How To Neutralize Red Tones In Hair At Home?

Our hair color is an essential part of our identity – and thankfully, we have control over our hair color more than ever before.

Nothing boosts your confidence more than the freshly colored locks, huh?

There’s just one issue here – everyone has red color in their hair, including blondes. However, not everyone likes this.

So, if you find yourself annoyed by pesky red tones in your hair, in this guide, we discuss how to neutralize red tones in hair at home.

We will show you which products we love the most and include a step-by-step guide on how to get rid of the red tones at home so you can save some money.

So, without further ado, let’s dive in!

How To Neutralize Red Tones In Your Hair?

Unwanted tones in the hair are typically the product of previous hair dye jobs, the sun, pollution, cheap color products, chlorine – and much, much more.

And red tones appear as a result of oxidation effects from all the previously mentioned sources.

Luckily, there’s a wide range of solutions for these red tones – no matter how light or dark they might be. That also applies to other colors, such as brassy tones.

In the following section, we’ve covered some of the best products that can aid you in keeping the hue you want – without any worry of damaging your hair.

Green Or Blue Toning Shampoo

You might be wondering, what is a toning shampoo? And, well, the answer is:

It’s the solution to the red tone problems!

In all seriousness, using a green or blue toning shampoo is, by far, the best way to neutralize red tones in hair by, essentially, color-correcting the shade.

These toning shampoos target the red undertones while cleansing your hair at the same time. The color of your locks will appear more balanced – and you’ll get to keep the shade your heart desires.

In addition, using toning shampoos is the best way to treat your hair since it involves the least amount of chemicals.

One of the best toning shampoos is Aveda Malva. This plant-based product cleanses your hair while neutralizing the red tones. It contains natural ingredients that your body craves – such as organic ylang-ylang, eucalyptus, lemon, and other plant and flower extracts with exotic smells.

This shampoo also repairs your hair as it corrects its color. It’s perfect for brunette, blonde, and grey hair – and you can use it daily in conjunction with your regular, go-to conditioner.

Ammonia-Free Dye

Ammonia is an extremely harsh chemical – it’s terrible for the hair as well as for our health.

By selecting an ammonia-free dye to alter your hair color, you’re making a great choice for the overall well-being of your hair.

Ammonia-free hair products are excellent options for people with sensitive skin. These products generally have the same effects as ammonia-laden products.

However, they can aid in keeping the red tones away for a more extended period.

Garnier makes a great hair dye that can hide your reddish hues quite well. Be sure to follow the instructions to attain the best results, though. And one more thing:

It might work better if used after a color remover – which brings us to our next point.

Color Remover

Color removers are yet another easy DIY way of getting rid of unwanted color, even though they should generally be your last resort. Why?

They tend to be pretty harsh on your hair.

You can think of it as bleaching but with less destruction. It works by entering the shaft of the hair and breaking down the molecules of color within it. The color molecules are then washed out.

Related Read: How To Wash Toner Out Of Hair?

Simple, right?

Color remover is handy if you tried to dye your hair to get rid of red tones, but it didn’t turn out the way you imagined.

We recommend going for one-step color removers that allow you to get the job done easier and faster. And when you finish the process, you can re-color your hair or just keep it as is.

Color removers are applied the same as box hair dye, and you should take equal caution with it. So, follow the instructions carefully; you wouldn’t want to leave color remover on longer than needed.

Get Glossy

You could also try a demi-permanent gloss treatment. This treatment could aid in combating the red tones in your hair.

Plus, gloss beauty treatments help make the hair healthier and provide more shine – which is always a welcome addition.

The so-called gloss is a pigment mixed with a developer and is typically used as an alternative to hair dye. Treatment takes between 5 to 30 minutes, and the results can last up to a month.

Carefully follow the instructions of the product when shampooing to get the best results.

Home Remedies For Neutralizing Red Tones In Hair

Below we’ve covered a step-by-step guide on how to get rid of red tones in your hair by using different safe – and easy – remedies that you probably already have at home.

Green Food Dye

It might sound a bit crazy to use green food dye in your shampoo bottles, but you’re pretty much creating your own DIY color depositing shampoo. Cool, right?

Since green’s the opposite color of red, it will help to neutralize those red tones. And you’ll likely agree with us that it’s a much cheaper option than going for a $40 bottle of shampoo.

It works best on brown or dark hair for red and orange tones; if that works for you, here’s how to use it:

Add two drops of green food-grade coloring to your conditioner. You can also add one drop of blue food dye if your tones are more orange than red.
Shampoo as you usually do, but leave the conditioner on for about 10 minutes.
Rinse with cool water and enjoy your enhanced hair color.

Things could get a bit messy, so don’t forget to wear gloves.

If your hair is blonde with orange undertones, you can add two drops of purple food dye to your conditioner – and proceed as explained above.

Virgin Olive Oil

Olive oil is a highly nutritious substance. The fats in olive oil are great for taking care of our hair and, as you probably know, our skin. It increases hair growth, enhances hair color, and prevents and repairs hair damage.

If you’re a brunette, here’s a perfect Saturday routine to aid you in neutralizing brassy tones:

Pour some olive oil into a bowl.
Heat the oil in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
Massage the warm olive oil into your hair.
Leave it in for at least 60 – and up to 90 – minutes.
Rinse your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo.

Now, olive oil won’t leave your hair feeling silky – but if you use high-quality olive oil, you can expect a pleasant, earthy smell.

Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

Apple cider vinegar is known as the cure-all in the health community. Apart from doing wonders for the body, it’s also great for your hair:

Apple cider vinegar is mildly acidic, and it can aid in restoring tired-looking tresses by restoring the pH balance to the hair.

This product is excellent if you want to get rid of orange tones. Apple cider vinegar will also help cleanse your hair of build-up.

Here’s how to use it:

Mix two tablespoons of water and four tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar in a jug.
Shake well, then lean your head over the sink to pour the mixture through your hair.
Slightly massage your hair and leave it for around 15 minutes.
Rinse with cool water.

While you’ll fall in love with the results, keep in mind that you shouldn’t do this treatment more than twice a month – apple cider vinegar can dry out the hair if used too often.

Looking For More Tips To Get Rid Of Red Tones?

In between toning shampoo, you can use shampoos that are specifically for color-treated hair. That will aid in keeping your color “locked in.”

The best shampoos, as you may already know, are sulfate-free.

Sulfate-free hair products for color-treated hair may be a bit harder to come across, but they’re surely worth seeking out.

In addition, the sun and pollution could also be the reason you’re battling the red tones in your hair. Try limiting UV exposure – and yes, that includes tanning beds, too. Wear a hat when going outside, especially when you’re in the polluted city air.

Pool water and salty ocean water are no friend to your hair, either. Avoid these, and you’ll notice a difference pretty much immediately.

Also, try to limit time under straightener, curling iron, and blow dryer. These can weaken the hair – which diminishes the tone.

So, less heat, more color!

In the end, take the extra few minutes to read and follow the directions on each product, so that you don’t ruin your hair and end up spending even more time and money in the process.

Conclusion

So, how to neutralize red tones in your hair at home?

Even though there’s no permanent way for keeping the red tones out of your hair, the tips, and products we’ve covered in this article will help you get rid of the red hue and achieve the color you desire.

You’ll feel – and look – your best in no time!