Welcome to our in-depth exploration of blue toner for orange hair! In this article, we will delve into the world of blue toners, unraveling their benefits, understanding their mechanism of action, and sharing essential tips and tricks to achieve the most stunning results. Bid farewell to brassiness and embrace the allure of radiant, well-toned hair!
What Is Blue Toner For Hair?
Blue toner for hair serves as a color-correcting remedy, effectively countering the presence of unwanted orange tones in your hair.
When lightening dark brunette hair through bleaching, there is a common occurrence of orange undertones, also referred to as brassiness. This phenomenon arises due to dark hair’s natural red and orange undertones. If highlights or balayage are applied, the risk of being left with orange undertones in the bleached sections becomes apparent.
Brassiness often arises when a weaker developer is used to lighten naturally dark brown hair. A 10- or 20-volume developer might struggle to attain the desired color, leading to an orange appearance. Even when a 30- or 40-volume developer is used, it might still result in orange-bleached hair, particularly for very dark brown or black hair.
In addition, copper-blonde dye left on the hair for an extended period or mineral and chemical build-up on naturally blonde hair can also contribute to brassy orange tones. To combat these undesired tones, blue toner for orange hair and blue shampoo utilize a deposit of blue pigment onto the hair strands. By doing so, a blue-tinted toner effectively cancels out orange tones since blue sits directly opposite orange on the color wheel.
Understanding The Mechanism Of Blue Toner
You might be familiar with the notion that blue toner counteracts orange tones, but have you ever wondered how blue toner for orange hair actually works? To unravel the workings of blue toner, let’s briefly examine the color wheel. Take notice of the positions of blue and orange on the wheel. Observe how they lie directly opposite each other, establishing them as complementary colors. In fact, complementary colors (also known as opposite colors) have the unique property of canceling each other out when combined.
When you blend blue and orange, or any other complementary color pair, the outcome results in a grayscale color, appearing either white or black, as the two colors neutralize each other.
This characteristic holds the key when you’re seeking to eliminate undesirable tones in your hair. The blue toner acts as a color eraser for orange hues, which is considered blue toner for orange hair. Consequently, when you use blue toner for orange hair, it eliminates not only the unwelcome orange tones but also the blue tones from the toner. This clarifies the mystery of how incorporating blue semi- or demi-permanent hair color can remove warm orange tones without causing your hair to appear blue. Consider this your “aha” moment!
What To Consider When Choosing A Blue Hair Toner For Orange Hair
When dealing with orange undertones, a blue toner can work wonders. However, apart from wondering what is the best blue toner for orange hair, it is crucial to select the right toner that suits the specific tones present in your hair. Three main factors require your attention:
Intensity: Ensure the intensity of your blue toner matches the orange tones in your hair. For highly orange hair, a blue toner is the ideal choice. Yet, if you possess only light copper undertones, a blue toner might prove too intense, prompting you to opt for a milder alternative like a blue toning shampoo.
Shade: Before applying a blue toner for orange hair, ascertain that your undertones are genuinely orange. If your hair exhibits yellow-orange hues, a purple toner or purple toning shampoo would be more effective.
Cause: Identifying the cause of the orange tones in your hair is essential. If bleaching is the culprit, and you merely wish to tone down the copper color, a blue shampoo is your best bet. However, if your goal is to eliminate intense orange tones entirely, a blue toner should be your choice.
Furthermore, consider the duration of the toner’s effects. A blue toning shampoo is the go-to option if you desire a temporary cool tone for your hair. On the other hand, for longer-lasting results, a semi- or demi-permanent toner is the way to go. Demi-permanent toners typically retain their effects for up to 28 washes, whereas semi-permanent toners last for approximately 6 washes, requiring occasional top-ups with a shampoo over time.
Using Blue Toner For Orange Hair: The Toning Process Unveiled
Now, let’s dive into the toning process a stylist would follow, and you can follow along if you plan to do your own toner. Learning how to use blue toner for orange hair is easier than you might think.
Step 1: Select The Right Blue Toner
The initial step towards using blue toner for orange hair is selecting the appropriate shade and type of toner for your specific needs. Several factors come into play:
– Toner or toning shampoo? Choose a traditional toner (semi- or demi-permanent) if your orange tones are bold and conspicuous, as it yields optimal results.
– Semi-permanent or demi-permanent? If a traditional toner suits your needs, decide whether a semi- or demi-permanent toner is more suitable. Both are temporary dyes, with demi-permanent lasting longer (24-28 shampoos) compared to semi-permanent (3-6 shampoos). Opt for a semi-permanent toner if you may need to maintain the results over time using a blue toning shampoo.
– Blue, blue-violet, or violet toner? Confirm that a blue based toner is indeed what you need. Blue tones counteract orange, while purple tones combat yellow, and blue-violet addresses yellowish-orange brassy color. If the predominant tone is orange, a blue toner for orange hair is your solution.
Step 2: Mix The Blue Toner With Developer
Before applying the blue semi- or demi-permanent hair color, you’ll need to activate the blue toner for orange hair by mixing it with a developer. The developer volume should align with the toner’s recommendations, typically 10- or 20-volume.
For demi-permanent toners, a weak 10-volume developer suffices since it merely deposits color without lightening the hair. In contrast, semi-permanent toners may require a stronger 20-volume developer.
Mix the toner and developer in a color bowl using a color brush until they blend thoroughly. Don vinyl or latex gloves to safeguard your hands from stains. The mixture should boast a creamy consistency without being runny.
Step 3: Apply The Blue Toner For Orange Hair
Begin with clean, damp hair. Section and part the hair with clips. Apply the blue toner for orange hair using a color brush and set a timer for 5-10 minutes.
Following the toner and developer’s blending, apply the mixture to areas displaying orange tones. Shampoo your hair and towel-dry it for an even application. Toning the entire head is usually preferable.
Load the color brush with plenty of toner and begin applying it from the roots to the ends. For toning the entire head, applying the toner with gloved hands is also an option. Ensure that the hair to be toned is fully saturated with the toner/developer mixture.
Set a timer for 5-10 minutes, or as recommended by the toner’s instructions. Wearing a shower cap during this period aids in heat retention and enables better toner penetration.
Step 4: Rinse And Reveal
After the timer goes off, conduct a quick spot check to see if your hair has finished toning. Remove the toner mixture from a few strands using a towel and check the color. If orange tones persist, extend the timing by a few more minutes, but avoid exceeding a total of 20 minutes.
Once your hair achieves the desired tone or reaches the 20-minute mark, it’s time to rinse out the toner, revealing your freshly toned hair color. Rinse the toner thoroughly with warm water, followed by shampooing and conditioning. A cool water rinse provides a suitable finishing touch.
Considering your recent bleaching and toning, air-drying your hair is recommended, as blow-drying may add further stress. If you’re eager to witness the final outcome, apply some heat protectant throughout your hair before using the lowest blow-drying setting. The result should be perfectly toned hair, free from any orange or brass hues!
Conclusion
In conclusion, blue toner for orange hair emerges as the ultimate savior for anyone battling unwanted orange tones in their hair. With its remarkable ability to neutralize and counteract the warm hues, blue toner transforms lackluster locks into a cooler, more balanced shade of blonde, offering a breath of fresh air to your overall look.
Remember, the key to a successful toning experience lies in selecting the right toner for your specific hair needs and following the proper application process. Whether you opt for a traditional toner or a toning shampoo, rest assured that the mysteries of toning orange hair have been unveiled.