Brassy hair refers to the unwanted warm tones that can gradually develop in hair color. Brass is most commonly seen on those with dyed or lightened hair but can also appear on those with lighter virgin hair colors (like natural blondes and light browns). Hair turns brassy orange when the color begins to oxidize from exposure to the elements. For some quick background, when you light your hair with peroxide or bleach strips the melanin (or natural pigment) from your strands. This process reveals your hair’s naturally warm undertones, especially if you’re starting with a darker base color. Applying a hair dye or a hair toner for orange hair can neutralize some of this warmth, but only temporarily.
Determining whether your hair is brassy typically depends on your desired shade. It’s worth mentioning that brassy hair tends to be confused with warm-toned hair, but each has defining characteristics. Warm hair usually has a deliberately golden look with richness and dimension. Hair may also appear shiny and healthy-looking thanks to the infusion of these brilliant tones. Brass is sometimes an inevitable part of the hair coloring process, though there are preventative measures you can take to prolong your color’s vibrancy.
Practical steps to reduce brassiness
1. Using the right shampoo and conditioner is essential for any hair type, but it’s especially true for those who dye or lighten their hair. Systems specifically designed for color-treated tresses often contain gentler or more nourishing ingredients that work to maintain your color. Plus, many are sulfate-free, so you don't have to worry about harsh cleansers or salts further breaking down your dye. EverPure line from L’Oréal Paris makes many shampoos for color-treated hair-and we recommend pairing yours with the corresponding conditioner for the best possible results. We love the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Bond Repair Shampoo and the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Bond Repair Conditioner because they manage dryness on colored hair. This set is designed to rebuild weak hair bonds while strengthening and being gentle on color.
2. As much as we love laying out in the sun (with sunscreen, of course), the practice can be just as damaging for the hair as it is for the skin. The sun’s ultraviolet rays can fade your hair color, which in turn may lead to brassiness.
3. There are plenty of benefits of opting for heat-free hairstyles, including extending your hair color and improving the look and feel of your hair. Heat-artificial or otherwise-can cause your strands to dry out quickly and fade your hair color. Editor's tip: if you do need to use heat on your hair, make sure you apply a heat protectant first.
If you’re past the point of prevention and need a remedy, using a toner for orange hair is one of the best ways to kick brass to the curb. But the best toner for orange hair depends on whether your brassiness leans more yellow or it’s dark orange hair. Blue toner for orange hair formulas can help counteract brassy tones in the hair. The reasoning goes back to basic color theory: Shades positioned opposite on the color wheel are complementary and effectively cancel each other out when combined.
Professional techniques and at-home toners
Professional techniques: Proper bleaching and coloring methods are crucial to avoid brassiness. Quality products: Use color-safe shampoos, conditioners, and purple shampoos to maintain a cool tone and neutralize brass. Routine maintenance: Regular deep conditioning treatments help nourish and strengthen hair, while UV protection shields color from fading. Hair toners come in several forms, including professional treatments and at-home glosses, tinted shampoos, and masks. The best toner for orange hair ultimately depends on the severity of your brass and how much time, money, and effort you’re willing to devote to upkeep.
- Salon toners, which are often hair glosses or demi-permanent dyes, deposit sheer pigments onto your hair to enhance its overall color (think of them like pantyhose for your hair). These formulas help neutralize brass, impart shine, brighten your color, and make your hair feel silky-soft. Professional glosses are ideal for stubborn or severely brassy orange hair.
- Bringing home all the benefits of a toner is possible, so you can eliminate the orange hair color and add cool tones to reduce unwanted warmth in record time with products you can apply yourself. To say goodbye to unwanted brassy and red tones a fantastic option is L’Oréal Paris Feria Power Toner. This toner is a great pick for in-between salon visits that will help to keep your strands fresh and vibrant.
- For lightened brunettes and dark blondes, a blue toner for orange hair-namely, blue shampoo-will be your best friend. As you can probably imagine, blue shampoo contains cobalt-colored pigments that help offset orange and other copper-leaning tones.
- If your hair is on the yellowish-orange end of the spectrum, purple shampoo can help. Like blue shampoo, purple shampoo is another at-home option with color pigments formulated to counteract brassy yellow tones in color-treated hair. Try using the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Purple Shampoo for Blonde Hair with the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Purple Conditioner for Blonde Hair. This system hydrates strands and neutralizes brassy tones in blonde, bleached, highlighted, and silver hair. Supplement your shampoo and conditioner with a purple mask, like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Anti Brass Purple Treatment, for extra toning assistance. Once a week, spread a full tube over damp, towel-dried hair.
Orange hair can be beautiful if it’s the look you’re going for. But if your shade becomes too warm for your liking, remember you have options to help fix it. Next time, be sure to consult with the L’Oréal Paris Hair Color Concierge to talk to live experts and access online resources and tools before you color your hair.
