How To Effectively Get Brassiness Out Of Hair: The Ultimate Guide

Maye Greenholt 18 Jun 2025

Dealing with brassiness in your hair can be frustrating, especially if you're trying to maintain a cool or natural tone. Whether you're blonde, brunette, or silver-haired, unwanted brassiness can ruin the look you're aiming for. But don't worry—this comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to get brassiness out of hair and keep it under control.

Brassiness occurs when warm, orange, or yellow tones dominate your hair color. This issue often arises after bleaching, toning, or even natural fading. Understanding the causes of brassiness and how to combat it is essential for maintaining a vibrant, salon-quality look at home.

In this article, we'll explore various methods, products, and tips to eliminate brassiness and achieve the hair color you desire. From DIY remedies to professional treatments, we've got you covered. Let's dive in!

What Causes Brassiness in Hair?
DIY Remedies to Get Brassiness Out of Hair
Using Toner to Combat Brassiness
The Role of Purple Shampoos in Neutralizing Warm Tones
Best Products to Eliminate Brassiness
Hair Care Tips to Prevent Brassiness
Professional Treatments for Brassiness
Frequently Asked Questions About Brassiness
The Science Behind Hair Color and Brassiness
Conclusion: Achieve the Hair Color You Deserve

What Causes Brassiness in Hair?

Brassiness in hair is primarily caused by oxidation, which occurs when the hair cuticle opens and exposes the inner structure of the hair strand. This process often happens after bleaching, coloring, or exposure to environmental factors like sunlight and chlorine.

Common Causes of Brassiness

Bleaching: Bleaching removes natural pigments from the hair, leaving behind warm undertones that can appear yellow or orange.
Color Fading: Hair dye can fade over time, revealing the base color underneath, which is often warm or brassy.
Environmental Factors: Sun exposure, chlorine in swimming pools, and hard water can contribute to brassiness by stripping the hair of its protective oils and moisture.
Improper Hair Care: Using harsh shampoos or not conditioning properly can accelerate the fading process, leading to brassiness.

DIY Remedies to Get Brassiness Out of Hair

If you're looking for cost-effective solutions, there are several DIY methods you can try to neutralize warm tones in your hair. These remedies are gentle and can be done at home with ingredients you may already have in your kitchen.

1. Baking Soda Treatment

Baking soda acts as a clarifying agent, helping to remove product buildup and brassiness. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with your regular shampoo and apply it to wet hair. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

Apple cider vinegar balances the pH levels of your hair and scalp, which can help reduce brassiness. Dilute one part apple cider vinegar with three parts water and use it as a final rinse after shampooing.

Using Toner to Combat Brassiness

Toners are specifically designed to neutralize warm tones in the hair. They work by depositing cool pigments onto the hair strands, counteracting the brassiness. Toners are available in various shades, such as ash, platinum, and violet, depending on your desired result.

Tip: Always perform a strand test before applying toner to your entire head, as the results can vary based on your hair type and color.

The Role of Purple Shampoos in Neutralizing Warm Tones

Purple shampoos are a popular choice for combating brassiness, especially for blonde and silver-haired individuals. These shampoos contain violet pigments that counteract yellow and orange tones, leaving the hair looking cooler and brighter.

How to Use Purple Shampoo Effectively

Apply the shampoo to dry or damp hair for maximum effectiveness.
Leave it on for 5-10 minutes, depending on the intensity of brassiness.
Rinse thoroughly with cool water to seal the cuticle and enhance shine.

Best Products to Eliminate Brassiness

Investing in quality products is key to achieving and maintaining the desired hair color. Here are some of the best products recommended by professionals:

Top Picks for Anti-Brassiness Products

Joico Color Endure Cool Blond Violet Shampoo: A highly effective purple shampoo that gently cleanses and cools warm tones.
Redken Color Extend Blondage Conditioner: This conditioner helps maintain blonde hair's vibrancy and protects against brassiness.
L'Oréal Paris Feria Highlights at Home Permanent Hair Color: Offers a range of shades with built-in toners to prevent brassiness.

Hair Care Tips to Prevent Brassiness

Prevention is always better than cure. By following these hair care tips, you can minimize the chances of brassiness occurring:

1. Protect Your Hair from the Sun

Wear a hat or use a leave-in conditioner with UV protection to shield your hair from harmful UV rays.

2. Use Color-Safe Products

Choose shampoos, conditioners, and styling products that are formulated for color-treated hair to preserve your hair color.

3. Deep Condition Regularly

Deep conditioning treatments help maintain moisture levels in your hair, reducing the likelihood of brassiness.

Professional Treatments for Brassiness

For stubborn cases of brassiness, consulting a professional stylist may be the best option. They can provide personalized advice and treatments tailored to your hair type and color.

Popular Professional Treatments

Glossing: A temporary treatment that deposits color onto the hair, smoothing the cuticle and neutralizing warm tones.
Balayage: A highlighting technique that creates natural-looking dimension while minimizing brassiness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brassiness

Here are some common questions people have about brassiness and how to address them:

Q1: Can I use purple shampoo daily?

A: It's best to use purple shampoo once or twice a week, as overuse can lead to dryness and excessive cool tones.

Q2: Does brassiness only affect blonde hair?

A: No, brassiness can occur in any hair color, including brunettes and redheads, although it's more noticeable in lighter shades.

The Science Behind Hair Color and Brassiness

Hair color is determined by the presence of two types of melanin: eumelanin (brown/black) and pheomelanin (red/yellow). When hair is bleached, the eumelanin is removed, leaving behind pheomelanin, which can cause brassiness. Understanding this process helps in selecting the right products and treatments to combat brassiness effectively.

Conclusion: Achieve the Hair Color You Deserve

In conclusion, getting brassiness out of hair requires a combination of proper care, quality products, and sometimes professional intervention. By following the tips and methods outlined in this guide, you can achieve and maintain the hair color you desire.

Don't forget to share your thoughts in the comments below and explore other articles on our site for more hair care tips and tricks. Together, let's keep your hair looking its best!

Data sources: Mayo Clinic, WebMD, Allure Magazine.

How to get brassiness out of hair

How to get brassiness out of brown hair at home? It’s been over a year

Hollywood Hustle