Have you ever dyed your hair red, only to find that it turned out more orange or brassy than you expected? If this has happened to you, don’t despair! There are a few things you can do to correct the color and get the red you want. The first step is to determine what caused your hair to turn orange or brassy in the first place.
One of the most common causes of orange or brassy hair is using the wrong type of dye. If you used a permanent dye, it may have lifted your hair color too much, resulting in an orange or brassy hue. If you used a semi-permanent or temporary dye, it may have faded too quickly, leaving behind an orange or brassy tint.
Another common cause of orange or brassy hair is using the wrong developer. If you used a developer that was too strong, it may have lifted your hair color too much, resulting in an orange or brassy hue. If you used a developer that was too weak, it may not have lifted your hair color enough, leaving behind an orange or brassy tint.
Understanding Color Theory
Color theory is the science of how colors interact with each other. It’s important to understand color theory when you’re trying to get red out of hair because it will help you choose the right products and techniques.
The three primary colors are red, yellow, and blue. All other colors are created by mixing these three colors in different proportions. When you mix two primary colors, you get a secondary color. For example, mixing red and yellow gives you orange.
The three secondary colors are orange, green, and purple. When you mix a primary color with a secondary color, you get a tertiary color. For example, mixing red and orange gives you red-orange.
The color wheel is a visual representation of color theory. It shows the relationships between all the different colors. The color wheel can help you choose the right colors to use when you’re trying to get red out of hair.
When you’re trying to get red out of hair, you need to use a color that is opposite to red on the color wheel. This is because opposite colors will neutralize each other. For example, if you have red hair and you want to get rid of it, you would use a green-based color.
| Color | Opposite Color |
|---|---|
| Red | Green |
| Yellow | Purple |
| Blue | Orange |
Pre-Treatment for Virgin Hair
Before you begin any color correction process, it’s essential to pre-treat virgin hair to ensure optimal results. Virgin hair has not been chemically treated in any way, making it more porous and prone to damage. By pre-treating the hair, you can minimize potential damage and enhance the effectiveness of the color correction process.
Here are some crucial steps for pre-treating virgin hair:
1. Deep Conditioning
Deep conditioning helps to replenish moisture and nutrients in the hair, making it stronger and more resilient. Apply a deep conditioner to damp hair and leave it in for the recommended duration. Rinse thoroughly afterward.
2. Protein Treatment
Protein treatments are essential for strengthening the hair shaft and preventing damage during the color correction process. They help to fill in any gaps in the hair structure, making it more robust and less prone to breakage. Apply a protein treatment to damp hair and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for processing time. Rinse thoroughly afterward.
3. Clarifying Shampoo
Clarifying shampoo helps to remove any product buildup, dirt, or oils that can interfere with the color correction process. It deep cleanses the hair and prepares it for optimal color absorption.
4. Balancing Conditioner
After clarifying the hair, it’s important to use a balancing conditioner to restore moisture and prevent over-drying. Choose a conditioner that is specifically designed for color-treated hair.
5. Heat Protection
Heat can damage virgin hair during the color correction process. Apply a heat protectant spray to damp hair before blow-drying or styling to minimize heat damage.
Using a Color-Correcting Shampoo
Color-correcting shampoos are designed to neutralize unwanted tones in your hair. For red hair, you’ll need to use a shampoo with green pigment, which will counteract the red and bring out cooler, ashier tones.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to using a color-correcting shampoo:
1. Wet your hair and apply the shampoo.
Use a generous amount and massage it into your hair, focusing on the areas where the red is most prominent.
2. Leave the shampoo in for 5-10 minutes.
Check the instructions on the shampoo bottle to see how long you should leave it in for. The longer you leave it in, the more intense the results will be.
3. Rinse the shampoo out thoroughly.
Rinse your hair with lukewarm water until the water runs clear. Be sure to rinse out all of the shampoo, as any residue could leave your hair feeling dry or stiff.
4. Condition your hair.
After rinsing out the shampoo, apply a conditioner to help moisturize and hydrate your hair. This will help to prevent your hair from becoming dry or brittle.
5. Style your hair as usual.
Once your hair is conditioned, you can style it as usual. You may notice that the red in your hair is less intense and that your hair has a cooler, ashier tone.
Bleaching Away the Red
Bleaching is a chemical process that lightens the hair by breaking down the melanin pigments. This can be an effective way to remove red from hair, but it is important to note that bleaching can also damage the hair. Therefore, it is important to have bleaching done by a professional hair stylist if possible.
- Start with clean, dry hair.
- Apply a bleach product to your hair, following the instructions on the package.
- Leave the bleach on for the amount of time specified on the package.
- Rinse the bleach out of your hair and shampoo and condition as usual.
- Apply a deep conditioner to damp hair, paying attention to the ends.
- Wrap hair in a plastic cap or towel to trap heat and aid absorption.
- Leave in for the recommended time (usually 15-30 minutes).
- Rinse thoroughly and style as usual.
- Use heat protectant before blow-drying or styling.
- Protect hair from the sun with a hat or scarf.
- Avoid over-washing hair, as it can strip it of natural oils.
- Use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to prevent further dryness.
Tips for Bleaching Away Red
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Use a bleach product that is specifically designed for removing red from hair.
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Apply the bleach evenly to your hair, and avoid getting it on your skin.
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If you have dark hair, you may need to bleach it multiple times to remove the red.
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Be sure to follow the instructions on the bleach package carefully.
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Do not bleach your hair if it is damaged or over-processed.
What to Expect When Bleaching Away Red
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Your hair will likely become lighter in color, and the red tones will be reduced.
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Your hair may become dry and damaged, so it is important to condition it regularly.
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You may need to bleach your hair multiple times to achieve the desired results.
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Be patient, and do not over-bleach your hair.
Post-Treatment Care
7. Deep Conditioning and Moisture Restoration
Red removal treatments can be harsh on hair, stripping it of its natural moisture. To restore health and hydration, deep conditioning is essential.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Frequency:
| Hair Type | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Fine Hair | Every 2-3 weeks |
| Medium Hair | Every 1-2 weeks |
| Thick Hair | Once a week |
Additional Tips:
Professional Salon Treatments
Professional salon treatments can effectively remove red tones from hair. These treatments use specialized products and techniques to neutralize the red pigments and restore the hair to its desired color.
Color Correction
Color correction involves applying a toner or dye to the hair to counteract the red tones. The toner or dye is formulated with specific pigments that neutralize the red and create a more desirable hair color.
Acidic Washes
Acidic washes are formulated to reduce the pH level of the hair. This helps to close the hair cuticles and prevent the red pigments from leaching out.
Bleach and Reducers
Bleach and reducers are powerful agents that can lighten the hair and remove the red pigments. However, these treatments can also damage the hair, so they should only be used by experienced professionals.
Olaplex Treatment
Olaplex is a professional hair treatment that helps to repair and strengthen damaged hair. It can also help to reduce the red tones in hair by removing the damaged pigments that are causing the unwanted color.
Malibu Treatment
Malibu Treatment is a clarifying treatment that removes impurities and mineral buildup from the hair. This can help to improve the hair’s overall health and reduce the appearance of red tones.
Demi-Permanent Hair Color
Demi-permanent hair color is a less damaging option for removing red tones. It fades gradually over time, so it can be used to gradually reduce the intensity of the red without causing significant damage.
| Treatment | Effectiveness | Damage Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Color Correction | High | Low |
| Acidic Washes | Low | Low |
| Bleach and Reducers | High | High |
| Olaplex Treatment | Medium | Low |
| Malibu Treatment | Low | Low |
| Demi-Permanent Hair Color | Medium | Low |
