Brassy Hair (you know, those Orange or Yellow Tones that sneak in after you Colour) is the number one fear among home Colourers. But here’s the thing: Brassiness doesn’t discriminate. It happens to salon-goers, too. If your Colour ever feels too Warm, too Golden, or just not quite right, it’s not a failure. It’s just your Hair being Hair. Let’s decode why it happens — and exactly what to do about it.
So, Why Does Hair Go Brassy?
Let’s start with a truth bomb: all Hair has Warmth hidden — think Yellow, Orange, Red — inside. They’re part of your Hair’s Natural pigment makeup. When you Lighten your Hair — whether at home or in a salon — those pigments get exposed. But don’t stress. That’s not damage or a mistake — it’s just a part of the Lightening process.
Here are four common reasons your Colour turns brassy — and what you can do to keep it Cool, clean, and exactly how you want it.
1. Lightening Exposes Warm Pigments
When you Lighten your Hair, your Developer opens the Hair shaft and brings your Natural pigment to the surface so your new Colour can take hold. But before you reach your Lightened goal, your Hair passes through stages of Red → Orange → Yellow — it’s just how pigment lifts. The Darker your starting Colour, the more Warmth you'll see along the way. It’s like watching your Hair go on a Colour journey — and it has to go through the Warmth to get where it’s going.
So if you’re left with brassy Tones, it’s not a mistake — it’s part of the process. The fix? Use Ash, Beige or Silver Colours that Tone as they Colour, and follow with a Toner Kit to cancel lingering Warmth and lock in a clean, Cool finish. Toning isn’t a bonus step. It’s your best defence.
2. Some Hair Just Runs Warm
Even if your Natural Colour looks neutral, Cool, or Ashy, it can still throw Warmth when Coloured. That’s because some Hair types naturally hold onto Warm pigments — especially Golds, Reds, or Orange Tones.
If your Colour always drifts Golden, your Hair probably has a Warm undertone that loves to come through. No biggie — it’s just part of your Hair’s personality.
Your best bet? Stick to Cool or Natural-based Shades, and Tone more regularly to keep things crisp, clean, and balanced.
3. Colour Fades, But Warmth Sticks Around
Permanent Colour is, well, permanent. But over time, the sun, hot tools and even shampoo start wearing it down — and the underlying Warm Tones begin to shine through. Your fix? A Toning refresh. Toners don’t just cancel brass—they gently restore that fresh Colour feeling, adding a dose of glossy shine while they Tone. Think of it as a top-up for your Colour. Once a month is all it takes to keep things rich, reflective, and salon-fresh.
4. You May Have Chosen a Warm Colour
That dreamy Golden Blonde or rich Bronzed Brunette might have looked great… for a week. But if you were hoping for something Cooler, those Golden Tones can start to feel overwhelming. Or maybe it was a rushed dye job that left your Blonde looking Yellow or your Brunette glowing Red.
Either way, it’s totally fixable. Tone down the Warmth now and next time, choose a Cool or Natural-based Shade.
Here’s How To Tone Brassy Hair Like a Pro
Our Toner Kits are the ultimate secret weapon — they Cool down Warmth, replenish your Hair after Colouring, and leave it looking fresh, glossy, and intentional. They go deeper than a shampoo, giving you longer-lasting, more visible results. Think of them as a post-Colour power move: neutralise brass, add serious shine, and keep your Colour looking rich and reflective — never dull, patchy or flat.
Go for these if you’re Light to Very Light Blonde:
Extra Light Silver Toner Kit, Pearl Blonde Toner Kit or Light Ash Toner Kit
If you’re Dark Blonde to Brunette:
Dark Ash Toner Kit or Intense Ash Brown Toner Kit
Don't Panic. Just Tone.
Brassiness doesn’t mean you’ve messed up — it means you’re Colouring. The more you get to know your Hair, the easier it is to predict and prevent warm Tones from creeping in. With the right Toner on standby, your Colour stays fresh, Cool, and exactly how you want it.
