How To Neutralize Red Tones In Hair

Why Is Your Hair Color Turning Red?

Hair turning red is a common problem happening in women with brown or blonde hair. The main reasons for that problem are: effects of UV rays, bleaching products, genetics, hard water or lack of nutrition. If you cannot control the red, your hair will be ruined with an undesired color.

Luckily, there are various ways to neutralize the red, orange, and brassy tones no matter how light or dark.

How To Neutralize Red Tones In Hair?

Our hair color matters to us, and thankfully we live in an era where we can decide which hair color will best suit our personality. And nothing can boost your confidence as much as getting the hair color that you always wanted.

We share the products you should use to protect the color you want to keep without causing any hair damage.

1 - Green Toning Shampoo

Toning shampoo is a special kind of product which you need to correct the red tones. These shampoos can also be used like regular shampoo. But which color tone shampoo can cancel red pigment? 

Based on the color wheel below, the colors that are opposite each other can neutralize each other. So, to remove red pigment, you should use green toning shampoo. However, if your hair is more orange than red, you should choose blue toning shampoo.

While providing you the hair color you want to maintain, these shampoos also gently cleanse the hair. Since there is the least amount of chemicals in the shampoo, this is the best way to neutralize the red tones without damaging the hair.

2 - Ammonia-Free Dye

Since ammonia is an extremely harmful ingredient and can cause severe damage to your hair, you should choose a dye that doesn’t contain ammonia.

Choose a dye that can hide your hedonistic tones. You should make sure the dye keeps the red tones away for a long time. You apply the dye after using a color remover.

3 - Color Remover

Color removers should be the last option you consider choosing to correct red tones in hair because it can cause hair damage. However, if you want unwanted color removed quickly, you can try color remover.

Compared to bleaching, color remover causes less destruction. You have to be cautious while using one-step removers to keep the red tone away for a long time. After using the color remover, you can optionally re-color your hair to get a different color.

When using any product for the first time, make sure you do a patch test for 24 hours. This is necessary because you don’t want to get a reaction to the product.

Particularly, people with sensitive skin should apply the color remover in small quantity on their elbow and leave it to dry. Then, rinse it out with cool water. Wait for 24 minutes to see if there is any skin reaction.

4 - Get Glossy

Demi-permanent gloss treatment can help you correct the red tones and get healthier hair. Usually, the treatment takes 10-25 minutes, and the impeccable results last for 3-4 weeks. You can use gloss treatment as an alternative to dye because it also adds shine to your hair. 

5 - Ash Color Dying

Another way to neutralize red tone on your hair is dying your hair ash shades. Ash color is a basically greenish-gray color, so it works very well on light hair to cancel out the red color. There are many types of hair dye out there, you can choose permanent or semi-permanent ash dye to get your desired hair.

Home Remedies To Neutralize Red Tones In Hair

Here are the home remedies you can use to know how to neutralize red tones in the hair.

1 - Green Food Dye

To create your dye, you should add green food color, which is usually available in the local market, in your shampoo.

On the color spectrum, you will find green on the opposite side of the color red. Thus, it is popularly used to neutralize the red tone. It will give you the best results, especially if you have dark or brown hair. If your hair color is blonde, you should use purple food color instead of green.

Method

You should add 2 drops of green food color in your shampoo. Optionally, you can add 1 drop of blue food color if you have a more orange color than red.

Wear gloves. You should leave the shampoo on your hair for 4-5 minutes to get the best results.

Rinse using cool water. You have successfully neutralized the red tone.

2 - Virgin Olive Oil

Olive oil is popularly used to nourish and strengthen the hair. There are various benefits of olive oil, like it enhances hair color, promotes hair growth, and repairs hair damage. Let us find out how to neutralize red tones in hair using olive oil.

Method

Add 2-4 tablespoons of olive oil to a glass bowl.

Boil it for 20 seconds.

Apply the oil evenly on your hair. Massage it for 2 minutes.

Leave it for an hour.

Use a sulfate-free shampoo to rinse it.

Olive oil not only gives you silky hair but also leaves you with a pleasant smell.

3 - Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

You should use apple cider vinegar because it can balance the hair color. Although it is mildly acidic, it is commonly used to restore the pH balance of the hair.

Method

1.    Add 4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into the bowl containing 2 tablespoons of water.

2.    Mix it well before applying it to your hair.

3.    Apply it evenly on your hair. Massage it for 2 minutes.

4.    Leave the vinegar on your hair for 15 minutes. Then, rinse it with cool water.

Although the result will be amazing, you should avoid using this treatment regularly. Since Vinegar can take away your hair's moisture, you should only use this treatment once a month.

Conclusion

We hope you understand that there is not any permanent solution on how to neutralize red tones in the hair. However, these products and home remedies should provide you the color you want. These tips will not only make your hair shine but will also boost your confidence.