Say Goodbye to Orange Hair: Easy DIY Fixes for Brassy Bleach Mishaps

Bleaching your hair at home can be an exciting way to change your look, but sometimes it does not go as planned. If your hair has turned orange or brassy instead of a cool blonde shade, do not worry. This is a common issue and can be fixed with simple at-home methods.

In this guide, you will learn why bleached hair turns orange and how to correct it easily using toners, shampoos, and other effective treatments.

Why Does Bleached Hair Turn Orange?

Orange tones in bleached hair happen because of leftover pigments that were not fully removed during the lightening process. Here are the main reasons:

1. Natural Pigments in Hair

Hair naturally contains warm pigments like red, orange, and yellow. When you bleach your hair, the bleach lifts the darker color but may not remove all the warm tones, leaving behind an orange shade.

2. Incomplete Bleaching

If the bleach is not left on long enough, it does not remove enough pigment. This results in an orange or brassy tone instead of a cool blonde.

3. Dark Hair Needs More Lifting

Darker hair has strong red and orange pigments, so if you have brown or black hair, you may need more time or a stronger bleach to achieve a lighter color.

4. Hard Water and Mineral Buildup

Hard water contains minerals that can make hair look brassier over time. This is especially common if you regularly wash your hair with unfiltered tap water.

5. Using the Wrong Developer Strength

Bleach works best with the right developer volume. A 10 or 20-volume developer may not lift dark pigments enough, while a 30 or 40-volume developer works better for darker hair.

How to Fix Orange Hair at Home

If your hair has turned orange after bleaching, there are several ways to correct it. Here are the most effective solutions:

1. Use a Blue or Purple Toning Shampoo

How It Works:

• Purple shampoo cancels out yellow tones.
• Blue shampoo cancels out orange tones.

How to Use:

1. Wet your hair and apply the shampoo evenly.
2. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes (check the instructions on your product).
3. Rinse thoroughly and apply conditioner.
4. Use once or twice a week to maintain results.

Best for: Mild orange or yellow brassiness.

2. Apply a Toner with Developer

A toner is a semi-permanent color that neutralizes unwanted tones and gives your hair a cooler look.

What You Need:

• Toner (look for ash blonde, platinum, or silver shades).
• 20-volume developer (strong enough to correct brassiness but gentle on hair).

Steps:

1. Mix one part toner with two parts developer.
2. Apply to damp hair, focusing on the orange sections.
3. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes, checking the color change.
4. Rinse thoroughly and deep condition your hair.

Best for: Medium to strong brassiness.

3. Re-Bleach Your Hair (If Necessary)

If your hair is still too dark or orange, you may need to bleach it again to remove more pigment. However, bleaching again too soon can damage your hair, so follow these safety steps:

Steps:

1. Wait at least one week before bleaching again.
2. Use a 20-volume developer to minimize damage.
3. Apply bleach only to the orange areas (not the parts that are already lightened).
4. Rinse as soon as the orange color lifts, then condition deeply.

Best for: Dark hair that has not been lightened enough.

4. Try a DIY Color-Correcting Mask

If you prefer a natural solution, a homemade mask can help tone down orange tones.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (balances pH).
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (moisturizes hair).
• 1 teaspoon blue or purple food coloring (neutralizes brassiness).

How to Use:

1. Mix all ingredients into a smooth paste.
2. Apply to damp hair and leave on for 20 minutes.
3. Rinse and follow with a conditioner.

Best for: Mild brassiness and hair health improvement.

5. Use a Semi-Permanent Hair Dye

If you want a quick fix without bleaching, a cool-toned hair dye can cover the brassiness.

How to Choose the Right Shade:

• For orange tones: Use ash brown or dark ash blonde.
• For yellowish tones: Use light ash blonde.

How to Apply:

1. Apply the dye evenly to clean, damp hair.
2. Leave it on for the recommended time.
3. Rinse and deep condition.

Best for: Quick and temporary fixes.

How to Prevent Orange Hair After Bleaching

1. Use a High-Quality Bleach and Developer

Professional products lift color more evenly and prevent patchy results.

2. Do a Strand Test First

Always test a small section of hair before bleaching your entire head.

3. Install a Shower Filter

Hard water can make your hair brassier over time. A shower filter reduces mineral buildup.

4. Maintain Regular Toning

Use blue or purple shampoo once or twice a week to keep unwanted tones away.

5. Avoid Excessive Heat Styling

Hot tools open the hair cuticle, which can make brassiness more noticeable. Use heat protection spray if styling.

Caring for Your Hair After Fixing Brassiness

Bleaching and toning can make hair dry and fragile. Follow these tips to keep your hair healthy and shiny:

1. Deep Condition Regularly

Use a hydrating mask or deep conditioner once a week to restore moisture.

2. Use Sulfate-Free Shampoo

Sulfates strip moisture and color, making brassiness return faster.

3. Protect Your Hair from the Sun

UV rays fade color and increase brassiness. Wear a hat or use UV-protectant hair spray.

4. Trim Your Hair Regularly

Trimming helps remove damaged ends and keeps hair looking fresh.

Enjoy Your Perfect Blonde Shade!

Fixing orange hair at home is completely doable with the right techniques and products. Whether you choose a toner, purple shampoo, or a semi-permanent dye, you can achieve a cooler, brighter blonde without going to the salon.

With consistent care and the right hair routine, your blonde color will stay fresh, vibrant, and free from brassiness. Now, enjoy your gorgeous, perfectly toned hair with confidence!