How to Remove Brassiness From Blonde Hair

You've just left the salon with the most beautiful blonde hair, and a few weeks later you notice it has taken on an unwanted orange or yellow hue. Sound familiar? Brassy hair is one of the most common hair concerns for blondes, highlights, and colour-treated hair, but the good news is that it is entirely fixable. In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about brassy hair, what causes it, and how to get rid of it for good.

What Is Brassy Hair?

Brassy hair refers to unwanted warm, orange, yellow, or red tones that appear in colour-treated or lightened hair. It is most noticeable in blonde, highlighted, or bleached hair, but brunettes who have had their hair lightened can also experience it.

When hair is lightened, the natural pigments in the hair are broken down. If the lightening process does not go far enough, or if the hair colour begins to fade, those underlying warm pigments can resurface, giving hair that telltale brassy appearance. The result is hair that looks dull, orange, or overly golden rather than the cool, bright tone you were going for.

Common Causes of Brassy Hair

• The lightening process. When hair is bleached or lightened, it goes through a series of colour stages from black to red, then orange, then yellow, and finally pale yellow. If the lightening process is stopped too early, or if the toner fades over time, those warmer stages can become visible again.

• Hard water. Ireland's water supply in many areas contains high levels of minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Over time, these minerals build up on the hair shaft and can cause colour to shift towards warmer, brassy tones.

• Sun exposure. UV rays break down hair colour molecules, causing colour-treated hair to fade faster and often in a warmer direction. This is why you might notice more brassiness during or after the summer months.

• Heat styling. Frequent use of heat tools such as straighteners, curling irons, and hair dryers can accelerate colour fading and contribute to brassiness over time.

• Using the wrong hair products. Shampoos and conditioners that are not formulated for colour-treated hair can strip colour faster, leaving hair more vulnerable to brassiness.

How to Remove Brassy Tones From Hair 

The good news is that you do not always need a salon visit to tackle brassiness. There are several effective at-home solutions that can make a real difference.

Using Purple Shampoo 

Purple shampoo is the most popular and accessible solution for brassy hair. It works on the principle of colour theory: purple and orange are opposite each other on the colour wheel, meaning purple pigments cancel out orange and yellow tones in the hair.

To use purple shampoo effectively, apply it to wet hair and leave it on for anywhere between 3 and 15 minutes depending on how brassy your hair is. The longer you leave it, the more toning effect you will get. Follow up with a purple or nourishing conditioner to keep hair hydrated.

A few tips to keep in mind:

• Do not use purple shampoo every wash as it can make hair look dull or overly cool over time. Once or twice a week is usually enough.

• If your hair is very brassy, leave the shampoo on for longer to get a stronger toning effect.

• Always follow up with a good conditioner as purple shampoos can be drying.

Applying a Hair Toner

A hair toner is a more targeted solution for brassiness. Toners deposit cool pigments into the hair to neutralise warm tones and refresh your colour between salon visits. They come in various forms including glosses, masks, and at-home toning kits.

To apply a toner at home, follow the instructions on the product carefully. Most toners are applied to clean, damp hair and left on for a set amount of time before rinsing. Results typically last a few weeks depending on how often you wash your hair and the products you use.

If your brassiness is severe or patchy, it may be worth visiting a professional colourist for a salon toning treatment to get a more even and long-lasting result.

Best Blue and Purple Shampoos for Brassy Hair

Choosing the right shampoo is one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep brassiness under control between salon visits. Here are ten of the best options available at Millies.ie:

1. K18 TripleBright Oxidation Defense Purple Shampoo

Most purple shampoos mask brassiness on the surface. This one from K18 goes a step further by targeting oxidation, which is the underlying chemical process that causes warm tones to develop in the first place. A smart pick if you find that brassiness keeps creeping back quickly after toning.

2. Olaplex No.4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo 

A cult favourite for good reason. Olaplex's bond-building technology means this shampoo does two jobs at once, neutralising brassy and yellow tones while actively repairing damage inside the hair shaft. Ideal if your blonde has been lightened multiple times or feels fragile.

3. Kérastase Blond Absolu Bain Ultra Violet Shampoo 

One of the most pigment-rich options on this list. The deep violet formula from Kétastase is particularly effective on hair with strong orange or yellow tones, and it works beautifully on grey and silver hair too. Use it once or twice a week rather than as an everyday shampoo and you will notice a real difference in tone over time. Not sure which Kérastase shampoo is right for you? Read our Kérastase shampoo guide.

Blond Absolu collection.

4. Kérastase Blond Absolu Bain Lumiere Shampoo 

Where the Ultra Violet is all about toning power, Bain Lumiere takes a gentler approach. Designed specifically for highlighted hair, it focuses on adding radiance and brightness while keeping warm tones in check. A good everyday option if your highlights are relatively fresh and you just want to maintain them.

5. Redken Color Extend Blondage Shampoo

Formulated with a triple acid complex and purple pigments, this Redken shampoo neutralises yellow and orange tones while helping to extend the life of your colour. The acid complex seals the hair cuticle to lock in vibrancy and reduce fade between salon visits.

6. Redken Blondage High Bright Shampoo 

A slightly different angle to the Blondage range, this one prioritises brightness and luminosity over heavy toning. It lifts dullness and removes residue that can make blonde hair look flat, making it a great choice if your hair looks less brassy and more just tired. Curious how Redken compares overall? See our Redken vs. Kérastase breakdown.

7. Joico Blonde Life Violet Shampoo 

One of the more accessible price points on this list, but do not let that put you off. The Joico Blonde Life Violet Shampoo is packed with violet pigments that do a solid job of cancelling brassiness and is a good entry point if you are new to toning shampoos and want to try one without committing to a premium price tag first.

8. Pureology Strength Cure Best Blonde Shampoo

A sulphate-free formula that tones, strengthens, and protects colour-treated blonde hair all in one step. The sulphate-free formulation from Pureology means it cleans gently without stripping your colour, a meaningful difference if you wash your hair frequently. Explore more sulphate-free shampoo options in our dedicated guide.

9. Alfaparf Milano Semi Di Lino Blonde Anti-Yellow Shampoo 

A great affordable pick that punches above its price point. The Alfaparf formula gently neutralises yellow tones while nourishing and softening the hair, so you are not sacrificing condition to get the toning benefits. Browse the best Alfaparf shampoos to see the full range.

10. Eleven Keep My Blonde Shampoo 

A salon-quality violet shampoo designed for regular use between appointments. It maintains cool blonde tones without over-toning, making it a reliable option for those who want to stay on top of brassiness as part of their everyday routine rather than using an intensive toner once a week.

Brassy hair can be frustrating, but with the right products and a little know-how, it is completely manageable. Whether you opt for a purple shampoo, a toning treatment, or a visit to your colourist, keeping brassiness at bay has never been easier. 

Shop the full range of blonde hair care products at Millies.ie and say goodbye to orange tones for good.