How to Get Rid of Brassiness Effective Solutions for Beautiful HairBrassiness is a common problem for people with blonde, silver, or color-treated hair. Unwanted yellow, orange, or red tones can ruin the look you’re aiming for. Luckily, there are simple and effective ways to get rid of brassiness and restore your hair’s cool, fresh tone. This guide will explain why brassiness happens and how you can fix it with the right products and techniques.
What Is Brassiness?
Understanding Brassy Tones
Brassiness refers to the warm, unwanted tones that appear in lightened or color-treated hair. These yellow, orange, or even reddish hues often show up weeks after coloring. They are more noticeable on blonde, silver, or highlighted hair but can also affect brunettes who lighten their hair.
Why Does Hair Turn Brassy?
Brassiness happens when the cool tones in your hair color fade, leaving behind the warmer underlying pigments. Several factors contribute to this, such as sun exposure, hard water, heat styling, and even the type of hair dye used.
Common Causes of Brassiness
Sunlight and UV Rays
The sun’s UV rays can break down hair color molecules, making brassiness appear faster. Hair exposed to sunlight without protection is more likely to develop warm, brassy tones.
Hard Water and Mineral Buildup
Water with high levels of minerals like iron and copper can leave deposits on your hair, affecting its color. Over time, this can make blonde or lightened hair look yellow or orange.
Heat Styling
Frequent use of hot tools like straighteners, curling irons, and blow dryers can strip the cool tones from your hair color, making brassy shades more visible.
Hair Dye Fading
All hair color fades over time. When the ash or cool tones fade faster than the warm pigments, brassiness becomes noticeable.
How to Get Rid of Brassiness
Use Purple Shampoo
Purple shampoo is one of the most effective ways to neutralize brassy tones. Since purple is opposite to yellow on the color wheel, it cancels out unwanted yellow hues in blonde or silver hair. Use it once or twice a week, depending on how brassy your hair has become.
Try Blue Shampoo for Orange Tones
For brunettes dealing with orange brassiness, blue shampoo is a better choice. Blue pigments counteract orange tones, helping dark hair maintain a cooler, richer color.
Install a Shower Filter
A shower filter can reduce mineral buildup from hard water, preventing brassiness before it starts. This simple addition to your bathroom can help maintain your hair color longer.
Use Color-Depositing Conditioners
Color-depositing conditioners contain pigments that refresh your hair color while moisturizing. They are less harsh than dyeing and can be used weekly to maintain a cool tone.
Limit Heat Styling
Reduce the use of hot styling tools, or at least use them at lower temperatures. Always apply a heat protectant spray before styling to shield your hair from heat damage.
Protect Hair from the Sun
Wear hats or use hair products with UV protection when spending time outdoors. This helps prevent color fading and reduces the risk of brassiness caused by sunlight.
Rinse with Cool Water
Hot water opens the hair cuticle, which can speed up color fading. Rinse your hair with cool or lukewarm water to help seal the cuticle and preserve your hair color.
Regular Hair Toners
Visiting a salon for a toner treatment can effectively eliminate brassiness. Toners are professional products that refresh hair color by adding cool pigments back into your hair.
DIY Remedies for Brassiness
Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
Apple cider vinegar can help remove buildup from minerals and hair products. Mix one part apple cider vinegar with two parts water and use it as a final rinse after shampooing. This can help restore shine and reduce brassiness.
Baking Soda and Purple Shampoo
For extra stubborn brassiness, mix a small amount of baking soda with purple shampoo. The baking soda gently exfoliates the hair, allowing the purple pigments to work more effectively. Use this method sparingly to avoid dryness.
How to Prevent Brassiness Long-Term
Choose the Right Hair Products
Always opt for shampoos and conditioners that are sulfate-free and designed for color-treated hair. Sulfates can strip away color quickly, leading to faster brassiness.
Deep Conditioning Treatments
Regular deep conditioning treatments keep hair healthy and hydrated, which helps maintain color vibrancy. Healthy hair holds onto color better, reducing the chances of brassy tones appearing.
Regular Salon Visits
Maintaining your hair color with professional touch-ups and treatments ensures brassiness is kept under control. A stylist can recommend personalized solutions based on your hair type and color.
Avoid Chlorine Exposure
Swimming pools contain chlorine, which can alter hair color and contribute to brassiness. Always wear a swim cap or rinse hair immediately after swimming to minimize damage.
Mistakes to Avoid When Fighting Brassiness
Overusing Purple Shampoo
While purple shampoo is helpful, using it too often can make your hair look dull or give it a slight purple tint. Follow product instructions and use it in moderation.
Ignoring Hair Health
Focusing only on color without taking care of hair health can worsen brassiness. Damaged, dry hair is more porous and prone to absorbing unwanted tones.
Skipping Professional Help
Trying to fix severe brassiness at home without proper knowledge can lead to uneven results. When in doubt, seek advice from a professional colorist.
Brassiness is a common but manageable hair issue. By understanding its causes and using the right products and techniques, you can easily get rid of brassy tones and keep your hair looking fresh and vibrant. Whether you rely on purple shampoo, salon toners, or simple preventive measures, consistency is key.
Healthy hair always holds color better, so don’t forget to focus on overall hair care. With these easy tips, you’ll be able to enjoy cool, beautiful hair free of unwanted brassiness.