How to Tone Orange Hair Effectively? 4 Tips From Professionals

Orange hair can be a frustrating challenge, whether it's the result of bleaching gone wrong or simply the natural undertones of your hair showing through. Fortunately, there are many ways to tone down that orange hue and achieve the beautiful, cool-toned look you’re dreaming of. 

So, how to tone orange hair? With the right products and techniques, you can totally transform your hair color.

Why Hair Turns Orange

Before we get into the tips, it’s essential to understand why hair turns orange in the first place. Orange hair is often the result of bleaching or lightening dark hair. When brunette hair is lightened, the underlying pigment in your hair is exposed. If you have light to medium brown hair you will see orange tones showing through. If you have dark brown to black hair you will see even warmer red tones show through. Unfortunately, it's just the nature of hair color. If you're aiming for a cooler blonde or ash-toned look, these unwanted orange tones can feel like an obstacle. But don't worry – there’s a solution. How to get orange tones out of hair? Let’s dive in.

Use blue shampoo regularly

One of the easiest ways to tone out orange hair is by using a blue shampoo. Why blue? You may be familiar with purple shampoo, but that is for blonde hair that turns yellow. To combat orange tones you need blue to neutralize. On the color wheel, blue sits across from orange, which means it will balance out and neutralize unwanted warmth or brassiness in the hair. Purple shampoo works best for those with yellow tones, while blue shampoo is ideal for orange or even reddish hues.

Make sure to choose a shampoo that’s sulfate-free and enriched with nourishing ingredients to keep your hair healthy and shiny. ColorSolve Customizable Shampoo and Conditioner tones hair and removes brassiness on brunette hair while nourishing for daily hydration.

Opt for a toner or gloss

If you're looking for a way to tone down orange hair, toners are your ultimate solution.These are typically used after highlighting to neutralize unwanted warm tones. However, you can use a toner anytime you are needing to minimize brassy orange tones. 

There are a couple of options. You can use a demi-permanent toner, similar to what is used in a salon, if you need maximum neutralization. Or you can use a semi-permanent gloss which is a quick and easy, yet effective way to tone down warm tones.

Choose a toner with ash or cool undertones to neutralize the warmth of orange hair.

Protect your color

Toning down orange hair isn't just about adding color, it's about keeping your hair healthy enough to retain that color. Using color-protecting hair care and regular deep conditioning treatments are essential for maintaining the health of your hair as well as making sure your color lasts.

Healthy, hydrated hair is far better at holding on to toners and other color-correcting products. To help replenish moisture, opt for products infused with nourishing ingredients like argan oil, keratin, or shea butter. These ingredients are well-known for their ability to strengthen and revitalize hair that’s been chemically treated. 

Finally, always remember to protect your hair from heat and UV exposure – two major culprits behind color fading. Bonding Time Bond Building Treatment is a professional-strength, leave-in treatment that not only repairs and strengthens damaged hair but also shields your color from UV rays and environmental stressors. If you want to keep your hair looking vibrant and healthy, this all-in-one serum does the trick.

The takeaway

Dealing with orange hair can feel like an uphill battle, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right toning products and hair care routine, you can learn how to get orange tones out of your hair effectively and keep them at bay. Whether you're using a blue shampoo, getting a professional toner, or simply changing up your hair care routine, these steps will help you achieve a more flattering, cool-toned look. And don't forget: patience is key. Consistency in your routine will gradually bring out the best results, and you’ll be well on your way to vibrant, toned hair that makes you feel like your most confident self.