{"id":16597,"date":"2023-07-19T21:06:25","date_gmt":"2023-07-19T21:06:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.styleseat.com\/blog\/?p=16597"},"modified":"2024-10-07T19:06:49","modified_gmt":"2024-10-07T19:06:49","slug":"brassy-hair","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.styleseat.com\/blog\/brassy-hair\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Fix & Prevent Brassy Hair"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

<\/a>Brassiness is unwanted warm tones (typically orange, yellow, or red) that appear in colored hair over time. The good news is that brassy hair can be fixed! Lots of factors like coloring your hair and how you care for your color-treated hair can contribute to that brassy color, so knowing these factors ahead of time will help you treat and prevent it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We discuss the causes of brassy hair, how to get rid of it, and the steps you can take to prevent brassy hair.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"what
Image credit: <\/strong>Boe Heredia<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

What Is Brassy Hair?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Brassy hair shows undesired warm tones that appear as toner or color fades. This often happens when dark hair is lightened because it has underlying pigment that will show through over time. When blonde hair becomes brassy, it looks yellow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, warm-toned hair isn\u2019t necessarily brassy. Stylists can intentionally color your hair with warm tones like red or gold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Causes Brassy Hair?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To lighten your hair, your colorist uses hydrogen peroxide or ammonia which results in a chemical process called oxidation. After the chemicals lift your natural hair color, toner or dye is used to deposit color, resulting in your desired look. Unfortunately, the toner can fade and as it does, your natural undertones begin to show through. This creates the \u201cbrassy hair\u201d look. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Fix Brassy Hair<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve noticed your colored hair has a warm, unwanted brassy look, don\u2019t fear! There are ways to get rid of brassy hair.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"how<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Use a purple or blue shampoo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Purple and blue shampoos can neutralize brassiness and help you go longer without needing professional toner or gloss. To decide which is right for you, think of the color wheel. Purple is opposite yellow, so it covers up unwanted yellow tones, while blue is opposite orange.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, if you\u2019re dealing with yellow brassiness, purple shampoo should do the trick. It\u2019s often used if you have blonde or gray hair. If you have dark hair, blue shampoo will neutralize orange tones and red tones. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These shampoos don\u2019t replace toning services, but they can help keep the brassiness down when you\u2019re in between hair coloring appointments. Just be sure that you use the purple or blue shampoo once a week, as more frequent use could ruin your desired hair color. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Invest in toning hair masks to neutralize the tones<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A toning mask is a conditioning treatment that neutralizes brassiness the same way purple or blue shampoo does. For best results, use a toning mask after washing with purple or blue shampoo to make your color last longer. You\u2019ll typically leave the mask on for five minutes or less. Follow the directions on the packaging and make sure not to leave the mask on too long because that can result in color overcorrection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get a hair glaze, gloss, or toner service<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Even if you use shampoos and masks, eventually you\u2019ll need to get your hair refreshed by a stylist. Hair toner will minimize unwanted undertones and get your hair back to its desired color. The average cost<\/a> of a toning service is $63, though this will vary by location and salon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Toner will last anywhere from two to six weeks, giving your hair a boost before your next appointment. You could also glaze your hair, which enhances your color and adds more shine. Glossing is usually used between color treatments to refresh your previously colored hair and can last three to four weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be sure that you bring color reference photos to your appointment so that your stylist knows what you like and can help you achieve the hair of your dreams. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Prevent Brassy Hair<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you plan on lightening your hair, there are some things you can do before and after your treatment to help prevent brassiness. <\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"how<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Consider the maintenance before coloring your hair<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you have naturally warmer-toned hair and go to get your hair colored lighter, keep in mind that you could expect some brassiness in between your salon visits. Communicate with your stylist about brassiness and what you can do to prevent it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your stylist should lighten your hair enough and tone it properly, and you might need to stop by in between appointments for touch-ups like glazing, toning, or glossing. Additionally, you might want to consider your skin tone<\/a> when choosing a hair dye. You can even take this hair quiz<\/a> to determine what color looks best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some other factors impact how long your hair color stays before it fades or becomes brassy, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n