The dreaded orange roots. Every blonde or light brunette who’s ventured into the world of hair color has likely encountered this unwelcome guest at some point. That brassy, unflattering tone can appear seemingly out of nowhere, turning your dream hair into a source of frustration. But fear not! Achieving cool, perfectly toned roots is entirely possible with the right knowledge and techniques. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the causes of orange roots and, most importantly, how to effectively get rid of them.
Understanding the Culprits: Why Do Roots Turn Orange?
Before you can effectively combat orange roots, it’s crucial to understand why they appear in the first place. Several factors contribute to this common hair color woe.
One of the primary reasons is the natural underlying pigment of your hair. Everyone has warm tones lurking beneath the surface. Darker hair naturally has more red and orange undertones. When you lighten your hair, whether through bleach or hair dye, these underlying pigments are exposed. The lighter you go, the more prominent these warm tones become.
Improper bleaching is another major culprit. If bleach isn’t left on long enough, or if the developer isn’t strong enough, it might not lift your hair to the desired level. This incomplete lifting leaves behind residual orange and yellow pigments. Also, uneven application can lead to patchy lifting and, therefore, uneven orange roots.
The quality of hair dye used also plays a role. Cheaper dyes often lack the necessary pigments to properly neutralize warm tones, leaving you with that dreaded brassiness. Opting for professional-grade products or those specifically designed for toning is often a worthwhile investment.
Hard water can also contribute to orange tones. Hard water contains minerals like calcium and magnesium that can deposit on your hair, leading to buildup and discoloration, including brassiness.
Sun exposure and heat styling can also cause color fade and brassiness. The sun’s UV rays can oxidize your hair, bringing out the warm tones. Similarly, frequent use of heat styling tools like flat irons and curling irons can damage the hair cuticle, making it more prone to color fading and brassiness.
Product buildup from shampoos, conditioners, and styling products can also contribute. Certain ingredients can react with hair dye, causing discoloration and brassiness over time.
The Arsenal: Products and Tools to Combat Orange Roots
Now that we’ve identified the potential causes, let’s explore the arsenal of products and tools you’ll need to banish orange roots for good.
Toner is your primary weapon against brassiness. Toners contain pigments that neutralize unwanted warm tones. Typically, toners with blue or purple pigments are used to counteract orange and yellow. Choose a toner specifically formulated for your hair color and level.
Developer is necessary to activate the toner. Developers come in different volumes (e.g., 10, 20). A lower volume developer (10 volume) is usually sufficient for toning roots, as you’re not trying to lift the color, just neutralize it.
Purple shampoo and conditioner are excellent for maintaining your tone between toning sessions. These products contain purple pigments that deposit a small amount of color onto your hair with each use, helping to neutralize brassiness and keep your blonde or light brunette hair looking cool.
A color-safe shampoo and conditioner are crucial for preserving your hair color. These products are formulated without harsh sulfates that can strip your hair of its color, leading to faster fading and increased brassiness.
A deep conditioner or hair mask is essential for maintaining healthy, hydrated hair. Bleaching and toning can be drying, so it’s important to replenish moisture and prevent damage. Look for products specifically designed for color-treated hair.
A mixing bowl and applicator brush are necessary for applying toner evenly. Avoid using metal bowls or utensils, as they can react with the chemicals in the toner.
Gloves are essential for protecting your hands from staining.
A timer is crucial for monitoring the processing time of the toner. Over-processing can lead to unwanted color results, such as overly ashy or even purple hair.
The Battle Plan: How to Tone Orange Roots Step-by-Step
With your arsenal assembled, it’s time to put your plan into action. Follow these step-by-step instructions to effectively tone your orange roots and achieve your desired cool-toned hair.
Before you begin, it’s crucial to perform a strand test. This will allow you to see how the toner will react with your hair and prevent any unwanted surprises. Apply the toner mixture to a small, inconspicuous section of your hair, following the instructions below. Observe the results after the recommended processing time.
Preparation is Key
Start by protecting your clothing with an old towel or cape. Put on your gloves to prevent staining your hands. Section your hair into manageable sections using clips. This will ensure even application of the toner.
Mixing the Toner
In your mixing bowl, combine the toner and developer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The ratio is usually 1:2 (toner to developer), but always refer to the specific instructions for your product. Mix thoroughly until you achieve a smooth, consistent consistency.
Application Techniques
Using your applicator brush, carefully apply the toner mixture to your orange roots, focusing on the areas that are most brassy. Work in small sections to ensure even coverage. Avoid applying the toner to previously toned hair, as this can lead to over-processing and uneven color.
Timing is Everything
Once you’ve applied the toner to all of your roots, set your timer for the recommended processing time. Check the toner’s progress every few minutes. Remember that it’s better to under-process than over-process. You can always reapply toner if needed, but you can’t undo over-processing.
Rinsing and Conditioning
Once the processing time is up, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear. Apply a deep conditioner or hair mask to replenish moisture and prevent damage. Leave the conditioner on for the recommended time, then rinse again with cool water.
Drying and Styling
Gently towel-dry your hair and style as usual. Avoid using heat styling tools immediately after toning, as this can further dry out your hair. Allow your hair to air dry whenever possible.
Beyond Toner: Additional Strategies for Maintaining Cool-Toned Roots
Toning is an effective solution for correcting orange roots, but it’s not a permanent fix. To maintain your cool-toned hair and prevent future brassiness, incorporate these additional strategies into your hair care routine.
Embrace Purple Shampoo and Conditioner: Use purple shampoo and conditioner regularly, especially after toning. These products will help to neutralize brassiness and keep your blonde or light brunette hair looking cool between toning sessions. Be careful not to overuse purple shampoo, as it can sometimes leave a purple cast on your hair. Use it once or twice a week, or as needed.
Invest in Color-Safe Products: Switch to a color-safe shampoo and conditioner that are formulated without harsh sulfates. These products will help to preserve your hair color and prevent fading, reducing the likelihood of brassiness.
Protect Your Hair from the Sun: Wear a hat or use a hair product with UV protection when spending time outdoors. The sun’s UV rays can oxidize your hair, bringing out the warm tones.
Limit Heat Styling: Reduce your use of heat styling tools like flat irons and curling irons. When you do use them, apply a heat protectant spray to shield your hair from damage.
Filter Your Water: Consider installing a shower filter to remove minerals from your water. This can help to prevent buildup and discoloration, including brassiness.
Clarify Regularly: Use a clarifying shampoo once a month to remove product buildup that can contribute to brassiness.
When to Seek Professional Help
While toning your roots at home can be effective, there are situations where it’s best to seek professional help from a hairstylist.
If you’re dealing with severely damaged hair, it’s best to consult a professional. Bleaching and toning can be harsh on hair, and attempting to DIY the process on already damaged hair can lead to further breakage and damage.
If you’re making a drastic color change (e.g., going from dark brunette to platinum blonde), it’s best to leave it to the professionals. This type of color change requires expertise and precision to avoid damaging your hair and achieving the desired results.
If you’re unsure about which toner to use or how to apply it, it’s always best to consult a professional. A hairstylist can assess your hair color and condition and recommend the best course of action.
Dealing with orange roots can be frustrating, but with the right knowledge and techniques, you can effectively banish brassiness and achieve your dream cool-toned hair. Remember to understand the causes of orange roots, choose the right products, follow the instructions carefully, and incorporate preventative measures into your hair care routine. And if you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from a hairstylist. With patience and persistence, you can say goodbye to orange roots and hello to beautiful, cool-toned hair!
Why do my roots turn orange after bleaching?
Bleach lifts the color from your hair, and unfortunately, not all pigments lift at the same rate. Darker hair naturally has underlying red and orange tones. When you bleach, these warm tones are often the last to go, leaving your roots a brassy orange hue. This is especially common if your hair is naturally dark or if you haven’t used a strong enough bleach developer combination.
Furthermore, improper application or uneven product distribution can contribute to orange roots. If the bleach isn’t applied evenly or left on for the correct amount of time, some areas may lift less than others, resulting in patchy orange tones. Always ensure thorough saturation and follow the manufacturer’s instructions precisely.
What is hair toner, and how does it work?
Hair toner is a product used to neutralize unwanted undertones in bleached or lightened hair, like the dreaded orange brassiness. It contains pigments that counteract the specific tones you’re trying to eliminate. For example, a toner with blue or purple pigments will neutralize orange and yellow tones, respectively, creating a cooler, more neutral result.
Toners work by depositing these pigments onto the hair shaft, effectively canceling out the unwanted tones. They don’t lighten the hair further but instead modify the existing color. The longevity of toner varies, typically lasting between 2-6 weeks depending on the porosity of your hair and how often you wash it.
What type of toner should I use for orange roots?
For orange roots, you’ll need a toner with blue or blue-violet pigments. These colors are opposite orange on the color wheel, making them effective at neutralizing the warm tones. Look for toners specifically labeled as “ash,” “cool,” or “violet-based.” Reading reviews can also help you gauge the toner’s effectiveness on similar hair colors.
Consider the level of brassiness when selecting your toner. If your roots are only slightly orange, a demi-permanent toner might suffice. However, if the orange is very prominent, you may need a more potent toner or even a professional color correction service. When in doubt, consult with a hairstylist to determine the best approach for your specific hair.
Can I use purple shampoo to tone my orange roots?
Purple shampoo can help maintain toned hair and prevent brassiness from reappearing, but it’s generally not strong enough to completely eliminate significant orange roots. It contains a smaller concentration of purple pigment compared to a dedicated toner. While helpful for subtle corrections, it won’t be a quick fix for very orange roots.
Using purple shampoo regularly can extend the life of your toner and keep your blonde or lightened hair looking fresh. Think of it as a maintenance product rather than a primary toning solution. For more pronounced orange tones, a proper toner is essential.
How do I apply toner to my roots without damaging my hair?
Start by performing a strand test to assess how your hair will react to the toner. This will help you avoid any unwanted surprises and ensure you achieve the desired results. Apply the toner only to the orange roots, being careful not to overlap onto previously toned hair, which can cause uneven color. Use a brush for precise application and ensure the roots are fully saturated.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for processing time, and don’t exceed the recommended duration, as over-processing can damage your hair. After rinsing, use a deep conditioner to replenish moisture and minimize any potential dryness. Always wear gloves during the application process to protect your hands.
What are some preventative measures to avoid orange roots in the first place?
One crucial preventative measure is using a high-quality bleach and developer specifically formulated for your hair type. Using a lower volume developer and gradually increasing the strength can lift color slower, reducing the risk of pulling too much orange. Consulting with a professional hairstylist can also ensure you choose the correct products and techniques.
Another essential step is to avoid over-processing your hair during the bleaching process. Don’t leave the bleach on for longer than necessary, and regularly check the progress of your hair’s lightening. Using heat protectant products when styling your hair can also prevent brassiness from developing over time, as heat can expose underlying warm tones.
When should I see a professional to fix my orange roots?
If you’ve attempted to tone your orange roots at home without success, or if your hair is significantly damaged, it’s best to consult a professional hairstylist. They have the expertise and access to professional-grade products to correct the color without further damaging your hair. Color correction can be complex, and trying to fix a severe problem yourself could potentially worsen the situation.
Additionally, if you have very dark hair or if your roots are intensely orange, a professional colorist can expertly address the challenge. They can properly assess your hair’s condition and formulate a personalized plan to achieve the desired result while maintaining the health and integrity of your hair. A consultation can save you time, money, and potential heartache in the long run.