Orange Hair & How To Fix It After Bleaching: Our Guide To Damage Control

Orange Hair & How To Fix It After Bleaching

Best Toner for Orange Hair
Sometimes bleaching hair goes wrong, especially if it was done at home. Bad bleaching can lead to orange hair since the process of bleaching removes a hair’s overtones but leaves the undertones intact. These undertones tend to be brassy red, orange, and yellow, which can you leave you with unnatural hair colors. Luckily there are quite a few methods to get rid of orange hair after bleaching, including toners for specific hair colors, box dyes, blue shampoos, and even apple cider vinegar!

  • Toners to Remove Brassy Orange from Blonde Hair
  • Blue Hair Toner to Eliminate Brass
  • Hair Toners to Remove Bright Orange from Blonde
  • Box Dyes to Fix Orange Hair
  • Blue Shampoo
  • Apple Cider Vinegar

We’ve examined many different products and reviewed them here. Read on to find the best ones!

NameReviewsPriceImage

T14 Pale Ash Blonde Color Charm Toner

Our Ratings: 4.0

Popularity: High
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T14 Pale Ash Blonde

Wella Color Charm T18 Lightest Ash Blonde Toner

Our Ratings: 4.5

Popularity: High
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Wella Color Charm T18

Wella T15 Pale Beige Blonde Color Charm Toner

Our Ratings: 3.9

Popularity: Medium
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Wella T15 Pale Beige Blonde

L’Oréal Paris Colorist Secrets Brass Banisher Color Balancing Gloss Treatment

Our Ratings: 3.1

Popularity: Low
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L’Oréal Paris Colorist Secrets Brass Banisher

Nevo Color Enhancer Treatment Brilliant Copper

Our Ratings: 4.6

Popularity: High
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Nevo Color Enhancer Treatment Brilliant Copper

Schwarzkopf Professional Blond Me Blonde Toning

Our Ratings: 3.8

Popularity: Normal
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Schwarzkopf Professional Blond Me Blonde Toning - Ice - 2.02 oz

Schwarzkopf Professional Regular Blonde Toning

Our Ratings: 4.4

Popularity: High
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Schwarzkopf Professional

L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying 9A Light Ash Blonde

Our Ratings: 3.9

Popularity: High
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L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying 9A

Clairol Medium Ash Brown Moisturizing Semi Permanent Hair Color

Our Ratings: 3.6

Popularity: High
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Clairol Medium Ash Brown

Joico Color Balance Blue Shampoo and Conditioner

Our Ratings: 3.8

Popularity: Normal
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Joico Color Balance Blue 10 oz

Bragg USDA Gluten Free Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar

Our Ratings: 5.0

Popularity: High
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Bragg USDA Gluten Free Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar, with The Mother

Best Toner for Orange Hair Reviews

One of the biggest problems individuals run into after trying to bleach hair blonde is to produce and draw attention to brassy orange undertones. To correct this problem, these people need to use a toner that counteracts the orange and adds much needed overtones.

There are many shades and varieties, but below are some of the top picks for the average individuals.

1. T14 Pale Ash Blonde Color Charm Toner

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Specs

  • 1.4 Fluid Oz.
  • Product Dimensions: 3.7 x 1.9 x 0.9 in.

Pros

The T14 Ash Blonde Color Charm Toner is a toner designed to help remove the orange and brassy yellow undertones from someone’s hair after bleaching. This particular toner can be applied to either wet or dry hair and works like a charm, as the name would suggest.

There is enough in a single bottle to treat shoulder length hairstyles. The formula is surprisingly strong yet gentle on hair, using violet hues to help eliminate brassiness and leave individuals with an ashy blonde finish (cool toned). The color is fade resistant and will withstand many washes.

Cons

The smell and color of the toner can be extremely off-putting. The odor is of pungent chemicals and the toner looks like a bright violet, but users shouldn’t be deterred. They should just apply in a well-ventilated area, and don’t worry – the hair will not turn purple!

2. Wella Color Charm T18 Lightest Ash Blonde Toner



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Specs

  • 1.4 Fluid Oz.
  • Product Dimensions: 3.7 x 1.9 x 1 in.

Pros

The Wella Color Charm T18 Lightest Ash Blonde Toner is another product made by Wella designed to eliminate orange and brassy undertones from freshly bleached hair. The T18 is meant to create an even lighter, ashier version of blonde than the T14, but works about the same. It can be applied to wet or dry hair and works well on bleached hairs that definitely need more blue or violet undertones.

There is enough in one bottle to treat most shoulder-length hairstyles, and the toner can be applied and then left to do its work for 15-30 minutes without extra steps. The finish will be an extremely pale ashy blonde with cool undertones to help eliminate brassiness and orange.

This toner produces a color that is fade resistant and designed to withstand washing.

Cons

The smell and color of the toner can be unusual and unpleasant, which makes it difficult to work with. This particular toner is also meant for individuals who already had lighter hair to begin with, so if a person’s hair is exceptionally orange, it won’t work well.

3. Wella T15 Pale Beige Blonde Color Charm Toner

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Specs

  • 1.4 Fluid Oz.
  • Product Dimensions: 3.7 x 1.9 x 1 in.

Pros

The Wella T15 Pale Beige Blonde Color Charm Toner is great for individuals who want to remove orange undertones and replace them with a softer, sandier beige seen in traditional ashy blondes. There is enough formula in a single bottle for the typical user with shoulder length hair.

This particular formula works well for double processed blondes or blondes who bleached their hair to try and attain a lighter color. It includes blue and violet undertones in fewer quantities than other formulas meant for ash blondes, meaning the color it produces is on the warmer side of cool. The color is fade-resistant and will withstand regular washing.

Cons

Some individuals experience trouble trying to attain a pale beige blonde because there is less violet and blue in this formula than others.

Conclusion: What’s the Best Toner to Fix Orange Hair

Out of all of the toners on this list, the best one is the Wella T15 Pale Beige Blonde Color Charm Toner because the formula is more mild and produces the best color because it produces a sandy beige rather than trying to immediately make hair ashy blonde right after bleaching. It covers orange well and retains some warmth, making it a more effective cover.

Best Blue Hair Toner to Eliminate Brass

Another problem individuals can have is bleaching their hair to the point of producing metallic, brassy hues that look unnatural. To counteract these, individuals need to apply a treatment with faint blue dyes to counteract orange. There are numerous treatments, but only a few can rise to the top.

Below are some of the best ones currently on the market.

1. L’Oréal Paris Colorist Secrets Brass Banisher Color Balancing Gloss Treatment

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Specs

  • Contains 5 Fluid Oz.
  • Product Dimensions: 2.8 x 3.5 x 6.5 in.

Pros

The L’Oréal Paris Colorist Secrets Brass Banisher Color Balancing Gloss Treatment is a mouthful to say but provides enough product to treat most hairstyles that extend to slightly below the shoulders. The treatment contains blue undertones to help eliminate brassiness from the hair of individuals who tried to bleach their hair. It works best on removing those orange-yellow warm spots that make hair look metallic.

This particular treatment comes as a three-step process that can be completed in fifteen minutes. Instructions are included for easy use, which is great for people who are unfamiliar with how to color correct hair. The product is also 100% ammonia free and will improve gloss.

Cons

One issue that arises with this product is that the box says to leave the materials in the hair for less than ten minutes, but many people did not see results with such a short treatment.

2. Nevo Color Enhancer Treatment Brilliant Copper

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Specs

  • Contains 5 Fluid Oz.

Pros

The Nevo Color Enhancer Treatment Brilliant Copper is great and easy to use because it comes in a simple squeeze bottle and only requires one step to eliminate brassiness. This particular formula can be used by people who accidentally failed to bleach their hair properly, but it also works well for individuals whose hair tends to be naturally brassy. The Nevo Color Enhancer Treatment Brilliant Copper is essential at eliminating brassy undertones.

The product is sulfate free and 100% vegan, which is great for individuals who worry about the harsh chemicals present in most hair dyes and products. There is enough in a single bottle to treat most hairstyles that extend to just beyond the shoulders.

Cons

The biggest issue with this toner is that it doesn’t work well for individuals whose hair has been bleached to red or for those who are natural redheads since the formula is not strong enough to counteract the color. This should be used by individuals whose hair is more coppery instead.

The Verdict – Best Toner to Eliminate Brassiness

Eliminating brassiness from hair while retaining shine is difficult. After examining the best options on the market, we prefer the L’Oréal Paris Colorist Secrets Brass Banisher Color Balancing Gloss Treatment because it retains gloss while eliminating unwanted brass. It also works well on multiple hair colors and isn’t too blue, which can sometimes leave behind gray and blue tints in hair.

Hair Toners to Remove Bright Orange from Blonde

If someone doesn’t want to resort to blue shampoo, they can use a hair toner to attack bright orange by injecting more natural colors into the hair. This can be accomplished using mild toners that eliminate orange and replace it with simpler shades like pale ash blonde. There are a variety of toners, but they don’t always work. We’ve compiled some of the highlights of the products currently on the market.

Read on to find out which is the best one!

1. Schwarzkopf Professional Blond Me Blonde Toning

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Specs

  • Contains 2.02 Fluid Oz.
  • Product Dimensions: 5.9 x 2 x 2 in.

Pros

When someone tries to go from dark brown or black to blonde, there is a constant problem with people accidentally turning their hair orange. Schwarzkopf Professional Blond Me Blonde Toning is a hair toner designed to remove orange undertones that are left after failed bleaching. The product is incredibly easy to use and comes in a simple, squeezable tube for fast application.

This particular product works well for individuals who have vibrant orange undertones but are still partway to blonde. It helps eliminate brassiness and can bring hair to a glossy, desirable blonde. The produced color tends to be fade resistant.

Cons

Because this hair focuses on eliminating orange, it won’t brighten hair to a platinum or ashy color, which many people seem to desire. This toner is more for a natural, bright blonde.

2. Schwarzkopf Professional Regular Blonde Toning

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Specs

  • Contains 2.1 Fluid Oz.

Pros

The Schwarzkopf Professional Regular Blonde Toning cuts down on the orange undertones of some of the lightest blonde hair and can help eliminate brassiness. The formula is called blue steel because it produces a silvery, ashy blonde when applied to bleached hair that is light in color. The blue and purple undertones are great at correcting the color of a light blonde who went a little heavy handed with the bleach.

There is enough formula in the easy to use squeeze tube to treat the hair of an individual with a style that extends just past the shoulders. People with thick or longer hair might need more than one bottle. The color produced from this formula is fade resistant and can withstand several washes without becoming dingy.

Cons

The product itself works well, but the brush it comes with is flimsy and prone to breaking off in chunks when used.

The Verdict – Toner to Remove Bright Orange from Blonde

When bleaching, it’s easy to accidentally produce orange hair. Out of the options available to eliminate bright orange – as opposed to brassy orange – we favor the Schwarzkopf Professional Blond Me Blonde Toning because it is a high quality product with utensils that don’t break during use.

Box Dyes to Fix Orange Hair

When toners and highlights fail, individuals can turn to box dyes to try and get a natural color back into the hair. The idea is that the new dye will add much needed overtones to counteract orange undertones. This doesn’t always produce great results, so it’s important to use the right box dye.

We’ve compiled some of the greatest ones and chosen the best from the contenders!

1. L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying 9A Light Ash Blonde

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Specs

  • Contains 3 Formulas (6.6 Fluid Oz.)
  • Product Dimensions: 2.4 x 3.6 x 6.2 in.
  • Gloves Included
  • Light Ash Blonde

Pros

The L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying 9A Light Ash Blonde is hair dye that can be applied over hair that was improperly bleached. It works best when used on hair that is still light and does not have strong red or orange undertones, so those with brassy but still decidedly yellow hair should be okay.

Each container of this product includes three separate formulas to use as part of the dyeing process. Gloves are included so users can avoid getting the formula on their hands. This particular hair dye produces a light ash blonde that is more golden than gray and will include a glossy, shiny finish. More colors in this line are available.

There is enough product to treat one person’s hair. Individuals with hairstyles that go more than an inch past their shoulders might need more than one box.

Cons

The L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying 9A Light Ash Blonde is a good product, but the biggest problem is that it has trouble covering up white and gray hairs. Someone who over-bleached their hair to the point of it being a light brass might have trouble getting the product to stay on hair strands.

2. Clairol Medium Ash Brown Moisturizing Semi Permanent Hair Color

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Specs

  • Contains 3 Fluid Oz.
  • Product Dimensions: 2 x 6 x 1 in.

Pros

The Clairol Medium Ash Brown Moisturizing Semi Permanent Hair Color is different from L’Oréal hair dye because it comes as a single step process in an easy to use squeeze bottle. This product is designed to be simple and leave hair moisturized while covering up grays and unsightly orange undertones left behind by bleaching. It is available in multiple colors besides ash brown.

A wonderful feature of this formula is that the ingredients include Aloe Vera, Jojoba Oil and Vitamin E, which make for a gentle product that won’t damage already injured hair any further. This product is great at toning down orange or brassiness for blondes and brunettes alike.

Cons

An unfortunate aspect of this variety of Clairol hair dye is that it doesn’t last more than 4-8 washes. So, while it will tone down brassiness and help users get closer to their desired hair color, it will not last forever.

The Verdict – Best Box Dye to Fix Orange Hair

When all else fails, individuals can fix orange hair through dyeing. Our number one choice is the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying dye in a variety of colors, although ash blonde works best for people who were trying to bleach to blonde. The color is retained by the hair and the formula is simple and easy to apply, making it a quick, permanent fix for people struggling with orange.

Blue Shampoo

A blue shampoo is a regular shampoo that includes faint blue tints and dyes. Instead of turning an individual’s hair blue, these shampoos inject just enough blue into hair to eliminate orange, since the two colors are complementary. Using a blue shampoo is a great way for individuals to get rid of orange after bleaching without exposing their hair to even more caustic chemicals.

We’ve identified the best one and discuss it a bit below.

1. Joico Color Balance Blue Shampoo and Conditioner

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Specs

  • Each Bottle Contains 10 Fluid Oz.
  • Product Dimensions: 4 x 2 x 8 in.

Pros

One of the most obvious pros of the Joico Color Balance Blue Shampoo and Conditioner is directly in the name – it includes both shampoo and conditioner! Blue shampoo is a great way to tone down unwanted orange and red undertones after bleaching because it is a complementary color. It will lay down some soft blue dye that eliminates orange and returns hair to a more natural color.

This shampoo and conditioner is easy to use and softens hair. It also helps color become more fade resistant over time and will NOT turn hair blue. The conditioner is a nice addition since bleaching often leaves hair brittle and dead, and the conditioner will restore softness, bounce, and life.

Cons

This product works well but can leave a blue stain on the skin if not rinsed out thoroughly.

The Verdict

It’s difficult to find a blue shampoo that actually works, but this Joico Color Balance is effective and contains a shampoo and conditioner for easy regular washing without the fuss or harshness of other blue shampoos. For this reason, it is our top pick.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair

Finally, for individuals who are struggling with orange hair, there is apple cider vinegar. This product is the most natural of all of those on the list. It improves the health of hair and can eliminate some of the brightness of orange hair after bleaching.

We looked at many different brands of vinegar to try to find the best one.

1. Bragg USDA Gluten Free Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar

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Specs

  • Contains 16 Fluid Oz.
  • Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 2.5 x 2.5 in.

Pros

Many fans of DIY repairs for bleached hair recommend using apple cider vinegar. Out of all of the options currently on the market, the best one is Bragg USDA Gluten Free Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar. This product is fully organic, making it great for people who want to avoid using more chemicals on their hair. The vinegar targets many of the unpleasant orange undertones, helping individuals reclaim their bleached hair and achieve a more natural color.

Cons

The biggest con in using apple cider vinegar is that it wasn’t mean as a hair care product, and thus might not be as effective as other options on this list.

The Verdict

Most apple cider vinegar are the same when it comes to hair care, but this one is the best because it is organic and natural without being overly acidic, which can hurt already damaged hair.

What to Do Next

Orange hair can seem like a disaster, but it’s not the end of the world if you take action and know what you’re doing. Click here for more advice, tricks, and suggestions to keep your hair healthy and lustrous.

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