FAQ: How To Get Rid Of Brassiness In My Blond Hair?

Question:
I colored my hair blond and it turned out brassy looking. How do I get rid of this yellow-orangey hue?



Answer:
There is some information missing in order to answer this question properly. So, I will start with questions myself.

• Have you ever colored your hair before, or was this your first time?
• Is your brassiness all over the hair shaft or just at the root area?
• How dark is your natural hair?
• What kind of color product was used - a regular color, a high lift color or a bleach?
• How dark is your brassiness? 
• What condition is your hair?
• Is your brassiness due to the coloring or did you notice the brassiness build up over time?

If your hair is still healthy looking and

1. it was a first time color job, your hair was fairly light to start with, and your brassiness is light - a blue/purple toner and/or blue shampoo should be sufficient
2. your hair was a medium brown color to start with, it was a first time color job, and your brassiness is light to slightly darker - a blue/purple high lift color with 40% peroxide may help
3. your hair was dark to start with, it was a first time color job, and your brassiness is medium dark - an on scalp bleach (or even a color remover) may be needed to solve your problem.

If your hair is damaged - you will be better off in the hands of a skilled hairdresser before your hair falls out due to more damage.

Other things to consider

1. if your home water has iron problem (which can cause the brassiness also), install a filtering system.
2. when coloring your hair do not cut the coloring time
3. use the blue/purple color shade to achieve hair without yellow or orange-y under tones
4. if your hair is on the darker side use bleach
5. if you want your hair looking more natural blond instead of "one color blond", have a skilled colorist highlight your hair
6. alternate a shampoo for color treated hair with blue shampoo for blonds to keep the brassy tones at bay
7. do not forget to condition your hair

Credit: The image above is from becomegorgeous.com - an example of brassy looking hair. 

Note: 

This post should be taken as a first step for a discussion with your hairdresser and/or colorist about your ideas, desires or problems with your hair. Under no circumstances, you should act upon this post ONLY. I strongly advice you to have your hair done by a skilled and reputable hairdresser/colorist in your area.