How Do I Tone Brassy or Orange Hair After Lightening?

You've lightened your hair and expected a soft blonde glow-but instead, you're staring at orange or brassy tones. Don't worry, it's a common part of the lightening process. Here's how you can tone down those unwanted shades and bring your color back into balance.

1. Why Does Hair Turn Brassy?
   When you lighten dark hair, natural warm pigments (like red and orange) are exposed. If the bleach doesn't lift enough or if your toner fades, those tones can come through loud and clear.
   

2. Use a Purple Shampoo
   Purple shampoo is your first line of defense. The violet pigment neutralizes yellow and orange tones, helping your hair look cooler and more even. Use it 1-2 times per week and leave it on for 3-5 minutes before rinsing.
   

3. Try a Blue Shampoo or Conditioner
   Blue formulas work better on orange tones (vs. yellow). If your brass is more coppery than golden, opt for blue to tone it out.
   

4. Gloss or Toner Treatments
   A salon gloss or toner can professionally correct brassiness. These treatments deposit color to balance tones and usually last a few weeks. Your stylist can customize the toner shade to your exact needs.
   

5. Maintain With Cool-Toned Products
   Look for conditioners and styling products designed for color-treated blonde or silver hair. Thesehelp extend your tone and reduce fading.
   

6. Avoid Hard Water and Heat
   Minerals in hard water can cause brassiness. Use a shower filter if possible. Also, minimize heat styling, which can speed up toner fading and expose warm tones.
   

7. Regular Touch-Ups
   Blonde and lightened hair needs routine maintenance. Plan on refreshing your toner every 4-6 weeks to keep your color fresh and cool.
   

Stay Cool and Confident

Brassy hair is totally fixable-and manageable with the right care. From at-home toning shampoos to

pro treatments, you've got options to bring out the best in your blonde.