Why Does My Brown Hair Look Red?

Last Updated on June 15th, 2023

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Being brunette can be a blessing sometimes. But sometimes, due to environmental factors, it can turn reddish brown. But, of course, some people love that color on them. But what if you don’t?

That’s why you’re here today. You are looking for a way to get rid of reddish brown and restore your natural brown color. Read on to see why it happens and how to cancel out the color correctly.

Woman with blue eyes and red hair - Why Does My Brown Hair Look Red?

Is it Normal for Brown Hair to Look Red?

Yes, it can happen. But a certain kind of brown can change into this color. For example, dark brown would not look red. However, light to normal brown has a higher chance of turning reddish brown.

 

Why Does it Happen?

Brown hair with cool undertones will pick up the red tones in the sun. Cool undertones are blueish, purple, or greenish. Redder shades of brown (like chestnut or light auburn) can also pick up red tones in the sunlight.

 

How Do You Fix Reddish Brown Hair?

 

For Orange Tones

If your hair is reddish in an orange tone, you might want to think about washing it less frequently. Orange tones are often caused by an excess of oils in your hair; if you wash too often, they’ll just worsen.

Instead, try using a clarifying shampoo once a week instead of everyday or every other day (depending on how oily your hair is).

If this doesn’t work, try using a purple shampoo once a month as well as the clarifying shampoo. You can also try using a purple conditioner with each wash if necessary.

 

If it’s Been Exposed to Chemicals

If your hair has turned reddish brown because of exposure to chlorine or other chemicals at the pool or beach, try rinsing your hair with cool water immediately.

After getting out of the pool or ocean and then follow up with an apple cider vinegar rinse (1 part ACV mixed with three parts water) for 10 minutes before rinsing out thoroughly.

 

Should You Wait for it To Fade By Itself?

You can try to wait till it fades out. But if you are exposed to the sun or chlorine on a regular basis, you’ll want to find a way to cancel out the red tone if you don’t like it.

 

Which Color Tone Cancels Out Red Tones?

If you’re looking for the perfect color tone to cancel out red tones, you’ll want to choose one that’s similar in value but opposite in hue.

The best way to do this is by choosing a color that’s more blue-based than it is yellow-based.

Blue and yellow are opposite on the color wheel, so any color that’s bluer than it is yellow will work. You can also try a shade of purple or green, which will also help cancel out red tones.

 

Final Thoughts on Why Does My Brown Hair Look Red

We hope that you found the reasons and the tips above to get rid of the reddish tones in your brunette hair useful.

Even if you don’t want to wait until it fades, you can cancel it out with a bluish tone. Then, visit a salon to get your natural brown color back for the best results.

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