How to Lighten Brassy Hair
The last thing you want to see is brassiness in your new blonde locks. If this is a current issue and you want to lighten your locks, you need to remove the brassiness first. The brassy color is a result of oxidation, which is common in brunettes and redheads when going blonde. The red undertones of the hair will pull through with the new lighter locks and create a brassy appearance. Avoid this unattractive style and start with a clean slate by ridding, or fading, the current brassy appearance before you lighten further. Once your hair is in prime condition, use the right products to ensure your new shade starts and stays the color you desire. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Purple-tone shampoo
- Professional lightener
- Color developer
- Rubber gloves
- Application brush
- Blonde toner
Instructions
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1
Visit a professional beauty supply store to purchase a purple-tone shampoo. The purple shampoo will counteract the brassiness and help to neutralize the color. Wash your hair with the purple shampoo one to two times a week until the brassiness disappears.
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2
Purchase a professional lightener and color developer kit at a beauty supply store. These kits have a higher grade of materials that will help to reduce the brassy appearance in your hair.
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3
Look for a blue or violet-base lightener. These undertones will counteract any current brassiness in your hair that the purple shampoo missed, and it prevent your hair from pulling brassiness when lightening. You have to choose the right developer for your hair color. To go two shades lighter, choose a 20-volume developer, three shades lighter requires a 30-volume developer and four shades requires a 40-volume developer.
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Read through the directions on the developer and lightener. Mix the products according to the directions. The amounts to mix will vary according to the manufacturer and the volume you chose.
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Put on rubber gloves. Apply the mixture directly to your hair with an application brush. Work the mixture onto each strand and along the hairline to ensure your color will be the same throughout.
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Wrap your head in plastic cling wrap or pull a shower cap over your locks. Leave the mixture on your hair until it starts to resemble the shade you desire. The time will vary according to the volume number and how light you want your hair to become. Do not leave the mixture on your head for more than an hour because the lightener will stop working after an hour.
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Rinse your hair with luke-warm water until the water runs clear. Condition your hair with a color-safe conditioner and rinse it thoroughly. Dry your hair with a towel by squeezing and blotting. Do not rub, this may break or damage fragile hair.
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Wash your hair with a blonde toner four weeks after you lighten your hair. The toner will keep brassiness at bay and keep your locks blonde.
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Tips & Warnings
Some beauty supply stores require a beauty license to shop. If you do not have a beauty license, visit a salon-type of beauty store and request help choosing the right developer and toner. A licensed professional will help you select the right lightener and developer for your hair and your experience level.
Always spray a heat-protectant spray onto light hair before going outside or using heated styling products. The spray will combat ultraviolet rays, which can pull a brassy color, and styling products, which will dull blonde hair.
Use the blonde toner every four to six weeks after you color your hair.
