How to Tone Brassy Hair at Home

Purple shampoo neutralizes yellow tones while blue-based toners cancel orange undertones in bleached or highlighted hair.

Brass happens because your hair is telling you something about porosity and damage, not just color theory.

1. Identify your brass type. Yellow brass needs purple products, orange brass needs blue-based toners. Look at your hair in natural light to see which undertone dominates.
2. Start with purple shampoo. Use 1-2 times weekly on wet hair, leave for 3-5 minutes before rinsing. More frequent use can over-deposit purple pigment and create an ashy cast.
3. Apply toner for stubborn brass. Mix toner with developer according to package directions, apply to damp hair, and process for recommended time. Focus on the brassiest sections first.
4. Deep condition afterward. Toning is drying, so follow with a moisturizing mask. This prevents further damage that can make brass appear more prominent.