How does an orange tint develop and how can I get rid of it?
You wanted to dye your hair blonde, but ended up with an unwanted orange tint. This is obviously not what you wanted, and you’ll want to get rid of it quickly! Excessive sun exposure or washing your hair too often can also cause an orange tint. Luckily, it’s possible to remove this tint from your hair without spending hours at the hairdresser again or paying more money. In this blog, we explain how this unwanted orange tint develops and how to prevent it.
How does an orange tint develop in hair?
An orange tint in your hair can have several causes. For example, you may end up with an unwanted tint when you dye your hair lighter, or due to external factors such as washing your hair too often or excessive exposure to the sun or seawater.
An orange tint develops when the pigments in your hair oxidize. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that lightens your hair. In the examples above, the pigments in your hair are oxidized by substances such as salt, UV radiation, and hydrogen peroxide. Sulfates, which are found in many shampoos, also cause oxidation. Tip: Always choose a sulfate-free shampoo!
This oxidation causes an orange tint due to two pigments found in hair: eumelanin and pheomelanin. These pigments determine your natural hair color and undertone.
Eumelanin consists of the colors red, blue, and yellow and determines your natural hair color. Pheomelanin consists of the colors red and yellow and determines your hair’s undertone.
Since the pigment eumelanin can neutralize red, orange, or yellow undertones, your hair color is balanced in this case. However, the factors mentioned above, such as UV radiation or sulfates, can cause the pigments eumelanin and pheomelanin to oxidize, throwing them off balance. This makes the undertone visible and can result in an orange tint.
How can I prevent an orange tint?
After spending hours in the hairdresser’s chair, an orange tint is the last thing you want. Unfortunately, this unwanted tint can’t always be prevented if you choose to dye your hair lighter. Luckily, you can protect your hair color from external factors that cause an orange tint. We’ve put together a few tips for you!
- Protect your hair from the sun. Why not try a fun hat? A hat protects your hair color and scalp from UV radiation and completes your outfit! A win-win. ;-)
- Limit the number of washes. We already know that washing your hair too often isn’t good for it. Washing your hair too often can also have a negative effect on your hair color. So minimize the number of washes and enjoy your light, fresh hair color for longer.
- Avoid chlorinated or seawater. Chlorine in pool water and salt in the sea are harmful to your hair. Too much exposure to pool or seawater can damage your hair color and cause an unwanted tint.
- Use hair products with UV filters. Exposure to UV radiation can’t always be avoided. It’s therefore important to prepare your hair and use products with a UV filter. This protects your hair from harmful UV rays.
Which hair products can I use to combat an orange tint?
Are you dealing with an unwanted orange tint in your hair and would like to get rid of it? Read below to find out which products can help!
Biosilk Color Therapy Cool Blonde Shampoo
This shampoo from Biosilk is a must-have for people with highlights or blonde, bleached, or color-treated hair. This shampoo neutralizes warm tones in the hair, leaving blonde hair looking beautifully cool and ashy. What’s more, this shampoo is free of SLS, parabens, and silicones, helping protect your hair color. This prevents the color from fading, so you can enjoy your shiny, colored locks for longer.
SachaJuan Anti Pollution
This product line from SachaJuan is specially designed to protect your scalp and hair from external damage and pollution. These products create a barrier on the hair and scalp to help prevent color fading, among other things. That way, you can be sure you’ll enjoy your hair color for longer and your hair will be optimally protected!
L’Alga Seamist Moisture
This unique leave-in treatment provides optimal protection against UV damage and heat styling. You can also use this spray to treat dry, dull hair: it repairs damage and leaves your locks shiny and soft. What’s more, this leave-in spray is free of sulfates, parabens, and alcohol, helping protect your hair color.
Everything you need to combat an orange tint at Johnbeerens.com
Curious about what else you can do to take optimal care of your colored locks? Check out our category dedicated to color-treated hair. Here you’ll find all the products that bring out the best in your color and protect it from external damage.
Have questions or want personalized advice? Contact our Beauty Care team at beautycare@johnbeerens.com. They’re ready to give you the best advice!
