How to Tone Brassiness Out of Your Hair at Home

Brassy tones in your hair can be a real headache, especially if you’ve recently dyed it and are not happy with the result. The good news is that you can tone down brassiness at home without spending a fortune on salon treatments. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do it.

Understanding Brassiness

Brassiness occurs when your hair reflects light in a brassy, yellowish hue. This is often a result of over-processing, using the wrong products, or simply having a natural brassy base. Understanding the cause can help you choose the right method to tone it down.

Assess Your Hair’s Condition

Before you start, assess the condition of your hair. If it’s dry or damaged, it’s important to nourish it first. Use a deep conditioning treatment to restore moisture and elasticity to your hair. This will help prevent further damage during the toning process.

Using a Toning Shampoo

One of the most common and effective ways to tone brassiness is by using a toning shampoo. These shampoos contain purple or blue pigments that neutralize brassiness. Here’s how to use it:

Choose a toning shampoo that matches your hair color. For example, if you have light brown hair, opt for a light brown toning shampoo.
Wet your hair and apply the toning shampoo, massaging it into your scalp and hair.
Leave it on for the recommended time, usually 1-3 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly with cool water to seal the cuticles and lock in the color.
Repeat the process every 2-3 washes, or as needed.

Using a Toning Conditioner

In addition to a toning shampoo, using a toning conditioner can also help neutralize brassiness. Look for a conditioner with purple or blue pigments. Here’s how to use it:

After washing your hair with a toning shampoo, apply the toning conditioner to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair.
Leave it on for the recommended time, usually 2-5 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly with cool water.
Use the toning conditioner every time you wash your hair for best results.

Using a Toning Mask

For a more intensive treatment, you can use a toning mask. These masks are designed to penetrate the hair shaft and neutralize brassiness at a deeper level. Here’s how to use it:

Apply the toning mask to damp hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends.
Leave it on for the recommended time, usually 10-20 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly with cool water.
Use the toning mask once a week for best results.

Using a Temporary Toning Spray

For a quick fix, you can use a temporary toning spray. These sprays contain the same purple or blue pigments as toning shampoos and conditioners, but they are designed to be used as a rinse-off treatment. Here’s how to use it:

Shake the toning spray well before use.
Apply it to damp hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends.
Rinse thoroughly with cool water.
Use the toning spray as needed for a quick brassiness fix.

Using a Clarifying Shampoo

Another effective way to remove brassiness is by using a clarifying shampoo. These shampoos remove build-up and impurities from your hair, which can help lighten brassiness. Here’s how to use it:

Choose a clarifying shampoo that is suitable for your hair type.
Wet your hair and apply the clarifying shampoo, massaging it into your scalp and hair.
Leave it on for the recommended time, usually 2-3 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly with cool water.
Use the clarifying shampoo once a week for best results.