Getting rid of unwanted red tones in highlighted hair can be a challenging and frustrating experience, especially for those who have invested time and money into achieving their desired hair color. Red tones can appear due to various reasons, including the use of warm-toned hair dyes, excessive heat styling, or exposure to sunlight. In this article, we will delve into the world of hair color correction and provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to eliminate red tones in highlighted hair.
Understanding Red Tones in Hair
Before we dive into the solutions, it’s essential to understand why red tones appear in highlighted hair. Red tones can be caused by the presence of warm pigments in the hair dye, which can be more pronounced in certain hair types. For example, individuals with porous or damaged hair may be more prone to red tones due to the hair’s inability to retain cool-toned pigments. Additionally, over-processing or over-toning can also lead to the appearance of red tones.
The Science Behind Hair Color
Hair color is determined by the presence of two types of melanin: eumelanin and pheomelanin. Eumelanin is responsible for brown and black pigmentation, while pheomelanin produces red and yellow pigmentation. When hair is highlighted, the natural pigment is lifted, and the hair shaft is filled with artificial pigment. If the artificial pigment contains warm tones, it can cause the hair to appear red or brassy.
Factors Contributing to Red Tones
Several factors can contribute to the appearance of red tones in highlighted hair, including:
- Warm-toned hair dyes: Using hair dyes that contain warm tones can cause the hair to appear red or brassy.
- Excessive heat styling: Heat styling tools can cause the hair cuticle to lift, allowing warm tones to penetrate the hair shaft.
- Exposure to sunlight: Sunlight can cause the hair to fade, leading to the appearance of warm tones.
- Porous or damaged hair: Hair that is porous or damaged may be more prone to red tones due to its inability to retain cool-toned pigments.
Methods for Eliminating Red Tones
Now that we understand the causes of red tones in highlighted hair, let’s explore the methods for eliminating them. There are several approaches you can take, ranging from at-home remedies to professional salon treatments.
At-Home Remedies
If you’re looking for a quick fix, there are several at-home remedies you can try to eliminate red tones in highlighted hair. One popular method is to use a color-correcting shampoo or toner that contains cool-toned pigments. These products can help to neutralize warm tones and leave your hair looking cooler and more ashy.
Another approach is to use a purple-based product, such as a purple shampoo or mask. Purple is a cool-toned color that can help to cancel out warm tones, leaving your hair looking more balanced and neutral.
DIY Toner Recipes
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try creating your own DIY toner recipes using ingredients like purple food coloring, blueberries, or black tea. These ingredients can be mixed with a conditioner or shampoo to create a color-correcting treatment that can help to eliminate red tones.
| Ingredient | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Purple food coloring | Mix 1-2 teaspoons of purple food coloring with a conditioner or shampoo. Apply to hair and leave on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing. |
| Blueberries | Mash 1/2 cup of blueberries and mix with a conditioner or shampoo. Apply to hair and leave on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing. |
| Black tea | Steep 1 cup of black tea in hot water. Let it cool, then mix with a conditioner or shampoo. Apply to hair and leave on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing. |
Professional Salon Treatments
If at-home remedies don’t work, or if you’re looking for a more permanent solution, it’s time to visit a professional salon. A skilled hairstylist can help you to eliminate red tones using a variety of techniques, including color correction, toning, and glazing.
Color Correction
Color correction involves using a color-correcting product to neutralize warm tones and achieve a more balanced hair color. This can be done using a variety of products, including color-correcting shampoos, toners, and glazes.
Toning and Glazing
Toning and glazing are two popular techniques used to eliminate red tones in highlighted hair. Toning involves applying a toner to the hair to neutralize warm tones, while glazing involves applying a clear or tinted glaze to add shine and depth to the hair. Both techniques can be used to achieve a more balanced and natural-looking hair color.
Maintenance and Prevention
Eliminating red tones in highlighted hair is just the first step. To maintain your new hair color and prevent red tones from returning, it’s essential to use the right products and follow a few simple tips.
Using the Right Products
Using the right products can help to maintain your hair color and prevent red tones from returning. Look for products that are color-protecting and moisturizing, as these can help to lock in your hair color and keep your hair healthy and hydrated.
Protecting Your Hair from the Sun
The sun can cause your hair to fade, leading to the appearance of warm tones. To prevent this, use a hat or scarf to protect your hair from the sun, and apply a leave-in conditioner or hair serum that contains SPF to help protect your hair from UV damage.
In conclusion, eliminating red tones in highlighted hair requires a combination of the right products, techniques, and maintenance. By understanding the causes of red tones and using the methods outlined in this article, you can achieve a more balanced and natural-looking hair color that makes you feel confident and beautiful. Remember to always consult a professional hairstylist if you’re unsure about how to eliminate red tones in your highlighted hair, and don’t forget to use the right products and follow a few simple tips to maintain your new hair color and prevent red tones from returning.
What causes red tones in highlighted hair?
Red tones in highlighted hair can be caused by a variety of factors, including the type of hair dye or bleach used, the porosity and condition of the hair, and the method of application. When hair is highlighted, the cuticle is lifted, allowing the color to penetrate the hair shaft. However, if the color is not properly neutralized or if the hair is not in good condition, warm tones such as red or orange can become visible. This is especially true for individuals with naturally darker hair, as the warm tones can be more pronounced.
To minimize the appearance of red tones, it’s essential to use a high-quality hair dye or bleach that is specifically formulated to neutralize warm tones. Additionally, using a toner after highlighting can help to cancel out any unwanted red or orange tones. It’s also crucial to follow proper application and processing procedures to ensure that the color is evenly distributed and fully penetrated into the hair shaft. By taking these steps, individuals can help to reduce the appearance of red tones in their highlighted hair and achieve a more desirable color result.
How can I eliminate red tones in my highlighted hair at home?
Eliminating red tones in highlighted hair at home can be achieved through the use of specialized products and techniques. One option is to use a color-correcting shampoo and conditioner that are specifically formulated to neutralize warm tones. These products typically contain ingredients such as purple or blue pigments that help to cancel out red or orange tones. Another option is to use a toner or gloss treatment that is applied to the hair after highlighting. These products can help to adjust the tone of the hair and reduce the appearance of red or orange tones.
To use these products effectively, it’s essential to follow the instructions carefully and to perform a strand test before applying the product to the entire head. This will help to ensure that the product does not cause any unwanted damage or color changes. Additionally, it’s crucial to be patient and to allow the product to process for the recommended amount of time. By taking these steps, individuals can help to eliminate red tones in their highlighted hair at home and achieve a more desirable color result. It’s also recommended to consult with a professional hairstylist if the red tones persist or if the individual is unsure about how to proceed.
What are the best products for eliminating red tones in highlighted hair?
There are several products available on the market that can help to eliminate red tones in highlighted hair. Some of the best products include color-correcting shampoos and conditioners, toners, and gloss treatments. These products typically contain ingredients such as purple or blue pigments that help to neutralize warm tones. Some popular brands that offer these types of products include Wella, L’Oréal, and Joico. When selecting a product, it’s essential to read the ingredient label and to look for products that are specifically formulated to address red or orange tones.
When using these products, it’s crucial to follow the instructions carefully and to perform a strand test before applying the product to the head. This will help to ensure that the product does not cause any unwanted damage or color changes. Additionally, it’s essential to be patient and to allow the product to process for the recommended amount of time. By taking these steps, individuals can help to eliminate red tones in their highlighted hair and achieve a more desirable color result. It’s also recommended to consult with a professional hairstylist if the red tones persist or if the individual is unsure about how to proceed.
Can I use purple shampoo to eliminate red tones in my highlighted hair?
Yes, purple shampoo can be used to help eliminate red tones in highlighted hair. Purple shampoo is a type of color-correcting shampoo that is specifically formulated to neutralize warm tones such as red or orange. The purple pigment in the shampoo helps to cancel out these tones, leaving the hair with a cooler, more ashy color. To use purple shampoo effectively, it’s essential to use it in conjunction with a color-correcting conditioner and to follow the instructions carefully.
When using purple shampoo, it’s crucial to be aware that it can be drying to the hair, especially if used too frequently. To minimize dryness, it’s recommended to use the shampoo once or twice a week, depending on the individual’s hair type and condition. Additionally, it’s essential to use a moisturizing conditioner to help hydrate the hair and prevent dryness. By taking these steps, individuals can help to eliminate red tones in their highlighted hair using purple shampoo and achieve a more desirable color result.
How often should I tone my highlighted hair to eliminate red tones?
The frequency at which to tone highlighted hair to eliminate red tones depends on several factors, including the individual’s hair type and condition, as well as the type of toner used. Generally, it’s recommended to tone the hair every 4-6 weeks to maintain the desired color and to prevent the return of red or orange tones. However, this frequency may vary depending on the individual’s hair growth rate and the type of toner used.
To determine the best toning schedule for their hair, individuals should consult with a professional hairstylist who can assess their hair and provide personalized recommendations. Additionally, it’s essential to follow the instructions carefully when using a toner and to perform a strand test before applying the product to the head. This will help to ensure that the product does not cause any unwanted damage or color changes. By taking these steps, individuals can help to eliminate red tones in their highlighted hair and achieve a more desirable color result.
Can I eliminate red tones in my highlighted hair permanently?
While it’s possible to significantly reduce the appearance of red tones in highlighted hair, it’s often challenging to eliminate them completely and permanently. This is because the warm tones can be inherent to the hair itself, especially for individuals with naturally darker hair. However, with the use of specialized products and techniques, such as color-correcting shampoos and toners, individuals can help to minimize the appearance of red tones and achieve a more desirable color result.
To achieve the best results, it’s essential to work with a professional hairstylist who can assess the hair and provide personalized recommendations. Additionally, it’s crucial to be patient and to allow the products to process for the recommended amount of time. By taking these steps, individuals can help to reduce the appearance of red tones in their highlighted hair and achieve a more desirable color result. It’s also important to note that regular maintenance and touch-ups may be necessary to maintain the desired color and to prevent the return of red or orange tones.