Brassy hair is a common issue that many people encounter, especially those who regularly color their hair. It can be frustrating for individuals striving for a cooler or more neutral tone.

According to Voce Haircare, brassiness in hair refers to the undesirable warm hues that appear in dyed hair, particularly common when transitioning from brown to blonde or platinum shades. The term "brassy" stems from the noticeable appearance of orange and red tones within the strands.

Similar to various other hair issues, brassy hair has specific causes that can be targeted to prevent it. Here are some of the underlying causes and preventive measures:

What causes brassy hair?

1. Warm pigments

The underlying pigments present in hair play a significant role in determining its final color after lightening or bleaching. Brassy hair occurs when there's an excess of warm pigments present, often stemming from bleaching and hair coloring procedures, as per haircare brand John Frieda.

Warm tones, such as red and orange, become more prominent as hair is lightened, contributing to the brassy appearance.

2. Mineral buildup

Hard water, which contains high levels of minerals like iron and copper, can deposit onto the hair shaft over time.

This can cause brassiness in hair, reducing the longevity of hair color and leading to dullness and lifelessness, particularly noticeable on bleached hair, as noted by Robertson Family Water.

3. Sun exposure

Exposure to sunlight can cause hair color to fade and oxidize, especially if proper protection is not used. This can lead to brassiness, according to L'Oréal.

4. Improper toning

After lightening or bleaching hair, it is essential to use a hair toner to neutralize any unwanted warm tones, John Frieda advised.

Failure to tone effectively or using the wrong toner for your hair can result in brassiness.

How do you prevent brassy hair?

1. Use purple shampoo

Purple shampoo, according to Nexxus, can serve as an excellent at-home remedy for toning hair and warding off brassiness as it contains violet pigments that help neutralize yellow and orange tones in hair.

2. Apply clarifying treatments

Periodically using clarifying treatments can help remove mineral buildup from hard water and other environmental impurities, reducing the risk of brassiness.

Christopher Stephens recommends incorporating a clarifying shampoo into your routine once a week, along with using a purple shampoo once a week to address brassiness concerns and maintain tone.

3. Limit sun exposure

As mentioned above, too much sun exposure can lead to brassy hair. Protecting your hair from excessive sun exposure by wearing hats or using UV-protective hair products can help preserve your hair color and prevent it from becoming brassy.