Every DIY hairmaker has been there.
You bleach your hair at home, dreaming of a perfect icy blonde or platinum glow, only to be greeted by stubborn orange tones taunting you back in the mirror.
But fear not — you’re not “stuck” with it!
Learning how to fix orange hair after bleaching at home can save your strands and your sanity.
So whether you’re trying to go for those cool blonde vibes, or just want to dial things down to something a little more natural, this article has got simple, effective solutions.
From toning shampoos to DIY color fixes, we’ll show you exactly how to neutralize the brassy undertones and get back on track to your dream look.
Keep reading and learn how to turn your orange hair nightmare into the vibrant shade you always dreamed of — all from the comfort of your home.
How to Fix Orange Hair After Bleaching at Home
When your hair turns orange after bleaching, it’s most likely because the bleach didn’t remove enough pigment from your strands, which means warm, brassy undertones are left over.
To address this problem doesn’t necessarily mean hitting the salon.
A few at-home techniques can fix the color and make the look smoother and more balanced.
Here’s how to do it.
Use a Purple or Blue Toning Shampoo
One of the most straightforward solutions for orange hair is a toning shampoo that helps neutralize brassy tones.
Purple shampoo is most effective for yellow tones, while blue shampoo is better suited to deeper orange tones.
These shampoos deposit cool pigments that neutralize warm tones over time, so it doesn’t serve as a quick solution, but instead, works slowly, evening out the color of your hair, each time you use it.
After applying to damp strands, you leave it in for 5–10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
Do this every other wash for maximum effectiveness.
Try a DIY Toner with Hair Dye
If toning shampoo doesn’t do the trick, a DIY toner may be your next move.
Pick an ash blonde box dye with cool or silver undertones.
Mix with a developer per the instructions, then apply evenly to your hair.
Allow it to sit for the amount of time specified (typically about 15–20 minutes) and then rinse.
The ash tones will work to cancel out the orange tones in your hair, resulting in a cooler, more even-toned look.
by reddit user French_Accordion
Mix a Vinegar Rinse for Subtle Toning
If you prefer something more natural, a vinegar rinse can work wonders.
Combine one part apple cider vinegar with two parts water, then add a few drops of blue or purple food coloring.
After you wash your hair, pour the mixture through your strands, let it sit for 5 minutes, and rinse out well.
This technique is more mellow and cumulatively counters brassiness over time.
Use a Semi-Permanent Hair Gloss
Another great option for combating orange tones is to use a hair gloss treatment.
Semi-permanent glosses come in a variety of shades, including cool tones like pearl or ash, which are ideal for toning down warm colors.
Just follow the product instructions: evenly apply the gloss to your hair, leave it on for the recommended period of time, and rinse.
How to Prevent Orange Hair When Bleaching
Correcting orange hair is one thing, but preventing it in the first place is even better.
Here are some tips to prevent brassy tones during your next bleaching session:
- Pick the right developer strength: Applying a developer that’s too weak might not elevate the natural shade sufficient to omit orange tones.
- Lift in stages: If you are starting with dark hair to very light base or blonde, it typically will take two or three sessions. Rushing the process can leave uneven and brassy results.
- Use toning treatments to protect: Toning your hair before the bleaching process can neutralize any underlying warmth, which gives you a cleaner, brighter result.
By following these steps, you can minimize the risk of dealing with unwanted orange hues in the future.
FAQs About Fixing Orange Hair
Can I bleach my hair again to fix the orange?
Bleaching again is an option but should be approached with caution.
Wait at least two weeks in between bleaching sessions to prevent damage to your hair, and use lots of conditioning treatments in the meantime.
Should you choose to bleach again, be sure to go to a professional or use a top notch at-home bleach kit.
What if my hair is patchy orange and yellow?
A toner is the best solution for patchy results.
Distribute it evenly on the sections of your hair to create a smooth consistency in the tone.
If the patches are severe, a professional color correction may be your safest bet.
Can I use box dye to fix orange hair?
If you select the correct box dye shade, it can work.
Choose an ash blonde or light brown shade with cool undertones to counteract the orange.
Make sure that you follow the instructions carefully and do not overprocess your hair.
With a little patience and the right techniques, you can fix orange hair after bleaching and achieve the shade you’re dreaming of.
Whether you opt for toning products, DIY remedies, or preventative measures, tackling brassy tones at home is more manageable than it seems.
