Blonde hair turning brassy is a common frustration, especially during holidays. Moe Harb, Hair Colour Educator and Co-Founder of Beauty Club London, explains that brassiness occurs when underlying warm pigments resurface after toner fades. 'When we lighten hair, we expose warm tones like yellow, gold and orange. Toner keeps them neutralised, but over time it fades, allowing those warmer shades to show through,' he says.
Environmental factors accelerate brassiness. Sun exposure, hard water, chlorine and pollution can all shift hair tone. UV rays oxidise colour, chlorine causes dryness and discolouration, and mineral build-up from water makes blonde appear dull. Harb advises protecting hair with heat protectants and limiting washing to two or three times a week, as over-washing strips toner.
For correcting brassiness, Harb recommends purple shampoos for yellow tones and blue-based products for orange hues, but warns against overuse as it can leave hair flat or grey. For intense brassiness, a professional toner or gloss is best. 'At-home products are great for maintenance, but they don't replace a professional refresh when needed,' he says.
Prevention is key. Harb suggests applying conditioner before swimming to create a barrier against chlorine. Simple habits like using heat protectant and limiting washing help maintain blonde tone. 'Blonde hair is more delicate, so the more you protect it, the better it will hold its tone,' he adds.
