Brown hair with highlights can look stunning, but sometimes the highlights can be too bright and overpowering. If you have highlights that are too light or too noticeable, you may be wondering how to tone them down. Fortunately, there are several ways to make your highlights blend in more naturally with your brown hair.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best ways to tone down highlights in brown hair, including using toner, dyeing your hair, and using natural remedies. We’ll also provide tips on how to maintain your toned-down highlights and keep them looking their best. Whether you’re a natural brunette or have recently added highlights to your brown hair, this article will help you achieve a more subtle, natural look that complements your skin tone and hair texture.
Understanding the Different Highlighting Techniques for Brown Hair
To tone down highlights in brown hair, it is essential to understand the different highlighting techniques that are used in the hair coloring industry. There are a variety of techniques, that are used to highlight hair ranging from ombre highlights to balayage techniques. Balayage technique that uses a sweeping motion to apply the color without touching the scalp to create a natural graduated effect, which is perfect for toning down highlights in brown hair.
Another technique is called babylights, which is ideal for those looking to add a subtle glow to their hair. Babylights are delicate micro-highlights that mimic the effect of natural sunlight on the hair. They are typically applied sparingly and blend with the base shade. Understanding these techniques can help you choose the right method to achieve your desired look. Knowing the different techniques can also assist you in selecting the right stylist and the right kind of color to tone down your highlights, resulting in gorgeous brown hair that complements your skin tone and looks natural.
Natural Home Remedies to Tone Down Highlighted Brown Hair
For those who prefer natural home remedies, there are several options available to tone down highlighted brown hair. Some of these remedies include using apple cider vinegar, chamomile tea, and coffee.
Apple cider vinegar is a popular natural remedy for reducing the intensity of highlights in brown hair. Dilute one part apple cider vinegar with two parts water and apply it to your hair after shampooing. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing it off with cold water. This remedy can help to neutralize brassy tones in your hair.
Chamomile tea is another effective home remedy for toning down highlights in brown hair. Simply brew a strong cup of chamomile tea, let it cool, then use it as a rinse after shampooing. Leave the tea in your hair for at least 15 minutes before rinsing it off. Chamomile tea is known for its lightening properties, which can help to tone down overly highlighted hair. Finally, coffee is another natural remedy that can be used to darken overly highlighted hair. Brew a strong cup of coffee and let it cool. Apply it to your hair and leave it on for at least 30 minutes before rinsing it off. Coffee can help to darken your highlights and soften the overall look of your hair.
Professional Products for Toning Down Highlights in Brown Hair
Professional products can help tone down your highlights and create a balanced, natural look with your brown hair. One popular option is toning shampoo, which deposits color to neutralize brassy or yellow tones in lightened hair. Look for a blue or purple-toned shampoo, as these colors are opposite shades of brassy yellow and can counteract them. However, be cautious with overuse as it can cause your hair to turn purple.
Another professional product that can help tone down highlights is a glaze. A hair glaze is a temporary, semi-permanent color treatment that can add shine and tone to your hair. You can choose a color that will complement your brown base and help blend your highlights with the rest of your hair. A glaze usually lasts for a few weeks, and it’s a great option if you want to experiment with adding tone to your hair without committing to a permanent dye.
How to Maintain Toned Down Highlighted Brown Hair
Once you have successfully toned down your highlighted brown hair, the next challenge is to maintain your newly achieved look. The first thing you should do is to invest in hair care products that are specifically designed for color-treated hair. These products will help lock in the color and prevent it from fading away quickly.
You should also make it a habit to wash your hair with lukewarm or cool water instead of hot water. Hot water can strip away the color from your hair and make it look dull and faded. Furthermore, you should minimize the use of heat styling tools like straighteners and curlers that can cause damage to your hair and contribute to color fading. By following these simple tips, you can keep your toned-down highlighted brown hair looking fresh and vibrant for weeks to come.
The Role of Hair Colorists in Reducing the Brightness of Brown Hair Highlights
Toning down the highlights in brown hair requires technical expertise, and a hair colorist plays a critical role in achieving this. A seasoned hair colorist understands the interplay of color and light, which allows them to create subtle tonal variations that reduce the brightness of highlights in brown hair.
Hair colorists have an arsenal of hair color toners and products at their disposal that can significantly reduce the intensity of highlights. They can choose from a range of toners like violet or blue to neutralize the warm tones in highlighted hair and create cooler hues. Hair colorists can customize the toner application based on the client’s needs, applying it all over or selectively to specific sections. Working with a professional can ensure that the highlights look more natural and blend well with the rest of the hair.
FAQs About Toning Down Highlights in Brown Hair
As with any hair alteration, there are always some frequently asked questions. Here are some common FAQs when it comes to toning down highlights in brown hair.
Firstly, many people may be wondering how often they can tone down their highlights. While it ultimately depends on the individual and their hair type, it is generally recommended to wait at least a month between highlighting and toning to avoid damaging the hair. Secondly, it’s important to understand that toning down highlights in brown hair may not always lead to a drastic change in color. The goal is often to create a more natural, muted look, rather than a complete color overhaul. Additionally, it is always best to seek out a professional stylist for any major hair changes to ensure that the process is done safely and effectively.
How to Choose a Toning Technique That Works Best for Your Brown Hair.
Choosing the right toning technique for your brown hair is crucial to achieve the desired result. There are several toning techniques to choose from, and each technique works best for a specific type of hair color. For instance, a purple shampoo is an excellent choice for light brown hair with subtle highlights.
If your brown hair has severe highlights, you may want to try the color wheel technique. This technique involves using the opposite color on the color wheel to neutralize the highlights. For example, if your highlights are too yellow, using a purple toner will neutralize the yellow undertones. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional hairstylist to determine which toning technique works best for your particular hair color and texture. They can provide valuable insight into the best products and techniques to achieve the perfect tone for your brown hair.
Final Words
Toning down highlights in brown hair can be a tricky task, but with the right technique and products, it is definitely possible. The key to achieving a natural and toned-down look is to choose a shade that is close to your natural hair color and opt for a subtle highlighting technique like balayage or babylights. Using a toner or glaze can also help to neutralize any unwanted brassiness and give your hair a more cohesive look.
In the end, it’s important to remember that hair coloring is a form of art and personal expression. While trends may come and go, it’s more important to embrace your individuality and choose a look that makes you feel confident and beautiful. Whether you decide to go for bold highlights or a more subtle tone-down approach, the key is to have fun and enjoy the process of experimenting with your hair.