How to Tone Orange Hair: Easy Fixes for Brassiness
Ever looked in the mirror and thought, "Whoa, my blonde is looking more like a traffic cone"? Don't panic!Â
Brassy orange tones happen to the best of us, especially after bleaching or when blonde hair color starts to fade. The good news? You've got options that don't involve hiding under a hat for weeks.
Understanding the Color Wheel: Why Blue Neutralizes Orange
Remember that color wheel from art class? It's about to save your hair!
Blue and orange are directly opposite each other, which makes them complementary colors and total besties when it comes to color correction.Â
Here's why this matters for your hair: When these opposite colors meet, they cancel each other out! So when your blonde has gone all orange and you're freaking out, reaching for a blue toner isn't just random—it's color theory magic! The blue pigments swoop in and neutralize orange hair, leaving you with the cool, balanced color you actually wanted.Â
This is exactly why we all need purple shampoo for yellow tones and blue products for those orange nightmares. Once you get this color wheel trick, you'll never panic over brassiness again!
The Magic of Color Theory: Periwinkle to the Rescue!
Before and after using Periwinkle to tone brassy orange hair
Blue sits opposite orange on the color wheel, which means it neutralizes those warm, brassy tones.Â
This is why Arctic Fox's Periwinkle is your new BFF for toning orange hair.
Simply dilute Periwinkle with conditioner (the ratio depends on how intense your orange is) and apply it to dry hair. This creates a gentle, blue-based toner that cancels out the orange without compromising your hair's health. It's like a cool-toned hug for your stressed-out strands!
Apple Cider Vinegar: Your Kitchen Cabinet Savior
When you need a quick fix with what you have on hand, reach for that bottle of ACV! A diluted apple cider vinegar rinse can help remove mineral buildup that contributes to brassiness while balancing your hair's pH.
Mix one part apple cider vinegar with three parts water, apply it to your hair after shampooing, let it sit for 3-5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Your hair will not only look less brassy but will also feel softer and shinier. Win-win!
When All Else Fails: Embrace the Dark Side
If your orange tones are particularly stubborn, sometimes the best solution is to cover them up entirely with a darker shade. Think of it as a hair reset button! Some of our favorite Arctic Fox shades for covering orange hair include:
Wrath: A deep, vibrant red that transforms brassiness into intentional fire-engine fabulousness
Purple AF: A striking violet that makes orange disappear like magic
Transylvania: The ultimate deep black that gives you a fresh start with a dramatic edge
FAQ: Your Orange Hair Questions, Answered!
What color cancels out brassy orange hair?
Blue as it sits directly opposite orange on the color wheel, meaning it neutralizes the warm orange tones; therefore, a blue-based dye like Periwinkle is a great option for toning brassy orange hair.
How to get rid of orange brassy hair at home?
The best way to get rid of brassy toned hair at home is to use the above methods like tone your hair with our pastel blue semi-permanent hair dye in the shade Periwinkle, use a DIY apple cider vinegar rinse, or simply cover the brassy orange tones with a darker hair color like red, purple, or black.
How long should I leave the toner on to get rid of orange?
If you are using our Periwinkle semi-permanent hair dye as a toner, we recommend leaving it on for at least 15-30 minutes. However, you can leave it on even longer if you'd like since there are no harsh chemicals in any of our dyes.
Orange You Glad You Read This?
Don't let brassiness bring you down! With these simple solutions, you can kick orange tones to the curb and get back to loving your locks.Â
Whether you choose the gentle approach with Periwinkle toner, the natural route with apple cider vinegar, or decide to transform completely with a new color, your hair journey is in your hands.Â
Remember, even bad hair days are just opportunities for great hair transformations! Make sure to follow us on all socials @arcticfoxhaircolor for more hair tips and inspo.
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