Ever noticed your hair turning an unexpected shade of orange after bleaching or dyeing? Ick! You’re not alone.
This common issue, known as brassiness, can be a real headache. It happens when the warm tones in your hair start to show through, often after lightening treatments.
So, what’s the deal with purple shampoo? It’s often recommended for banishing those brassy tones, but does it really work for orange hair? Or are there better options out there?
We’re here to give you the lowdown on whether purple shampoo is the answer and look at some other methods to help you achieve the hair color you really want.
Let’s find the best solution for you!
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Table of Contents
- Will purple shampoo fix orange hair?
- Understanding Brassy Hair
- What does brassy hair look like?
- What Does Purple Shampoo Do To Orange Hair?
- 5 Ways to Fix Orange Hair
- #1. Blue Shampoo
- #2. Professional Hair Toner
- #3. Hair Gloss
- #4. Hair Mask
- #5. Re-Dye it or Bleach it
- How to prevent getting orange and brassy hair.
- Purple Shampoo for Orange Hair FAQs
- Parting words
- Our Research & Review Process
Will purple shampoo fix orange hair?
No, purple shampoo will not fix orange hair unless it is very yellow-based. Instead, blue shampoo or toner is what you’ll need to cover the brassy orange hue.
Understanding Brassy Hair
It’s time for Hair Color School people! To understand if purple shampoo can fix orange hair, we must first understand the science behind it.
When hair is bleached, it turns yellow.
To counteract the yellow tones, we use purple shampoo as yellow and purple are opposite colors on the hair color wheel. Put simply, this means they cancel each other out. It’s all to do with color theory you see.
But if your hair turns orange after bleaching it, using purple shampoo may not be enough.
Orange hair has a different base than yellow, and this is where purple shampoo falls short.
Blue tones are much better at cancelling out orange tones because blue is opposite orange on the hair color wheel. It’s easy!
Expert Insights
“Purple shampoo is used to help tone out the yellow undertones in hair color, not remove hair color from the hair. If your hair is brassy, depending on how light it is, you could use either a purple or blue shampoo. Blue would be better for orangey brass.”
Enza Piazza, Hair Stylist & Color Consultant
What does brassy hair look like?
Are you wondering what brassy hair looks like?
Brassy hair appears yellow or orange due to excess warmth in the hair color.
If you’ve ever left the salon with a cool blonde tone, only to see it transform into a warm hue a few washes later, you may be experiencing brassiness.
It’s also really common when brunette hair dyes wash out and fade.
Don’t worry, it’s common and fixable!
What Does Purple Shampoo Do To Orange Hair?
Purple shampoo has become a bit of a buzzword in the hair care world, but what exactly is it?
Simply put, purple shampoo is a toning shampoo with a deep violet pigment. It’s primarily designed for blondes to neutralize brassy yellow and gold tones.
Now, let’s talk about using purple shampoo on orange hair. Here’s where it gets a bit tricky.
Remember the color wheel we mentioned earlier? Purple is great for canceling out yellow, but it’s not directly opposite orange on the color wheel.
That spot is reserved for blue, which suggests that blue-toned products might be more effective for orange tones.
Pros
Purple Shampoo on Orange Hair
- Ease of Use: Just like any other shampoo, it’s simple to incorporate into your routine.
- Availability: You can find purple shampoo in most beauty stores.
- Gentle Toning: For those with lighter shades of orange or more yellowish-orange tones, purple shampoo can provide subtle toning benefits.
Cons
Purple Shampoo on Orange Hair
- Limited Effectiveness on Orange Tones: It might not be potent enough to tackle strong orange hues.
- Risk of Over-toning: Overuse can lead to unwanted purple or ashy tints in your hair.
- Potential Dryness: Like many toning products, it can dry out your hair if used too frequently.
It’s important to consider these pros and cons when deciding if purple shampoo is right for you.
If you’re dealing with lighter, yellowish-orange tones, purple shampoo might offer some benefit. However, for more vivid orange tones, you might need to look at other options.
5 Ways to Fix Orange Hair
Whether it’s a result of an at-home dye job gone wrong or a botched salon appointment, no one wants to walk around with a head full of brassy hair.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to fix orange hair and achieve the perfect dye job. Here are some of the best tips and tricks for getting rid of orange hair and achieving your desired hair color.
#1. Blue Shampoo
Blue shampoo is a must-have for anyone trying to fix orange hair.
The blue or violet pigments in the shampoo neutralize the orange tones in the hair, leaving you with a cooler, ashier color.
Use blue shampoo once a week and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing it out.
You can also alternate it with your regular shampoo to maintain the color. Just be careful not to overuse it, as it could cause your hair to turn blue!
Expert Insights
“I would add a lot of blueing to your shampoo and work up a lather and put on a shower cap…apply heat and wrap in a towel to trap the heat…leave it on for an hour or so then rinse it out and condition…your hair should be toned considerably.”
Susan Clark, Licensed Cosmetologist & Barber
#2. Professional Hair Toner
A hair toner is a necessary step in the hair coloring process, especially for blonde or bleached hair.
It’s a semi-permanent color that helps to neutralize or enhance certain tones in the hair, resulting in a more even color.
If your hair has turned orange, a toner that contains blue or purple pigments can help cancel out the orange tones and give you a cool, blonde color.
You can either go to a salon to have a professional toner applied or buy a toner from any beauty supply store and tone your hair yourself at home. Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully!
Expert Insights
“Personally, I like to use toner on newly lightened hair since this tends to create a more natural shade of blonde while eliminating any brassy/orange tones.”
Kimberly Walter, Cosmetologist, Haircolorist, Skin Specialist
#3. Hair Gloss
A hair gloss is a semi-permanent treatment that gives your hair shine and vibrancy.
It can also be used to enhance your hair color or neutralize brassy tones.
Hair glosses come in a variety of shades, including clear, so you can choose the one that works best for your hair.
They can be applied at home or by a professional stylist too.
Expert Insights
“An at-home hair gloss is typically a semi-permanent hair treatment that adds shine and benefits the overall health and softness of your hair.”
Brad Mondo, Celebrity Hair Stylist
#4. Hair Mask
An anti-brass hair mask is a deep conditioning treatment that can help soften and hydrate your hair.
If your hair has been damaged by the coloring process, a hair mask can help restore its health and vitality.
Look for a hair mask that contains ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, or argan oil, which can help repair and nourish your hair.
#5. Re-Dye it or Bleach it
If all else fails, you may need to re-dye your hair a darker color or bleach it to achieve your desired color.
Re-dyeing your hair with a cooler shade can help cancel out the orange tones and give you a more even color.
If your hair is too dark, you may need to bleach it first to achieve the desired shade. A bleach bath can be a gentler way to lift unwanted color as it uses shampoo adn water to dilute the bleach.
However, keep in mind that bleaching can be damaging to your hair – and can turn it orange! – so it’s essential to do it properly and follow all instructions carefully.
Expert Insights
“I don’t recommend bleach washing your own hair at home, there’s a lot that can go wrong. It needs to be tailored to y our own hair health, porosity and tone. Leave it to the professionals!”
Enza Piazza, Hair Stylist & Color Consultant
How to prevent getting orange and brassy hair.
Nothing ruins a great hair color quite like the wrong tone. But don’t worry it can be avoided! Here are some things you can do to keep your mane looking cool:
Tip #1.Use the Right Products
What do we always say? Always use products that are designed for colored hair!
It’s easy. Using regular shampoo or conditioner might strip the color and leave your hair looking dull and lifeless.
Look for color-safe and sulfate-free products that help maintain your hair’s pH level and won’t wash your color out.
Tip# 2. Rinse your Hair After Pool or Beach
Exposure to chlorine and saltwater can cause your hair to turn brassy and orange.
After swimming, rinse your hair with cold water to remove the chemicals that cling to your hair.
Also, use a leave-in conditioner to protect your hair from further damage.
Tip #3. Avoid Sun Damage
Sun exposure can cause your hair to become brittle and dry, leading to a brassy color. Use a hat or scarf to cover your hair when you are outside.
Also, use a heat protectant when using hot styling tools to prevent your hair color from fading.
Tip #4. Don’t Overuse Hair Dye
Overuse of hair dye can lead to a build-up of color and cause your hair to turn orange. Always follow the recommended timing, and don’t leave the dye on for too long.
It’s also essential to use a color-protecting conditioner after dyeing your hair. This will help to prevent your hair from getting brassy and dry.
Tip #5. Use Toning Products
If you notice that your hair has already turned orange or brassy, use a toning shampoo or conditioner.
These products help to neutralize the color, leaving your hair looking vibrant and healthy.
Purple Shampoo for Orange Hair FAQs
Can purple shampoo completely eliminate orange tones?
Purple shampoo can help neutralize yellowish-orange tones, but it may not completely eliminate deep orange hues.
For stronger orange tones, a blue-based shampoo or other methods might be more effective.
How often should I use purple shampoo?
It’s recommended to use purple shampoo once a week or every other wash. Overuse can lead to dryness or a purple tint in your hair.
Will purple shampoo work on dark hair with orange highlights?
Purple shampoo is most effective on lighter shades. For dark hair with orange highlights, a blue shampoo or a toner might yield better results.
Can purple shampoo damage my hair?
Purple shampoo can be drying if used too frequently. It’s important to use a hydrating conditioner afterward and limit its use to prevent dryness.
What if purple shampoo leaves a purple tint in my hair?
If you notice a purple tint, reduce the amount of time you leave the shampoo in your hair. If the tint persists, use a clarifying shampoo to help remove it.
Is purple shampoo suitable for all hair types?
A: While purple shampoo can be used on different hair types, its effectiveness varies. It’s best for those with blonde, silver, or light-colored hair that has turned brassy.
Are there any natural alternatives to purple shampoo for orange hair?
Natural alternatives like apple cider vinegar rinses may help with mild brassiness, but for strong orange tones, specially formulated products like toners are more effective.
How long does it take to see results from purple shampoo?
Some may see results after the first use, while others might need a few applications. It depends on the severity of the brassiness and hair type.
Parting words
So what have we learned? If your bleached hair has turned orange, using purple shampoo may not be the best solution.
It will only work if your hair has a yellow undertone.
If the orange tint is too strong, your best options are to use a blue shampoo, go back to the salon and let the professionals work their magic.
Bleached hair requires a lot of care, and maintenance, and sometimes it’s best to leave it to the experts.
Remember, your hair is your crowning glory, so invest time and effort in keeping it healthy and beautiful.
Found your perfect shade? We’d love to see it! Tag us on Instagram @colouredhaircare or Facebook and share your hair dye success stories. Looking for more hair care tips? Check out How to Look After Colored Hair: 11 Expert Secrets For Long-Lasting Color.
Our Research & Review Process
To ensure our recommendations are as comprehensive and reliable as possible, we’ve undertaken an extensive research effort.
We cite scientific evidence and journals, collect real user reviews and gather impartial perspectives from hair stylists, users, and experts in the field.
Additionally, we conduct hands-on testing by using products and applying hair dyes not only on our own locks but also on real human hair extensions and hair pieces of different hair type, textures and lengths.
This rigorous approach allows us to provide you with insights into which products genuinely live up to their promises.
As always – please consult with a professional hair colorist or stylist for advice on how to color your own hair at home. It’s different for everyone!
