Dealing with orange roots is a common frustration for many who lighten their hair. Whether you’re aiming for a cool blonde, a vibrant pastel, or simply want to neutralize brassiness, those unwanted orange tones can throw off your entire look. Understanding why orange roots occur and knowing the right techniques to eliminate them is crucial for achieving your desired hair color.
Understanding Why Orange Roots Happen
The appearance of orange roots after bleaching or lightening your hair is due to the underlying pigments revealed during the process. Hair color is determined by melanin, with two main types: eumelanin (responsible for brown and black hues) and pheomelanin (responsible for red and yellow hues).
When you lighten your hair, you’re essentially removing these pigments. Eumelanin is typically easier to remove, while pheomelanin is more stubborn. This is why you often see warm tones like orange and yellow remaining, especially at the roots, which are closest to your natural hair color.
Your natural hair color plays a significant role. Darker hair has more melanin, requiring more lifting to reach lighter shades. The more lifting needed, the greater the chance of encountering orange or yellow undertones. Even with professional coloring, underlying warmth can surface over time as the toner fades.
Other factors contributing to orange roots include:
- Insufficient Bleach Strength: Using a bleach with a developer that’s too weak won’t lift enough pigment.
- Inadequate Processing Time: Not leaving the bleach on for the recommended time can result in incomplete lifting.
- Uneven Application: Applying bleach unevenly can lead to some areas being lighter than others.
- Product Buildup: Styling products and hard water minerals can create a barrier, preventing the bleach from working effectively.
Effective Strategies to Neutralize Orange Roots
Successfully getting rid of orange roots requires a multi-pronged approach that addresses the underlying causes and utilizes the correct techniques and products. Here’s a detailed guide:
Toning: Your First Line of Defense
Toning is the most common and effective way to neutralize unwanted orange tones. Toners contain pigments that counteract brassiness, creating a cooler, more balanced color.
Choosing the Right Toner: Toners are available in various shades, including blue, purple, and green. For orange roots, a blue-based toner is usually the best choice because blue cancels out orange on the color wheel. Look for toners labeled as “ash” or “cool.” Purple-based toners are more effective for yellow tones, but can also help if there’s a mix of yellow and orange.
Application Technique: Apply the toner evenly to the orange roots, following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Typically, you’ll apply the toner to damp hair and leave it on for a specified amount of time (usually between 10-30 minutes), then rinse thoroughly. Always perform a strand test before applying toner to your entire head to ensure you achieve the desired result.
Understanding Toner Development: Watch your hair closely during the toning process. The toner’s color may appear darker than the final result, but it will lighten as you rinse. Avoid leaving the toner on for too long, as this can lead to overly cool or even grayish tones.
Bleaching Revisited: Proceed with Caution
If toning alone isn’t enough to eliminate the orange, you may need to re-bleach the roots. This should be done cautiously, as over-processing can cause significant damage.
Assessing Hair Health: Before re-bleaching, assess the health of your hair. If your hair is already dry, brittle, or damaged, re-bleaching may not be the best option. Focus on strengthening and hydrating your hair with deep conditioning treatments for a few weeks before considering further lightening.
Choosing the Right Developer: Select a low-volume developer (10 or 20 volume) to minimize damage. Lower volume developers lift more gently, reducing the risk of breakage and over-processing.
Precise Application: Apply the bleach mixture precisely to the orange roots, avoiding overlap with previously bleached hair. Overlap can lead to banding, where different sections of your hair have varying shades.
Monitoring the Process: Check the hair frequently (every 5-10 minutes) to monitor the lifting process. Rinse immediately once the desired level of lightness is achieved. Do not leave the bleach on for longer than necessary.
Color Correction Techniques: Addressing Stubborn Orange
Sometimes, toning and re-bleaching aren’t sufficient, especially if the orange tones are deeply embedded. In these cases, color correction techniques may be necessary.
Using Color Depositing Shampoos and Conditioners: Blue shampoos and conditioners can help to neutralize orange tones over time. These products deposit small amounts of blue pigment onto the hair, gradually counteracting brassiness. Use them regularly, but be mindful that overuse can lead to a buildup of pigment, potentially resulting in a dull or ashy tone.
Fillers: The Secret Weapon: If your hair has been heavily lightened and is struggling to hold onto color, a filler can help. Fillers replace missing underlying pigments, creating a more even base for toning. Consult a professional stylist for guidance on choosing the right filler for your hair.
Demi-Permanent Color: A demi-permanent color can be used to add tone and dimension to your hair while neutralizing orange tones. Demi-permanent colors do not lift the hair, but they can deposit color and blend away unwanted warmth.
Professional Help: When to Call in the Experts
If you’re unsure about tackling orange roots on your own, or if you’ve tried multiple methods without success, it’s best to consult a professional colorist. A skilled colorist can assess your hair’s condition, determine the underlying cause of the orange tones, and create a customized plan to achieve your desired color.
Consultation is Key: During your consultation, be sure to clearly communicate your goals and concerns. Show your stylist pictures of the color you’re trying to achieve, and explain what you’ve already tried.
Trusting the Process: Color correction can be a complex process that may require multiple appointments. Trust your stylist’s expertise and be patient as they work to achieve the best possible results for your hair.
Preventing Orange Roots in the First Place
Prevention is always better than cure. By taking proactive steps, you can minimize the chances of developing orange roots.
Start with Healthy Hair: Healthy hair takes color better and is less prone to damage. Use moisturizing shampoos and conditioners, avoid excessive heat styling, and get regular trims to keep your hair in optimal condition.
Proper Bleach Application: If you’re bleaching your hair at home, follow the instructions carefully. Use the correct developer volume for your hair type and desired level of lift. Apply the bleach evenly and avoid overlapping previously bleached areas.
Consider Low and Slow: Opt for multiple, gentler lightening sessions rather than one aggressive one. This approach minimizes damage and allows for better control over the lifting process, reducing the risk of orange tones.
Maintain Your Color: Use color-safe shampoos and conditioners to prevent fading. Incorporate blue or purple toning products into your routine to neutralize brassiness between coloring sessions. Protect your hair from the sun, as UV rays can fade color and exacerbate warm tones.
Hard Water Woes: Hard water contains minerals that can build up on the hair and interfere with color. Install a shower filter to remove these minerals and prevent discoloration.
Home Remedies and DIY Solutions
While professional treatments and targeted products are usually the most effective for neutralizing orange roots, some home remedies can offer temporary or supplemental benefits.
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Rinse: An ACV rinse can help balance the pH of your hair, which can improve color retention and reduce brassiness. Dilute ACV with water (1 part ACV to 3 parts water) and pour it over your hair after shampooing. Leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Lemon Juice: Lemon juice has natural lightening properties, but use it with caution. Apply diluted lemon juice to your hair and expose it to sunlight for a short period. This can help to lighten the hair, but it can also be drying.
Honey and Cinnamon Mask: Honey and cinnamon have mild lightening and brightening properties. Mix honey and cinnamon into a paste, apply it to your hair, and leave it on for several hours. This mask can help to subtly lighten the hair and add shine.
These remedies are milder and less predictable than professional treatments. Always perform a strand test before applying them to your entire head. Remember that what works for one person may not work for another, and results can vary depending on hair type and condition.
Getting rid of orange roots requires a combination of understanding the underlying causes, using the right products and techniques, and maintaining your hair’s health. Whether you choose to tackle the problem yourself or seek professional help, with the right approach, you can achieve the cool, vibrant hair color you desire. Consistency and patience are key. Remember to prioritize the health of your hair throughout the process, and don’t hesitate to consult a professional if you’re unsure about any step.
Why do my roots turn orange when I dye my hair?
Factors contributing to orange roots include using box dyes with insufficient lifting power for your natural hair color, applying color unevenly (especially near the scalp where heat accelerates the process), and not using a toner after lightening. Remember, achieving a specific hair color, particularly lighter shades, often requires more than just a single application of hair dye, especially if starting with dark hair.
What is hair toner, and how does it help with orange roots?
Toners are available in various forms, including demi-permanent dyes, glosses, and shampoos. They work best on hair that has already been lightened to a certain level, as they don’t lift color. When choosing a toner, consider the intensity of the orange and select a product with the appropriate neutralizing pigment. It’s also important to follow the product instructions carefully to avoid over-toning or damaging your hair.
What are some natural remedies I can try to get rid of orange roots?
Another natural remedy involves using a blue or purple shampoo designed for blonde or silver hair. These shampoos contain pigments that deposit onto the hair, helping to neutralize the orange. Keep in mind that these remedies may require multiple applications and might not completely eliminate the orange, especially if it’s very intense. They are better suited for maintaining a cooler tone after toning or lightening.
How can I prevent orange roots from happening in the first place?
Proper application is crucial. Ensure even coverage, especially around the roots, and carefully monitor the processing time according to the product instructions. It’s often recommended to apply the dye to the roots last since the heat from your scalp accelerates the lightening process in that area. If you’re unsure about doing it yourself, consider seeking professional help from a hairstylist who can assess your hair and use the appropriate techniques for a successful color lift.
When should I see a professional hairstylist to fix my orange roots?
A hairstylist has access to professional-grade products and techniques that aren’t available over the counter. They can formulate a custom color correction plan tailored to your specific hair type and the severity of the orange tones. Furthermore, they can provide expert advice on maintaining your hair color and preventing future issues with orange roots.
Can I use purple shampoo on orange roots, and how effective is it?
For noticeable results, you’ll need to use purple shampoo regularly, leaving it on for a few minutes each time before rinsing. It’s important to use a high-quality purple shampoo that deposits enough pigment to make a difference. While it can help maintain a cooler tone after professional toning or color correction, it’s unlikely to completely eliminate stubborn orange roots on its own.
What developer volume should I use when lightening my roots?
Higher developer volumes, such as 30 or 40 volume, offer a more significant lift but are also more damaging to the hair. While they can achieve lighter shades faster, they increase the risk of orange undertones and hair damage. Using a higher volume is best left to experienced colorists who can carefully monitor the process and minimize potential damage. For home lightening, sticking to a 20 volume developer is often a safer choice to prevent unwanted orange roots.