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Brassy hair—it’s that frustrating moment when your once-perfect hair color shifts into an unflattering warm tone that just won’t quit. Unlike rich, golden blondes or warm brunettes that are intentionally infused with warmth, brassiness is more of an uninvited guest, showing up as harsh yellow, orange, or red hues that can throw off your entire look. But why does brassiness happen? How do you stop it before it starts? And what are the best ways to fix it once it’s already there? This guide is your Brassy Hair 101!
What does brassy hair mean
Brassy hair is the unwelcome guest that sneaks in weeks after a fresh dye job. Instead of the cool, ashy blonde or rich brunette you left the salon with, you’re now seeing unwanted yellow, orange, or even red tones peeking through. While commonly associated with blondes, brunettes aren’t off the hook—darker shades can develop brassy hues too.
What does brassy hair look like
One day, you catch your reflection and something feels off—your hair color looks warmer, but not in a sun-kissed, flattering way. Instead of the cool blonde or deep brunette you left the salon with, unwanted yellow, orange, or red tones have taken over. That’s brassy hair. For blondes, it can mean a dull, yellowish cast that makes the hair look aged and uneven. Brunettes might notice a coppery or reddish shift that throws off their rich, dimensional color.
How to effectively get rid of brassy hair
Here are some good ways to fix brassy hair at home.
1. Use a purple or blue shampoo
Brassy hair calls for a color-correcting solution, and that’s where purple and blue shampoos come in. To get the best results, lather up and let the shampoo sit for a few minutes before rinsing. But don’t overdo it! Using a toning shampoo too often can lead to an ashy or even slightly purple tint.
2. Upgrade to a professional hair dryer (Laifen SE recommended)
Heat styling plays a huge role in hair color maintenance, and using the wrong tools can make brassiness worse. A high-quality ionic hair dryer—like the Laifen SE—helps minimize heat damage while keeping your color vibrant. When drying, use a low to medium heat setting and always apply a heat protectant to shield your strands from further color fade.
3. Rinse with cool water
If you’re washing your hair with hot water, you could be making brassiness worse without even realizing it.To prevent this, finish every wash with a cool water rinse. While you don’t need to take an icy shower, aim for lukewarm water during shampooing and switch to cool for your final rinse. This simple trick makes a noticeable difference in keeping your hair color fresh and free from brassiness.
4. Try a hair gloss treatment
When your hair starts to turn brassy, a hair gloss treatment can work wonders in restoring its tone and shine. Glosses are semi-permanent treatments that deposit sheer color while sealing the cuticle. You can either visit a salon for a professional gloss or try an at-home version for a quick refresh.
5. Protect your hair from sun exposure
The sun also fades hair color and enhances brassiness. To protect your hair from the sun, try wearing a hat or scarf when you’re outside for long periods. If covering up isn’t an option, use a UV-protectant hair spray or a leave-in conditioner with SPF. For extra care, avoid midday sun exposure and rinse your hair after swimming to remove chlorine, which can also worsen brassiness.
6. Use a color-depositing conditioner
A color-depositing conditioner is one of the easiest ways to keep brassiness in check while nourishing your hair. Unlike toning shampoos that cleanse and neutralize in one step, these conditioners deposit cool pigments while hydrating and strengthening your hair. Apply it after shampooing, leave it on for 5–10 minutes, then rinse.
How to prevent brassy hair
How to prevent brassy hair? The first step? Rethink your wash routine. Sulfate-heavy shampoos might leave your hair feeling squeaky clean, but they’re also notorious for stripping color. Swap them out for a color-safe shampoo to cleanse while keeping your shade intact. And when it’s time to rinse? Turn down the heat.
But keeping brassiness at bay isn’t just about what happens in the shower—the environment plays a huge role too. UV rays, hard water, and heat styling can all cause your color to turn warmer faster than you’d like.
How long to leave toner on brassy hair
Most toners need 10 to 20 minutes to work their magic. You should follow the instructions on the product, and do a strand test first to check how your hair reacts. If you’re aiming for a subtle neutralization, start with 10 minutes, then check the results. Need more toning power? Leave it on a few minutes longer, but never exceed the recommended time.
Best toner for brassy hair
If your blonde has turned an unwanted yellow, Wella Color Charm T18 Lightest Ash Blonde is a go-to favorite as it neutralizes brass and leaves behind a cool, icy finish. Dealing with orange tones instead?
For brunettes fighting stubborn orange or red undertones, a blue-based toner is your best bet. Redken Shades EQ 9B or 8T works beautifully to cancel out warmth, leaving your brown hair rich and dimensional.
Pro tip: Always mix your toner with a 10 or 20 volume developer, apply evenly, and process for 10–20 minutes.
Best purple shampoo for brassy hair
If you’re looking for the best of the best, Fanola No Yellow Purple Shampoo is a must-have for blondes battling stubborn yellow tones. Packed with ultra-intense violet pigments, it works like a color-correcting treatment, instantly neutralizing brassiness and leaving your hair with a cool, salon-fresh finish.
Trick: Use it once or twice a week, and let it sit for 2–5 minutes before rinsing to get the best results. If you have platinum or icy blonde hair, you can leave it on a little longer for an extra toning boost.
