If you've ever bleached or lightened your hair, you may have experienced the frustrating phenomenon of golden brassy hair. This warm, yellowish-orange hue can be difficult to remove, but don't worry – there are several methods you can try to eliminate brassy tones and achieve the cool, ashy shade you desire. In this article, we'll share our top tips for getting rid of golden brassy hair, from at-home remedies to professional treatments.
Table of Contents
- How to Get Rid of Golden Brassy Hair
- Step-by-Step Guide
- Tips for Preventing Brassiness
- FAQs
- Hair Care for Bleached Hair
How to Get Rid of Golden Brassy Hair
Before we dive into the methods for removing brassiness, it's important to understand why it occurs. When you lighten your hair, you're essentially stripping away its natural pigments. As a result, the underlying tones of your hair – warm or cool – become more visible. If your hair has warm undertones, it can take on a yellow, orange, or red hue. To counteract these warm tones, you need to add cool tones back into your hair, such as blue or purple. Here are some ways to do that:
1. Use a Purple Shampoo
Purple shampoo is a popular choice for toning down brassy hair. The purple pigments in the shampoo neutralize the yellow and orange tones in your hair, leaving it looking cooler and brighter. To use purple shampoo, wet your hair and apply the shampoo, focusing on the areas with the most brassiness. Leave the shampoo on for 3-5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Be careful not to overuse purple shampoo, as it can make your hair look gray or purple if you leave it on for too long.
2. Try a Blue Toning Mask
If purple shampoo isn't cutting it, you can try a blue toning mask. These masks contain blue pigments that cancel out orange and yellow tones, while also nourishing and conditioning your hair. Apply the mask to damp hair, working it through from root to tip. Leave it on for the recommended time (usually 10-20 minutes), then rinse thoroughly. You can use a blue toning mask once a week or as needed.
3. Use a Demi-Permanent Hair Color
If you want a more permanent solution to brassy hair, you can try a demi-permanent hair color. These colors deposit pigment onto the surface of your hair, without penetrating the shaft like permanent hair dyes. Look for a shade that has cool undertones, such as ash or platinum. Apply the hair color to your hair according to the instructions, then rinse and style as usual. Keep in mind that demi-permanent hair color will fade over time, so you may need to touch up your color every few weeks.
Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you know the methods for getting rid of golden brassy hair, let's walk through the process step by step:
Step 1: Choose Your Method
Decide which method you want to try – purple shampoo, blue toning mask, or demi-permanent hair color.
Step 2: Test a Strand
Before applying any product to your entire head of hair, test a strand to see how it reacts. Apply the product to a small section of hair and leave it on for the recommended time. Rinse it out and check the color – if it looks good, you can proceed with the full treatment.
Step 3: Apply the Product
Follow the instructions for your chosen product and apply it to your hair. Be careful to only apply it to the areas with brassiness, as you don't want to tone down the rest of your hair too much.
Step 4: Rinse and Style
After the recommended time has passed, rinse the product out of your hair and style as usual. Admire your cool, ashy locks!
Tips for Preventing Brassiness
Now that you've banished your brassy hair, how can you keep it from coming back? Here are some tips:
- Use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, as sulfates can strip color from your hair.
- Avoid excessive heat styling, as heat can damage and fade your hair color.
- Wear a hat or use a UV protectant spray when spending time in the sun, as UV rays can cause hair color to fade and turn brassy.
- Get regular touch-ups or toning treatments to keep your hair looking fresh.
FAQs
Q: Can I use regular shampoo instead of purple shampoo?
A: Regular shampoo won't have the same toning effect as purple shampoo, so it's best to use a product specifically designed for toning brassy hair.
Q: How often should I use purple shampoo?
A: It depends on your hair and the level of brassiness. Start with once a week and adjust as needed – using purple shampoo too often can actually make your hair look dull or gray.
Q: Can I use a toning mask and purple shampoo together?
A: Yes! In fact, using both products can help combat stubborn brassiness.
Hair Care for Bleached Hair
Bleaching your hair can be harsh on your strands, so it's important to take extra care of your hair after the process. Here are some tips:
- Use a deep conditioning treatment once a week to nourish and strengthen your hair.
- Minimize heat styling and use a heat protectant when necessary.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or dyes on your hair, as this can cause further damage and breakage.
- Get regular trims to keep your hair healthy and prevent split ends.
With these tips and tricks, you can say goodbye to golden brassy hair and hello to cool, ashy locks. Remember to take good care of your hair to maintain your new color and keep it looking healthy and shiny.
