Say Goodbye to Brassy Brown Hair: Your Ultimate DIY Guide
Brassy brown hair can be a frustrating beauty challenge for many. Whether your hair turned orange after a color treatment or developed an unwanted yellowish tone from sun exposure, the brassiness can make you feel less than confident. But don’t worry! You don’t have to run to the salon to fix it. In this comprehensive guide, we will show you how to tackle brassy brown hair at home with DIY solutions that will help restore your hair to its natural, beautiful hue.
What Causes Brassy Brown Hair?
Before we dive into the DIY remedies, it’s important to understand why brassy brown hair occurs. Brassy tones are typically caused by:
- Oxidation: Exposure to air, water, and pollutants can change the color of your hair.
- Hair Dye: Some hair color formulas can create unwanted warm tones like orange or yellow.
- Sun Exposure: UV rays can lighten hair and bring out the brassy undertones.
- Hard Water: The minerals in hard water can leave a residue on hair, making it look dull and brassy.
- Age: As hair naturally ages, it can turn brassy due to the loss of pigment and melanin.
Now that you know what causes brassiness, let’s explore how you can say goodbye to brassy brown hair with some effective DIY treatments.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Brassy Brown Hair
1. Use a Purple Shampoo
The first step in neutralizing brassy brown hair is using a purple shampoo. Purple shampoo works because purple and yellow are opposite colors on the color wheel, so purple can cancel out the yellow and orange tones in your hair. Here’s how to use it:
- Apply the purple shampoo to damp hair, focusing on the brassy areas.
- Lather and leave it on for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on how strong the brassiness is.
- Rinse thoroughly with cool water to lock in the color.
Tip: Don’t use purple shampoo too often, as it can dry out your hair. Once or twice a week is usually enough for most people.
2. Try a DIY Blue Toning Mask
If purple shampoo isn’t enough to get rid of brassy brown hair, a DIY blue toning mask can be the perfect solution. Blue tones are especially effective for dark brown hair because they can neutralize the orange and red undertones. Here’s how you can make your own blue toning mask:
- Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of blue food coloring
- 2 tablespoons of conditioner
- 1 teaspoon of coconut oil (optional for added moisture)
- Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl until smooth.
- Apply the mask evenly from roots to ends.
- Leave it on for 20-30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
This blue toning mask will help balance the warm tones and bring your brown hair closer to its natural, cooler hue.
3. Use Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
Apple cider vinegar is another popular remedy for brassy brown hair. It can help balance your hair’s pH level, remove buildup, and eliminate unwanted yellowish tones. Here’s how to use apple cider vinegar to your advantage:
- Ingredients:
- 1 part apple cider vinegar
- 4 parts water
- Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle.
- Spray the mixture on damp hair and leave it for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with cool water.
This rinse can be used weekly to keep your hair looking fresh and free from brassiness.
4. Protect Your Hair from UV Damage
Sun exposure can cause brassy brown hair to fade and develop yellowish or orange tones. To keep your hair from turning brassy due to the sun, you should always protect your strands. You can:
- Wear a hat or scarf when you’re outdoors for long periods of time.
- Use a UV protection spray formulated for hair.
- Choose hair products that contain SPF.
5. Keep Your Hair Hydrated
Dry hair is more prone to brassiness. When your hair becomes dry and damaged, it can absorb more pigment, which leads to brassiness over time. Ensure you’re using moisturizing shampoos, conditioners, and treatments to keep your hair healthy and hydrated.
- Apply deep conditioning masks regularly.
- Use leave-in conditioners to lock in moisture.
- Consider oil treatments with ingredients like argan or jojoba oil.
Troubleshooting Tips for Brassy Brown Hair
What if My Hair is Still Brassy After Using Purple Shampoo?
If your hair remains brassy after using purple shampoo, you may need to increase the frequency of use or try a stronger purple shampoo. However, be careful not to overuse it as it can dry out your hair.
What If My Hair Turned Green After a Toning Treatment?
Greenish tones can sometimes develop if you’ve overused purple shampoo or blue toners. If this happens, try a clarifying shampoo or a mixture of baking soda and water to remove the excess toner. However, do not repeat this treatment too often as it can strip your hair of moisture.
Can I Use Store-Bought Hair Color to Fix Brassy Brown Hair?
If you are dealing with severe brassiness, you might consider using a color-correcting treatment or a salon-quality hair dye. Look for a color that’s specifically designed to neutralize brassiness, such as a cooler brown or ash-based shade. If you’re unsure, consult with a professional to avoid damaging your hair further.
What About Hard Water? How Can I Prevent Brassiness?
Hard water is known to deposit minerals on your hair that can lead to brassiness. If you live in an area with hard water, consider installing a shower filter or using a hard water clarifying shampoo to prevent buildup.
Conclusion: Keep Brassy Brown Hair at Bay
Brassy brown hair can be a nuisance, but with the right techniques and products, you can say goodbye to those unwanted orange or yellow tones. By using purple shampoo, DIY toning masks, apple cider vinegar rinses, and protecting your hair from UV damage, you’ll keep your brown hair looking fresh and natural. Remember to keep your hair hydrated and maintain a good hair care routine to avoid future brassiness.
If you’re interested in learning more about hair care tips and tricks, be sure to check out our complete guide to healthy hair maintenance.
With these simple DIY solutions, you can enjoy beautiful, vibrant brown hair without worrying about brassiness. Don’t let brassy brown hair hold you back from feeling your best—take action today and enjoy your luscious locks!
This article is in the category DIY Tools and created by DIYCraft Team