So, you’ve got orange hair and you’re dreaming of a rich, beautiful brunette. The question buzzing in your mind is likely: can you just slap some brown dye on top and call it a day? The short answer is… it’s complicated. Simply applying brown dye over orange hair can result in muddy, uneven, or even greenish-toned results. Achieving your desired brown shade requires understanding color theory, the level of your current orange, and the nuances of hair coloring.
Understanding Color Theory: Orange and Brown
Color theory is fundamental to successful hair coloring. Think back to grade school art class. You probably learned that colors sit on a wheel and interact with each other in predictable ways. This is crucial knowledge when dealing with unwanted orange tones in your hair.
The Color Wheel and Its Impact on Hair Color
The color wheel is your best friend in this situation. Orange sits directly opposite blue. This means that blue tones will neutralize orange tones. Brown hair dyes are not just one single color; they contain a mix of pigments, including blue, red, and yellow. The effectiveness of putting brown over orange depends largely on the concentration of blue pigments in the brown dye you choose.
Why Orange Happens in the First Place
Before diving into covering orange, it’s important to understand why it appeared in the first place. Orange tones often appear when lightening hair, particularly when going from a dark color to a lighter one. The bleaching process removes the darker pigments first, leaving behind the underlying warm pigments like red and orange. If you don’t lift the hair light enough or if you stop the bleaching process prematurely, you’ll be left with that dreaded orange hue.
Assessing Your Orange: Level and Intensity
Not all orange is created equal. The level and intensity of your orange will significantly impact the approach you need to take to achieve a successful brown. Determining the level of your orange involves identifying how light or dark it is.
Hair Level Chart Basics
Hair color is typically measured on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being black and 10 being the lightest blonde. Orange tones usually fall somewhere between levels 5 (light brown) and 7 (dark blonde). Identifying the precise level of your orange is crucial for choosing the right brown dye.
Identifying the Intensity of the Orange
Is your orange a bright, vibrant traffic cone orange, or is it more of a subtle, muted copper? The intensity of the orange dictates how much neutralizing pigment you’ll need. A very intense orange will require more blue-based pigment to effectively cancel it out.
Choosing the Right Brown Dye: Neutralizing Orange Tones
Selecting the right brown dye is the most important step in covering orange hair. Look for dyes specifically formulated to neutralize warm tones or those with a cool or ash base.
Cool-Toned Browns: Ash and Beige
Cool-toned browns, such as ash brown or beige brown, contain higher concentrations of blue and green pigments. These pigments will help to counteract the orange and prevent it from peeking through. Look for dyes labeled “ash,” “cool,” or “matte.”
Understanding Dye Numbers and Levels
Hair dye boxes usually have a number and a secondary number or letter. The first number indicates the level (darkness or lightness) of the dye. The second number or letter indicates the tone. For example, a dye labeled 5.1 or 5A would be a level 5 (light brown) with ash tones.
Considering Your Target Brown Shade
Think about the specific shade of brown you want to achieve. If you’re aiming for a dark chocolate brown, you can choose a darker level dye with cool undertones. If you prefer a lighter, more natural brown, you’ll need to be more careful with the level and ensure that the cool tones are strong enough to neutralize the orange without making the brown appear muddy.
The Process: Step-by-Step Application for Best Results
Rushing the process or skipping steps can lead to uneven color and disappointing results. A meticulous approach is key.
Strand Test: A Mandatory Step
Before applying any dye to your entire head, always perform a strand test. This involves applying the dye to a small, inconspicuous section of your hair to see how it reacts. A strand test will reveal whether the dye effectively neutralizes the orange and gives you the desired brown shade.
Preparing Your Hair for Dyeing
Ensure your hair is clean and dry before applying the dye. Avoid washing your hair for 24-48 hours prior to dyeing to allow natural oils to protect your scalp.
Applying the Dye Evenly
Follow the instructions on the dye box carefully. Apply the dye evenly, starting at the roots and working your way down to the ends. Use a tint brush to ensure thorough coverage.
Processing Time and Rinsing
Leave the dye on for the recommended processing time. Do not exceed the recommended time, as this can damage your hair. Rinse the dye out thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear.
Conditioning and Aftercare
Apply a deep conditioner to your hair after rinsing out the dye. This will help to restore moisture and prevent damage. Use color-safe shampoo and conditioner in the weeks following dyeing to maintain your brown color and prevent fading.
When to Seek Professional Help
While it’s possible to cover orange hair with brown dye at home, there are situations where seeking professional help is highly recommended.
Severe Damage or Unevenness
If your hair is severely damaged or has significant unevenness in color, it’s best to consult a professional hairstylist. They can assess the condition of your hair and create a customized color plan to achieve your desired brown shade safely and effectively.
Dramatic Color Changes
If you’re attempting a dramatic color change, such as going from a bright orange to a very dark brown, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. They have the expertise and tools to handle complex color corrections and minimize the risk of damage.
Unsure About Your Hair’s Level or Tone
If you’re unsure about the level or tone of your hair, or if you’re not confident in your ability to choose the right dye, consult a professional hairstylist. They can provide personalized advice and ensure that you achieve your desired results.
Maintaining Your New Brown Hair Color
Once you’ve successfully covered your orange hair with brown dye, it’s important to take steps to maintain your new color and prevent it from fading or becoming brassy.
Color-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner
Use color-safe shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for dyed hair. These products are designed to be gentle on your hair and prevent color from fading.
Avoiding Harsh Chemicals and Heat Styling
Avoid using harsh chemicals, such as sulfates, parabens, and alcohol, in your hair care products. Limit your use of heat styling tools, such as curling irons and straighteners, as heat can cause color to fade.
Regular Touch-Ups
Schedule regular touch-up appointments to maintain your brown color and cover any new growth. The frequency of touch-ups will depend on how quickly your hair grows and how noticeable your roots are.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful planning, you might encounter some issues when covering orange hair with brown dye.
Green Tones Appearing
If you notice green tones appearing after dyeing, it means that the brown dye contained too much blue pigment. To correct this, you can try using a shampoo with red tones to neutralize the green. Alternatively, you can apply a dye with warm undertones to balance out the cool tones.
Orange Still Peeking Through
If the orange is still peeking through after dyeing, it means that the brown dye wasn’t strong enough to neutralize the orange. You can try applying a toner with blue or purple pigments to counteract the orange. Alternatively, you can re-dye your hair with a stronger cool-toned brown dye.
Uneven Color
Uneven color can result from applying the dye unevenly or from having underlying variations in your hair color. To correct this, you can try spot-treating the areas with uneven color. Alternatively, you may need to re-dye your entire head to achieve a more uniform color.
In conclusion, while it is possible to put brown over orange hair, it requires careful planning, a thorough understanding of color theory, and a meticulous application process. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can increase your chances of achieving a beautiful, even, and long-lasting brown hair color. When in doubt, consult a professional hairstylist for personalized advice and assistance.
Can I realistically cover orange hair with brown dye in one step?
The possibility of successfully covering orange hair with brown dye in one step depends heavily on the intensity of the orange and the desired brown shade. A light, brassy orange might be easier to neutralize with a medium ash brown, but a vibrant, intense orange will likely require pre-toning to avoid a muddy or uneven result. Essentially, consider how far apart the color is that you currently have from the target color.
If the orange is significant, applying brown directly could result in a darker, muddy brown with orange undertones still peeking through. This happens because the brown dye doesn’t always have the power to completely neutralize the underlying orange pigment. Therefore, judging the starting color intensity against your goal color is crucial to deciding how many steps are required.
What type of brown hair dye is best for covering orange tones?
Ash-toned brown dyes are generally the most effective for neutralizing orange tones in hair. The cool, blue and green pigments in ash brown counteract the warm orange, helping to create a more balanced and natural-looking brown. Look for dyes labeled “ash brown,” “cool brown,” or those specifically formulated to counteract brassiness.
Avoid warm-toned browns like golden brown, caramel brown, or reddish-brown, as these will only enhance the existing orange and potentially make the color even more vibrant. Choosing the correct tone will greatly impact the final result and help ensure the orange is neutralized effectively.
How does the level of brown hair dye affect the outcome of covering orange?
The level of brown hair dye is critical. Going too dark might cover the orange, but could result in a brown that is too deep or unnatural for your liking. Conversely, a shade that is too light might not have enough pigment to effectively neutralize the orange tones, leaving you with a brassy or uneven result.
It’s generally recommended to choose a brown dye that is one to two levels darker than your current orange shade. However, consider the desired final result. If you want a lighter brown, it might be better to pre-tone the orange before applying the brown dye to achieve the desired shade without going too dark initially.
What is pre-toning, and why is it important before applying brown dye over orange hair?
Pre-toning involves using a toner, usually containing blue or purple pigments, to neutralize unwanted brassy or orange tones in the hair before applying the desired color. It essentially creates a more neutral base for the brown dye to adhere to, leading to a more accurate and even color result.
This step is crucial, especially when dealing with vibrant or intense orange tones, because it prevents the brown dye from reacting with the orange and creating a muddy or uneven color. Pre-toning effectively “cancels out” the orange, allowing the brown dye to deposit evenly and achieve the intended shade.
What are the risks of attempting to cover orange hair with brown dye at home?
Attempting to cover orange hair with brown dye at home carries several risks, primarily related to achieving an uneven color, damaging the hair, and ending up with an undesired shade. Without proper knowledge of color theory and hair coloring techniques, it’s easy to make mistakes that can be difficult and costly to correct.
Uneven application, incorrect dye choice, or improper timing can lead to patchy color, excessive dryness, or a color that is far from the intended shade. Over-processing the hair with harsh chemicals can also cause significant damage, such as breakage and split ends. If unsure, consulting a professional is always recommended.
How can I minimize damage when coloring my hair brown over orange?
To minimize damage when coloring your hair brown over orange, prioritize using high-quality hair dye specifically formulated for gentle processing. Look for products that are ammonia-free or contain conditioning ingredients to help protect the hair during the coloring process. Additionally, avoid overlapping the dye onto previously colored sections, as this can lead to over-processing and breakage.
Perform a strand test before applying the dye to your entire head to assess how your hair will react and adjust the timing or product accordingly. Following the instructions carefully and using a deep conditioner or hair mask after coloring can also help replenish moisture and prevent further damage.
When should I consult a professional colorist instead of attempting to dye my hair brown at home?
Consulting a professional colorist is highly recommended when dealing with significant color corrections, such as going from orange to brown, especially if the orange is very intense or if your hair is already damaged. Color correction often requires specialized knowledge and techniques to achieve the desired result without causing further damage.
If you are unsure about color theory, dye levels, or pre-toning techniques, or if you have previously colored your hair multiple times, a professional can assess your hair’s condition and create a customized plan to achieve your desired brown shade safely and effectively. They have the expertise to avoid common pitfalls and ensure a healthier, more predictable outcome.