If you’re a highlights-service customer you are more than likely to be familiar with the unwanted brassy tones that may appear over time. Have you ever explored what is causing the change of color? Today we are diving into causes of brassy hair and what our styling experts have to say on how to keep a fresh looking color that is true to tone.

Understanding The Basics of Hair Color

Hair color is influenced by melanin. Humans have a natural pigment which comes in two types: Eumelanin which is responsible for black and brown shades, and Pheomelanin which is for red and yellow hues. The process of lightening hair typically strips away the darker pigment; eumelanin, and results in the irritating yellow or orange tones you see.

Factors that contribute to Brassiness

Product Build Up.

Using a lot of product or using heavy products can leave residue on your hair and this may interact with your hair color leading to brassiness. 

Permanent Tints.

When permanent colors are used the can lift the natural hair color revealing the warm tones and leaving the hair with a brassy look after a couple of weeks. We advice using semi-permament colours unless the hair is above 50% grey.

Your Natural Hair Colour.

Naturally dark hair has more red and orange pigments. These are the last to be stripped in the lightening process and if they are not fully neutralized, the warm tones can take over. 

Sun Exposure.

You know how the sun fades the paint on your car? Well it can do the same to your hair color too. Ultraviolet rays emitted by the sun can weaken the hair dye revealing the underlying warmer tones.

Hard Water

Hard water can have many mineral deposits in it and if these cling to your hair they change color over time. This is generally a problem in areas where water has high calcium and magnesium. A shower head water filter can be of great help.

Swimming

As much as you might love swimming, your hair does not. Chlorine in pools, and salt water in the ocean, both strip away the protective layers of dyes and expose the natural undertones. 

tips for Avoiding and Fixing Brassy Tones

The best prevention measure to brassiness all lies in proactive hair care.

At Kudos Style we recommend the following:

1 - Color Safe Products.

Opt for shampoos and conditioners that are specifically designed for colored hair; they are softer on the hair and help retain the desired color.

2 - Toners : Colored hair’s best friends.

Embrace the toning! Purple & blue toners neutralize yellow and orange tones as they sit opposite to each other on the color wheel. Tracey Cunnigham, known for her exceptional work with celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Khloe Kardashian and Emma stone, regularly showcases the transformation of brassy hair into beautiful vibrant colors with precise toning.

3 - Don’t Skip the Stylist.

Regularly attending your salon appointments to tweak and maintain your color will definitely keep those tones on a low.

4 - Protect Your Hair.

Shielding your hair from the sun with sprays that block UV, or wearing a hat will help your color go a longer way. 

Products We Recommend (AVAILABLE IN STORE)

To help keep your color vibrant and brass-free, we recommend the following products from Redken:

• Acidic Color Gloss Range: This range is designed to enhance your hair's color while adding shine and smoothness. It's perfect for maintaining the vibrancy of your highlights.

• Blondage Range: Specifically formulated for blonde hair, this range neutralizes unwanted brassy tones and helps maintain a cool, bright blonde color.

• Brownlights Range: Ideal for brunettes, this range helps combat brassiness in brown hair, ensuring a rich, true-to-tone color.

Brassiness doesn’t have to be an obstacle in coloring hair. When you have a good understanding of its causes and prevention measures, as well as expert advice, you can rock your vibrant colored strands. Whether you maintain it yourself or with the aid of professional help, we are here to help with both. 

Pop in for a retail or hair color consultation with one of our experts today!

Call us on 01 287 3061 or Book online.

With love and care,

KUDOS STYLE