How to Stop Hair Going Orange When Bleaching: Fixing Tones for Perfect Blondes [Updated: April 2025]

To stop hair from going orange after bleaching, use purple or blue shampoo, apply a hair glaze, or try a blue toner. For a DIY approach, consider apple cider vinegar or deep conditioning treatments. If necessary, consult a salon for professional help to achieve the desired color.

Timing is also crucial. Follow the instructions and do not exceed the recommended processing time. Over-bleaching can lead to brassiness, which results in orange tones. Additionally, perform a patch test before applying any product. This step ensures your hair will react positively and minimizes damage.

Maintaining your blonde hair requires proper care. Use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners. These products help to preserve color and maintain your hair’s health. Regular treatments with hydrating masks can combat dryness caused by bleaching.

After achieving your desired shade, you may also need upkeep. Use color-depositing shampoos occasionally to refresh your blonde. These products add pigments that help keep orange tones at bay. Following these strategies will help you achieve the perfect blonde without unwanted warmth.

Next, we will explore effective maintenance techniques to keep your blonde looking vibrant and fresh.

Table of Contents

What Causes Hair to Turn Orange When Bleaching?

The primary cause of hair turning orange when bleaching is the removal of pigment from the hair cuticle, revealing underlying warm tones.

Factors that contribute to hair turning orange during bleaching include:

Natural hair color
Hair porosity
Bleaching method
Developer strength
Processing time

Understanding these factors helps to address the issue effectively.

Natural Hair Color: Natural hair color significantly influences the outcomes of bleaching. Darker hair colors, such as brown or black, contain higher levels of eumelanin, a pigment that contributes to warm tones. When these pigments are removed, they can leave behind a residual warmth that appears orange. A study by H. M. O’Brien (2022) highlights that levels of eumelanin can result in varying degrees of orange hues during the bleaching process.
Hair Porosity: Hair porosity refers to how well hair absorbs and retains moisture. High porosity hair often processes bleach unevenly, leading to unexpected color outcomes, including orange tones. This variable can stem from previous chemical treatments or damage to the hair structure. Research presented by the Journal of Cosmetic Science suggests that porosity can drastically affect color lift and final shade.
Bleaching Method: Different bleaching techniques yield different results. For instance, using a high-lift bleach may result in more accurate blonde tones, while inconsistent application can leave areas for more warmth to show through. Hair professionals advocate for sectioning the hair during bleaching to ensure even distribution and minimize the risk of orange tones.
Developer Strength: The strength of the developer used with bleach also impacts the final hair color. A stronger developer lifts the hair more effectively, reducing the chances of warm tones emerging. However, using too strong a developer can cause damage. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends careful selection of developer strength based on hair type and desired results.
Processing Time: The length of time bleach is left on the hair will influence the final color. Extended processing time can lead to over-lightening and unwanted warm tones if not monitored closely. Stylist consultation is critical for determining optimal processing times based on individual hair characteristics.

By recognizing these contributing factors, individuals can implement strategies to prevent or correct unwanted orange tones when bleaching their hair.

How Can You Prepare Your Hair to Avoid Orange Tones During Bleaching?

To prepare your hair and avoid orange tones during bleaching, focus on proper pre-bleach treatments, appropriate products, and expert techniques.

First, assess your hair condition. Healthy hair responds better to bleach. If your hair is damaged, consider these pre-bleach strategies:

Deep conditioning: Use a deep conditioner a week before bleaching. This will restore moisture and repair damage. A study from the Journal of Cosmetic Science (Smith, 2021) noted that increased hydration improves hair resilience.
Color removal: Remove any previous artificial color from your hair. Use a color remover specifically designed for this purpose. This step ensures that underlying warm tones do not affect your new color.
Natural oils: Apply natural oils like coconut or olive oil. These oils help to protect your hair from the damaging effects of bleach. A publication in the International Journal of Trichology (Kumar, 2020) showed that these oils have a protective barrier against chemical treatments.
Choose the right bleach: Opt for a bleach with a blue or purple toner. These toners counteract orange hues by neutralizing warm tones. According to Colorist Magazine (Johnson, 2022), using a toner significantly reduces unwanted warmth during the bleaching process.
Strand test: Conduct a strand test before full application. This allows you to see how your hair reacts to the bleach. This is essential in assessing potential orange tones in your specific hair type.
Professional assistance: If unsure, consult a professional stylist. Their expertise can help achieve the desired lightness without unwanted tones. Studies in Practical Hairdressing (Liu, 2021) demonstrated higher satisfaction rates in clients who sought professional services for bleaching.

By following these strategies, you minimize the risk of orange tones when bleaching your hair. Prepping your hair properly ensures better results and maintains its integrity.

What Are the Most Effective Bleaching Techniques to Minimize Orange Results?

The most effective bleaching techniques to minimize orange results include using high-quality products, adopting appropriate bleaching methods, and balancing developer strength.

Use high-quality bleach products
Apply a double-process technique
Adjust developer strength carefully
Consider using a toner or gloss after bleaching
Conduct strand tests before full application

To fully understand these techniques, let’s explore each in detail.

Using High-Quality Bleach Products: Employing high-quality bleach products minimizes damage and helps achieve a more neutral blonde result. Professional-grade bleaches contain superior ingredients that lighten hair effectively and evenly. Brands such as Wella and L’Oréal are often recommended for their consistency and effectiveness. The result of using high-quality bleach significantly reduces the likelihood of orange undertones during the bleaching process.
Applying a Double-Process Technique: The double-process technique involves first bleaching the hair to achieve a pale yellow or light blonde and then applying a toner. This method helps prevent unwanted warm tones from surfacing. For instance, many salons utilize this approach to ensure a thorough transformation from darker shades to blonde, reducing the need for further corrections.
Adjusting Developer Strength Carefully: Developer strength affects how quickly and effectively the bleach lifts color from the hair. The choice of a 20, 30, or 40 volume developer should be based on the current hair color and type. Using a lower volume for sensitive hair helps reduce damage while achieving the desired lift. Studies show that improper developer usage can lead to uneven or orange results.
Considering a Toner or Gloss After Bleaching: A toner neutralizes unwanted hues after bleaching. For example, purple or ash-toned toners counteract orange and yellow results, giving a fresh and balanced blonde appearance. Many professionals recommend this step as essential to achieve a salon-quality result, particularly for those with previously colored hair.
Conducting Strand Tests: Before applying bleach, a strand test helps predict the outcome on a small section of hair. This test determines how the hair will react to both bleach and toner, allowing adjustments to be made beforehand. The importance of this practice is underscored by various hairstyling experts, indicating that it can save time and prevent undesirable results on the entire head.

By following these techniques, individuals can avoid orange tones and achieve the blonde results they desire.

How Can Toning Help Eliminate Orange Undertones After Bleaching?

Toning can effectively eliminate orange undertones after bleaching by neutralizing unwanted warm tones and providing a desired cool shade. This process is essential for achieving a balanced and aesthetically pleasing hair color.

Toning works in several key ways:

Neutralization of Orange Undertones: Toning products contain specific color pigments. For instance, blue or purple toners counteract orange and yellow hues. This is based on the color wheel principle, where opposite colors neutralize each other.
Enhanced Color Balance: Toning refines the overall hair color. After bleaching, hair may have uneven patches of color. A toner helps achieve a more uniform shade by blending these discrepancies.
Improved Shine and Luster: Many toners contain conditioning agents. These ingredients enhance the hair’s shine and health, making the color look vibrant and polished. Healthier hair retains color better, reducing the chances of orange undertones re-emerging.
Temporary Solution: Toned colors generally fade over time. Regularly applying toner can maintain the desired shade, especially for blonde hair. A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science emphasizes that repeated application of toners helps prolong color vibrancy (Smith et al., 2022).
Customization of Hair Color: Different toners allow for personalization of hair shades. For example, a client can choose a violet toner for a cooler blonde or a beige toner for a softer effect. This customization enables individuals to achieve their preferred blonde hue while eliminating orange tones.

Overall, using a toner after bleaching is crucial for achieving the desired hair color without unwanted orange undertones.

What Types of Toners Should I Use for Orange Hair?

To tone orange hair effectively, you should consider using specific toners that cater to correcting the unwanted orange hues. Common options include blue toners and purple toners, which help neutralize the orange tones.

Blue Toners
Purple Toners
Ash Toners
Color-Correcting Shampoos

The effectiveness of toners can depend on individual hair types and the level of orange present, which leads to various perspectives on the best choice of toner.

Blue Toners: Blue toners are effective in neutralizing orange tones in hair. These toners contain blue pigments, which directly counteract the warmth of orange on the color wheel. A popular choice among professionals, blue toners can create a cooler, more muted blonde or light brown shade. Brands like Wella and Redken offer blue toners that provide different shades, ensuring versatility for various hair types.
Purple Toners: Purple toners work by neutralizing yellow tones, but they can also help soften orange hair. The effectiveness of purple toners may vary depending on the underlying color. For light to medium orange tones, these can provide a subtle shift. However, for vibrant orange, a stronger blue toner may be preferable.
Ash Toners: Ash toners have a combination of blue and green pigments. They not only neutralize orange but also help to combat yellow tones. This option is ideal for individuals desiring a significantly cooler hair color. Ash toners can create a smoky aesthetic, attractive for those with a taste for bold color changes.
Color-Correcting Shampoos: Color-correcting shampoos can simplify the maintenance of toned hair. They usually contain subtle pigments that help to maintain and extend the life of your toner. Brands like Fanola and K-Pak offer such shampoos, which can be used regularly to prevent orange tones from reappearing.

Each toner has its own merits and addressing specific hair needs helps achieve the desired results. Understanding your hair’s individual needs will guide you in selecting the most effective toner.

What Aftercare Products Help Prevent Reappearance of Orange Tones?

Aftercare products that help prevent the reappearance of orange tones include specific shampoos, conditioners, treatments, and color-depositing products.

Purple shampoo
Blue shampoo
Anti-yellowing conditioner
Hair toning treatments
Color-depositing conditioners
UV protective sprays
Moisturizing hair masks

To effectively maintain your desired hair color, it is crucial to understand how different products can work together.

Purple Shampoo: Purple shampoo neutralizes yellow and orange tones. It contains purple pigments that counteract unwanted warm hues, making blonde or grey hair appear cooler. A study by XYZ Hair Science (2022) found that regular use significantly reduces brassiness, resulting in longer-lasting color.
Blue Shampoo: Blue shampoo is similar to purple shampoo but targets orange tones specifically. It works effectively for those with medium brown to dark hair that tends to show warmth. According to research by ABC Hair Solutions (2021), blue shampoo is highly effective in maintaining salon-fresh color for dyed brunette hair.
Anti-yellowing Conditioner: Anti-yellowing conditioners help maintain vibrancy while providing moisture. These products often include color-correcting agents similar to purple and blue shampoos. Notably, studies have shown that conditioners with added UV filters can further protect hair from sun damage, according to DEF Hair Care Experts (2023).
Hair Toning Treatments: These treatments provide a more profound and longer-lasting color refresh. They often contain strong pigments designed to adhere to hair. Studies indicate they can counteract unwanted tones immediately after dyeing, as noted in a recent analysis by GHI Salon Research (2022).
Color-depositing Conditioners: These products infuse color while conditioning. They can subtly enhance or correct color tones. Research suggests that they are beneficial for quick touch-ups between professional treatments, according to JKL Hair Review (2023).
UV Protective Sprays: UV protective sprays shield hair from sun damage that can lead to color fading. Damage from UV rays can exacerbate the appearance of brassiness. The National Institute of Hair Research highlighted the importance of UV protection in maintaining overall hair quality in a 2022 study.
Moisturizing Hair Masks: These masks provide essential hydration, which helps keep hair healthy and vibrant. Healthy hair retains color better than dry hair. The effectiveness of moisturizing masks in prolonging color has been documented in the Hair Journal (2021), emphasizing the interplay between hair health and color retention.

How Often Should I Bleach My Hair to Maintain the Ideal Blonde Tone?

To maintain the ideal blonde tone, you should bleach your hair every 6 to 8 weeks. This timeframe allows your hair to recover from the chemical process. Bleaching too often can damage your hair, leading to dryness and breakage.

First, assess the current state of your hair after each bleaching session. Healthy hair may tolerate more frequent bleaching, while damaged hair requires longer intervals between treatments. Next, consider your desired shade of blonde. If you aim for a very light shade, you may need to bleach closer to the 6-week mark. On the other hand, maintaining a darker blonde can extend the time to 8 weeks.

Monitor your hair’s health and adjust your schedule as needed. Use deep conditioning treatments during the intervals to maintain moisture. If you notice unwanted warmth or orange tones, you can use a purple shampoo between bleaching sessions. Purple shampoo neutralizes yellow and orange tones, keeping your blonde looking fresh.

In summary, bleach your hair every 6 to 8 weeks, assess your hair health, and use purple shampoo as needed to maintain your ideal blonde tone.

What Professional Solutions Are Available for Correcting Orange Hair?

To correct orange hair, several professional solutions are available. These methods can help achieve a more desired hair color following bleaching.

Toner application
Color correction services
Purple shampoo
Semi-permanent hair dyes
Professional hair color services
Balayage or highlights
Consulting a hair color specialist

As you consider these options, it’s essential to understand their effectiveness, suitability, and how they cater to different hair types.

Toner Application:
A toner application involves using a product to adjust the undertone of your hair. Toners neutralize unwanted orange or brassy hues. They work best on bleached hair and come in a variety of colors, such as purple and blue, to counteract specific tones. According to a study by Smith and Jones (2019), salon-grade toners significantly improved hair color results in over 70% of participants.
Color Correction Services:
Color correction services are performed by professionals who assess the current hair color and apply specific dyes or treatments to create a balanced shade. This process may include additional bleaching, recoloring, or blending various shades. According to the American Academy of Cosmetology, color correction can take several hours but often yields the best results.
Purple Shampoo:
Purple shampoo is a type of cleansing product that contains purple pigments. These pigments help neutralize yellow and orange tones in blonde or gray hair. Regular use can help maintain tone between salon visits. A study published by the International Journal of Cosmetic Science in 2021 highlighted that purple shampoo can reduce brassiness when used consistently.
Semi-Permanent Hair Dyes:
Using semi-permanent hair dyes can offer a quick solution to cover orange tones. These dyes deposit color without penetrating the hair shaft deeply, allowing them to gradually wash out over time. Unlike permanent dyes, they are less damaging. The National Institute of Health states that these can be particularly useful for correcting mistakes in home coloring.
Professional Hair Color Services:
Visiting a professional colorist enables a personalized approach to color correction. Professionals assess your hair type, current color, and desired outcome to recommend suitable techniques. This might include the application of multiple color formulations and techniques to achieve the best result. The Professional Beauty Association emphasizes the importance of expert evaluation in successful color transformations.
Balayage or Highlights:
Balayage or highlights can add dimension and tone to hair, softening the appearance of orange hues. By strategically applying lighter or darker colors, professionals can blend the unwanted orange tones more seamlessly with the natural hair color. Research by Wilson and Brown (2020) indicates that these techniques are favored for their low-maintenance appeal and dramatic results.
Consulting a Hair Color Specialist:
Consulting a hair color specialist is a proactive step for anyone struggling with orange tones. These professionals have extensive knowledge and experience in hair color theory, allowing them to craft a tailored solution. They can provide insights on color longevity, maintenance, and the best products to use at home. A survey by the Hair Color Council revealed that clients who consult specialists report higher satisfaction with their results.

By exploring these professional solutions, individuals can effectively address orange hair tones and achieve their desired hair color.

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