In the field of hair dye, whether red dye can effectively cover orange hair is a common concern. It’s a question that haunts people every time they stand at the crossroads of hair transition, trying to move from that annoying orange hair to that enchanting red hue. Orange hair is often the “sequelae” left by excessive bleaching or improper chemical treatment during the previous hair dyeing process, and the bright orange tone is like a stubborn imprint, deeply imprinted on the hair. Red, as a very impactful and expressive color, carries people’s longing and expectation for a new image.
The Basics of Hair Color Chemistry
Hair color is primarily composed of two types of melanin: eumelanin and pheomelanin. Eumelanin is responsible for darker shades such as black and brown, while pheomelanin gives rise to red and yellow hues. Orange hair typically occurs when the hair has been bleached to a certain extent and the underlying yellow and red pigments become more prominent. When considering using red dye to cover orange, it’s essential to understand how these pigments interact. Red dye contains specific pigments that are designed to deposit color onto the hair shaft. However, the success of covering orange depends on the compatibility and intensity of these pigments with the existing orange tones.
The Nature of Red Dye
Red hair dyes come in a diverse range of formulations and shades. They can vary from bright, vivid reds to more muted, natural-looking auburns. The pigment concentration and type in the red dye play a significant role in its ability to cover orange.
Pigment Concentration:
A higher concentration of red pigments in the dye is more likely to overpower the orange. For example, a deep crimson red dye will have a better chance of masking the orange compared to a pale pinkish-red. The stronger pigments can effectively deposit onto the hair and create a more dominant red color, reducing the visibility of the underlying orange.
Dye Type:
There are different types of red dyes, including permanent, semi-permanent, and demi-permanent. Permanent dyes penetrate deep into the hair cortex and provide long-lasting color. They are often more effective in covering orange as they can chemically alter the hair’s color structure. Semi-permanent dyes, on the other hand, deposit color on the outer layer of the hair shaft and gradually fade over time. While they can give a temporary red tint over orange, they may not completely cover it, especially if the orange is very prominent. Demi-permanent dyes fall in between, offering a more moderate level of color penetration and longevity.
The Condition of the Hair
Porosity:
If the hair is highly porous, perhaps due to previous bleaching or chemical treatments, it will absorb the red dye more readily. However, this can also lead to uneven color absorption and potential color fading more quickly. For example, if the hair has been over-bleached to achieve the orange color and is now very porous, the red dye may soak in too quickly at some areas and not evenly, resulting in a patchy appearance. On the contrary, if the hair has a normal porosity level, the red dye can be absorbed in a more controlled manner, leading to a more even coverage of the orange.
Damage:
Damaged hair, such as hair with split ends or a brittle texture, may not hold the red dye as well. The damaged cuticles can prevent the dye from properly adhering and penetrating the hair shaft. It’s advisable to treat damaged hair with conditioning masks and repair treatments before attempting to dye it red to cover the orange. This helps to improve the hair’s health and its ability to take on and retain the new color.
The Dyeing Process
Preparation
Strand Test: Before applying the red dye to the entire head, a strand test is essential. This involves taking a small section of the orange hair and applying the red dye according to the manufacturer’s instructions. By doing this, you can observe how the red dye reacts with the orange hair, including the resulting color, the level of coverage, and any potential adverse effects like color bleeding or an unexpected color change. For instance, if the strand test shows that the red dye turns a muddy brownish color when combined with the orange, it may indicate that a different shade of red or a different dye formulation is needed.
Clarifying the Hair: Use a clarifying shampoo to remove any build-up of styling products, oils, or residual chemicals from previous hair treatments. This ensures that the red dye can penetrate the hair more effectively. If there is a lot of product build-up on the orange hair, the red dye may not be able to reach the hair shaft properly and may result in poor coverage.
Applying the Red Dye
Even Distribution: When applying the red dye, it’s crucial to ensure it is evenly distributed throughout the hair. Start from the roots and work your way down to the ends, using a brush or applicator bottle for precision. Pay extra attention to areas where the orange is more prominent, such as the mid-lengths and ends if the hair has been previously bleached in those areas. Applying an even layer of dye helps to achieve a consistent red color and better coverage of the orange.
Processing Time: Follow the recommended processing time provided by the dye manufacturer. Leaving the dye on for too short a time may result in incomplete coverage of the orange, while leaving it on for too long can lead to over-processing and potential damage to the hair. The processing time usually ranges from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the type and brand of the dye. For example, a permanent red dye may require a longer processing time to fully penetrate and cover the orange compared to a semi-permanent one.
Rinsing and Conditioning
Rinsing: After the processing time is complete, rinse the hair thoroughly with lukewarm water until the water runs clear. Hot water should be avoided as it can cause the color to fade more quickly. Rinsing carefully helps to remove any excess dye and ensures that the final color is as intended.
Conditioning: Use a color-safe conditioner to seal the cuticle and lock in the red color. The conditioner also helps to improve the feel and manageability of the newly colored hair. It can prevent the hair from becoming dry and brittle, which is especially important after the dyeing process. A good conditioner can enhance the shine and longevity of the red color, keeping the orange from showing through as the hair ages.
Aftercare and Color Maintenance
Color-Protecting Products: Use shampoos and conditioners specifically formulated for colored hair.These products are designed to help retain the color and prevent it from fading. They often contain ingredients that help to seal the hair cuticle and protect the red pigment from environmental factors such as sunlight and pollution.
Avoiding Fading Factors: Minimize exposure to factors that can cause the red color to fade. For example, excessive sunlight can bleach the hair and cause the red to turn orange or fade away. Wearing a hat or using a UV-protectant hair spray can help. Chlorine from swimming pools can also affect the color, so it’s advisable to wet the hair with clean water before swimming and use a swim cap if possible.
Regular Touch-Ups: Over time, the red color will fade, and the underlying orange may start to become more visible.Regular touch-ups, either at home or at a salon, can help to maintain the vibrant red color and keep the orange covered. The frequency of touch-ups depends on how quickly the color fades, which can vary depending on hair type, dye quality, and lifestyle factors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while red dye can cover orange hair, it is a process that requires careful consideration of multiple factors. Understanding the chemistry of hair color, the properties of the red dye, the condition of the hair, and following the correct dyeing and aftercare procedures are all essential for achieving a successful and long-lasting red hair color over orange. Whether you are a DIY enthusiast or rely on professional salon services, this knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions and achieve the desired hair transformation.
Related Topics: