmented and designed for significant color correction, while others are milder and intended for maintenance or subtle adjustments.
A weak purple toner might not have enough pigment to combat even light orange tones. Conversely, an overly strong toner could deposit too much violet, resulting in a lavender or greyish cast.
Potential Outcomes of Toning Orange Hair with Purple
Using purple toner on orange hair can lead to a variety of outcomes, ranging from successful neutralization to undesirable color shifts. Here are some potential scenarios:
Neutralization (Success!)
In the best-case scenario, the purple toner will successfully neutralize the orange tones, leaving you with a more neutral or cool-toned blonde. This is most likely to occur when the orange is light and more yellow-leaning.
Muddy or Muted Color
If the orange is too intense, or the purple toner isn’t strong enough, the combination can result in a muddy or muted color. The hair might appear dull and lifeless, lacking the vibrancy you were hoping for. This happens when the colors mix but don’t fully neutralize, creating a brownish or grayish undertone.
Shift to Red-Orange
Since purple toner contains red pigment, applying it to already orange hair can sometimes intensify the red tones, resulting in a more reddish-orange hue. This is particularly likely if the orange is already leaning towards red.
Purple or Grey Undertones
Using a highly pigmented purple toner on hair that isn’t orange enough can result in purple or grey undertones. This is because the toner deposits more violet pigment than needed, leading to an unwanted cast. Porous hair is more prone to this outcome, as it absorbs pigment more readily.
Uneven Results
If the hair is unevenly toned, or the toner is applied inconsistently, you might end up with patchy results. Some areas might be neutralized, while others remain orange, creating a splotchy appearance.
Alternatives to Purple Toner for Orange Hair
Given the potential risks and limitations of using purple toner on orange hair, it’s wise to consider alternative solutions, especially for more stubborn orange tones.
Blue Toner
Blue toner is the direct complementary color to orange. Using a blue toner can be a more effective way to directly neutralize orange tones. However, it’s crucial to use it cautiously, as over-toning with blue can result in greenish hues.
Green Toner
Green toner is used to counteract red tones, making it a suitable option for reddish-orange hair. It will neutralize the red component of the orange, leaving you with a more yellow or neutral base.
Color Correction with a Dedicated Color Remover
For significant color correction, especially when dealing with stubborn orange tones, consider using a dedicated color remover. These products are designed to gently lift artificial pigment without causing further damage to the hair. After using a color remover, you can then tone the hair to achieve your desired shade.
Bleach Bath or Low-Volume Bleach
A bleach bath (a diluted bleach mixture) or low-volume bleach can be used to gently lift the orange pigment further. This is a more aggressive approach than toning and should be done with caution to avoid damage. It’s best to consult with a professional stylist if you’re considering this option.
Professional Consultation
The best approach is always to seek guidance from a professional hair stylist. They can assess your hair’s condition, identify the precise shade of orange, and recommend the most appropriate course of action. They can also formulate a custom toner to perfectly neutralize the unwanted tones.
Tips for Toning Orange Hair
If you decide to proceed with toning orange hair, here are some crucial tips to keep in mind:
- Perform a Strand Test: Before applying toner to your entire head, always perform a strand test. This will allow you to assess how the toner interacts with your hair and prevent any unwanted surprises.
- Choose the Right Toner: Select a toner that is specifically formulated for neutralizing orange tones. Consider the intensity of the orange and the desired end result when making your choice.
- Follow Instructions Carefully: Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Pay attention to the recommended processing time and mixing ratios.
- Apply Evenly: Ensure that the toner is applied evenly throughout your hair to avoid patchy results. Use a tint brush to distribute the product thoroughly.
- Monitor the Processing Time: Keep a close eye on the processing time and rinse the toner out as soon as you achieve the desired result. Over-processing can lead to unwanted undertones or damage to the hair.
- Use a Color-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner: After toning, use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner to help maintain the color and prevent fading.
Aftercare for Toned Hair
Proper aftercare is essential for maintaining the color and health of your toned hair. Here are some tips:
- Use Sulfate-Free Products: Sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners are gentler on the hair and help prevent color fading.
- Limit Washing: Avoid washing your hair too frequently, as this can strip the color. Aim to wash your hair only a few times per week.
- Use a Heat Protectant: Always use a heat protectant spray before using heat styling tools, such as blow dryers, curling irons, and straighteners.
- Deep Condition Regularly: Deep conditioning treatments help to nourish and hydrate the hair, keeping it healthy and vibrant.
- Consider a Glaze or Gloss: A clear glaze or gloss can help to seal the cuticle and add shine to the hair. This can also help to prolong the life of your toner.
When to Seek Professional Help
While DIY toning can be tempting, there are situations where it’s best to seek professional help. If you’re dealing with:
- Significant Color Correction: If your hair is severely orange or unevenly toned, it’s best to consult with a professional stylist.
- Damaged Hair: If your hair is already damaged from previous chemical treatments, DIY toning could potentially worsen the damage.
- Uncertainty About the Process: If you’re unsure about which toner to use or how to apply it, it’s best to err on the side of caution and seek professional guidance.
A professional stylist can assess your hair’s condition, formulate a custom toning solution, and apply it safely and effectively. They can also provide advice on how to maintain the color and health of your hair.
In conclusion, while purple toner can sometimes neutralize light, yellow-orange tones, it’s not a guaranteed solution for all orange hair. Understanding the color wheel, the intensity of your orange, and the strength of your toner is crucial. For deeper or more reddish-orange tones, alternative toners or professional help are often necessary to achieve the desired result. Always prioritize the health of your hair and proceed with caution when experimenting with color correction.
What shade of purple toner is best for correcting orange tones?
Choosing the right shade of purple toner depends on the intensity of the orange in your hair. For lighter, more yellow-orange tones, a lavender or pastel purple toner might be sufficient. However, for darker, more vibrant orange hues, a toner with a deeper, more pigmented purple base will be necessary to effectively neutralize the warmth.
Consider your starting hair color and the level of orange you’re trying to combat when selecting your toner. Consulting a color chart at your local beauty supply store can be helpful. It is also beneficial to strand test the toner on a hidden section of hair before applying it to your entire head to ensure you achieve the desired result and avoid over-toning.
How long should I leave purple toner on orange hair?
The recommended processing time for purple toner varies depending on the product and the intensity of the orange tones in your hair. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions on the toner packaging for the most accurate guidance. As a general rule, leaving the toner on for too long can result in a lavender or purple tint to your hair.
Start with the shortest recommended processing time and check your hair’s color frequently. If the orange tones are still present after the initial processing time, you can leave the toner on for a few additional minutes, but be vigilant about monitoring the color to prevent over-toning. Observing the hair’s reaction every few minutes is key to achieving optimal results.
Can purple shampoo replace purple toner for orange hair?
While purple shampoo can help maintain cool tones and prevent brassiness in blonde or highlighted hair, it’s typically not strong enough to completely correct stubborn orange tones. Purple shampoo deposits a small amount of purple pigment with each wash, gradually neutralizing yellow and subtle orange hues. However, it’s primarily a maintenance product, not a corrective one.
Purple toner, on the other hand, contains a higher concentration of purple pigment designed to actively neutralize and counteract unwanted orange tones in a single application. For significant color correction, toner is the more effective solution. Purple shampoo can then be used to prolong the results achieved with the toner and keep your hair looking fresh.
What are the potential risks of using purple toner on orange hair?
One of the primary risks of using purple toner is over-toning, which can result in a lavender or purple cast to your hair, especially if your hair is very light or porous. This is more likely to occur if the toner is left on for too long or if a toner that is too pigmented for the starting level of orange is used.
Another potential risk is uneven application, leading to patchy results with some areas of the hair effectively toned while others remain orange. To mitigate these risks, always strand test the toner before applying it to your entire head, carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and ensure even distribution of the product throughout your hair.
How can I prevent my hair from turning purple after using purple toner?
The best way to prevent your hair from turning purple after using purple toner is to closely monitor the processing time. Start with the shortest recommended time and check your hair’s color frequently. The moment you see the orange tones effectively neutralized, rinse the toner out immediately.
Also, ensure you are using the correct shade of purple toner for the intensity of orange in your hair. A toner that is too dark or pigmented can easily lead to over-toning. Finally, using a clarifying shampoo before toning can help remove buildup and allow the toner to absorb evenly, preventing uneven color deposits and potential purple patches.
What should I do if my hair turns purple after using purple toner?
If your hair turns purple after using purple toner, don’t panic! There are several ways to correct this. The first is to wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo. Clarifying shampoos are designed to remove buildup and can help fade the purple tint more quickly than regular shampoos.
If the purple tint persists after a few washes with clarifying shampoo, try using a color remover or a very mild bleach wash (only if your hair is in good condition). Always follow the instructions carefully and monitor your hair closely to prevent further damage. A salon visit might be needed for severely over-toned hair.
Will purple toner lighten my hair color?
Purple toner is primarily designed to neutralize unwanted orange or yellow tones in the hair and does not significantly lighten the overall hair color. It deposits purple pigment, which cancels out warmth, creating a cooler, more neutral tone. While it may create the illusion of slightly lighter hair by reducing the brassiness, it doesn’t alter the underlying base color.
For significant lightening, you would need to use a hair lightener or bleach. Toner is best used after lightening to refine the color and achieve the desired shade. Think of toner as a finishing touch, rather than a method for achieving substantial color changes.