PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games ForumsArts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and Garden Relationship QuizzesCars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and Style Sports and FitnessComputers and ElectronicsHealthPets and Animals TravelEducation & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and Religion Work WorldFamily LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationships Youth
LOG IN
Log in
Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. FacebookGooglewikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
RANDOM
Home
Random
Browse Articles
TrendingNew
Quizzes & Games
All QuizzesHot
Love Quizzes
Personality Quizzes
Fun Games
Dating Simulator
Learn Something New
Forums
Courses
Happiness Hub
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Personal Care and Style
Hair Care
Coloring Hair
Hair Dyes and Colorants
What Color Neutralizes Red Tones in Hair? How to Cancel Out Red Hair Dye Download ArticleExplore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 What color cancels out red? 2 How do I get rid of red undertones in my hair? 3 How do I tone down the brassiness in my hair? 4 Can I tone down natural red hair? 5 How often do I need to use toning shampoo? 6 Can I make my own toning shampoo? 7 How do I get red dye out of my hair? 8 Do I need to use bleach to get rid of red in my hair? 9 Why do I keep getting red tones in my hair? + Show 6 more... - Show less... Other Sections Expert Q&A Related Articles References Co-authored by Kelsey Morey and Madeleine Flamiano
Last Updated: May 1, 2025 Fact Checked
Download Article X
This article was co-authored by Kelsey Morey and by wikiHow staff writer, Madeleine Flamiano. Kelsey Morey is a Professional Hair and Makeup Artist, Model and the Owner and Founder of Haus of Pretty based in Westport, Connecticut. With more than ten years of experience, she specializes in balayage, hair care, color care, and photoshoot styling. Kelsey received her training from Brio Academy of Cosmetology and John Casablancas Modeling and Career Center. She also completed her apprenticeship with Warren Tricomi luxury salons. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 258,090 times.
Red hair is super eye-catching, but maybe you’re going for a different look. If you want to cancel out natural or dyed red hair, or you just want blond or brown hair to pop, we’ll help you out. In this article, we'll tell you whether green, violet, or blue shampoo is right for you and walk you through how to cancel out red tones in your hair.
Steps
Question 1 of 9:
What color cancels out red?
Download Article
Green is definitely the best color to cancel out red hair.[1]X Expert Source Kelsey MoreyProfessional Hair and Makeup ArtistExpert Interview Because it’s the opposite of red, green neutralizes it. Green is also a cooling shade, so applying it on top of red tones will either tone down or completely get rid of their warmth.[2]XResearch source
Advertisement Question 2 of 9:
How do I get rid of red undertones in my hair?
Download Article
Use a toning shampoo with cool colors. Green, blue-green, and violet all tone down the warmth in your hair, but they’re each used for different kinds of red undertones. Green shampoos are used for red tones in medium or dark brown hair.[3]X Expert Source Kelsey MoreyProfessional Hair and Makeup ArtistExpert Interview Blue-green, or ash, shampoos are best to tone down red-orange tones in brunette or natural red hair. Violet shampoos reduce red-orange tones in blond hair.
Dyed or undyed brunette hair warms up over time, ending up with plenty of red tones. The green in toning shampoo and conditioner will target the unwanted red.
Blond hair can get red-orange from too much heat or from adding too many warm pigments to it. You can use violet toning shampoo to tone down all the red-orange warmth.
Natural red hair is usually a combination of red and orange. The blue-green color in ash toning shampoos targets both of these shades and helps cool down its warmth.
Question 3 of 9:
How do I tone down the brassiness in my hair?
Download Article
Apply violet-toned shampoo and avoid heat as much as you can. Brassiness is just warm orange-red tones in your hair, and you can cancel them out with the coolness of violet. Too much sun, blow drying, or warm colors from a dye can all add red-orange to your hair. You’ll get the best results from violet toning shampoos if you can also cut down on any heat exposure. If you bleached your hair, wait 2 weeks before toning it.[4]XResearch source
Bleached hair is fragile, so you should be extra careful around heat. Since toning shampoos usually have ammonia, they can break newly bleached locks.
Diane C. Bailey, Hair Expert
To neutralize red hair dye, use a green-based toner. Green counters red tones on the color wheel. Pre-lighten hair to pale yellow so green pigment shows. Apply toner evenly and leave on 5-15 minutes based on desired intensity. Green balances red molecules, muting vibrancy for a natural, softened look.
Advertisement Question 4 of 9:
Can I tone down natural red hair?
Download Article
You can cool its red-orange tones with blue-green toning shampoo. Ash toning shampoos will neutralize the different kinds of warmth in your hair.[5]XResearch source
Blue-green is sometimes called a “calm” color because it cools down a wide range of red pigments.
Question 5 of 9:
How often do I need to use toning shampoo?
Download Article
Use toning shampoo once or twice a week. Maintaining a routine with the right toning shampoo will make sure you keep cooling down hints of red or orange. Leave your toning shampoo on for around 2-3 minutes with each treatment. Then, use a matching toning conditioner so you can moisturize your hair. [6]XResearch source
You can also use a green hair mask. This technique lets the red canceling blend sit on your hair for a long time, boosting its neutralizing effects.
Regularly color-correcting your hair will save you from frequently going to the salon.
Advertisement Question 6 of 9:
Can I make my own toning shampoo?
Download Article
You can create your own toning shampoo with food dye. If you want to save some money or have a set of shampoo and conditioner you really like, put 2 drops of food dye into the conditioner. Green food dye works for toning down red or orange in dark hair. Purple food dye cools red-orange in blond hair. Blue-green food dye reduces hints of red-orange in medium hair colors like brown or auburn.[7]XResearch source
Wear gloves to keep from staining your hands with food dye.
Your shampoo doesn’t need any green food dye, and you can just use it like you normally do. Keep the doctored conditioner on for 10-12 minutes, then rinse with cool water.
If you’re a natural redhead and blue-green food dye isn’t toning your hair enough, try a home remedy of vinegar and crushed vitamin C tablets. Apply it to your hair, put on a shower cap, and let it sit for 10 minutes. The natural acids will tone down warm red-orange pigments.[8]XResearch source
Question 7 of 9:
How do I get red dye out of my hair?
Download Article
Your best bet is to dye it an opposite color. Because dyes are stronger than red tints or tones, you’ll need another dye that’s just as powerful to offset the one you don’t want anymore. Green or cool ash dye will cancel out hair that’s dyed red. If your dyed hair is on the warm orange side, use a completely blue hair dye.[9]XResearch source
If your hair dye is a true red, then a green dye will be the most effective.
Warm orange-red brassy tones can be darkened with brunette dye or lightened with blonde dye.
An ash dye will cancel out any kind of warmth in your hair. You can use it if your red dye also has too many yellow or orange tones in it.
Advertisement Question 8 of 9:
Do I need to use bleach to get rid of red in my hair?
Download Article
Try toning your hair first to avoid damage. Bleach is definitely known for getting rid of color, but it can also really damage your hair. Usually, red pigments can be color corrected by letting a toner stay on your hair for up to half an hour. That way, the canceling shade can soak into your hair and cool the warmth down with way more dramatic results. [10]XResearch source
Question 9 of 9:
Why do I keep getting red tones in my hair?
Download Article
Usually, it’s because your hair is absorbing a lot of heat. Heat styling your hair or even just walking in the sun a lot can both lead to red undertones. Your hair might also just naturally have red undertones, and during different times of the year and it lightens, these will be more obvious.[11]XResearch source
Hard water can also redden your hair. If you’re worried about this, you can soak your shower head in white vinegar overnight, scrub it, rinse it, and put it back.
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Search Add New Question
Question How can I get brown hair without red tones? Kelsey Morey Professional Hair and Makeup Artist Kelsey Morey is a Professional Hair and Makeup Artist, Model and the Owner and Founder of Haus of Pretty based in Westport, Connecticut. With more than ten years of experience, she specializes in balayage, hair care, color care, and photoshoot styling. Kelsey received her training from Brio Academy of Cosmetology and John Casablancas Modeling and Career Center. She also completed her apprenticeship with Warren Tricomi luxury salons. Kelsey Morey Professional Hair and Makeup Artist Expert Answer If you're looking for a true neutral brown, you'll need equal parts of red and green, along with a balance of gold and blue in the strand to make that tone. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 44 Helpful 24
Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Tips
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
You Might Also Like
How toGet Red Out of HairHow toFix Yellow HairHow to Remove Brassiness from Your HairHow toRemove Ash Tone from HairHow toFix Purple Hair from TonerHow toGet Green out of Blonde HairHow toMaintain Ash Brown HairHow toPrevent Natural Blonde Hair from DarkeningHow toRemove Blonde Hair DyeHow toWhiten Yellow HairHow toRemove Blue or Green Hair Dye from Hair Without Bleaching10 Ways to Lighten Hair Dyed Too DarkHot Roots or Bleached Roots: How to Fix Them FastHow to Remove Hair Dye Advertisement
References
↑ Kelsey Morey. Professional Hair and Makeup Artist. Expert Interview
Co-authored by: Kelsey Morey Professional Hair and Makeup Artist This article was co-authored by Kelsey Morey and by wikiHow staff writer, Madeleine Flamiano. Kelsey Morey is a Professional Hair and Makeup Artist, Model and the Owner and Founder of Haus of Pretty based in Westport, Connecticut. With more than ten years of experience, she specializes in balayage, hair care, color care, and photoshoot styling. Kelsey received her training from Brio Academy of Cosmetology and John Casablancas Modeling and Career Center. She also completed her apprenticeship with Warren Tricomi luxury salons. This article has been viewed 258,090 times. 39 votes - 74% Co-authors: 5Updated: May 1, 2025 Views: 258,090 Categories: Hair Dyes and Colorants In other languages Spanish Portuguese Dutch German French Arabic Vietnamese Indonesian Italian Hindi Japanese
Print
Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 258,090 times.
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Kelsey Morey Professional Hair and Makeup Artist 39 votes - 74% Click a star to vote 74% of people told us that this article helped them. Co-authors: 5Updated: May 1, 2025 Views: 258,090
Quizzes & Games
What Color Should I Dye My Hair QuizTake QuizWhat Is My Skin Undertone QuizTake QuizShould I Wear Gold or Silver QuizTake QuizWhat Does My Hair Color Say About Me QuizTake QuizWhat’s The Perfect Hair Care Routine For MeTake QuizWhat Colors Should I Wear? Get a Professional Color Season Analysis HereTake Quiz
You Might Also Like
How toGet Red Out of HairHow toFix Yellow HairHow to Remove Brassiness from Your HairHow toRemove Ash Tone from Hair
Featured Articles
What Would My Life At Camp Half-Blood Be Like QuizThe Best Hairstyles for Guys with Big Foreheads22 Best Ideas for Scary (and Funny) PranksHow to Text Yourself: Fake Text Messages, Reminders, and MoreAccurate Omegaverse Quiz: 100% GuaranteeThe Hardest & Most Difficult Riddles for Adults
Trending Articles
How Much Do I Mog QuizHow Sexual Am I QuizWho Is Secretly Crushing On Me Right Now QuizAccurate IQ Checker Quiz: How Smart Am I?How Weird Am I QuizMental Illness Test
Featured Articles
How to Be More Spontaneous and Enjoy Life to the FullestHow toImprove Your PersonalitySigns You Were Meant For Greatness (Quiz)210+ Shower Thoughts: Funny, Deep, Weird & Mind-BlowingHow to Meet Gay People Without a Dating AppCute, Thoughtful & Romantic Messages to Wish Her a Good Day at Work
Featured Articles
What Movie Should I Stream QuizWhat Does the Term "Femboy" Mean?40+ Fun & Exciting Group Game Ideas to Play with 20+ People11 Things to Do If You’re Connected to Wi-Fi But Have No InternetThe Ultimate List of Funny Nicknames for Your CoworkersWhich Five Nights at Freddy's Character Am I Quiz
Watch Articles
How to Marinate Chicken: 4 Recipes and a Step-By-Step GuideHow toClean Shower TileHow toDo Oblique CrunchesSimple Ways to Riffle Shuffle and Bridge Playing CardsHow toMake Black CoffeeHow toPlant a Seed in a Pot
Trending Articles
Can We Guess How Tall You Are QuizWhat Type of Person Do I Attract QuizWill I Ever Find Love QuizDo I Attract the Male Gaze or the Female Gaze QuizThe World's Hardest Riddles (for Kids & Adults)Signs Your Ex Will Eventually Come Back
Quizzes & Games
What Is My Color Aura QuizTake QuizWhat Is My Favorite Color QuizTake QuizWhat Is My Color Season QuizTake QuizWhat Color Should I Paint My Nails QuizTake QuizWhat Color Is My Name QuizTake QuizWhat Chakra Do I Need to Balance QuizTake Quiz
Categories
Personal Care and Style
Hair Care
Coloring Hair
Hair Dyes and Colorants
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
Home
About wikiHow
Experts
Jobs
Contact Us
Site Map
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Do Not Sell or Share My Info
Not Selling Info
Contribute
Follow Us
×
wikiHow Tech Help Pro:
Develop the tech skills you need for work and life
Download Article Explore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 What color cancels out red? 2 How do I get rid of red undertones in my hair? 3 How do I tone down the brassiness in my hair? 4 Can I tone down natural red hair? 5 How often do I need to use toning shampoo? 6 Can I make my own toning shampoo? 7 How do I get red dye out of my hair? 8 Do I need to use bleach to get rid of red in my hair? 9 Why do I keep getting red tones in my hair? + Show 6 more... - Show less... Other Sections Expert Q&A Related Articles References Co-authored by Kelsey Morey and Madeleine Flamiano 
Advertisement 
Co-authored by: Kelsey Morey Professional Hair and Makeup Artist This article was co-authored by Kelsey Morey and by wikiHow staff writer, Madeleine Flamiano. Kelsey Morey is a Professional Hair and Makeup Artist, Model and the Owner and Founder of Haus of Pretty based in Westport, Connecticut. With more than ten years of experience, she specializes in balayage, hair care, color care, and photoshoot styling. Kelsey received her training from Brio Academy of Cosmetology and John Casablancas Modeling and Career Center. She also completed her apprenticeship with Warren Tricomi luxury salons. This article has been viewed 258,090 times. 39 votes - 74% Co-authors: 5 Updated: May 1, 2025 Views: 258,090 Categories: Hair Dyes and Colorants In other languages Spanish Portuguese Dutch German French Arabic Vietnamese Indonesian Italian Hindi Japanese 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
553 
Green is definitely the best color to cancel out red hair.[1] Because it’s the opposite of red, green neutralizes it. Green is also a cooling shade, so applying it on top of red tones will either tone down or completely get rid of their warmth.[2] Advertisement 
Use a toning shampoo with cool colors. Green, blue-green, and violet all tone down the warmth in your hair, but they’re each used for different kinds of red undertones. Green shampoos are used for red tones in medium or dark brown hair.[3] Blue-green, or ash, shampoos are best to tone down red-orange tones in brunette or natural red hair. Violet shampoos reduce red-orange tones in blond hair. 
Apply violet-toned shampoo and avoid heat as much as you can. Brassiness is just warm orange-red tones in your hair, and you can cancel them out with the coolness of violet. Too much sun, blow drying, or warm colors from a dye can all add red-orange to your hair. You’ll get the best results from violet toning shampoos if you can also cut down on any heat exposure. If you bleached your hair, wait 2 weeks before toning it.[4] 
Diane C. Bailey, Hair Expert 
You can cool its red-orange tones with blue-green toning shampoo. Ash toning shampoos will neutralize the different kinds of warmth in your hair.[5] 
Use toning shampoo once or twice a week. Maintaining a routine with the right toning shampoo will make sure you keep cooling down hints of red or orange. Leave your toning shampoo on for around 2-3 minutes with each treatment. Then, use a matching toning conditioner so you can moisturize your hair. [6] 
You can create your own toning shampoo with food dye. If you want to save some money or have a set of shampoo and conditioner you really like, put 2 drops of food dye into the conditioner. Green food dye works for toning down red or orange in dark hair. Purple food dye cools red-orange in blond hair. Blue-green food dye reduces hints of red-orange in medium hair colors like brown or auburn.[7] 
Your best bet is to dye it an opposite color. Because dyes are stronger than red tints or tones, you’ll need another dye that’s just as powerful to offset the one you don’t want anymore. Green or cool ash dye will cancel out hair that’s dyed red. If your dyed hair is on the warm orange side, use a completely blue hair dye.[9] 
Try toning your hair first to avoid damage. Bleach is definitely known for getting rid of color, but it can also really damage your hair. Usually, red pigments can be color corrected by letting a toner stay on your hair for up to half an hour. That way, the canceling shade can soak into your hair and cool the warmth down with way more dramatic results. [10] 
Usually, it’s because your hair is absorbing a lot of heat. Heat styling your hair or even just walking in the sun a lot can both lead to red undertones. Your hair might also just naturally have red undertones, and during different times of the year and it lightens, these will be more obvious.[11] 
Kelsey Morey Professional Hair and Makeup Artist Kelsey Morey is a Professional Hair and Makeup Artist, Model and the Owner and Founder of Haus of Pretty based in Westport, Connecticut. With more than ten years of experience, she specializes in balayage, hair care, color care, and photoshoot styling. Kelsey received her training from Brio Academy of Cosmetology and John Casablancas Modeling and Career Center. She also completed her apprenticeship with Warren Tricomi luxury salons.