So, you bleached your hair, hoping for a gorgeous blonde transformation, but instead, you’re staring at a head full of orange roots. Don’t panic! This is a very common issue, and thankfully, there are many ways to fix it. Achieving a beautiful, even blonde from darker hair can be tricky, but with the right knowledge and tools, you can correct those unwanted orange tones and finally achieve your desired hair color.
Understanding Why Orange Roots Happen
Before diving into solutions, it’s crucial to understand why your roots turned orange in the first place. Knowing the cause will help you choose the most effective method for fixing them and prevent future mishaps.
The Science of Hair Color
Hair color is determined by melanin, the pigment responsible for skin and hair color. There are two main types of melanin: eumelanin (brown and black pigment) and pheomelanin (red and yellow pigment). Darker hair has a higher concentration of eumelanin.
Bleaching works by oxidizing the melanin in your hair, breaking down the pigment molecules. This process happens in stages. First, the hair lightens to red, then orange, then yellow, and finally, if enough melanin is removed, to a pale yellow or blonde.
Why Your Roots Didn’t Lift Enough
Orange roots typically occur because the bleach didn’t lift enough pigment. Several factors can contribute to this:
- Insufficient Bleach Strength: The developer volume (the percentage number on the bottle) might have been too low to lift through all the underlying red and orange tones. Darker hair requires a higher volume developer.
- Too Short Processing Time: Bleach needs time to work. Rinsing it out too early will stop the lightening process before it reaches the desired level.
- Uneven Application: If the bleach wasn’t applied evenly, some areas may not have been saturated enough to lift properly.
- Heat Issues: Roots process faster than the rest of the hair because the heat from your scalp accelerates the chemical reaction. This can sometimes result in a brassy orange hue, especially if the application isn’t fast enough.
- Previously Colored Hair: If your hair has been previously colored, especially with permanent dyes, it can be harder to lift the pigment, leading to orange tones. Color build-up can act as a barrier.
- Hair’s Natural Undertones: Some people naturally have stronger red or orange undertones in their hair, making it more challenging to achieve a cool-toned blonde.
Correcting Orange Roots: Your Options
Now that you understand the causes, let’s explore the solutions for fixing those pesky orange roots. Remember to always perform a strand test before applying any product to your entire head to ensure you’re happy with the results and don’t damage your hair.
Toning: The Most Common Solution
Toning is the most common and often the most effective way to neutralize orange tones. Toners contain pigments that counteract unwanted colors.
- Understanding Toners: Toners deposit color onto the hair to neutralize underlying tones. For orange tones, you’ll need a toner with blue or violet pigments. These colors are opposite orange and yellow on the color wheel, effectively canceling them out.
- Types of Toners:
- Demi-Permanent Toners: These are the most common type of toner and are generally less damaging than permanent options. They deposit color without significantly lifting the hair. They’re ideal for correcting minor brassiness and orange tones.
- Purple Shampoo and Conditioners: These contain violet pigments and can help to neutralize yellow and orange tones over time. They’re best for maintaining your color between toning sessions and preventing brassiness from returning.
- DIY Toners: Some people create DIY toners using semi-permanent dyes mixed with conditioner. This requires careful consideration of color theory and can be risky if not done properly.
- Choosing the Right Toner: Look for toners specifically formulated to neutralize orange or brassy tones. Read the product descriptions carefully and consider your hair’s current level of lightness. If your roots are very dark orange, you might need a stronger toner or a second bleaching session before toning.
- Application Tips: Follow the instructions on the toner packaging carefully. Apply the toner evenly to your roots, ensuring complete saturation. Leave it on for the recommended time, checking frequently to monitor the color development. Rinse thoroughly and condition your hair.
Re-Bleaching: When Toning Isn’t Enough
If your roots are too dark orange for toning to be effective, you might need to re-bleach them. This should be done with caution to avoid damaging your hair.
- Assessing Your Hair’s Condition: Before re-bleaching, carefully assess the condition of your hair. If it’s already dry, brittle, or damaged, re-bleaching could cause further breakage. Consider consulting a professional stylist for advice.
- Using a Lower Volume Developer: When re-bleaching, use a lower volume developer than you used initially. This will help to lift the color gradually and minimize damage. A 10 or 20 volume developer is generally recommended for roots.
- Targeted Application: Apply the bleach only to the orange roots, avoiding previously lightened hair. This will prevent over-processing and damage.
- Monitoring Closely: Check the hair frequently during the bleaching process. You want to lift the roots to a pale yellow shade, which is the ideal base for toning.
- Deep Conditioning Treatment: After re-bleaching, use a deep conditioning treatment to restore moisture and strengthen your hair.
Color Depositing Shampoos and Conditioners
These products deposit pigment onto the hair shaft each time you use them. They won’t lift color, but they can help to tone down orange hues and maintain your desired color.
- Blue Shampoos: Blue shampoos are specifically designed to counteract orange tones. They are less potent than toners, making them suitable for regular use to maintain your color.
- Application Tips: Apply the shampoo to wet hair, focusing on the roots. Leave it on for 3-5 minutes, or as directed on the packaging. Rinse thoroughly and follow with a moisturizing conditioner.
Professional Help: When to See a Stylist
If you’re unsure about how to correct your orange roots, or if you’re dealing with significant damage, it’s always best to consult a professional stylist.
- Expert Color Correction: Stylists have the knowledge and experience to assess your hair’s condition, formulate the right color correction plan, and apply the products safely and effectively.
- Avoiding Further Damage: A professional can help you avoid further damage to your hair, which can be costly and time-consuming to repair.
- Customized Solutions: Stylists can create customized color formulas to address your specific needs and achieve your desired results.
Preventing Orange Roots in the Future
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to help you avoid ending up with orange roots in the future:
Choose the Right Products
- High-Quality Bleach: Invest in a high-quality bleach kit that is designed for your hair type and color.
- Appropriate Developer Volume: Select the appropriate developer volume based on your hair’s starting level. Darker hair requires a higher volume developer (30 or 40), while lighter hair can be lifted with a lower volume developer (10 or 20). Be very cautious with 40 volume developer, as it can cause significant damage if used improperly.
- Toner Specifically for Orange Tones: Always have a toner on hand that is formulated to neutralize orange or brassy tones.
Proper Application Techniques
- Even Application: Apply the bleach evenly to all of your roots, ensuring complete saturation.
- Start at the Roots: Begin applying the bleach at the roots, as they require the most processing time.
- Work Quickly: Apply the bleach as quickly as possible to ensure even processing.
- Avoid Overlapping: Avoid overlapping the bleach onto previously lightened hair, as this can cause breakage.
Timing and Monitoring
- Follow Instructions Carefully: Read and follow the instructions on the bleach kit carefully.
- Process for the Recommended Time: Process the bleach for the recommended time, checking frequently to monitor the color development.
- Don’t Over-Process: Do not leave the bleach on for longer than the recommended time, as this can cause damage.
Hair Care Practices
- Healthy Hair is Stronger Hair: Start with healthy hair. Damaged hair doesn’t lift well and is more prone to breakage. Use deep conditioning treatments regularly leading up to bleaching.
- Protein Treatments: Consider using a protein treatment a week or two before bleaching to strengthen your hair.
- Hydrating Masks: Hydrating hair masks are essential after bleaching to replenish moisture and prevent dryness.
- Minimize Heat Styling: Reduce your use of heat styling tools, such as flat irons and curling irons, as they can damage bleached hair.
- Protect from the Sun: Protect your hair from the sun with a hat or scarf, as UV rays can fade your color and cause damage.
Consider Professional Consultation
- Consult a Stylist Before Bleaching: If you’re unsure about how to bleach your hair properly, consult a professional stylist. They can assess your hair’s condition and provide personalized advice.
- Regular Trims: Get regular trims to remove split ends and prevent breakage.
Long-Term Hair Care After Bleaching
Bleaching, while effective, can strip your hair of its natural oils and proteins, leaving it dry, brittle, and prone to damage. Implementing a consistent hair care routine is crucial for maintaining the health and appearance of your bleached hair.
- Invest in Quality Products: Switch to sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for color-treated hair. These products are gentler on your hair and will help to preserve your color.
- Deep Conditioning Regularly: Incorporate deep conditioning treatments into your routine at least once a week. Look for masks that contain ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or argan oil to hydrate and nourish your hair.
- Leave-In Conditioners: Apply a leave-in conditioner after washing your hair to provide extra moisture and protection.
- Bond Builders: Consider using bond-building treatments, such as Olaplex or similar products, to repair and strengthen the bonds in your hair that can be damaged during bleaching.
- Scalp Care: Don’t forget about your scalp! A healthy scalp is essential for healthy hair growth. Use a gentle scalp scrub or massage your scalp regularly to improve circulation and remove buildup.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with careful planning and execution, you might encounter some common problems when trying to fix orange roots.
- Toner Not Working: If your toner isn’t working, it could be because your roots are too dark orange. You might need to re-bleach them before toning. Alternatively, you might be using the wrong toner. Make sure you’re using a toner that is specifically designed to neutralize orange tones.
- Hair Turning Gray or Purple: If your hair turns gray or purple after toning, it means you’ve over-toned it. This is usually caused by using a toner that is too strong or leaving it on for too long. Use a clarifying shampoo to help remove the excess toner.
- Hair Becoming Dry and Brittle: Bleaching can dry out your hair. Use deep conditioning treatments and avoid heat styling to prevent your hair from becoming brittle.
- Uneven Color: Uneven color can be caused by uneven application of the bleach or toner. Ensure you’re applying the products evenly and thoroughly.
Correcting orange roots after bleaching can feel like a daunting task, but with patience, the right products, and proper techniques, you can achieve the blonde hair of your dreams. Remember to prioritize the health of your hair and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if needed. By understanding the science behind hair color, taking preventative measures, and implementing a consistent hair care routine, you can maintain a beautiful, even blonde color and prevent those pesky orange roots from returning.
Why do my roots turn orange after bleaching?
The dreaded orange roots, often referred to as “brassy roots,” occur because hair naturally contains warm undertones, including red, orange, and yellow pigments. When you bleach your hair, the bleach lifts the natural pigment, but it often doesn’t lift all the way through in one go, especially on darker hair. This partial lifting process leaves behind those stubborn warm tones, resulting in the orange hue you see at your roots.
The length of time bleach is left on, the strength of the developer used, and the original color of your hair all contribute to how much pigment is lifted. Hair closer to the scalp processes faster due to the heat, so the orange tones are often more pronounced at the root area. If your hair isn’t lightened to a pale yellow stage, those warm tones will remain visible, leading to the unwanted orange effect.
How can I prevent orange roots in the first place?
Preventing orange roots starts with a proper bleaching technique and careful product selection. Opt for a higher-quality bleach and developer, and consider consulting with a professional stylist, especially if you have dark hair or are new to bleaching. Gradual lightening with lower volume developers over several sessions is often preferable to a single, aggressive bleaching session.
Thorough saturation of the roots is crucial for even lifting. Begin application on the areas where the orange is most likely to occur (often the roots closest to the nape of the neck). Before applying the bleach, make sure the hair is in good condition and well-hydrated, as damaged hair is more prone to brassiness. Also, use a toner after bleaching to neutralize any remaining warm tones.
What is hair toner, and how does it help with orange roots?
Hair toner is a demi-permanent hair color product that deposits color to neutralize unwanted tones like orange and yellow. It doesn’t lift the hair; instead, it sits on top of the hair shaft and cancels out the brassiness, leaving you with a more balanced and cooler-toned blonde. Toners come in various shades, including violet, blue, and ash, each designed to target specific unwanted tones.
For orange roots, a toner with blue or violet undertones is generally recommended. The blue neutralizes the orange, while the violet counteracts yellow tones that might also be present. Choosing the right toner depends on the specific shade of orange and the desired final result. Careful application and timing are key to achieving the desired outcome without over-toning and potentially turning your hair ashy or gray.
Can I fix orange roots at home, or do I need a professional?
Fixing orange roots at home is possible, but requires careful consideration and the right products. If the orange is mild, a toner specifically formulated for neutralizing orange tones may be sufficient. Over-the-counter toning products are readily available, but it’s crucial to choose one that matches the level of brassiness and your desired end result.
However, if the orange is severe, or if you’ve already attempted to tone at home with unsatisfactory results, seeking professional help is advisable. A stylist can assess the extent of the brassiness, formulate a custom toning solution, and apply it with precision to achieve a balanced and natural-looking result. Trying to correct overly orange roots with more bleach at home can lead to damage and uneven coloring.
What are some at-home remedies that might help with orange roots?
While not as potent as professional solutions, certain at-home remedies can help to subtly tone down orange roots. Purple shampoo and conditioner are popular choices for maintaining blonde hair and can help to neutralize mild brassiness. These products contain violet pigments that deposit onto the hair, counteracting yellow and orange tones.
Other natural remedies include apple cider vinegar rinses and lemon juice masks. Apple cider vinegar can help balance the pH of your hair and close the cuticle, which can reduce brassiness and add shine. Lemon juice has a mild lightening effect and can help to brighten the hair, but should be used sparingly as it can be drying. Always do a strand test before applying any remedy to your entire head of hair.
How often can I tone my hair to combat orange roots?
The frequency of toning depends on several factors, including the porosity of your hair, the strength of the toner used, and how quickly the orange tones reappear. Generally, toning every 2-4 weeks is a reasonable guideline for maintaining a consistent cool-toned blonde. Over-toning can lead to dryness, breakage, and a build-up of color, potentially resulting in a dull or muddy appearance.
Pay attention to the condition of your hair and adjust the frequency accordingly. If your hair feels dry or brittle, or if you notice unwanted color changes, reduce the frequency of toning. Using color-safe shampoo and conditioner, and avoiding excessive heat styling, can help to prolong the effects of the toner and reduce the need for frequent touch-ups.
What developer volume should I use for toning orange roots?
When toning orange roots, the developer volume should be kept low to avoid lifting the hair further and potentially worsening the brassiness. A 10-volume developer is typically recommended for toning, as it’s gentle enough to deposit color without significantly affecting the underlying hair color. Using a higher volume developer could lift the cuticle and expose more of the warm undertones, counteracting the purpose of the toner.
Remember, toners are designed to deposit color, not to lift. The lower the developer volume, the less damage is inflicted on the hair. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and start with a low volume developer, especially if you’re toning at home. If you’re unsure, consult with a professional stylist who can assess your hair’s condition and recommend the appropriate developer volume.