How to Stop Blonde Hair from Turning Brassy or Orange: Pro Tips for Long-Lasting Blonde

Blonde hair is beautiful, but keeping it looking fresh and vibrant can be a challenge. One of the most common issues that blonde-haired individuals face is brassiness, or that unwanted yellow or orange tint that can develop over time. Whether you’ve gone blonde through a professional color treatment or are a natural blonde, there are ways to prevent your hair from turning brassy. As a licensed cosmetologist, I’m dying to share my tips and tricks to keep your blonde locks looking salon-fresh for longer!

Why Does Blonde Hair Turn Brassy?

Before we dive into the solutions, let’s first understand why blonde hair tends to turn brassy or orange in the first place. When blonde hair loses its cool undertones, it can develop a yellow or orange hue. This is often caused by a combination of factors, including:

• Heat and Humidity: Sun exposure and humidity can cause your blonde hair to lose its cool tones, making it look warm and brassy.
• Hard Water: Water with high mineral content (like calcium and magnesium) can deposit minerals in your hair, leading to brassiness over time.
• Chlorine: Swimming in chlorinated pools is notorious for stripping hair of its natural moisture and leaving a greenish or brassy tint behind.
• Products with Alcohol: Some shampoos, conditioners, and styling products contain alcohol, which can dry out your hair and contribute to unwanted tones.
• Toning: If your hair was lightened or bleached, the process can sometimes leave behind an underlying warm pigment, which can pop through as the hair oxidizes.

Now that we know why brassiness happens, let’s talk about how to avoid that crap.

Expert Tips to Keep Blonde Hair from Turning Brassy

1. Use a Purple Shampoo Regularly

Purple shampoo is a game-changer when it comes to maintaining the cool tones in blonde hair. Purple is the opposite of yellow on the color wheel, so it works to neutralize yellow or orange undertones in blonde hair. If you have platinum, silver, or ashy blonde hair, a purple shampoo should be a staple in your routine.

You can purchase the best purple shampoo here for a salon-grade formula that neutralizes brassy tones.

Tip: Use purple shampoo 1-2 times a week, or as needed, depending on how brassy your hair gets. For a deeper tone correction, leave the shampoo in your hair for a few minutes before rinsing.

2. Invest in a Color-Protecting Shampoo and Conditioner

Blonde hair is often more porous than darker hair, which means it can absorb and lose pigment more easily. To prevent your blonde from fading and turning brassy, invest in a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner designed for color-treated hair. Sulfates are harsh cleansers that can strip away color, leaving your blonde hair more susceptible to brassiness.

Check out this sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner set here, perfect for color-treated blonde hair.

Tip: Look for products with UV filters to protect your hair from sun damage, which can also contribute to brassy tones.

3. Deep Condition Your Hair Weekly

Color-treated blonde hair can easily become dry and damaged, and dry hair can make brassiness more noticeable. Using a deep conditioning treatment once a week will help restore moisture and keep your blonde hair looking smooth and shiny. Look for treatments that contain nourishing ingredients like argan oil, keratin, or shea butter.

For an intensive moisture boost, try this deep conditioning mask here that’s perfect for blonde hair.

Tip: If your hair is very dry, consider using a leave-in conditioner with UV protection to help lock in moisture and prevent further damage.

4. Avoid Over-Processing or Bleaching

Bleaching is a common culprit when it comes to brassy blonde hair, especially if you’ve gone blonde from a darker shade. Bleaching strips the hair of its natural pigment, which can cause warmth to come through. To avoid this, work with a skilled colorist who understands how to tone and balance blonde hues.

Tip: Ask your stylist for regular toning sessions to ensure your blonde stays cool and fresh. And, be sure to limit the frequency of bleaching to avoid damage.

5. Rinse with Cool Water

Hot water opens the hair cuticle, which can cause color to fade and make brassiness more likely. When washing your hair, rinse with cool water to help seal the cuticle and preserve your blonde color.

Tip: Finish your shower with a cool rinse to give your hair a glossy, healthy look and reduce color fading.

6. Use a Leave-In Purple or Blue Toning Spray

In addition to using purple shampoo, consider incorporating a purple or blue toning spray into your routine. These sprays help neutralize brassy tones throughout the day and keep your blonde looking vibrant between washes.

You can get a high-quality purple toning spray here to help maintain your blonde hair’s cool undertones.

Tip: Apply a toning spray to damp hair before styling for an extra layer of protection.

7. Protect Your Hair from Heat Damage

Excessive heat styling can cause blonde hair to fade and turn brassy faster. If you use heat tools like straighteners, curling irons, or blow dryers, be sure to apply a heat protectant spray first.

This heat protectant spray here is perfect for protecting your blonde hair from heat damage.

Tip: Use a blow dryer with a cool setting and aim for lower heat when styling your blonde hair. Over time, this will help preserve your color.

8. Avoid Chlorine and Hard Water

Chlorine and hard water can build up in your hair, causing it to lose its shine and take on brassy tones. If you swim in a pool regularly, always wear a swim cap, or consider using a clarifying shampoo to remove chlorine buildup.

Tip: Invest in a water softener for your shower or use a shower filter to minimize exposure to hard water and prevent brassiness from setting in.

9. Refresh Your Blonde Color with a Professional Toner

If your blonde hair is looking a little too warm, visit your stylist for a toner touch-up. A toner can neutralize unwanted yellow and orange hues, leaving your blonde color looking more natural and cool. Toners are often used after bleaching to create a balanced blonde shade.

Tip: Depending on your color, ask your stylist for a toner with cool or neutral undertones to avoid warm shades.

Final Thoughts

Brassy blonde hair is a common issue, but with the right care and products, you can keep your blonde looking fresh, cool, and vibrant. As a licensed cosmetologist, I’ve seen firsthand how proper hair care routines can make all the difference in maintaining beautiful blonde hair. From using purple shampoo to protecting your hair from heat and sun exposure, these expert tips will help you avoid brassy tones and keep your blonde looking its best.

Remember: Consistent maintenance is key! If you’re unsure about what products or treatments will work best for your specific blonde shade, always consult with a professional stylist for personalized advice.

By following these expert tips, you can enjoy stunning blonde hair without the frustration of dealing with brassiness and orange tones. With a little extra care and attention, your blonde will always look as fabulous as it did the day you walked out of the salon!

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Do you have any questions about blonde hair care or want more personalized advice? Drop them in the comments below!

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Last updated on: 1/24/25