So, you’ve embarked on the journey of lightening your hair, dreaming of those cool-toned blonde locks, but instead, you’re staring back at a reflection filled with unwanted orange roots. Don’t panic! This is a common hair coloring problem, and with the right knowledge and tools, you can effectively neutralize that brassiness and achieve the beautiful color you desire. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the causes of orange roots, preventative measures, and effective solutions to get rid of that unwanted hue.
Understanding the Culprit: Why Orange Roots Happen
Orange roots, often referred to as “brassy roots,” occur when the underlying warm pigments in your hair are exposed during the lightening process. These pigments, primarily red and orange, are naturally present in most hair colors, particularly darker shades. When you lighten your hair, you’re essentially lifting these pigments. However, achieving the desired level of lightness can be tricky, and often the lightening process doesn’t lift enough pigment, leaving behind those stubborn warm tones.
The Science Behind Hair Color
Hair color is determined by two types of melanin: eumelanin (responsible for brown and black pigments) and pheomelanin (responsible for red and yellow pigments). The ratio of these melanins varies from person to person, influencing their natural hair color. When lightening, it’s important to understand that eumelanin is generally easier to lift than pheomelanin. This means that the red and orange pigments from pheomelanin tend to stick around longer, resulting in the dreaded brassiness.
Factors Contributing to Orange Roots
Several factors can contribute to the development of orange roots:
-
Insufficient Lightening: This is the most common reason. If the bleach or lightener isn’t strong enough or isn’t left on for a sufficient amount of time, it won’t lift enough pigment.
-
Dark Starting Color: The darker your natural hair color, the more difficult it is to lift the underlying pigments, making orange roots more likely.
-
Uneven Application: If the bleach or lightener isn’t applied evenly, some areas may lift more than others, resulting in uneven color and potentially orange roots.
-
Hard Water: Hard water contains minerals that can deposit on your hair, interfering with the lightening process and contributing to brassiness.
-
Product Buildup: Product buildup can also prevent the bleach from properly penetrating the hair, leading to uneven lightening and orange roots.
-
Incorrect Toner Choice: Using a toner that isn’t strong enough or designed to counteract orange tones won’t effectively neutralize the brassiness.
Prevention is Key: Avoiding Orange Roots in the First Place
While correcting orange roots is possible, preventing them from occurring in the first place is always the best approach. Here are some preventative measures you can take:
Preparation is Paramount
Before you even reach for the bleach, assess your hair’s condition. Is it healthy and strong enough to withstand the lightening process? Damaged or weakened hair is more prone to breakage and uneven color. Deep condition your hair for several weeks leading up to the coloring session.
Choose the Right Products
Select a high-quality bleach or lightener specifically designed for your hair type and the level of lift you desire. Read reviews and consult with a professional if you’re unsure which product to choose. Opt for a toner specifically formulated to neutralize orange tones (blue-based toners are generally effective). Consider using a bleach with built-in bond builders to minimize damage.
Strand Test: Your Best Friend
Always perform a strand test before applying bleach to your entire head. This will allow you to see how your hair reacts to the product and determine the appropriate processing time. It can also help you identify any potential problems before they affect your entire head of hair.
Strategic Application
Apply the bleach or lightener evenly, starting with the areas that are naturally darker or more resistant to lightening. Ensure that all strands are thoroughly saturated for consistent results.
Monitor Closely
Keep a close eye on your hair during the lightening process. Check the color regularly and stop when you’ve reached the desired level of lift. Don’t over-process your hair, as this can lead to damage and breakage.
Invest in a Water Filter
If you live in an area with hard water, consider installing a showerhead filter to remove minerals that can contribute to brassiness.
Clarify Regularly
Use a clarifying shampoo regularly to remove product buildup and mineral deposits that can interfere with the lightening process.
Neutralizing the Orange: Effective Solutions
If you’re already dealing with orange roots, don’t worry! There are several effective solutions you can try to neutralize the brassiness and achieve your desired hair color.
Toning is Essential
Toner is your best friend when it comes to neutralizing unwanted tones. It’s a demi-permanent hair color that deposits pigment to counteract brassiness.
Choosing the Right Toner
For orange roots, you’ll want to use a blue-based toner. Blue is directly opposite orange on the color wheel, meaning it will effectively neutralize the orange tones. Look for toners specifically labeled for neutralizing brassiness or orange.
Application Techniques
Apply the toner evenly to your roots, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands. Leave the toner on for the recommended processing time, but monitor closely to avoid over-toning.
Blue Shampoo and Conditioner
Blue shampoo and conditioner are specifically formulated to deposit blue pigment onto the hair, helping to neutralize orange tones over time.
How They Work
These products contain blue pigments that adhere to the hair shaft, counteracting the brassiness. They are a great way to maintain your color between toning sessions.
Usage Recommendations
Use blue shampoo and conditioner once or twice a week, or as needed to maintain your desired tone. Be careful not to overuse them, as this can lead to a blueish tint, especially on lighter hair.
Hair Glosses and Glazes
Hair glosses and glazes are another option for neutralizing orange tones and adding shine to your hair.
The Benefits
Glosses and glazes are semi-permanent treatments that deposit color and seal the hair cuticle, creating a smooth and shiny finish. They can help to tone down brassiness and enhance your overall hair color.
Professional Application
While some at-home glosses are available, professional application is often recommended for best results. A stylist can customize a gloss to perfectly match your desired tone and ensure even application.
Color Correction: Seeking Professional Help
If you’ve tried the above methods and are still struggling with orange roots, it may be time to seek professional help. A color correction specialist can assess your hair’s condition and create a customized plan to correct the uneven color and achieve your desired results.
Why Go Pro?
Color correction can be a complex process, and attempting to fix it yourself can sometimes make the problem worse. A professional stylist has the knowledge, experience, and tools to safely and effectively correct your hair color.
The Consultation Process
During your consultation, be prepared to discuss your hair history, the products you’ve used, and your desired end result. The stylist will assess your hair’s condition and develop a plan to correct the color while minimizing damage.
Alternative Solutions and Remedies
Explore other less common, but sometimes effective, remedies that people have found success with:
-
Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse: Some people claim that an apple cider vinegar rinse can help to balance the pH of your hair and reduce brassiness. Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water and apply to your hair after shampooing. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
-
Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is a natural lightener that can help to brighten your hair and reduce orange tones. Mix lemon juice with water and apply to your hair. Sit in the sun for 30 minutes to an hour, then rinse thoroughly. Be careful not to overdo it, as lemon juice can be drying.
-
DIY Hair Masks: Some DIY hair masks, such as those containing honey and yogurt, are believed to have lightening properties and may help to reduce brassiness over time.
Remember to always do a patch test before applying any new product to your entire head of hair, especially when dealing with potentially irritating ingredients like lemon juice.
Maintaining Your Color: Long-Term Strategies
Once you’ve successfully neutralized the orange in your roots, it’s important to maintain your color and prevent the brassiness from returning. Here are some long-term strategies to keep your hair looking its best:
Regular Toning
Schedule regular toning appointments with your stylist to keep your color fresh and prevent brassiness from creeping back in.
Use Color-Safe Products
Use shampoos, conditioners, and styling products specifically designed for color-treated hair. These products are formulated to be gentle on your hair and help to preserve your color.
Minimize Heat Styling
Excessive heat styling can damage your hair and fade your color. Minimize your use of heat styling tools and always use a heat protectant spray when you do.
Protect Your Hair from the Sun
The sun can fade your hair color and contribute to brassiness. Wear a hat or use a hair product with UV protection when you’re spending time outdoors.
Deep Condition Regularly
Deep conditioning treatments help to keep your hair healthy, hydrated, and strong, which is essential for maintaining your color.
Balanced Diet
A healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals can promote healthy hair growth and improve your hair’s overall condition.
Listen to Your Hair
Pay attention to your hair and adjust your routine as needed. If you notice any signs of damage or dryness, take steps to address them promptly.
Achieving and maintaining your desired hair color takes effort and dedication, but with the right knowledge and tools, you can banish those orange roots and enjoy a beautiful, flawless hue. Remember to be patient, consistent, and always prioritize the health of your hair.
Why do my roots turn orange after bleaching?
The dreaded orange roots, often referred to as brassiness, are a common issue when bleaching hair, especially darker shades. This happens because bleaching lifts the natural pigment in your hair, and dark hair contains warm underlying tones like red and orange. When the bleach doesn’t lift enough pigment, these warm tones are exposed, resulting in the orange hue you see at your roots. Factors like bleach strength, processing time, and your hair’s starting color significantly influence how much pigment is lifted and, consequently, the intensity of the orange.
Furthermore, uneven application and inconsistent saturation of the bleach can contribute to orange roots. If some sections of your roots receive less bleach or are processed for a shorter duration, they’ll be less likely to reach the desired pale yellow stage needed for a truly neutral or cool-toned result. Using a low-volume developer or not applying enough bleach to fully saturate the roots can create inconsistencies and lead to uneven lifting and orange brassiness.
What is a toner, and how does it help banish orange roots?
A toner is a product used after bleaching to neutralize unwanted undertones in the hair, such as orange or yellow. It works by depositing opposite tones onto the hair shaft, effectively canceling out the unwanted color. For example, blue-based toners are used to neutralize orange tones, while purple-based toners are used to counteract yellow tones. Think of it like using a color wheel in art: opposite colors cancel each other out.
The toner contains a low volume developer to allow the toner to penetrate the hair cuticle and deposit the desired pigment. It doesn’t lift the hair’s base color any further, but instead adds pigment to achieve the desired shade. Using a toner after bleaching is crucial for achieving a flawless, salon-worthy hair color and eliminating brassiness. It’s the key to transforming orange roots into a beautiful, even color.
How do I choose the right toner for my orange roots?
Choosing the right toner depends on the intensity of the orange in your roots. If your roots are a light orange or yellowish-orange, a purple-based toner may be sufficient. However, if your roots are a deeper, more vibrant orange, a blue-based toner or a toner with blue-violet pigments will be more effective in neutralizing the brassiness. Consider consulting a color wheel; the color opposite orange is blue.
Consider your desired final hair color when selecting a toner. If you want a cool-toned blonde, choose a toner with a stronger blue or violet base. If you prefer a warmer blonde, opt for a toner with a beige or gold base, which will neutralize some of the orange but still maintain some warmth. If unsure, test the toner on a small, inconspicuous strand of hair first to see how it reacts and avoid any unwanted color results.
What is the correct way to apply toner to my roots?
Firstly, ensure your hair is clean, dry, and free of any styling products before applying the toner. Section your hair carefully and apply the toner evenly to the orange roots using a tint brush. Start at the roots and work your way down, ensuring that the toner fully saturates all of the orange areas. Avoid applying toner to already lightened areas unless you want to alter their tone slightly.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for processing time, which is crucial for achieving the desired results without over-toning your hair. Usually it is around 20-30 minutes. Once the processing time is complete, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear. Follow with a color-safe shampoo and conditioner to help seal the cuticle and lock in the toner.
Can I use purple shampoo to get rid of orange roots?
Purple shampoo can help neutralize orange tones, but it’s more effective for maintaining already toned blonde hair and combating mild brassiness, rather than completely eliminating intensely orange roots. Purple shampoo deposits small amounts of purple pigment into the hair, which can gradually counteract yellow and orange undertones with regular use. However, for significant orange roots, a dedicated toner is usually necessary for a more dramatic and immediate result.
Think of purple shampoo as a maintenance product, rather than a corrective one. It can help prolong the life of your toner and keep brassiness at bay between toning sessions. Use it once or twice a week, alternating with your regular shampoo, to keep your blonde hair looking bright and fresh. However, don’t rely solely on purple shampoo to completely eliminate strong orange roots; it’s best used in conjunction with other toning methods.
What other factors can contribute to orange roots besides bleaching?
Besides the bleaching process itself, several other factors can contribute to the development of orange roots. Mineral buildup from hard water, particularly iron and copper, can deposit on the hair and cause discoloration, leading to brassy tones. Certain medications and well water can also contribute to mineral buildup. Using heat styling tools without proper heat protection can also damage the hair and expose underlying warm tones.
Additionally, sun exposure can oxidize hair color, causing it to fade and reveal underlying orange tones. Using shampoos and conditioners that are not color-safe can strip the hair of its toner and expose brassiness. Therefore, it’s crucial to protect your hair from these external factors by using a water filter for your shower, using heat protectant products, limiting sun exposure, and using color-safe hair care products to maintain your hair’s tone and prevent orange roots.
How can I prevent orange roots from occurring in the first place?
Preventing orange roots starts with a proper bleaching technique. Use a bleach with sufficient lifting power for your hair’s natural color and ensure complete and even saturation of the roots. Choose the appropriate developer volume based on your hair’s condition and desired level of lift, typically a lower volume developer to avoid unnecessary damage but enough to achieve the needed lift. It’s better to do two sessions with low developer than one session with high developer, as the high developer can cause more damage to the hair.
Furthermore, consider using a color remover before bleaching to remove any existing artificial pigments that might interfere with the bleaching process. This will provide a cleaner canvas and minimize the chances of developing orange undertones. After bleaching, always use a toner to neutralize any remaining warm tones and achieve your desired hair color. Follow up with a good hair care routine, including color-safe products and protection from heat and sun exposure, to maintain your color and prevent brassiness from returning.