If you’ve ever tried to go blonde at home, you know the struggle is real when it comes to dealing with orange, brassy tones. You might have started with dreams of a cool, ashy blonde, only to end up with something closer to pumpkin spice. It’s a common problem, and you’re not alone if you’re wondering whether light ash blonde can cover that orange brassy hair.
In this article, we’ll dive into whether light ash blonde is the answer to your hair woes. We’ll explore what causes that unwanted brassiness, how ash blonde works, and what you can do to achieve the perfect shade without damaging your hair. And yes, we’ll even throw in a few personal anecdotes and expert advice to guide you through the process.
Why Does Hair Turn Orange?
Before we jump into whether light ash blonde can fix your hair, let’s talk about why hair turns orange in the first place. This usually happens when you’re trying to lift dark hair to a lighter color. Dark hair contains more red and orange pigments, so when you bleach it, these warmer tones are often the last to be lifted. If you don’t lift your hair enough or use the wrong toner, you’re left with an orange or brassy hue.
I remember my first attempt at going blonde in my teenage years. I thought a box dye would do the trick, but instead, I ended up with bright orange hair that made me look like a traffic cone. It was not the look I was going for, and I quickly learned that going blonde isn’t as simple as it seems.
How Does Light Ash Blonde Work?
Light ash blonde is a hair color that contains cool, blue and green undertones, which are the opposite of the warm orange and red tones that make hair look brassy. When you apply a light ash blonde color to orange hair, those cool tones help neutralize the warmth, bringing your hair closer to the ashy blonde shade you desire.
Expert Insight: According to Guy Tang, a celebrity hairstylist, “Yes, light ash blonde can effectively cover orange brassy hair. However, success depends on the starting point and desired outcome. A professional colorist can assess your hair and recommend the best approach” (Concept Hair Magazine).
The Role of Toner in Neutralizing Brassiness
One of the most effective ways to neutralize orange tones is by using a toner with cool, ashy undertones. Toners are semi-permanent colors that can adjust the shade of your hair without lifting it further. They’re a lifesaver when it comes to fixing brassy hair.
Expert Insight: Maria Lopez, a colorist, explains, “Using a toner with cool, ashy undertones can help neutralize the orange brassiness. It’s essential to choose a toner that’s compatible with your natural hair color and desired outcome” (Dreamstime).
If you’ve never used a toner before, it’s worth noting that the process can be a bit tricky. You need to leave it on for just the right amount of time—too short, and it won’t work; too long, and your hair might turn an unexpected shade of blue or green. I’ve had a few close calls myself, and I can tell you from experience that it’s best to start with a shorter time and gradually increase it if needed.
Multiple Applications May Be Necessary
If your hair is very dark or the orange tones are particularly stubborn, you may need to bleach your hair more than once before applying the light ash blonde color. This can be a delicate process, as bleaching too often or too intensely can lead to significant hair damage.
Expert Insight: A Hair Color Specialist from Barron’s London Salon notes, “Multiple applications of bleach might be necessary to lift the orange tones to a light blonde level before applying the ash blonde color. This process can be time-consuming and may cause some damage to your hair” (Barron’s London Salon).
From personal experience, I can say that patience is key here. I once rushed through the process, trying to go from dark brown to platinum blonde in one day. The result? Fried hair that took months to recover. Take your time, and don’t be afraid to seek professional help if you’re unsure.
Professional Help Is Worth It
If you’re serious about achieving a flawless light ash blonde, consulting with a professional colorist is highly recommended. A professional can assess your hair’s current condition, recommend the right products, and apply the color evenly. They’ll also be able to give you a realistic expectation of what can be achieved based on your starting point.
Expert Insight: According to a Salon Owner from Ogle School, “Consulting with a professional colorist is highly recommended. They can assess your hair’s condition, recommend the appropriate products, and ensure a flawless result” (Ogle School).
If you’re like me, you might be tempted to DIY everything, but trust me—some things are better left to the pros. After a few mishaps with box dyes, I now make sure to visit a salon for any major color changes. It’s worth the investment to avoid the potential for serious hair damage.
Maintaining Your New Color
Once you’ve achieved that perfect light ash blonde, the next challenge is maintaining it. Ashy tones can fade quickly, leaving you with unwanted brassiness again. To keep your color looking fresh, it’s important to use color-protecting shampoos and conditioners and to avoid heat styling as much as possible.
Expert Insight: A Hair Care Expert from Face & Body highlights, “After coloring your hair, use color-protecting products to maintain the vibrancy of the ash blonde shade and prevent further brassiness” (Face & Body).
I’ve found that using a purple shampoo once a week can really help in keeping the brassiness at bay. It’s a simple addition to your routine that makes a big difference in the long run.
Be Patient with the Process
Achieving a light ash blonde from orange brassy hair is not a quick fix. It might take multiple appointments or at-home applications to get the result you want. The key is to be patient and not rush the process. Hair can only take so much before it starts to show signs of damage, so give it time to recover between treatments.
Expert Insight: A Hair Enthusiast from Experience Life advises, “Be patient with the process. It might take multiple appointments to achieve the desired light ash blonde shade, especially if your hair is very brassy” (Experience Life).
I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to be patient. I’ve learned this the hard way by trying to rush through color changes, only to end up with damaged hair that took even longer to fix.
Final Thoughts
So, will light ash blonde cover orange brassy hair? The answer is yes, but it’s not always straightforward. The success of the process depends on several factors, including the current state of your hair, the products you use, and whether you’re working with a professional or doing it yourself.
To recap:
- Light ash blonde can neutralize orange tones thanks to its cool, ashy undertones.
- Using a toner is key to achieving the desired shade.
- Multiple bleaching sessions might be necessary, but they should be done with caution.
- Professional help can make a world of difference.
- Maintaining your color requires the right products and a bit of patience.
Remember, hair color is a journey, not a destination. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or prefer the hands of a skilled colorist, take the time to care for your hair throughout the process. With the right approach, you can turn those brassy tones into the cool, ashy blonde of your dreams.
If you’ve ever had a hair coloring adventure—good or bad—I’d love to hear about it! Share your stories and tips in the comments below.
