If you have brown hair, you may have experienced the frustration of your once beautiful color turning brassy or orange after a few washes. This phenomenon is commonly known as brassy hair and can be caused by several factors.
One of the leading causes of brassy brown hair is a lack of proper and adequate care. Using the wrong hair products, exposing your hair to harsh chemicals, sun damage, and aging are some of the reasons that could contribute to the brassy tone. However, there are ways to prevent and address this problem. Understanding the causes of brassy hair and how to treat it is essential, and this article will help you get started on the road to beautiful, healthy-looking brown hair.
The Science Behind Brassy Hair: Understanding Hair Pigmentation
Brassy hair is a common complaint among individuals with brown hair. This occurs when the hair appears yellow, orange, or red in color, which is far from the desired brown shade. Understanding the science behind hair pigmentation is crucial in deciphering why hair turns brassy.
The natural brown color of hair is determined by the amount of eumelanin and pheomelanin present in the strands. When exposed to external factors such as sunlight, heat styling, or chlorine, the hair cuticle layers become damaged. This leads to a loss of eumelanin and an increase in pheomelanin, resulting in brassiness. Additionally, as hair ages, the follicles produce less melanin, which also contributes to hair brassiness.
The Common Culprits Behind Brassy Brown Hair
Brassy brown hair can be frustrating for those seeking a cooler, ashier tone. There are several common culprits behind brassy brown hair. Firstly, exposure to sunlight and chlorine can cause hair to turn brassy, particularly in those with lighter hair. This is because the sun and chlorine can damage hair, resulting in a warmer, yellow/orange tone.
Secondly, hair products can also cause brassiness. Shampoos and conditioners with sulfates can strip hair of its natural oils, causing it to become dry and damaged. This damage can result in the hair turning brassy. Additionally, using hair styling products with high heat, such as blow dryers and curling irons, can cause the hair’s color to become more warm and yellow-toned. By identifying these common culprits, you can take steps to prevent brassiness and maintain a cooler, more ashy tone.
The Lowdown on Hair Color Deposits: How to Avoid Brassy Tones
When it comes to hair coloring, the goal is to achieve a rich, vibrant and long-lasting hue. However, sometimes, the color you end up with can have an unwanted brassy tone that is unflattering and unsightly. Brassy tones are especially noticeable in brown hair colors, making them appear red, orange, or even yellow. The main culprit behind this common hair dilemma is the buildup of hair color deposits.
Hair color deposits refer to pigments that are added to your hair during the coloring process to achieve your desired color. Over time, these pigments accumulate and eventually turn your hair brassy. To avoid this, ensure you use the right hair care products that are specially formulated for colored hair. These products help maintain the vibrancy of hair color and prevent the buildup of unwanted tones. Additionally, regular hair maintenance, like avoiding excessive heat styling and regular deep conditioning, can help maintain the health and vibrancy of your hair color.
Hair Care Tips and Tricks to Keep Brassy Brown Hair at Bay
Keeping brassy brown hair at bay can be challenging, but with the right hair care tips and tricks, you can maintain your gorgeous brown locks without the orange and yellow tones. First and foremost, invest in a quality purple shampoo and conditioner. Purple is opposite to yellow on the color wheel, which means it cancels out yellow tones that can make brown hair look brassy. Use the purple shampoo once a week to neutralize any brassiness and prevent it from coming back.
Another way to prevent brassy hair is to avoid overexposure to the sun, chlorine, and hard water. If you’re planning a beach day or heading to the pool, wear a hat or spray a leave-in conditioner on your hair before diving in. Hard water can also cause copper minerals to build up on your hair, which can turn your brown hair orange. Investing in a water softener can help prevent this buildup and keep your hair color beautiful. By incorporating these hair care tips and tricks, your brassy brown hair will be a thing of the past!
How to Fix Brassy Brown Hair: DIY Home Remedies
If you’re looking to fix brassy brown hair from the comfort of your home, there are a few DIY remedies you can try out. One of the most popular home remedies is using purple shampoo. Typically marketed towards blondes, purple shampoo can also work wonders on brassy brown hair by neutralizing the yellow and orange tones. Simply use it as you would any regular shampoo, leaving it on for a few minutes before rinsing it out.
Another common home remedy is using apple cider vinegar. Mix a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar with water and apply it to your hair after shampooing. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing it out. The acidity of the vinegar will help remove any brassiness from your brown hair. Just be sure to follow up with a conditioner or mask to help moisturize your hair, as vinegar can be drying.
Professional Solutions for Brassy Brown Hair: Salon Treatments
1. Salon Treatments for Brassy Brown Hair:
When all else fails and your brassy brown hair needs professional help, you can visit your hairstylist for a salon treatment. Some popular treatments include color correction, toner, and gloss. Color correction involves neutralizing the brassy tones with a specific color that balances out the overall tone of your hair. Toner, on the other hand, is a semi-permanent hair treatment that changes the tone and color of your hair temporarily. It helps reduce the yellow and orange tones in brassy brown hair. A hair gloss is yet another salon treatment that adds shine to dull hair while helping to tone down brassiness.
2. Choosing the Right Treatment:
Different hair types require different salon treatments, and it’s essential to consult with a professional hairstylist before booking an appointment. Your hairstylist will analyze your hair texture, type, and shade to determine the best treatment. Keep in mind that professional treatments can be costly, and it’s best to allocate a budget for this service. A salon treatment can help reverse the effects of brassy brown hair, making your locks look healthy and vibrant again.
The Bottom Line: Prevention Tips and Products to Keep Your Brown Hair Looking Cool and Natural.
Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to hair brassiness. To keep your brown hair looking cool and natural, you can start by avoiding over-shampooing and washing your hair too frequently. Consider using a gentle clarifying shampoo once a week to remove any buildup on your scalp and hair. You can also use a budget-friendly home remedy of a vinegar rinse to balance the pH of your hair and prevent the buildup of minerals and chemicals.
Another effective prevention tip is to use hair care products that are specifically formulated for maintaining the vibrancy and cool tone of brown hair. Look for shampoos, conditioners, and color-protecting sprays that contain purple or blue pigments to counteract orange tones. Additionally, avoid exposing your hair to excessive heat from styling tools and UV rays from the sun. Incorporating these prevention tips and using products that cater to the needs of your brown hair will keep it looking lustrous, healthy, and brass-free.
Conclusion
After diving deeper into the science behind why brown hair turns brassy, it’s clear that it’s all about the pigments and the effects of the environment. The culprit is often the sun’s UV rays and the minerals in hard water, which both cause the hair to appear warmer and brighter than desired. Thankfully, there are several solutions to prevent brassy hair, from using purple shampoo or toner to avoiding excessive heat styling and exposure to sunlight and chlorine.
Overall, understanding the causes of brassy hair is the first step in preventing it. Whether it’s through selecting the right hair products, adjusting your haircare routine, or simply being mindful of the environment, there are plenty of ways to keep your brown hair looking its best. So, with a little extra care and attention, you can enjoy your gorgeous brown locks without any unwanted brassiness.