How to Prevent and Get Rid of Brassy Hair

Have you ever bleached your hair, only to be left with an unwanted brassy or orangey hue? You’re not alone! Brassiness is a common problem for blondes, especially those with naturally dark hair. But don’t worry, there are ways to prevent and get rid of brassy hair. In this article, we’ll delve into the causes of brassiness, provide expert tips to prevent it, and explore effective methods to banish those unwanted tones.

Understanding Brassiness

Brassiness occurs when the hair’s natural pigment, melanin, is exposed to oxidation. This happens during the bleaching process, when the hair’s natural pigment is lifted. The melanin molecules break down, and the resulting fragments reflect yellow and orange light, creating the brassy appearance.

Causes of Brassy Hair

Here are some common causes of brassiness:

• Using the wrong bleach or developer: Using a bleach that’s too strong or a developer that’s too high can lead to excessive lifting and brassiness.
• Over-processing: Leaving bleach on for too long can also cause brassiness.
• Using hot water: Hot water can open up the hair cuticle, making it more susceptible to brassiness.
• Exposure to sunlight: Sunlight can also contribute to brassiness, as the UV rays can oxidize the hair.
• Using hard water: Hard water contains minerals that can react with the hair and cause brassiness.

Preventing Brassiness

Here are some tips to prevent brassiness:

• Choose the right bleach and developer: Consult with a professional stylist to determine the appropriate bleach and developer for your hair type and desired shade.
• Use a toner: Toning is essential for neutralizing brassy tones and achieving a more balanced blonde. Ask your stylist about the best toner for your hair type and desired shade.
• Wash your hair with cool water: Cool water helps to close the hair cuticle, minimizing brassiness.
• Use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner: These products are designed to prevent color fading and brassiness.
• Use a purple shampoo: Purple shampoo contains violet pigments that neutralize yellow and orange tones.
• Protect your hair from sunlight: Wear a hat or use a hair product with UV protection when spending time in the sun.

Getting Rid of Brassy Hair

If you already have brassy hair, don’t despair! There are ways to get rid of it. Here are a few options:

• Use a toner: A toner can help to neutralize brassy tones and achieve a cooler blonde.
• Use a color-correcting treatment: Color-correcting treatments contain pigments that can help to cancel out brassy tones.
• Get your hair professionally toned: A stylist can use a toner to neutralize brassy tones and achieve your desired shade.
• Use a clarifying shampoo: A clarifying shampoo can help to remove product buildup and impurities, which can contribute to brassiness.

Tips for Toning Your Hair

Here are some tips for toning your hair at home:

• Choose the right toner: Select a toner that is designed for your hair type and desired shade.
• Use a developer: Most toners require a developer to activate the pigments. Follow the instructions on the product label carefully.
• Apply the toner evenly: Make sure to apply the toner evenly to all of your hair.
• Don’t leave the toner on for too long: Leaving the toner on for too long can make your hair too dark or ashy.
• Use a color-safe conditioner: After toning, use a color-safe conditioner to help seal in the color and prevent fading.

Conclusion

Brassiness can be a frustrating hair problem, but with the right knowledge and care, you can prevent and get rid of it. By following these tips, you can achieve a beautiful, balanced blonde that you’ll love.