Why Do My Blonde Highlights Always Turn Out So Brassy?
Have you ever noticed that your blonde highlights look less sunny and more brassy? Don't worry, you're not alone. Several factors can contribute to this unwanted golden or orange tint in your hair. Let's dive into understanding and preventing brassy highlights.
Understanding the Cause of Brassy Highlights
Brassy tones can appear in blonde highlights due to a combination of natural pigments, oxidation, water quality, and improper hair care products. Hair has inherent pigments like yellow and orange, which may become more noticeable when the hair is lightened. Over time, exposure to air, sunlight, and environmental pollutants leads to oxidation, making your hair appear brassy. Water quality also plays a crucial role. Hard water contains minerals like iron and copper, which can react with hair dye, causing discoloration. Additionally, the type of hair care products you use can leave residues that affect the tone of your highlights. Some shampoos and styling products contain sulfates, which can strip color, leading to a brassy appearance.
A key takeaway is that improper color maintenance, such as failing to use toners or purple shampoos designed to neutralize brassy tones, can also cause your highlights to lack that cool, neutral appearance.
Tips to Avoid Brassiness
To keep your blonde highlights looking bright and cool, here are some practical tips:
1. Use a Purple Shampoo
A purple shampoo is designed to neutralize yellow and orange tones. Regular use can help maintain the brightness and overall appearance of your highlights. Consider incorporating a purple shampoo into your hair care routine, especially if you notice a brassy tint developing.
2. Regular Toner Treatments
Professional toning treatments can help keep your highlights looking fresh. Get a toner applied at your salon every few weeks. This not only helps maintain the color but also keeps your hair healthy and vibrant.
3. Protect from Heat and UV Damage
Heat and UV rays can cause damage to your hair and contribute to brassiness. Always use a heat protectant when styling, and wear hats or use UV protection sprays when spending time in direct sunlight. These protective measures can go a long way in maintaining the integrity of your synthetic highlights.
4. Check Water Quality
If you live in an area with hard water, consider using a water filter or clarifying shampoo occasionally. Hard water contains minerals that can compromise the quality of your hair care products and cause discoloration.
Common Mistakes Leading to Brassiness
Sometimes, brassiness can be the result of common mistakes in the lightening process. Proper timing is crucial. If the bleach was not left on long enough, it might jump the gun and come out too soon, resulting in a brassy tone. The ideal stage for highlights is the pale buttery yellow stage, which often requires more time than impatient people might allow. Additionally, too much warmth in your natural hair, not enough processing time, and lack of post-treatment toner can also contribute to brassiness. If you do your highlights at home, it's important to follow the product instructions carefully.
By understanding these factors and taking appropriate steps to address them, you can achieve and maintain the perfect blonde highlights you've always wanted!