How to Prevent and Fix Brassy Hair
I love my lived-in hair color, but one of the downsides to being able to go a few extra weeks between salon visits is that you have to be more mindful of the tone of your hair. Brassiness refers to the unwanted warm tones (typically yellow or orange) that can show up in color-treated hair. My hair is naturally brown, and even though I ask my stylist for neutral-toned highlights, I still rely on my maintenance routine to keep brassiness at bay. Less tedious and time consuming than it sounds, incorporating a few key products keeps my hair color bright and properly toned at all times. Keep reading for all of the tips and tricks I use to keep my hair color fresh and free of brassy tones in between salon visits.
how to prevent and fix brassy hair
pick the right tone for your hair
My stylist and I gravitate towards neutral-toned highlights as I prefer lived-in, low-maintenance hair color. Ashier or cooler toned hair color will require more upkeep, especially since darker hair naturally has orange and yellow undertones. Depending on how much time and money you’re willing to dedicate to hair upkeep, I recommend working with your stylist to pick a style that match your priorities and work with (not against) your natural undertones. Even if you don’t love your natural hair color, leaning into the natural undertones will also flatter your skin tone and add a healthy glow, just like how you gravitate more towards silver jewelry over gold (or vice versa).
use quality products
Not every product needs to be salon-priced, but take the time to figure out what products work best for your hair. I use shampoo that is specifically marketed for color treated or damaged hair, a hydrating conditioner, and treat with a hair oil that penetrates the follicle to add hydration rather than just surface-level shine. You can view a full breakdown of my favorite hair products here.
use the proper products to tone your hair
Leaning into the color wheel, blue cancels out orange tones, and purple (or violet) cancels out yellow tones. I’ve incorporated both products into my hair maintenance routine. Typically, I recommend using toning conditioners over shampoos; they’re more hydrating, less harsh, and less intense – there’s nothing worse than accidentally over-toning your hair and ending up with a purple tint that takes a few shampoos to wash out. dpHUE makes blue shampoo and conditioner that are fairly mild; I mix the shampoo with my regular shampoo and use it every 2-3 weeks, depending on how much I’m in the sun (more on that later). I love the Davines Heart of Glass Rich Conditioner; it’s really hydrating, a good mix between blue and purple, and tones your hair beautifully without any residue. I use this once a week, and stick to my go-to conditioning mask on other wash days.
keep your hair healthy with hair masks and treatments
Get the most out of your toning products by also prioritizing hair health. Hair masks and treatments add shine, dimension, and really make your hair color pop. Once a week, I use this hair mask by Ouai, which is hydrating yet lightweight. The smell is subtle, and I like the convenience of being able to buy it at Target or Ulta. For a cheaper option, this mask was my go-to for years; it’s less than $15 and lasts a long time. Another product that really keeps my hair color fresh is this gloss treatment. You apply it to freshly shampooed hair, and it leaves you with incredible shine and hydrating. View my full review and tips for using it here.
use hair sunscreen
UV rays can bleach the pigment in your hair, leading to uneven tones. To combat this, use hair sunscreen or wear a hat. I like this powder sunscreen because it’s easy to brush on your hair (especially when you’re on the go), doesn’t leave a greasy residue like some sprays do. It also doesn’t dry out or stain your scalp, which is key for color-treated hair.
install a shower filter
This is a bit of a more drastic step than I usually like to take, but installing a shower filter is truly a game changer, especially if your area is known for hard water. The Jolie filter is a bit more expensive than most shower filters, but the benefits are truly worth it. This preserves my hair color for longer, minimizes breakage, strengthens the follicles at the root, and promotes hair growth – I definitely notice a difference when I’m on vacation. Having highlighted hair is definitely an investment, and this filter makes me feel like I’m getting the most out of my hair appointments and keeping my hair as healthy and bright as possible.