Did you know that nearly 40% of people with colored or highlighted hair experience brassiness at some point?
If you’ve been struggling with brassy hair and want to regain that beautiful, cool-toned look, look no further.
With these easy-to-follow remedies, you can say goodbye to brassy hair and hello to vibrant, salon-worthy locks from the comfort of your own home.
In this article, we explore effective home remedies for brassy hair that can help you achieve the desired results without breaking the bank.
What Is Brassy Hair?
Brassy hair is hair that has taken on undesirable red, orange, or yellow tones. This can happen when you bleach or dye your hair at home or even after a visit to the salon.
Brassy hair is different than discoloration in natural hair due to its uneven distribution and dry appearance.
How Colors Work
The underlying pigments present in your hair determine your hair color. When you bleach or lighten your hair, you expose these pigments.
The color wheel can help you figure out which tones can neutralize brassy hair. Opposite colors on the wheel can cancel each other out, so purple or blue toners will counteract yellow or orange tones.
This table illustrates how you can use colors to neutralize brassy tones.
| Color | Opposing Color |
|---|---|
| Purple | Yellow |
| Blue | Orange |
| Green | Red |
Causes for Brassy Hair
There are several factors that can contribute to your hair developing brassy tones:
- Bleach
- Hard water
- Sunlight
- Chlorine
- Oxidation
Bleach
Bleach exposes the underlying warm pigments in your hair. This can reveal brassy shades.
If the bleach isn’t left long enough, or the strength is off, the hair does not lift evenly. This causes brassiness.
Hard water
Minerals found in hard water can cause a buildup in your hair. Exposure to these minerals leads to a change in color and the development of brassy tones.
Sunlight
Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause your hair color to fade. It strips away the outer layer of your hair and reveals the underlying pigments.
Chlorine
Swimming in chlorinated pools can lead to brassiness. The chemicals can strip the color from your hair and expose warm undertones.
Oxidation
Oxidation happens for several reasons, such as exposure to air and water. It can change the color of hair dye, which results in the appearance of brassy tones.
11 Best Natural Brassy Hair Home Remedies
Here are 11 tips on how to get rid of brassy hair at home:
- Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
- Baking Soda
- Lemon Juice Rinse
- Coffee Rinse
- Hollyhock Herbs Rinse
- Black Tea Rinse
- Sage Tea Rinse
- Chamomile Tea Rinse
- DIY Hair Toner with Food Coloring
- Tomato Paste Hair Mask
- Indigo Hair Treatment
These home remedies don’t work for everyone. Some see results, others don’t. It depends on your situation, so use them with care.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
Apple cider vinegar helps neutralize brassy tones because it balances the pH value of your hair and scalp. Plus, it acts as a clarifying hair treatment.
Hair type: All hair types.
How to prepare: Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water.
How to apply:
- Shampoo your hair.
- Pour the mixture over your head.
- Leave it in for a few minutes.
- Rinse it out with cold water.
2. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that removes excess color, tones down brassiness, and restores your hair’s natural shine.
Hair type: Works best for blonde and light-colored hair.
How to prepare: Mix equal parts of baking soda and your favorite shampoo.
How to apply:
- Apply this mixture to wet hair.
- Lather.
- Rinse thoroughly.
3. Lemon Juice Rinse
Lemon juice contains natural acids that help lift away brassy pigments and brighten your hair color.
Hair type: Works best for light-colored hair.
How to prepare: Mix the juice of one lemon with one cup of water.
How to apply:
- Shampoo your hair.
- Pour the lemon juice mixture evenly over your hair.
- Let it sit for a few minutes.
- Rinse it out with cold water.
4. Coffee Rinse
Coffee helps enhance the natural color of your hair and removes brassy tones due to its tannin content.
Hair type: Works best for dark and brown hair.
How to prepare: Brew a strong cup of coffee and let it cool down.
How to apply:
- Shampoo your hair
- Pour the cooled coffee over your hair.
- Let it sit for a few minutes.
- Rinse it out with cold water.
5. Hollyhock Herbs Rinse
Hollyhock herbs are famous for their soothing properties. They help neutralize brassy tones in your hair and give it a healthy shine.
Hair type: Works best for blonde and light-colored hair.
How to prepare: Make a strong herbal tea using hollyhock herbs and water. Then strain and cool.
How to apply:
- Rinse your shampooed hair with the cooled hollyhock tea.
- Let it sit for five minutes.
- Rinse it out with cold water.
6. Black Tea Rinse
Black tea adds depth and intensity to your hair color. It contains tannins that balance your hair color and reduce brassiness.
Hair type: Works best for dark and brown hair.
How to prepare: Brew a strong pot of black tea, then let it cool down.
How to apply:
- Shampoo your hair.
- Pour the cooled black tea over your hair.
- Let it sit for a few minutes.
- Rinse it out with cold water.
7. Sage Tea Rinse
Sage tea adds a silvery sheen to gray hair and reduces brassiness in blondes.
Hair type: Works best for blond and gray hair.
How to prepare: Brew sage tea according to the package instructions, then let it cool.
How to apply:
- Wash your hair with shampoo.
- Pour the cooled sage tea over your hair.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Rinse it out with cold water.
8. Chamomile Tea Rinse
Chamomile tea helps brighten and remove brassiness from your hair. It has lightening properties and transforms yellow tones into lighter blonde.
Hair type: Works best for blonde and light-colored hair.
How to prepare: Brew chamomile tea according to the package instructions, then let it cool.
How to apply:
- Shampoo your hair.
- Pour the tea over your hair.
- Leave the tea on your hair for 20-30 minutes.
- Rinse out with cool water.
9. DIY Hair Toner with Food Coloring
A DIY hair toner made with food coloring can help neutralize brassy tones and refresh your hair color, similar to colored conditioners.
Hair type: All hair types.
How to prepare: Mix a few drops of green or blue food coloring and your conditioner.
How to apply:
- Shampoo and rinse your hair.
- Apply the food coloring-conditioner mixture evenly.
- Leave it on for 15 minutes.
- Rinse it out with cold water.
10. Tomato Paste Hair Mask
Tomato paste hair mask can help remove brassiness in red hair, while providing additional shine. This is due to the red and orange pigments found in tomatoes.
Hair type: Red hair.
How to prepare: Mix tomato paste with a few tablespoons of water until you reach a smooth consistency.
How to apply:
- Apply the tomato paste to your hair.
- Leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly.
11. Indigo Hair Treatment
Indigo, a deep blue plant-derived dye, can potentially help counteract brassy tones. It works on the principle of color correction.
Hair type: Works best for dark and brown hair.
How to prepare: Mix indigo powder with water and let it sit for 15 minutes.
How to apply:
- Apply the indigo mixture to your hair.
- Leave it on for about an hour.
- Rinse it out with cold water.
Additional Tips and Precautions for Using Brassy Hair Home Remedies
Before you apply any home remedies for brassy tones, you should consider the health of your hair.
Here are some pro tips for using natural remedies for brassy hair at home:
- Avoid frequent hair dyeing, as it can lead to breakage.
- Soften hard water before using it on your hair.
- Opt for ones designed to neutralize specific undertones in your hair.
- Maintain a balanced pH level for your hair.
- If using hair dyes, consider choosing a demi-permanent color, which is less harsh on your hair.
Be cautious when experimenting with home remedies, and consider consulting a professional if you’re unsure about any treatments.
Preventing Brassy Hair
Here are some reasons why you may want to prevent brassy hair:
- Maintaining the desired shade
- Achieving a professional look
- Avoiding damage
- Keeping hair vibrant
Maintaining the Desired Shade
The primary reason people aim to prevent brassy hair is to maintain their desired hair color. For example, you might want to have a platinum blonde hair. For this, you need to prevent brassy tones to keep their hair color looking light and cool-toned.
Achieving a Professional Look
Hair that has been evenly colored and toned tends to look more professionally done. Brassy hair can sometimes give the appearance of a dye job that wasn’t done properly.
Avoiding Damage
Overly brassy hair can be a sign of hair damage. When hair is bleached, it’s important to care for it properly to prevent further damage.
Proper toning and moisturizing are crucial elements of this care.
Keeping Hair Vibrant
Over time, environmental factors can make colored hair turn brassy. Regularly toning the hair and using products can help keep the color vibrant and shiny.
Tips to Prevent Brassy Hair
Here are some friendly tips to help you avoid brassiness:
- Don’t wash your hair with hot water.
- Don’t use heat to style your hair.
- Use a heat protection product in case you do.
- Use a sulfate-free shampoo
- Protect your hair from Sunlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are natural remedies better than professional treatments for brassy hair?
Natural remedies can be a good alternative to professional treatments. They are a more budget-friendly and chemical-free approach. Still, the results may vary and may not be as long-lasting as professional treatments. We advised you to use the remedy that best suits your hair type, lifestyle, and personal preferences.
Can I fix brassy hair permanently or will it always come back?
You can not fix brassy hair permanently. To maintain a non-brassy tone, you should continuously take care of your hair. Do this by using appropriate products and habits.
How to get rid of brassy hair without toner?
Getting rid of brassy hair without toner is possible using some home remedies that don’t have pigments. these include coffee and tea rinses, vinegar and lemon juice rinses, herbal infusions, and baking soda.
