The quest for the perfect hair color can sometimes lead to unexpected results, and one of the most frustrating phenomena for those aiming for a beautiful brown shade is the unwanted appearance of orange tones. This issue is more common than one might think, affecting a wide range of individuals, from those who attempt to dye their hair at home to those who visit professional salons. So, what causes this orange hue to emerge when brown is the desired outcome? The answer lies in a combination of hair chemistry, the type of dye used, and the condition of the hair itself. In this article, we will delve into the science behind hair coloring, explore the reasons why your hair might turn orange when you dye it brown, and discuss practical solutions to achieve the brown hair color you desire.
Understanding Hair Chemistry and Coloring
To grasp why hair sometimes turns orange when dyed brown, it’s essential to understand the basic chemistry of hair and how it interacts with dye. Hair is made up of a protein called keratin, and its structure can be thought of as a long chain with multiple bonds. The hair shaft contains pigment cells known as melanin, which are responsible for its natural color. There are two types of melanin found in hair: eumelanin, which produces brown and black pigmentation, and pheomelanin, which produces red and yellow pigmentation. The interaction and ratio of these two types of melanin determine an individual’s natural hair color.
The Role of Melanin in Hair Color
When you dye your hair, the process involves breaking down the hair shaft to deposit color. Permanent hair dyes work by using ammonia to open up the hair cuticle, allowing the dye molecules to penetrate and Alkalize the hair’s pH. This process enables the replacement of your natural pigment with the artificial color from the dye. However, the presence of pheomelanin can be a significant factor in why brown hair dye turns orange, as the warm tones in pheomelanin (red and yellow) can react with the dye to produce an orange hue.
Hair Porosity and Its Impact on Color
Another critical factor in how hair dye interacts with your hair is hair porosity. Hair porosity refers to how well your hair can absorb and retain moisture and, in this context, dye. If your hair has low porosity, the dye might not penetrate evenly, leading to patchy or unexpected color results. High porosity hair, on the other hand, can absorb too much dye, causing the color to fade quickly or become overly intense. Understanding your hair’s porosity and adjusting your dyeing technique accordingly can help in achieving a more consistent and desired color outcome.
Reasons for the Orange Tint
Now that we’ve covered the basics of hair chemistry and coloring, let’s dive into the specific reasons why your hair might be turning orange when you dye it brown.
Incorrect Choice of Dye
One of the most common mistakes is choosing a hair dye that is not suitable for your natural hair color or type. For example, if you have warm, blonde hair and you use a brown dye that is formulated for cool, dark hair, the result can be an orange tint due to the clash between the warm tones in your hair and the cool tones in the dye.
Insufficient or Excessive Bleaching
If you are transitioning from a darker hair color to a lighter brown, bleaching or lightening might be necessary. However, if the bleaching process is not done correctly, it can lead to an uneven or orange-toned result. Conversely, over-bleaching can also strip your hair of its natural pigment, making it more susceptible to taking on warm, orange tones from the dye.
Previous Hair Treatments and Product Build-Up
Previous hair treatments, such as perms, relaxers, or other chemical processes, can alter your hair’s structure and porosity, affecting how it interacts with dye. Similarly, product build-up from styling products can create a barrier on the hair shaft that prevents the dye from penetrating evenly, potentially leading to an orange tint.
Solutions to Achieve the Desired Brown Color
While it can be frustrating to deal with unwanted orange tones, there are several solutions and strategies you can employ to achieve the beautiful brown hair color you’re aiming for.
Choose the Right Dye
The first step is to select a brown hair dye that is formulated for your hair type and natural color. If you’re unsure, consider consulting with a professional hairstylist who can provide a personalized recommendation. Look for dyes labeled as “ash brown” or “cool brown,” as these are less likely to produce warm, orange tones.
Perform a Strand Test
Before applying dye to your entire head, perform a strand test to see how the dye will react with your hair. This simple step can save you from potential hair disasters and give you a clearer understanding of what to expect from the dye.
Tone Correcting
If you’ve already dyed your hair and it has turned out too orange, tone correcting products can help. Purple or blue-based shampoos and conditioners can neutralize warm tones, bringing your hair back to a more natural, cool brown color. However, be cautious with these products, as overuse can lead to an unwanted purple or blue tint.
Professional Help
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, achieving the perfect brown color on your own can be challenging. In such cases, seeking help from a professional hairstylist can be invaluable. Professionals have the training, experience, and access to a wide range of products to help you achieve your desired hair color safely and effectively.
In conclusion, turning orange when dyeing your hair brown is a common issue that can be addressed with the right understanding and strategies. By grasping the basics of hair chemistry, choosing the appropriate dye for your hair type, performing strand tests, and considering professional help when needed, you can overcome the obstacle of unwanted orange tones and achieve the beautiful, brown hair color you’ve always wanted. Remember, patience and persistence are key, and with the right approach, you can enjoy a vibrant, healthy-looking hair color that enhances your natural beauty.
What causes my hair to turn orange when I dye it brown?
The primary reason for hair turning orange when dyed brown is the presence of warm tones in the hair. These warm tones can come from the natural color of the hair, previous color treatments, or damage to the hair cuticle. When brown dye is applied to hair with warm tones, it can enhance these tones, resulting in an orange or reddish hue. This is because the brown dye may not be able to fully cancel out the warm tones, leading to an undesirable color outcome.
To understand this further, it’s essential to consider the color wheel and how different colors interact with each other. Brown dye typically has cool, blue-based undertones that are designed to counteract warm tones in the hair. However, if the hair has a strong warm tone base, the brown dye may not be enough to neutralize it, resulting in an orange or brassy color. In such cases, it’s crucial to use a color correcting product or a dye with a strong ash or blue base to help cancel out the warm tones and achieve the desired brown color.
How does the porosity of my hair affect the dyeing process?
The porosity of hair plays a significant role in how it absorbs and retains color. Hair with low porosity has a compact cuticle layer that prevents the dye from penetrating evenly, leading to uneven color distribution and potential warm tones. On the other hand, hair with high porosity has a more open cuticle layer, allowing the dye to penetrate deeper and more evenly. However, high porosity hair can also be more prone to color fading, as the dye may not be able to bind as well to the hair shaft.
To achieve the best results when dyeing hair, it’s essential to consider the porosity of the hair and adjust the dyeing process accordingly. For low porosity hair, pre-treating the hair with a product that helps open up the cuticle layer can improve color penetration and reduce the risk of warm tones. For high porosity hair, using a color-depositing treatment after dyeing can help to lock in the color and reduce fading. By understanding the porosity of the hair and making adjustments to the dyeing process, it’s possible to achieve a more even, vibrant, and long-lasting color result.
Can using a box dye be the reason for my hair turning orange?
Yes, using a box dye can be a contributing factor to hair turning orange when dyed brown. Box dyes often contain lower quality ingredients and a one-size-fits-all approach to coloring, which may not take into account the individual characteristics of the hair. These dyes may not be able to provide adequate color correction or neutralization of warm tones, leading to an orange or brassy color. Additionally, box dyes may contain higher levels of ammonia and other harsh chemicals that can damage the hair and lead to uneven color distribution.
To avoid the risks associated with box dyes, it’s recommended to consult a professional hairstylist who can provide a customized coloring solution tailored to the individual’s hair type, porosity, and desired color outcome. Professional hair color products are generally of higher quality and contain more advanced ingredients that can help to achieve a more accurate and predictable color result. By seeking professional help, individuals can minimize the risk of their hair turning orange and achieve a more desirable, long-lasting brown color.
How can I prevent my hair from turning orange when dyeing it brown?
To prevent hair from turning orange when dyeing it brown, it’s essential to consider the hair’s starting color, porosity, and previous color treatments. A pre-color treatment can help to open up the cuticle layer and remove any existing warm tones, allowing for a more even color distribution. Additionally, using a high-quality, ash-based brown dye can help to neutralize warm tones and achieve a cooler, more natural-looking brown color.
It’s also crucial to follow the instructions carefully and perform a strand test before applying the dye to the entire head. This will help to ensure that the desired color result is achieved and that any necessary adjustments can be made before proceeding. Furthermore, using a color-depositing treatment after dyeing can help to lock in the color and reduce fading, ensuring that the hair remains a vibrant, healthy-looking brown for an extended period.
What are the best ways to correct orange tones in brown hair?
There are several ways to correct orange tones in brown hair, including using a color correcting product, such as a purple or blue-based shampoo or toner, to help neutralize the warm tones. These products can be applied to the hair and left on for a few minutes before rinsing to help adjust the color. Another option is to use a demi-permanent or semi-permanent color depositing treatment to add cool tones to the hair and cancel out the orange.
For more severe cases of orange tones, a professional hairstylist may recommend a color correction service, which can involve applying a specialized color correcting product or dye to the hair. This can be a more intense process, but it can provide more dramatic results and help to achieve a more desirable brown color. It’s essential to consult a professional hairstylist to determine the best course of action for correcting orange tones, as they can assess the hair and provide a customized solution tailored to the individual’s needs.
Can I use a toner to get rid of orange tones in my brown hair?
Yes, a toner can be an effective way to get rid of orange tones in brown hair. Toners are semi-permanent color products that can be applied to the hair to adjust the tone and cancel out unwanted warm tones. Purple or blue-based toners are particularly effective at neutralizing orange tones, as they contain cool, blue-based pigments that can help to counteract the warm tones. These toners can be applied to the hair and left on for a few minutes before rinsing to help achieve a more desirable brown color.
When using a toner to correct orange tones, it’s essential to choose a product that is specifically formulated for brown hair and to follow the instructions carefully. Over-toning can lead to an undesirable color result, so it’s crucial to start with a small amount and gradually build up to the desired level of correction. Additionally, toners may not be a permanent solution, as the color can fade over time, so regular maintenance may be necessary to keep the desired color result. Consult a professional hairstylist for guidance on selecting the right toner and application method for your hair.