You know what they say, blondes have more fun! Going blonde is truly a bold move for your looks, especially if you've always sported naturally dark locks. Whether you're switching up your style by going for a sweet look with strawberry blonde, or a more adventurous take with atomic blonde, it's a hair color that is worth trying.

Unfortunately, the glamorous look doesn't last as long as you'd hope, and you may start to notice your golden locks turn an unsightly, brassy hue. Why does that happen?

Why Does Blonde Hair Dye Turn Brassy? And What Does Brassiness Mean in the First Place?

The dull yellow or golden hue you might be noticing in the blonde hue of your hair is actually known as "brassiness." It's the result of a chemical reaction between the hair dye you used and the natural pigment in your hair called "melanin."

In order to understand what brassiness is, we'll first need to understand what it's not. It's not a color, but rather a look that is caused by other colors, usually yellow, orange, or red ones. 

When the melanin is exposed to the hair dye, it turns a light golden hue, which makes your locks look more yellow-toned. Unfortunately, when you next shampoo your hair, the cuticle of the hair will open up, and the color will begin to fade.

When your hair is exposed to the air and the effects of water, the color will oxidize, and begin to turn a warmer, brassier shade. Brassy hair is a dye job gone wrong, so you don't need to be afraid to go blonde as there are ways to keep them looking picture-perfect!

How to Prevent Your Dyed Blonde Hair from Turning Brassy

Tip #1: Choose the Right Shade of Blonde 

If you're really worried about brassiness, opt for a shade that is as close to your natural hair color as possible. Yep, you guessed it — a color-correcting gray hair dye.

While gray hair dye isn't only used to color gray hair, it's the best way to prevent brassiness from occurring. This is because the color-correcting gray hair dyes are formulated to neutralize warm tones and will keep your blonde hair from turning brassy.

Tip #2: Be Sure to Get a Hair Toner in Your Salon

Salon toners are color-correcting formulas that are added to any treatment to neutralize any unwanted hues. This will help keep your hair color looking radiant and bright, and you'll be able to get longer-lasting results from your blonde hair color.

Tip #3: Invest in a Purple Shampoo to Keep Your Hair from Developing Warmer Tones

Using a purple shampoo will help preserve your blonde hair color. Purple shampoos are designed to neutralize brassy tones and keep your hair looking fresh and vibrant. Look for shampoo with a blend of violet and purple pigments to make sure your color stays true and brassy-free for as long as possible.

Tip #4: Try to Avoid Getting Sun-Kissed Hair and Staying too Long in the Pool

When your hair comes in contact with the sun and/or swimming pools, it's more likely to develop a warmer tone. To avoid this from happening, apply a toner before and after taking a dip, and then wash your hair afterwards with your regular shampoo to remove any traces of pool water.

The Bottom Line: Keeping Your Blonde Bright and Golden 

Going blonde is a perfect way to switch up your look, but it's also one of the most high-maintenance hairstyles, which is why you need to be careful when it comes to it. With the right hair care products and practices, you'll be able to keep your blonde hair brass-free and radiant for longer!

Are You Looking for the Best Hair Salon in Capitol Hill?

Coloring your hair promises an instant, glamorous upgrade for your looks, so check out The Glam House to explore different color correction services that can instantly spice up your hairstyle without leaving it in a damaged mess. 

We offer haircuts, hair extensions, balayage, hair coloring, and more, so head on over to The Glam House to get the glow-up you’ve been looking for! Book an appointment with us today and see how we can enhance your natural beauty no matter the occasion!