Remove brassy dye from your hair: foolproof techniques for a natural finish

Many people who decide to change their hair color are faced with a rather common surprise: the appearance of those annoying brassy or orange highlights. Although the result after dyeing seemed perfect at first, as the days or weeks pass, the hair begins to show those unflattering warm tones that don't match the initial idea. Removing brassy dye from your hair can become a real odyssey if you don't know the methods and products that really work..

If you identify with this problem, you should know that you are not alone and, above all, that there are effective solutions both at home and at the salon. From toning shampoos to natural remedies and professional advice, there are several ways to restore your hair's beautiful, healthy tone.In this detailed guide, we'll tell you everything you need to know to eliminate unwanted brassiness, prevent it from recurring, and take care of your hair throughout the process.

Why does a copper tint appear in hair?

The copper tone, also known as "brassiness" in English, arises when after a coloring or bleaching process the hair reveals underlying pigments, mainly yellow or orange tonesThis is especially common in people with dark hair who try to lighten their hair to blonde or light brown, as the underlying reddish and orange pigments become more evident. However, Blondes and light browns are also not spared from coppery highlights., especially if they have suffered from sun exposure, chlorinated water or low-quality products.

In addition to the hair's own genetics, there are Other factors that favor the appearance of copper tones:

Poorly performed bleaching. Over-lightening dark hair without the right product.
Cheap or low-quality dyes. They do not seal the cuticle well and allow the warm pigments to show through.
Exposure to the sun and environmental factors. Ultraviolet rays and pollution fade the color.
Hard or chlorinated water. Continued use of this type of water can alter the color of the dye and cause orange tones.
Use of inappropriate shampoos or accumulated products. Overuse of certain products can cause the color to lose intensity and lead to brassy tones.

The result is hair with warm undertones, far from the desired cool or neutral color, which affects both the aesthetics and the confidence of those who experience it.

Types of copper highlights and how to identify them

We must differentiate between the two main types of copper tones:

Orange highlights: More common in lightened dark hair. It's usually due to lightening too quickly or not bleaching properly.
Yellowish reflections: They appear especially in light blondes and platinum, especially when the color begins to fade.

To know which is the dominant reflection in your hair, observe the overall tone under natural lightIf your hair tends toward orange, it's an orange hue; if it appears paler or yellower, it's a yellowish hue. This is essential to choose the right treatment, since the products to neutralize each tone are different.

How does tone neutralization work on hair?

The solution to brassy reflections is to use the color wheel, a basic principle of colorimetry. Opposite colors on the circle neutralize each other.:

To neutralize orange reflections, apply blue tones.
To neutralize yellow reflections, purple or violet tones are used.

This principle applies to both toning shampoos and specific tonics or dyes. Choosing the wrong product can make the problem worse, so it is key to identify the type of reflex well before acting..

Professional methods for removing brassy dye

If you prefer a long-lasting solution or don't dare to do it at home, the hairdresser is a safe betThere, the stylist will analyze your natural color and the degree of brassy highlights, using specific products and customized techniques.

Hair tonics: These are professional products that deposit cool pigments (blue or violet) into the hair, effectively eliminating warm tones. They offer visible results and typically last for several weeks.
Permanent correction dye: A specific shade (usually blue or violet, depending on the case) is used to neutralize reflections. The results last longer, but require experience and careful selection of the right shade.
Color extraction with removers: If the copper tone is very intense, a professional may recommend using a color extractor. This product removes artificial pigments without bleaching.

Advantages of professional intervention: Personalized diagnosis, longer-lasting results, and a lower risk of hair damage. The main drawback is often the higher price compared to at-home methods.

Homemade methods to remove brassy tones at home

It's not always necessary to go to a salon to get rid of brassy highlights. There are home treatments and products that you can use yourself at home., as long as you follow the instructions and do not abuse its use.

Blue shampoo: It's the ideal ally for eliminating orange highlights. Use it like a normal shampoo on damp hair, leave it on as directed, and then rinse with cold water to seal the cuticle and enhance the effect.
Violet shampoo: More effective for yellow tones. It works the same as blue shampoo, but with violet pigments that correct blondes.
Toning masks: There are cream versions with cool pigments to enhance the results of the shampoo.
Apple Cider Vinegar Application: It's an effective remedy, especially for light highlights. Simply mix two tablespoons of vinegar with water, apply to your hair with a cotton ball, and leave it on for half an hour before rinsing.
Other natural remedies: Warm olive oil, lemon juice diluted in water, and white vinegar can help remove some of the copper pigment. However, their results are milder and may require several applications.

Do not forget that It is essential to always use a conditioner or moisturizing mask after these treatments., as even the gentlest options can dry out hair.

Step by step: how to use toning shampoos

The process is simple, but it's a good idea to follow a series of steps to maximize the results and avoid the risk of staining your skin or clothing:

Wash the hair just with water and do not use conditioner or mask beforehand.
Apply the toning shampoo (blue or violet depending on the type of copper tone) on damp hair.
MassShake well and distribute the product from roots to ends.
Let act the time recommended in the instructions. Do not exceed this time to avoid unwanted tones.
Rinse with plenty of cold water, to seal the cuticle and prolong the toning effect.
Always use a conditioner or moisturizing product afterwards, to prevent hair from drying out.

You can repeat this process once or twice a week depending on the intensity of the reflection and your hair's tolerance.

What to do if the orange tint persists?

If after several washes with toning shampoo or after applying natural remedies the coppery reflection is still present, You can try a professional toner at home.There are corrective toners that enhance the neutralization of warm tones. It's important to choose the right toner, apply it with gloves, and don't leave it on longer than recommended.

In extreme cases, when the orange pigments are very intense, it may be advisable to apply a color bath with a specific blue dye or even resort, as a last resort, to a color extractor. This product, available in specialized stores, removes some of the artificial pigment but can leave the hair somewhat dry, so it is essential to moisturize it well afterwards..

How to prevent brassy highlights from appearing in the future

There is no magic formula that guarantees that orange or yellow tones will never appear again, but you can adopt habits that will significantly minimize the risk:

Choose quality dyes: Choosing recognized brands reduces the likelihood of the color fading quickly.
Avoid continued exposure to the sun: Wear a hat or wear UV-filtering products if you're going to be spending a lot of time outdoors.
Use filtered water or install a softener in the shower: Hard water can ruin your color, especially if you've recently dyed your hair.
Avoid regular contact with chlorine and salt water: After swimming in a pool or ocean, rinse your hair with fresh water as soon as possible.
Use special shampoos and masks for dyed hair: These products help maintain color for longer.

By incorporating these treatments into your routine, your hair will look more beautiful and unwanted highlights will take much longer to appear.

Natural alternatives and gentle remedies

If your goal is to avoid chemicals or simply want to keep your hair as healthy as possible, there are Natural options that can help lighten and tone brassy highlights:

Warm olive oil: Applied from the middle to the ends for half an hour, it provides hydration and helps remove superficial pigments.
White or cider vinegar: Mixed with water, it helps neutralize tone and restore shine to hair.
Lemon juice: Mixed with water, it enhances the removal of brassiness, but direct sun exposure should be avoided to avoid damaging the hair fiber.
Anti-dandruff shampoo: Although it is formulated to cleanse the scalp, its cleansing power causes the dye to fade with washing, so it can be useful for lightening the pigment.

These remedies are usually less aggressive and do not pose major risks to hair health, although results may take longer to be seen and require regularity.

Therefore, removing brassy dye from your hair isn't impossible, and with the right methods, you can restore a uniform, healthy tone. Whether with toning products, professional treatments, or natural remedies, you have multiple options to keep your hair in perfect condition and avoid unwanted reflectionsIt's crucial to correctly identify the type of highlight and choose the most suitable solution for your hair, so you can achieve a beautiful, natural color without long-term damage.

Bezzia