How to Manage Brassy Blond Hair: Tips from a Professional Stylist

As a professional hairstylist, I often encounter the issue of clients' blonde hair turning brassy, with a prominent yellow or orange tinge. This guide provides insights into the common causes and practical solutions to keep your blonde hair vibrant and fade-proof.

Common Reasons for Blond Hair to Turn Brassy

Blonde hair can turn brassy due to several factors, including natural lightening, color maintenance, sunlight exposure, and frequent heat styling. Here are the main reasons:

Bleaching and Chemical Treatments

Bleaching is often used to achieve lighter blonde shades, lifting the natural color and allowing lighter pigments to penetrate the strands. However, this process can accentuate naturally warm undertones, leading to a brassy appearance.

Use of Harsh Chemicals and Non-Color-Safe Products

Using standard shampoo and conditioner can strip your hair of color, making it appear brassy. It's important to use color-safe products to preserve the vibrancy of your blonde hair. Hair products with high concentrations of chemicals can break down hair cuticles, causing the underlying pigments to be lifted out.

Exposure to Sunlight

Direct sunlight causes the color in your hair to fade due to oxidation, which can result in a brassy look. UV rays from the sun can cause cuticles to lift, leading to more visible undertones.

Frequent Heat Styling

Using heat styling tools such as blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons can strip your hair of its color, resulting in a brassy tinge. Even if you can't avoid using these tools, using heat protectant sprays can help mitigate this issue.

Proven Strategies to Minimize Brassy Appearance

Here are some practical tips to help you maintain vibrant blonde hair and reduce brassy tones:

Use Color-Protectant Shampoos and Conditioners

Always use color-protectant products to prevent fading and preserve color vibrancy. Look for specially formulated color-safe shampoos and conditioners. Incorporating pigment-depositing shampoos into your regular hair washing routine helps deposit pigments and eliminate brassy tones. Consider using Moehair Color Vibrant Blonde Shampoo if you have warm blonde hair, or Moehair Color Vibrant Silver Shampoo for cool blonde hair.

Apply Hair Toner

Using a hair toner between salon visits can help neutralize unwanted warmth and hide undertones that cause a brassy look. Try Moehair Color Infuse Blonde and Color Infuse Silver Toners for the best results.

Protect Your Hair from Sunlight

Before heading out in the sun, cover your hair with a hat or scarf to protect it from UV rays. Wearing a cotton scarf can reflect sunlight, providing additional protection. Additionally, using a hair sunscreen can help keep your hair and scalp protected from the harmful effects of the sun.

Limit Heat Styling

Avoid excessive use of heat styling tools as they can strip your hair of color. If you can't avoid heat styling, always use a heat protectant spray to help maintain your hair's color.

Deep Condition Regularly

Depending on your hair type, avoid washing your hair too frequently. Use a deep conditioning pigment depositing hair mask twice a month to keep the color intact and ensure that your hair remains hydrated and healthy.

By following these tips and using the right products, you can effectively manage the brassy appearance of your blonde hair and keep it looking vibrant and healthy.