Are you tired of dealing with brassy hair that seems to appear out of nowhere? You’re not alone. Many people struggle with unwanted warm tones in their hair, especially after coloring or highlighting. The good news is that you don’t have to live with brassy hair forever. In this article, we’ll explore the causes of brassy hair and provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to get rid of it at home.
Understanding Brassy Hair
Before we dive into the solutions, it’s essential to understand what causes brassy hair. Brassy hair is characterized by unwanted warm tones, often with a yellow or orange hue. This can occur due to various reasons, including:
Causes of Brassy Hair
- Over-processing: When you over-process your hair with bleach or other chemicals, it can cause the cuticle to lift, leading to the appearance of warm tones.
- Using the wrong hair products: Using hair products that contain warm-toned ingredients, such as honey or golden extracts, can deposit unwanted warm tones onto your hair.
- Hard water: Hard water can contain high levels of minerals, such as iron and copper, which can deposit onto your hair and cause warm tones.
- Sun exposure: Prolonged sun exposure can cause your hair to become dry and brittle, leading to the appearance of warm tones.
Home Remedies to Get Rid of Brassy Hair
Fortunately, there are several home remedies that can help you get rid of brassy hair. Here are some of the most effective ones:
Violet-Based Remedies
Violet-based products are excellent for neutralizing warm tones and achieving a cooler, ashier color. You can try the following remedies:
- Violet shampoo and conditioner: Use a violet-based shampoo and conditioner to help neutralize warm tones and achieve a cooler color.
- Violet toner: Apply a violet toner to your hair to help cancel out warm tones and achieve a more ashy color.
Other Remedies
- Baking soda and shampoo: Mix baking soda with your shampoo to help neutralize warm tones and achieve a cooler color.
- Apple cider vinegar rinse: Rinse your hair with apple cider vinegar to help balance the pH and reduce warm tones.
- Blue-based products: Use blue-based products, such as blue shampoo and conditioner, to help neutralize warm tones and achieve a cooler color.
DIY Hair Masks to Get Rid of Brassy Hair
In addition to the remedies mentioned above, you can also try DIY hair masks to help get rid of brassy hair. Here are some recipes you can try:
Recipe 1: Violet and Coconut Oil Hair Mask
- 1 tablespoon of violet extract
- 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Mix all the ingredients together and apply to your hair. Leave it on for 30 minutes to an hour before rinsing.
Recipe 2: Blueberry and Avocado Hair Mask
- 1 ripe avocado, mashed
- 1/2 cup of blueberries, mashed
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Mix all the ingredients together and apply to your hair. Leave it on for 30 minutes to an hour before rinsing.
Preventing Brassy Hair in the Future
While the remedies and hair masks mentioned above can help get rid of brassy hair, it’s essential to take steps to prevent it from happening in the future. Here are some tips to help you prevent brassy hair:
Tips for Preventing Brassy Hair
- Use a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner: Using a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner can help prevent warm tones from developing.
- Avoid using hot water: Hot water can cause the cuticle to lift, leading to the appearance of warm tones. Try using warm or cool water instead.
- Use a color-depositing treatment: Using a color-depositing treatment can help deposit cool tones onto your hair and prevent warm tones from developing.
- Avoid sun exposure: Prolonged sun exposure can cause your hair to become dry and brittle, leading to the appearance of warm tones. Try using a hat or a hair product with SPF to protect your hair.
By following the tips and remedies mentioned above, you can help get rid of brassy hair and achieve a cooler, more ashy color. Remember to always do a patch test before trying any new hair products or remedies, and consult with a hair professional if you’re unsure about how to get rid of brassy hair.
What causes brassy hair tones?
Brassy hair tones are often caused by the use of permanent hair dyes, particularly those with high levels of warm pigments. When these dyes break down over time, they can leave behind unwanted warm tones that give the hair a brassy appearance. Additionally, exposure to sunlight, hard water, and certain hair care products can also contribute to the development of brassy tones.
To minimize the risk of brassy tones, it’s essential to choose a hair dye that is formulated to neutralize warm tones. Look for dyes that contain cool or ash-based pigments, as these can help to counteract the warm tones. It’s also crucial to follow a proper hair care routine, including using a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner, to help maintain the color and vibrancy of your hair.
How can I get rid of brassy hair tones at home?
There are several ways to get rid of brassy hair tones at home, depending on the severity of the tone and the type of hair you have. One popular method is to use a color-correcting shampoo and conditioner, which can help to neutralize warm tones and restore a more natural color. Another option is to try a toning treatment, such as a purple-based toner, which can help to cancel out brassy tones.
For more severe cases of brassy tones, you may need to try a more intense treatment, such as a hair color remover or a bleach-based toner. However, these treatments can be harsh on the hair, so it’s essential to follow the instructions carefully and perform a strand test before applying the treatment to your entire head. It’s also recommended to consult with a professional stylist if you’re unsure about how to proceed.
What is a toner, and how does it work?
A toner is a type of hair treatment that is designed to adjust the tone of the hair. Toners can be used to add warmth, coolness, or neutralize unwanted tones, such as brassy tones. When applied to the hair, the toner penetrates the hair shaft and deposits color pigments that help to adjust the tone.
Toners can be applied to the hair in various ways, including as a rinse-out treatment, a leave-in treatment, or as a spray. The type of toner you choose will depend on your hair type and the level of correction needed. For example, if you have brassy tones, you may want to use a purple-based toner, which can help to cancel out the warm tones.
Can I use a purple shampoo to get rid of brassy tones?
Yes, a purple shampoo can be an effective way to get rid of brassy tones. Purple shampoos are specifically formulated to neutralize warm tones and add a cool, ashy tone to the hair. When used regularly, a purple shampoo can help to maintain a healthy, vibrant color and prevent brassy tones from developing.
However, it’s essential to note that not all purple shampoos are created equal. Look for a shampoo that contains a high concentration of purple pigments, as these will be more effective at neutralizing warm tones. Also, be sure to follow the instructions carefully, as overusing a purple shampoo can lead to an unnatural, purple tint.
How often should I use a toner to maintain my hair color?
The frequency at which you should use a toner to maintain your hair color will depend on several factors, including your hair type, the level of correction needed, and your personal preferences. As a general rule, it’s recommended to use a toner once a week to maintain a healthy, vibrant color.
However, if you have particularly stubborn brassy tones, you may need to use a toner more frequently, such as every 3-4 days. On the other hand, if you have a more subtle color, you may only need to use a toner once every 2-3 weeks. It’s essential to monitor your hair color and adjust your toning schedule accordingly.
Can I use a hair color remover to get rid of brassy tones?
Yes, a hair color remover can be an effective way to get rid of brassy tones, especially if you have a significant amount of warm pigment in your hair. Hair color removers work by breaking down the color pigments in the hair and removing them, which can help to eliminate brassy tones.
However, it’s essential to use a hair color remover with caution, as it can be harsh on the hair. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully, and perform a strand test before applying the remover to your entire head. Additionally, be aware that a hair color remover may not completely eliminate brassy tones, and you may need to follow up with a toning treatment to achieve the desired color.
Are there any natural remedies for getting rid of brassy tones?
Yes, there are several natural remedies that can help to get rid of brassy tones. One popular remedy is to use a mixture of lemon juice and honey, which can help to neutralize warm tones and add a natural, sun-kissed glow to the hair. Another option is to use a vinegar rinse, which can help to balance the pH of the hair and eliminate brassy tones.
Other natural remedies, such as chamomile tea and aloe vera, can also help to soothe and calm the hair, reducing the appearance of brassy tones. However, it’s essential to note that natural remedies may not be as effective as commercial products, and may require repeated use to achieve the desired results.