Orange hair has become an increasingly popular hair color in recent years. More and more people are embracing warmer, bolder hair colors and moving away from traditional blonde and brunette shades. But orange hair actually encompasses a wide range of shades and tones, which can make it confusing to find the exact name for your shade of orange hair. In this article, we’ll break down the different types of orange hair colors and names to help you determine what to call your own orange locks.
Levels of Orange Hair
Orange hair colors fall within the red or ginger hair color family. The level system used for hair coloring categorizes natural blonde hair as a level 10, darkest brown hair as a level 1, and red and orange shades falling somewhere in between. Here’s an overview of the different levels of orange hair:
| Level | Tone |
|---|---|
| Level 7 | Light copper/light auburn |
| Level 6 | Medium copper/red |
| Level 5 | Dark copper/red |
| Level 4 | Darkest red/burgundy |
As you can see, the higher the level, the lighter and more orange the hair color. Level 7 is a bright coppery orange while level 4 is a very dark burgundy shade. The tone also changes from warm to cool as you go darker.
Natural vs Dyed Orange Hair
Some people naturally have ginger or strawberry blonde hair which would be categorized as a light orange shade. Natural redheads usually fall between levels 6 and 8. Their hair contains pheomelanin which gives it the orangey-red pigment.
However, most orange hair is the result of dyeing or bleaching hair that was originally a darker brunette or blonde shade. This removes the eumelanin that gives hair brown tones and reveals the underlying orange and gold tones in the hair shaft. The final color depends on the original hair color and how light it is lifted.
Here are some of the most common dyed orange hair shades:
| Hair Color Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Ginger | A light reddish orange on natural redheads or dyed hair lifted to a level 7-8. |
| Strawberry blonde | Has a blend of orange, blonde, and red tones. Typically occurs naturally. |
| Copper | A medium orange tone most often seen on dyed hair, usually a level 6-7. |
| Red-orange | A vibrant orange shade with strong red undertones, around a level 7. |
| Orange | A true bright orange hair color, no red or yellow tones added. |
| Sunset orange | A warm peachy orange tone, tends to fade quickly. |
As you can see, orange hair encompasses shades like ginger, copper, red-orange, and vivid orange. Descriptors like sunset, peach, and fire are also sometimes used.
Best Dye Brands for Orange Hair
Certain hair dye brands are especially well-suited for achieving orange hair colors. Here are some top options:
| Brand | Good For |
|---|---|
| Manic Panic | Vibrant, long-lasting orange shades like Electric Lizard and Orange. |
| Punky Colour | Vibrant orange tones like Flaming Orange and Violet Red. |
| Arctic Fox | Semi-permanent orange dyes like Wrath and Sunset Orange. |
| Splat | Bold matte orange shades like Lusty Lavender and Ruby Red. |
| Overtone | Conditioning dyes for ginger orange and red-orange shades. |
| Sally Beauty | Permanent orange hair dyes across all levels. |
These brands offer conditioners and hair dyes that can create everything from soft copper to neon orange hues. Ask your stylist which they recommend for your desired shade.
Caring for Dyed Orange Hair
Dyed orange hair requires some special care and maintenance to keep it looking vibrant. Here are some tips:
– Use shampoo and conditioner made for color-treated hair. Look for sulfate-free formulas.
– Wash less frequently, around 1-2 times per week. Washing fades the color.
– Use a weekly hair mask to boost shine and moisture.
– Rinse with cool water and avoid very hot showers.
– Limit use of hot tools like curling irons and blow dryers.
– Use a glossing treatment between dye jobs to refresh the color.
– Avoid chlorine and salt water which can strip the color.
– Get a color-depositing conditioner for a quick color boost between salon visits.
With the right products and techniques, you can keep dyed orange hair looking bold and beautiful. Regular toner treatments can also help minimize brassiness.
How Light Do You Have to Bleach for Orange Hair?
To get your hair to a bright orange shade, you typically need to lighten it considerably. Here are some guidelines:
– Level 7-8 orange shades: Lift hair to a pale yellow first.
– Level 6 orange shades: Lift to a golden yellow tone.
– Level 5 orange shades: Lift to a yellow-orange stage.
– Level 4 orange shades: Lift to a golden orange tone.
Lightening dark hair enough for a vivid orange can be damaging. Ask your colorist to use bonding treatments or Olaplex to maintain the integrity of your hair. You may also need multiple bleaching sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart to safely reach the lightest orange tones.
How Long Does Orange Hair Dye Last?
How long orange hair color lasts depends on several factors:
– **Permanent dyes** – 4-6 weeks
– **Semi-permanent dyes** – 4-8 washes
– **Hair’s condition** – Dry or damaged hair fades faster
– **Tone** – Warm orange tones fade quicker than cool ones
– **Maintenance** – Following proper aftercare extends color
With proper maintenance and touch-up roots as needed, dyed orange hair can realistically last 6-8 weeks. Use toning treatments to keep the color vibrant in between dye jobs. Those with natural red hair can go a bit longer between color services.
Should You Tone Orange Hair?
Toner is a must for keeping dyed orange hair looking its best. Blue-based toners counteract brassiness and warm tones that can make orange hair look dull. Here are some toning tips for orange hair:
– **Level 7-8 orange:** Use a violet toner to neutralize yellow.
– **Level 6 orange:** Try a blue-violet toner to reduce brassiness.
– **Level 5 orange:** Opt for a blue-based toner to tone down warmth.
– **Faded orange:** Use a demi-permanent toner that deposits color.
Toners come as glosses, conditioners, and concentrated mixes to customize your color correction. Ask your colorist to suggest the right toners to compliment your particular shade of orange.
How to Get Orange Hair From Dark Hair?
Getting bright orange hair from naturally dark hair can be challenging. Here are some tips for safely lightening very dark hair to orange tones:
– Do not try to go from dark to orange in one session. It will damage hair.
– Lighten hair slowly over multiple sessions, no more than 2 shade levels per session.
– Use Olaplex or Brazilian Bonders during the lightening process to protect hair.
– Tone hair to a pale yellow before applying orange dye. Orange cancels out yellow.
– Choose a darker copper orange for level 5-6 orange to avoid excessive lightening.
– Use conditioning masks weekly and lower heat styling to keep hair healthy.
– Get regular trims to remove damaged ends as you transition hair color.
With patience and care, you can achieve stunning orange hair from a dark base. Consult a skilled colorist to develop the right lightening plan.
What Skin Tone Goes Well with Orange Hair?
Orange hair complements fair to medium skin tones best. Here are some tips for determining if orange hair will suit your complexion:
– **Fair skin:** Fair skin with pink or neutral undertones looks great with copper and ginger shades. Avoid very warm tones.
– **Light/medium skin:** Warm peachy undertones in lighter complexions compliment sunset orange hues.
– **Medium skin:** Neutral to cool olive and tan skin flats can pair well with richer pumpkin orange shades.
– **Dark skin:** Blood orange and deep coppery orange tones flatter darker warm complexions.
Do a skin tone analysis to see if your skin has warm, cool, or neutral undertones. Complementary orange shades will enhance your tone rather than clash. Orange hair can wash out very fair skin, so adjust makeup to prevent looking overly pale. Those with darker skin can use bronzer and blush to prevent orange hair from looking too bold.
Celebrities with Orange Hair
Many celebrities have rocked copper, ginger, and other orange hair shades. Some iconic orange-haired celebs include:
– Emma Stone
– Jessica Chastain
– Geri Halliwell
– Isla Fisher
– Amy Adams
– Julianne Moore
– Debbie Harry
Seeing how orange hair complements the skin tones and styles of your favorite celebrities can provide inspiration. Many dye their hair orange just for fun events or roles before returning to their natural color. Orange hair makes a bold fashion statement on the red carpet.
Conclusion
Orange hair is having a major moment, with salons seeing more requests for copper, ginger and neon orange locks. While bright all-over color isn’t for everyone, highlights or ombre in shades of orange can give you a subtle punch of color. Work with an experienced colorist to determine your ideal level and tone of orange. With the right formula and aftercare, you can rock this playful hot hair trend. Just be aware of the commitment required to maintain your new orange tresses looking fiery and fabulous.
