You loved your hair colour when you left the salon, but now you‘re noticing unwanted orange, yellow, or brassy tones creeping in. Wondering how to fix brassy hair? Brassy hair is one of the most common frustrations after hair colouring, especially for blondes, highlighted hair, and lightened brunettes. At Hair Station in Narre Warren and Mulgrave, we help clients fix brassy hair and understand why brassiness happens. Here’s your complete guide to fix brassy hair and restore beautiful, cool-toned colour.
What Causes Brassy Hair After Colouring?
Understanding why brassiness occurs helps you prevent and Fix Brassy Hair:
Natural Pigment Exposure
When hair is lightened or bleached:
- The natural underlying warm pigments (red, orange, yellow) are revealed
- These warm tones become visible as the colour fades
- Darker hair has more red/orange pigments
- Lighter hair shows more yellow tones
Colour Fading
Over time, colour molecules wash out:
- Cool tones (ash, platinum, violet) fade faster than warm tones
- This leaves behind the warmer underlying pigments
- Repeated washing accelerates fading
- Sun exposure speeds up the process
Mineral Buildup
Hard water and minerals cause brassiness:
- Iron, copper, and other minerals deposit on hair
- These minerals oxidize and create orange/brassy tones
- Chlorine from pools turns blonde hair green or brassy
- Well water often contains high mineral content
Using Wrong Products
Certain products worsen brassiness:
- Sulfate shampoos strip colour faster
- Heat styling without protection
- Products without UV filters
- Non-colour-safe formulas
How to Fix Brassy Hair: Quick At-Home Solutions
1. Purple Shampoo (For Blonde/Silver Hair)
Purple shampoo is your first line of defense against brassiness:
How it works:
- Purple neutralizes yellow tones (opposite on colour wheel)
- Deposits violet pigment to counteract warmth
- Maintains cool, ashy blonde tones
How to use:
- Use 1-2 times per week (not every wash!)
- Leave on for 3-5 minutes before rinsing
- Don’t overuse (can cause purple/grey tint)
- Alternate with regular colour-safe shampoo
Recommended brands: Fanola No Yellow, Fudge Clean Blonde, Matrix Total Results So Silver
2. Blue Shampoo (For Brunettes/Brown Hair)
Blue shampoo targets orange tones in darker hair:
How it works:
- Blue neutralizes orange (opposite on colour wheel)
- Perfect for brown, caramel, and dark blonde hair
- Maintains cool brunette tones
How to use:
- Use 1-2 times per week
- Leave on for 3-5 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly
- Works best on lightened brunette hair
Recommended brands: Redken Color Extend Brownlights, Joico Color Balance Blue
3. Toning Treatments at Home
At-home toners can temporarily neutralize brassiness:
Semi-permanent toners:
- Available at beauty supply stores
- Apply to clean, damp hair
- Process for recommended time
- Rinse and condition
Gloss treatments:
- Add shine while neutralizing warmth
- Last 4-6 weeks
- Easier to apply than traditional toners
Important: Always do a strand test first and follow instructions carefully!
4. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
For mineral buildup causing brassiness:
How to use:
- Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 3 parts water
- Pour over hair after shampooing
- Leave for 2-3 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly with cool water
- Use once per week
Benefits:
- Removes mineral buildup
- Restores pH balance
- Adds shine
- Clarifies without harsh chemicals
5. Chelating Shampoo
For stubborn mineral buildup:
What it does:
- Removes hard water minerals, chlorine, and product buildup
- Deep cleanses hair
- Prepares hair for toning treatments
How to use:
- Use once every 2-4 weeks
- Follow with deep conditioner (chelating shampoo is drying)
- Don’t overuse (can strip colour)
Professional Ways to Fix Brassy Hair
Sometimes at-home fixes aren’t enough – professional treatments deliver better results:
Professional Toner Service
What it is:
- Applied by a professional colourist
- Neutralizes unwanted tones precisely
- Lasts 4-6 weeks
- More effective than at-home toners
Cost: $80-$150 (much less than full recolouring!)
When to get it:
- Every 4-6 weeks between full colour appointments
- When at-home purple shampoo isn’t enough
- For special events requiring perfect colour
At Hair Station, we offer professional toning services to refresh your colour between full colouring appointments!
Gloss Treatment
What it is:
- Semi-permanent shine treatment
- Neutralizes brassiness while adding incredible gloss
- Lasts 4-8 weeks
- Conditions hair while toning
Benefits:
- Fixes brassiness
- Adds mirror-like shine
- Improves hair health
- Quick service (30-45 minutes)
Colour Correction
For severe brassiness or unwanted tones:
When you need it:
- At-home toning attempts failed
- Colour turned very orange or brassy
- Uneven colour throughout hair
- Want to change colour direction
What to expect:
- May require multiple sessions
- More expensive than regular colouring
- Professional expertise essential
- Results are worth it!
Preventing Brassiness: Long-Term Strategies
Prevention is easier than correction:
Use Colour-Safe, Sulfate-Free Products
Essential for preventing brassiness:
- Sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner
- Products specifically for colour-treated hair
- Purple/blue shampoo as needed
- UV-protective products
Wash Hair Less Frequently
Reduce washing to:
- 2-3 times per week maximum
- Use dry shampoo between washes
- Less washing = less colour fading = less brassiness
Use Cool Water
Why it matters:
- Hot water opens cuticles and releases colour
- Cool water seals cuticles and locks colour in
- Finish every wash with cool rinse
- Prevents premature fading
Protect from Sun and Chlorine
Sun protection:
- Wear hats during extended sun exposure
- Use UV-protective hair products
- Avoid prolonged sun exposure
Pool protection:
- Wet hair with fresh water before swimming
- Apply leave-in conditioner as barrier
- Wear swim cap if possible
- Use chelating shampoo after swimming
Get Regular Toner Appointments
Maintenance schedule:
- Toner every 4-6 weeks
- Prevents brassiness from building up
- More affordable than letting it get severe
- Keeps colour looking fresh constantly
Deep Condition Regularly
Why it helps:
- Healthy hair holds colour better
- Prevents porosity issues that cause uneven fading
- Seals cuticles for better colour retention
- Use weekly deep conditioning mask
When to See a Professional vs DIY
Try at-home solutions when:
✅ Brassiness is mild
✅ You’ve used toning shampoos before
✅ Your hair is in good condition
✅ It’s been less than 2 weeks since salon visit
See a professional when:
⚠️ Brassiness is severe or patchy
⚠️ At-home attempts made it worse
⚠️ You’re unsure what tone to use
⚠️ Hair is damaged or over-processed
⚠️ You want guaranteed results
Get Expert Help for Brassy Hair at Hair Station
Struggling with brassy hair? Visit Hair Station in Narre Warren or Mulgrave for professional solutions.
Our services:
- Professional toner treatments
- Gloss services for shine and tone correction
- Colour correction for severe brassiness
- Expert advice on at-home maintenance
- Premium toning products (purple/blue shampoos)
Why choose Hair Station: ✅ Experienced colourists who understand toning
✅ Premium professional toning products
✅ Affordable pricing
✅ Walk-in convenience
✅ Two convenient shopping centre locations
Visit us at:
Hair Station Casey Central
Casey Central Shopping Centre, Narre Warren VIC 3805
Phone: 0432 200 762
Hair Station Waverley Gardens
Waverley Gardens Shopping Centre, Mulgrave VIC 3170
Phone: 0402 710 500
Don’t let brassy tones ruin your beautiful colour! Walk in today for professional toning services or expert advice on fixing brassiness at home. Our experienced team will restore your colour to its perfect, cool-toned beauty!
