What to Do if Your Brown Hair is Brassy

After dyeing your hair, the first thought that probably crosses your mind is how great it looks— quickly followed by the dreaded notion that your new hair color could turn brassy. And it turns out that those with blonde hair aren’t the only ones who have to worry about brassy hair—it can happen to people with brown hair, too! If you’re a brunette, chances are you don’t want any unexpected red or orange tones making their way into your mane. So, how can you fix brown hair that’s turned brassy? We’ve got you covered—just follow the hair care tips below (including using a hair toner for brassiness) to help prevent brassy brown, color-treated hair and learn what to do if your brown hair has already become brassy.

HOW TO HELP PREVENT BRASSINESS IN BROWN HAIR

So, you just got a dye job—congrats! Now that you’re the proud owner of a new hue, it’s important to make sure that you’re taking care of your color-treated hair properly. Here are our best tips to help prevent unwanted brassiness:

1. SWITCH TO PRODUCTS FOR COLOR-TREATED HAIR

Yep, shampoo and conditioner aren’t one size fits all. Colored hair requires something special to get the job done. Look for a system of hair care products that's safe for color-treated hair, like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Repair & Defend Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Repair & Defend Conditioner. Gently massage the shampoo onto wet hair, then rinse and follow up with the conditioner. One to two times a week, use the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Repair Remedy Balm in place of conditioner.

2. PREVENT SUN EXPOSURE

Cover up your hair when you’re out in the sun. While you surely know how important it is to protect your skin from the sun by wearing a broad-spectrum SPF daily, you may not be aware that it’s just as essential to protect your hair color from the sun. That’s right, UV rays can affect your color. If you know that you’re going to be spending a prolonged period of time outside in the sun, make sure to shield your hair by wearing an oversized (and chic) hat. You can also swap out your standard hair spray for one with a UV filter, like the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Extra Strong Hold with UV filter for Color-Treated Hair.

3. STEP AWAY FROM THE HEAT TOOLS

Heat from the sun isn’t the only kind that’ll wreak havoc on your hair color. Heat styling with blow dryers, hair straighteners, and curling irons can impact your color, too. Instead of risking your color to heat style your hair, consider this your opportunity to embrace your natural texture—whether your hair is straight, wavy, curly, or anywhere in between! When your hair is wet, apply a heat-free hair styling product and let your hair air dry. Try the L'Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle AIR DRY IT Wave Swept Spray to help create loose waves. Just spritz your hair when it’s damp, then braid. When you let your locks down, you'll be met with strands that have shape and body.

HOW TO HELP FIX BROWN HAIR THAT’S TURNED BRASSY

Of course, preventing your pretty brown hair color from turning brassy is easier said than done. But, if you find yourself searching for the answer to how to fix brassy hair, try these tips:

1. USE A HAIR TONER

Using a hair toner for brassiness is one of the most effective ways to keep your brown strands cool-toned. There are a variety of in-salon and at-home hair toners available, just be sure to use a toner for brown hair specifically. 

2. USE A GLOSS TREATMENT

A hair gloss can also be used as both an in-salon and at-home toning option. If yellow, orange, or red tones have popped up in your brown hair, consider using an at-home gloss treatment or making an appointment at your local salon, both of which can be used to help neutralize overly warm hues.

3. TRY A BLUE OR PURPLE TONING SHAMPOO

Bottle blondes practically can’t live without their purple shampoo, but they aren’t the only ones who can benefit from the use of a toning shampoo. In fact, using one can make all the difference in the appearance of your brown hair. Look for one specifically designed to help fix brassiness in brown hair, like a blue shampoo. If you have brown hair with highlights, another option is the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Brass Toning Purple Sulfate Free Shampoo. Use this purple shampoo up to three times a week when you notice your highlights getting brassy, and be sure to pair it with the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Brass Toning Purple Sulfate Free Conditioner.

4. PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR SURROUNDINGS

Now that you know that UV rays and heat styling can affect your color, keep that in mind as you go about your day to help avoid even more brassiness.

5. SWITCH TO A COOL-TONED BROWN

While warm brown hues are totally gorgeous, they have a higher risk of appearing brassy. To avoid this, opt for cool or neutral shades of brown, like ash brown. Here are a few of our favorite cool-toned brown hair colors to try:

If you want a light brown hair color…try the L’Oréal Paris Excellence Crème in Light Ash Brown or L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference in Hi-Lift Ash Brown.

If you want a medium brown hair color…try the L’Oréal Paris Féria in Cool Medium Brown or L’Oréal Paris Excellence Creme in Mocha Ash Brown—both of which are perfect for achieving the mushroom brown hair color trend.

If you want a dark brown hair color…try the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference in Dark Ash Brown or L’Oréal Paris Féria in Deeply Brown.

6. GO TO A PROFESSIONAL

Like we touched on earlier, when all else fails, visit your colorist! Sometimes, hair color is best left to the pros. Don’t be afraid to call up your salon and book an appointment with your colorist when you’re struggling to get rid of brassy tones in brown hair.

Now that you know it’s possible to be a brunette without your mane turning brassy, consider changing your color to one of these 21 Pretty Cool, Warm, and Neutral Shades of Brown Hair.