Should You Use Ash Brown Hair Color to Avoid Red Tones?

Ash tones prevent brassy hair color.

Ash Color Tones

Ash tones are based in blue or violet color, and the hair color products are commonly labeled as "V" or "B." Ash tones deposit the violet or blue color to neutralize orange and red tones when applied over orange or red-toned hair.

Neutral Tones and Gray Hair

Gray hair already has an ash tone to it. To avoid exacerbating the gray, a red-toned brown can be used, though a neutral tone hair color is recommended. Neutral and neutral beige tones, labeled as "N" and "NB," provide a neutral base when covering gray hair.

Bottom Line

Ash tones in hair color effectively counter red tones, though neutral tones are best to use when coloring gray hair.

References

• Hair Boutique: Hair Color Tips: Understanding Laws of Hair Color
• Samantha Gunn, Stylist; Atlanta Vanity Concepts; Atlanta, GA