Brassy roots can bring an unwanted orange, yellow, or greenish tint to hair extensions or natural hair that has been colored or lightened. This guide provides practical steps using common salon-grade products found in U.S. retailers to neutralize brass and restore cooler tones. The approach focuses on colorful toning, targeted deposits, and careful maintenance to keep roots looking balanced between salon visits.
Quick Answer
To combat brassy roots, use a violet or blue-toned toner or color-depositing shampoo on a scheduled basis, pair with a root touch up kit for precise coverage, and finish with a color-depositing shampoo designed for brassy roots. For quick, temporary concealment, a root concealer spray can bridge the gap until you refresh your color.
What You’ll Need
- Purple shampoo for brassy roots or a toner for brassy hair roots to neutralize warm tones
- Root touch up kit for brassy hair for precise, temporary coverage at the roots
- Color-depositing shampoo for brassy roots to maintain cool tones between appointments
- Root concealer spray for brassy hair for quick, on-the-go camouflage
Before You Start
Assess your current shade and the level of brass. Perform a strand test to avoid over-toning or darkening. If you have previously lightened the hair or used professional color, follow the product directions carefully. Protect the skin around the hairline with a barrier cream and wear gloves to prevent staining. Time estimates vary by product, but most tonal treatments require 10–30 minutes. Do not leave toners on too long, as they can alter the base color or cause uneven results.
Step-By-Step: How To Get Rid Of Brassy Roots
- Prepare your workspace with towels, gloves, and a timer. Read the instructions on your chosen purple shampoo for brassy roots or toner for brassy hair roots before starting.
- Mix or apply the product as directed on the bottle or kit. Ensure the roots are evenly coated to avoid patchiness.
- Leave the product for the recommended dwell time. Check progression every few minutes with a mirror to prevent over-toning.
- Rinse thoroughly with cool water to seal the cuticle and extend the life of the toning treatment.
- If using a root touch up kit for brassy hair, follow the kit’s timing and shade guidance for precise root coverage. Apply to the regrowth area only to minimize color spread.
- Wash with a color-depositing shampoo for brassy roots 1–2 times per week to maintain the cool tone between salon visits.
- Style as usual after rinsing. Avoid heat overexposure during the processing window to prevent drying the hair.
- Assess the result in natural light. If brass persists, repeat the process after a few days, allowing the hair to recover from the previous treatment.
- For quick concealment on non-salon days, use a root concealer spray for brassy hair to blend regrowth with mid-lengths.
- Schedule regular maintenance sessions based on the rate of growth and color fade to keep roots balanced.
- Document your routine with a simple checklist to track which products and timings work best for future sessions.
- Store all products in a cool, dark place to protect efficacy and extend shelf life.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Fix | Prevention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roots still look brass after toning | Insufficient dwell time or too weak a tone | Extend time slightly or switch to a stronger toning product | Do a preliminary strand test; select the correct level of toning |
| Overly cool or purple roots | Over-toning or product left too long | Rinse thoroughly and re-tone with a milder product | Follow recommended times exactly |
| Color uneven at roots | Poor application or missed spots | Reapply to missed areas and comb through for even coverage | Use a precise applicator and section hair evenly |
| Product lingering scent or residue | Product buildup | Clarify with a gentle shampoo before next treatment | Alternate with regular cleansing schedule |
Common Mistakes
- Applying toners or color-depositing shampoos without a strand test
- Leaving products on too long, causing shade shifts
- Using a shade lighter or darker than the existing root color
- Overlapping color on mid-lengths or ends during root touch ups
- Neglecting to follow with a color-maintenance routine between salon visits
Tips For Best Results
- Choose a toner or purple shampoo with a violet base for brassy tones and blue-based options for overly orange brass.
- Incorporate a color-depositing shampoo into your weekly routine to preserve cool tones.
- Keep a consistent schedule for root touch ups to minimize dramatic color shifts.
- Hydrate the hair with a color-safe conditioner post-treatment to prevent fade and dryness.
- Protect hair from heat styling during the toning window to avoid exacerbating brassiness.
Call A Professional
Consider a professional colorist if brass persists after multiple at-home treatments, or if roots are significantly uneven or show unusual coloring. Stop and seek help if irritation occurs, or if the product causes an allergic reaction. Do not attempt complicated corrections without guidance from a licensed technician.
FAQ
Can I use purple shampoo every day to remove brass?
Daily use can lead to over-toning or dryness; it’s best to follow product directions and use 1–3 times per week as needed.
Will root touch up kits stain my scalp?
Most kits are designed to minimize scalp staining, but use a barrier cream along the hairline to protect skin.
How often should I re-tone brassy roots?
Re-tone every 2–4 weeks, depending on hair growth and color fade between salon visits.
Is a root concealer spray permanent?
No, it offers temporary coverage and should wash out with the next shampoo.
Are color-depositing products safe for colored hair?
Yes, when used as directed, these products are formulated to deposit color safely without damaging the hair.
Should I skip regular conditioner after toning?
Conditioning remains essential to maintain moisture and prevent color fade; use a color-safe conditioner.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right products for brassy roots involves several factors. Size matters: consider travel-friendly versus salon-sized bottles depending on how often you tone. Noise level is not typically a concern with home hair products, but ease of use and applicator design can influence satisfaction. Energy efficiency isn’t a primary factor for these products, but selecting products with clear, readable instructions saves time and reduces error. Look for controls that let you tailor dwell time and intensity, and choose placement that keeps bottles upright and protected from light. Compare options based on tone neutrality, deposit strength, and the ability to switch between root-targeted and whole-head formulas for cost efficiency. Are you balancing quick fixes with long-term maintenance? A well-rounded routine often blends a root touch up kit, a color-depositing shampoo, and a selective toning product to maintain cool tones between visits. For many users, starting with a proven combination—root touch up plus purple shampoo or toner, plus a color-depositing shampoo for maintenance—delivers consistent results without frequent professional visits. Always read the product guidance and consider a strand test before full application to minimize mistakes and maximize satisfaction.