How to Get Rid of Brassy Hair in 10 Steps

Has your gorgeous platinum blonde hair turned into a rusty orange colour? Also known as brassy hair, this peculiar phenomenon is a common struggle that many blondes experience. Brassy hair occurs when the blonde hair isn’t treated properly after being coloured. This leads to too much underlying warmth in the hair, so the natural yellow, orange, and red tones overtake the cooler colours.

Brassy hair has a distinctive look that works for some women, but there are also many people who find this colour to be unusual or rather unappealing. When you have your hair dyed blonde, you expect it to come out looking a certain way. The brassy hair is an unintended consequence that most blondes would want to avoid.

Fortunately, a quick visit with your favourite salon hairstylist should reverse any brassiness in your hair. In addition, you can try these following tips on how to get rid of brassy hair:

Step #1: Stay close to your natural hair colour

The further away you stray from your natural hair colour, the more potential there is for the colour to turn brassy. That’s why many experts recommend you don’t go more than two shades lighter than your natural hair colour. Before getting your hair coloured, check with the hair salon for their professional input. The stylists will advise on a blonde hair colouring option that minimizes the potential for brassiness.

Step #2: Get blonde highlights or lowlights instead

While there is a visceral appeal for going fully blonde, it isn’t always the best styling choice for everybody. If you are particularly susceptible to brassy hair, your hairstylist may recommend that you get highlights or lowlights instead. The blonde highlights and lowlights can be added tastefully to complement your current hair colour. This option gives you the visual benefits of going blonde, but you won’t have to worry about a full head of rusty orange colours in the future.

Step #3: Wash your hair with purple shampoo

Regular shampoos may not be suitable after you’ve lightened your hair blonde. Instead, you should be using a purple shampoo, which is quite effective in getting rid of brassy hair. Why does purple shampoo work? Keep in mind that brassy hair looks yellowish orange, and purple is the opposite of this colour. As such, the purple pigments in the shampoo can counteract some of that brassy look.

There’s also purple hair conditioner available. Use both the purple shampoo and conditioner several times in the coming weeks. This routine will keep your hair radiating in a healthy blonde colour.

Step #4: Install a shower filter

A shower filter does exactly what its name implies. This attachment filters out the chlorine, the iron deposits, and any other pollutants in the water that harms your colour-treated hair. In other words, you’ll filter out anything in the shower water that makes your hair look dull, faded, and brassy. The shower filter is especially helpful for banishing iron from the water, which contributes to reddish tones.

Along with preventing brassiness, a shower filter will make your hair softer, reduce fizz, and ensure your hair colour lasts longer. As an additional bonus, the shower filter also does wonders for your skin care!

Step #5: Wash your hair with cooler water

A hot shower may feel invigorating, but it isn’t so great for your hair or your hair colour. Washing with cool water tends to preserve the colour better, especially when it comes to blonde hair. Plus, the cool water also locks in moisture, which is always good when you’re lightening your hair. While you don’t need to take extremely cold showers, toning down the water temperature will help you get rid of brassy hair.

Step #6: Wash your hair less

If you noticed your hair is turning yellow or orange, skip your next hair washing. Fewer showers will help to prolong your hair colour, while lowering the risk of brassiness. Also, try to cut down on the number of times that you wash your hair in a week. As a substitute, use dry shampoo to clean your hair on the days that you go without washing.

Step #7: Use the right hair products

After you’ve lightened your hair, it’s a good idea to switch to colour-protective hair products. The products are meant specifically to help people with colour-treated hair, protecting the blonde tones from fading and brassiness. They are great for hydrating and nourishing your hair as well, so that it will look healthier in the long run.

Another helpful hair product is the brass banisher. This product is used to lessen the brassy tones and remove any unwanted warmth from your blonde hair. Apply the brass banisher whenever you are troubled by the increasing brassiness in your hair.

Step #8: Get regular toners

Sometimes, you’ll need to head back to your hairstylist for a toner. The toner is a product with a blue and purple base that deposits pigments into your hair. This will tone down the red and orange tones. It’s the last step in the hair lightening process, but the effects don’t last forever, especially if you don’t treat your hair well at home. If you want to get rid of brassy hair, schedule regular touch-ups at your hair salon.

To prevent further brassiness, request a sheer glaze the next time you colour your hair blonde. This glaze will seal in your colour for weeks, successfully preventing discolouration and fading.

Step #9: Stay out of the pool

Steer clear of chlorine, which is known to strip your hair of its natural oils and leave it brittle. The more damaged your hair is, the more likely it is to lose colour and go brassy. After a recent hair colouring appointment, it’s best to stay out of the pool to preserve your lovely blonde look.

Step #10: Stay out of the sun