AF Blog — coverup

Ever looked in the mirror and thought, "Whoa, my blonde is looking more like a traffic cone"? Don't panic! 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

So, you've been rocking that fierce red hair but feeling ready to switch things up? We totally get it and we're here to help you navigate your next hair color adventure! 

Whether you're looking to tone down your current shade or make a bold change, let's dive into the world of coloring over red hair.

Color Theory 101: Your BFF for Hair Color Success

Before we jump into specific shades, let's have a quick chat about color theory (we promise to keep it fun!). Picture the color wheel as your personal hair color GPS. 

Here's the tea:

- Colors that are besties (right next to each other on the wheel) will give you the smoothest transition. Think red to purple or red to orange - they're practically meant to be!

- Colors that are across from each other on the wheel (complementary colors) can be a bit tricky. They cancel each other out, which sounds cool but might leave you with an unexpected muddy shade. Not exactly the vibe we're going for!

How to Tone Down Red Hair Dye: Colors That Neutralize Red

Purple💜

Since purple is red's next-door neighbor on the color wheel, it creates one of the smoothest color transitions possible. 

When you apply Purple AF over faded red hair, you'll get a gorgeously deep purple shade that can range from rich royal purple to a multi-dimensional, sunset-inspired blend. 

The purple pigments work with your existing red hair color to create depth and movement in your hair, rather than fighting against it. 

This harmonious color relationship means you'll get more predictable, vibrant results than if you tried to go with a hair color that's further from red on the wheel.

Blue💙

While Poseidon over red hair is one of our more challenging color transitions, it can create some seriously stunning results with the right preparation! 

Since blue and red are further apart on the color wheel, you'll want to fade your red hair color first to give Poseidon the best chance to shine. 

When you apply Poseidon over red, you might notice some gorgeous purple undertones emerging as the two colors interact - think of it as getting two amazing shades in one! 

This combination can create a unique, multidimensional color that shifts between deep blue and rich purple hair dye tones, giving you a totally mesmerizing mermaid-worthy look.

Orange🧡

Sunset Orange is your perfect match for a seamless hair color evolution! Since orange and red are right next to each other on the color wheel, Sunset Orange melts beautifully into red hair, creating a fiery glow that looks incredibly natural. 

When applied over red hair color, it adds warmth and brightness, transforming your existing shade into a trendy copper tone. 

The result is a dimensional, sun-kissed look that appears to glow from within - perfect for anyone wanting to keep their hair in the red family while adding that extra pop of warmth and vibrancy.

FAQ & Pro Tips for Color Success

Is it possible to cover red hair with another color?

Yes! Purple, orange, and blue are ideal shades for covering red. Before making any color change, remember that everyone's hair journey is unique. Your current shade, previous colors, and hair porosity will all affect how your new color transforms. That's why we ALWAYS recommend doing a strand test first to get a sneak peek of how your hair will react to its new shade!

How can I prep my red hair for another color?

Start by using a clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup and help fade your current color to a lighter base. Between clarifying sessions, make sure to give your hair plenty of love with deep conditioning treatments to keep your strands healthy and happy. And before you commit to your full hair transformation, always do a strand test to ensure you'll get the results you're dreaming of!

Can you dye red hair brown?

Yes, you can dye red hair brown! Using Arctic Fox Hair Color, mix 98% Ginger Flare with 2% Transylvania for a stunning dark natural warm brown hair color. This combination works beautifully since adding dark pigment to red hair is an effective color transition. Results will vary depending on the shade of red hair color you’re starting with, please reach out to our color specialists via email at support@arcticfoxusa.com for personalized assistance!

Will black hair dye cover red hair color?

Black hair dye like Transylvania will effectively cover red hair color, making it one of the most reliable options for concealing vibrant reds. Since black is the darkest shade, it contains maximum pigment to overpower existing color. However, be aware that depending on the intensity of your red, some warm undertones might still show through in certain lighting. Remember that going black is a commitment, transitioning away from black later will be a challenge!

Ready to Transform Your Red?

There you have it, color lovers! Whether you're leaning towards purple, blue, or orange, you've got options for your next hair color adventure. Remember, your hair journey is unique, and we're here to support you every step of the way! 

Tag us in your transformation pics @arcticfoxhaircolor we can't wait to see what you create! 🦊✨