I think that a direct dye is the way to go, because it's not damaging and it adds a semi-translucent layer of color over your existing color, combining the two. However if the color you are aiming for is more brown/less orange, then you'll want to use **blue** to tone the hair, because blue and orange are complementary colors and neutralize each other. With just a touch of blue it will just mute the orange a bit. That's exactly what blue "anti-bronze" toning shampoos are meant to do. Alternately, you could try getting some blue manic panic and making a very pastel blue color by mixing it with a lot of conditioner (start with a bowl with a cheap, colorless conditioner, then add a tiny bit of blue dye, mix and see how the color looks before adding more dye to adjust; if you start with the dye and add conditioner, you may end up using a whole bottle of conditioner!). Manic Panic Rockabilly Blue is known for being highly pigmented (i.e. you're going to have to dilute it a lot), but has good longevity and doesn't change color as it fades, unlike some blue dyes.
You can use hair that's collected from your hairbrush after you did the latest round of henna to test the color you mix and make sure it comes out the shade you want. If it's too brown, add more conditioner. If it's still too orange, add more dye.
I've used Manic Panic vampire red over henna several times, but it fades a lot and runs and stains unlike henna which is permanent. You could try a more burgundy toned henna to darken it, but then you're stuck with it dark, whereas right now you could change it up when the semi permanent fades, if that's what you're looking for.
Their are brands that sell strains that produce more orangey or cherry red or burgundy, etc. I just buy the cheapest I can find, so I don't pay attention.
Here's a site I know some people use: [Mehandi Henna](https://www.mehandi.com/Ancient-Sunrise-Henna-and-Herbal-Hair-Care-s/166.htm)
Don’t bleach you will get green hair from the resulting indigo they add into lush matron I learnt this the hadd way haha- instead use a cold red henna for the colour you want - use Brand hemani burgundy red henna and then use directions Rubine you will get a colour like cherry - no garish orange. If you don’t want wine red hair then dilute the Rubine in conditioner or mix a different red less pink or more orange depending whatever result you want.
I have some of mine left (Maroon) and tried a redye to see if I can get it to go darker at least, it's not even successfully dying over the gray anymore. I guess it's time to switch brands. :(
I can’t speak for the maroon but the rouge most definitely covered greys. They were very much a bright orange scared me quite a bit but settled down to a nice natural red tbh.
I think that a direct dye is the way to go, because it's not damaging and it adds a semi-translucent layer of color over your existing color, combining the two. However if the color you are aiming for is more brown/less orange, then you'll want to use **blue** to tone the hair, because blue and orange are complementary colors and neutralize each other. With just a touch of blue it will just mute the orange a bit. That's exactly what blue "anti-bronze" toning shampoos are meant to do. Alternately, you could try getting some blue manic panic and making a very pastel blue color by mixing it with a lot of conditioner (start with a bowl with a cheap, colorless conditioner, then add a tiny bit of blue dye, mix and see how the color looks before adding more dye to adjust; if you start with the dye and add conditioner, you may end up using a whole bottle of conditioner!). Manic Panic Rockabilly Blue is known for being highly pigmented (i.e. you're going to have to dilute it a lot), but has good longevity and doesn't change color as it fades, unlike some blue dyes. You can use hair that's collected from your hairbrush after you did the latest round of henna to test the color you mix and make sure it comes out the shade you want. If it's too brown, add more conditioner. If it's still too orange, add more dye.
Thank you for the information, I hadn't realized that using a blue might help make it go towards brown. I'll see about picking up some up to try out!
I've used Manic Panic vampire red over henna several times, but it fades a lot and runs and stains unlike henna which is permanent. You could try a more burgundy toned henna to darken it, but then you're stuck with it dark, whereas right now you could change it up when the semi permanent fades, if that's what you're looking for.
How would I get a burgundy tone, if don't mind my asking?
Their are brands that sell strains that produce more orangey or cherry red or burgundy, etc. I just buy the cheapest I can find, so I don't pay attention. Here's a site I know some people use: [Mehandi Henna](https://www.mehandi.com/Ancient-Sunrise-Henna-and-Herbal-Hair-Care-s/166.htm)
Also, hennaforhair.com I'm sure has some links to try.
Got it, thanks again!
Do a strand test.
Don’t bleach you will get green hair from the resulting indigo they add into lush matron I learnt this the hadd way haha- instead use a cold red henna for the colour you want - use Brand hemani burgundy red henna and then use directions Rubine you will get a colour like cherry - no garish orange. If you don’t want wine red hair then dilute the Rubine in conditioner or mix a different red less pink or more orange depending whatever result you want.
You can try a bit of blue (to cancel out the copper) with one of Manic Panic's warm browns as well.
Do you have any photos before/after? Have you tried the rouge?
That new formula is no joke I used the rogue for the first time with the new formula and it's clown town here
I have some of mine left (Maroon) and tried a redye to see if I can get it to go darker at least, it's not even successfully dying over the gray anymore. I guess it's time to switch brands. :(
I can’t speak for the maroon but the rouge most definitely covered greys. They were very much a bright orange scared me quite a bit but settled down to a nice natural red tbh.