* Color Theory: Ash blonde is a cool-toned color that contains blue and green pigments. Reddish brown, on the other hand, contains red and orange pigments. If you apply ash blonde directly over reddish brown, the warm pigments in the reddish brown will neutralize the cool pigments in the ash blonde, resulting in a muddy or brassy color. It could even make your hair look darker.
* Lifting: Ash blonde shades usually require lifting the hair color to a lighter level before depositing the blonde tones. Reddish brown hair needs significant lifting to reach a level where ash blonde can effectively tone.
What you'll likely end up with: A brassy, orange, or muddy brown color, not ash blonde.
Here's what you need to do to achieve ash blonde over reddish brown:
1. Color Removal/Correction: This is the most crucial step. You'll need to remove as much of the reddish-brown pigment as possible.
* Color Remover: A color remover (not a bleach) is designed to remove artificial dye molecules from the hair shaft. It's gentler than bleach and less damaging. Multiple applications may be needed.
* Bleach: In some cases, bleach might be necessary to lift the remaining pigment. However, bleach is damaging and should be used with extreme caution, preferably by a professional. Strand tests are essential to determine how your hair will react.
2. Toning: After lifting the hair to a light enough level (ideally a pale yellow), you'll need to tone it to neutralize any remaining warm tones (yellow or orange) and achieve the desired ash blonde shade. An ash blonde toner will contain blue and/or violet pigments.
3. Maintenance: Ash blonde is a high-maintenance color. You'll need to use color-safe shampoo and conditioner, and possibly a purple shampoo, to maintain the ash tone and prevent brassiness. Regular toning treatments may also be necessary.
Important considerations:
* Hair Condition: Bleach can be very damaging, especially to already colored hair. Assess your hair's condition carefully. If your hair is damaged or fragile, this process might not be suitable.
* Professional Help: For the best and safest results, consult a professional hair colorist. They can assess your hair, perform strand tests, and create a custom color plan to minimize damage and achieve the desired ash blonde shade. Trying to do this on your own without experience can lead to severe damage, uneven color, or an undesirable final result.
In summary: Coloring ash blonde over reddish-brown hair directly is a bad idea. It requires a multi-step process of color removal, lifting, and toning, and it's best left to a professional.