How to Make Ash Brown Hair Dye Not Go Brassy

Brown hair color dyes range from chocolate brown to honey brown and many colors in-between.

Coloring hair ash brown may not seem as difficult as achieving a platinum blond, but getting the color perfectly balanced can be challenging. Knowing how to properly formulate hair color, and how to correct color mistakes, is key to success. Many factors can affect the end result, such as the previous color, how it was achieved and the hair's original color. Using too much dye can leave ash brown hair brassy-looking, resulting in an orange or ginger tint. However, using the right toner can correct any coloring mistakes and keep ash brown hair from going brassy.

Things You'll Need

• Violet-based toner
• Peroxide developer
• Plastic bowl
• Whisk
• Shampoo
• Conditioner

Instructions

1. Mix a violet-based toner with 5-volume peroxide developer in a bowl using a whisk. Use the amount required for your hair in a 2-to-1 ratio of developer to toner.

2. Massage the toner/developer mixture throughout your hair with your fingers, starting from the scalp and working your way to the ends.

3. Allow the mixture to rest on your hair for up to 10 minutes -- less, if it looks like the hair color reaches the desired tone sooner.

4. Rinse the hair completely under cool running water. Wash, condition and style the hair as desired.

Tips & Warnings

• Use clear developer as opposed to color developer if possible. This allows you to see the tone change on the hair color easier.

References

• "The Coloring Book": Paul Mitchell Advanced Education, LLC
• Hairfinder: Haircolor Levels and Peroxide Developer
• Hairfinder: High Lift Color
• Marie Claire: Decode Your Hair Color