Colouring over orange hair can be a daunting task, especially if you’re unsure about the best approach to achieve your desired results. Orange hair can be a challenging canvas for colouring, as it tends to resist colour absorption and may produce unpredictable outcomes. However, with the right techniques, products, and guidance, you can successfully colour over orange hair and achieve the look you want.
Understanding Orange Hair
Before we dive into the process of colouring over orange hair, it’s essential to understand why orange hair can be so challenging to work with. Orange hair is often the result of using high-lift blonde dyes or bleach, which can cause the hair shaft to become porous and prone to colour fade. This porosity can make it difficult for colour to penetrate the hair evenly, leading to patchy, uneven results.
The Science Behind Orange Hair
Orange hair is caused by the presence of warm tones in the hair shaft. When you use high-lift blonde dyes or bleach, you’re essentially stripping the hair of its natural pigment and replacing it with a new, lighter colour. However, this process can also cause the hair to become over-processed, leading to the formation of warm tones that give the hair an orange or brassy appearance.
Why Orange Hair is Challenging to Colour
Orange hair is challenging to colour because of its porosity and tendency to resist colour absorption. When you try to colour over orange hair, the colour may not penetrate the hair evenly, leading to patchy, uneven results. Additionally, the warm tones in the hair can cause the colour to appear more vibrant or intense than intended, which can be difficult to correct.
Preparing Your Hair for Colour
Before you can colour over orange hair, you need to prepare your hair for the colouring process. This involves several steps, including:
Step 1: Assess Your Hair’s Condition
Before you start colouring, it’s essential to assess your hair’s condition. If your hair is damaged or over-processed, you may need to take steps to repair it before colouring. This can include using a pre-colour treatment to restore the hair’s natural moisture and protein balance.
Step 2: Choose the Right Colour
Choosing the right colour is crucial when colouring over orange hair. You’ll want to select a colour that complements your skin tone and eye colour, while also considering the condition and porosity of your hair. If you’re unsure about which colour to choose, consult with a professional stylist who can help you select the perfect shade.
Step 3: Prepare Your Hair for Colour
Once you’ve chosen your colour, it’s time to prepare your hair for the colouring process. This involves washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup, and then towel-drying it to remove excess moisture.
Colouring Over Orange Hair: Techniques and Tips
Now that you’ve prepared your hair for colour, it’s time to start the colouring process. Here are some techniques and tips to help you achieve the best results:
Technique 1: Toning
Toning is a great way to colour over orange hair, especially if you’re looking to achieve a more subtle, natural-looking colour. Toning involves applying a toner to the hair to neutralize any warm tones and achieve a more balanced colour.
Technique 2: Colour Correction
Colour correction is a more invasive technique that involves using a colour corrector to neutralize any unwanted tones in the hair. This technique is often used to correct brassy or orange tones, and can be used in conjunction with toning to achieve a more balanced colour.
Technique 3: Colour Depositing
Colour depositing is a technique that involves using a colour-depositing treatment to add colour to the hair. This technique is often used to achieve a more vibrant, intense colour, and can be used in conjunction with toning and colour correction to achieve a more balanced colour.
Using Colour-Depositing Treatments
Colour-depositing treatments are a great way to add colour to the hair, especially if you’re looking to achieve a more vibrant, intense colour. These treatments work by depositing colour pigments into the hair shaft, which can help to enhance and deepen the colour.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When colouring over orange hair, there are several common mistakes to avoid. These include:
Mistake 1: Using the Wrong Colour
Using the wrong colour can lead to unpredictable results, especially if you’re trying to colour over orange hair. Make sure to choose a colour that complements your skin tone and eye colour, and consider the condition and porosity of your hair.
Mistake 2: Not Preparing Your Hair
Not preparing your hair for colour can lead to patchy, uneven results. Make sure to wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo and towel-dry it to remove excess moisture before colouring.
Mistake 3: Over-Processing the Hair
Over-processing the hair can lead to damage and breakage, especially if you’re using high-lift blonde dyes or bleach. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully and avoid over-processing the hair.
Conclusion
Colouring over orange hair can be a challenging task, but with the right techniques, products, and guidance, you can achieve the look you want. Remember to prepare your hair for colour, choose the right colour, and avoid common mistakes like using the wrong colour, not preparing your hair, and over-processing the hair. With a little patience and practice, you can achieve a beautiful, vibrant colour that complements your skin tone and eye colour.
| Colouring Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| Toning | A technique that involves applying a toner to the hair to neutralize any warm tones and achieve a more balanced colour. |
| Colour Correction | A technique that involves using a colour corrector to neutralize any unwanted tones in the hair. |
| Colour Depositing | A technique that involves using a colour-depositing treatment to add colour to the hair. |
By following these tips and techniques, you can achieve a beautiful, vibrant colour that complements your skin tone and eye colour. Remember to always follow the instructions carefully and avoid common mistakes to ensure the best results.
What happens when you colour over orange hair?
Colouring over orange hair can be challenging, as the existing pigment can affect the final result. When you apply a new colour, it may not completely cover the orange tone, resulting in an uneven or brassy colour. This is because the orange pigment can still be visible underneath the new colour, especially if it’s a lighter shade.
To achieve the desired result, it’s essential to choose a colour that’s suitable for covering orange hair. You may need to use a colour corrector or a toner to neutralize the orange tone before applying the new colour. It’s also crucial to follow the instructions carefully and perform a strand test to ensure the desired outcome.
How do I choose the right colour to cover orange hair?
Choosing the right colour to cover orange hair depends on the shade of orange and the desired result. If you want to cover a light orange tone, you can use a colour that’s one to two shades darker. For a darker orange tone, you may need to use a colour that’s three to four shades darker. It’s also essential to consider the undertones of the orange hair, as some colours may have warm or cool undertones that can affect the final result.
When selecting a colour, look for shades that have a blue or purple base, as these can help to neutralize the orange tone. You can also consider using a colour with a green base, but this may not be suitable for everyone. It’s always best to consult with a professional stylist or colourist to determine the best colour for your hair.
Can I colour over orange hair at home?
Colouring over orange hair at home can be challenging, and it’s not always recommended. While it’s possible to achieve a good result, there’s a higher risk of error, and the colour may not turn out as expected. Orange hair can be unpredictable, and it may require a professional touch to achieve the desired result.
If you still want to colour over orange hair at home, make sure to follow the instructions carefully, and perform a strand test before applying the colour to your entire head. It’s also essential to use a high-quality colour product and to follow the recommended processing time. However, if you’re unsure or have previously coloured or damaged hair, it’s best to consult with a professional stylist or colourist.
How long does it take to colour over orange hair?
The time it takes to colour over orange hair depends on the length and thickness of your hair, as well as the colour product you’re using. On average, it can take anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes to process the colour, but this can vary depending on the product and the desired result.
It’s also essential to consider the time it takes to prepare your hair for colouring, including the application of a colour corrector or toner, if necessary. Additionally, you may need to wait for the colour to develop, which can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes. It’s always best to follow the instructions carefully and to consult with a professional stylist or colourist if you’re unsure.
Will colouring over orange hair damage my hair?
Colouring over orange hair can potentially damage your hair, especially if you’re using a permanent colour product. The colouring process can cause dryness, brittleness, and breakage, especially if you have previously coloured or damaged hair.
To minimize the risk of damage, it’s essential to use a high-quality colour product and to follow the instructions carefully. You can also consider using a semi-permanent or demi-permanent colour product, which can be less damaging than permanent colour. Additionally, make sure to use a pre-colour treatment and a post-colour treatment to help protect your hair and lock in the colour.
How often can I colour over orange hair?
The frequency at which you can colour over orange hair depends on the condition of your hair and the colour product you’re using. If you’re using a permanent colour product, it’s generally recommended to wait at least 4 to 6 weeks before re-colouring your hair.
However, if you’re using a semi-permanent or demi-permanent colour product, you can re-colour your hair more frequently, usually every 2 to 4 weeks. It’s essential to consider the condition of your hair and to avoid over-colouring, as this can cause damage and dryness. It’s always best to consult with a professional stylist or colourist to determine the best colouring schedule for your hair.
Can I colour over orange hair with a semi-permanent colour?
Yes, you can colour over orange hair with a semi-permanent colour, but the result may vary depending on the shade of orange and the desired result. Semi-permanent colours can help to tone down the orange colour, but they may not completely cover it.
Semi-permanent colours are a good option if you want to add a temporary colour or tone to your hair without making a long-term commitment. They can also be used to help blend the orange colour with your natural colour or to add a subtle dimension to your hair. However, keep in mind that semi-permanent colours may not last as long as permanent colours and may require more frequent touch-ups.