That beautiful brown hair you left the salon with can sometimes take an unexpected turn, revealing warm, brassy tones that weren’t part of the plan. This coppery or orangey cast is a common frustration, but it doesn’t mean your color is ruined. It’s simply your hair’s natural underlying pigment saying hello. The good news is that you can gently guide your hair back to a cooler, truer brown.
Why Your Brown Hair Turns Brassy
Brassiness occurs for a few key reasons. First, the natural underlying pigment in brown hair is red and orange. When you lighten your hair, that pigment is exposed. Sun exposure, minerals in hard water, and even certain shampoos can also strip away cool tones, leaving the warm ones behind. Think of it as your hair’s natural warmth shining through a little too brightly.
Choosing the Right Toning Products
The secret to counteracting brass is to use the opposite color on the color wheel. For orange tones, you need a blue-based product. For yellow tones, a violet-based product works best. You can find these color-correcting pigments in several forms. Purple shampoos and conditioners are excellent for maintenance, depositing a small amount of violet pigment with each wash to neutralize yellowness. For more stubborn orange brass, a blue shampoo is your best friend.
A Gentle Approach with a Toning Mask
If your hair needs a more intensive treatment, a at-home toning mask can work wonders. These are typically left on for 5-10 minutes and provide a stronger dose of neutralizing pigment than a daily shampoo. Always follow the instructions carefully and do a strand test first to ensure you love the result. This is a gentle way to refresh your color without a full salon visit.
Protecting Your Brown Hair from Future Brass
Prevention is just as important as correction. Incorporate a color-safe, sulfate-free shampoo into your routine, as harsh sulfates can strip color. Washing your hair with lukewarm water instead of hot water also helps preserve your toner. Finally, when spending time in the sun, protect your hair with a hat or a UV-protectant spray to shield it from the color-fading effects of the sun.
Managing brassy tones is a very achievable part of your hair care routine. By understanding the cause and using the right color-correcting products, you can keep your brown hair looking fresh, cool, and beautifully balanced between salon appointments.