Wondering how to get rid of brassy hair with vinegar? The process of going blonde is a lengthy one that can take multiple sessions at the salon to achieve the perfect shade. But even after all that time and money spent, you may notice some unwanted tinges of yellow or orange in your locks. Also known as brassiness, this discoloration often overshadows the intended subtlety of your lightened hair.
Luckily, some simple at-home remedies can help banish brassiness and restore your locks to their former glory. Vinegar is one such solution; it helps to neutralize the yellow tones in your hair, leaving you with a brighter, more natural-looking blonde. Let’s look at the causes of brassiness and how you can use vinegar to get rid of it.
What Causes Brassy Hair?
A few different factors can contribute to brassiness in blonde hair. These include:
- Over-exposure to the sun: The sun’s UV rays can cause your hair to become more porous, making it more susceptible to discoloration.
- Hair products: Certain shampoos, conditioners, and styling products can leave a yellow or orange tinge in your hair.
- Chlorine: Chlorinated water can also strip the color from your hair, leaving it looking brassy.
Why Use Vinegar?
Vinegar is a natural, non-toxic way to neutralize the yellow tones in your hair. It also helps restore the pH balance of your scalp and hair, which can help prevent brassiness from occurring in the first place.
Mixed with other readily available products, such as lemon juice or baking soda, vinegar can be an incredibly effective way to brighten blonde hair and eliminate brassiness.
Step By Step Guide
Here’s how to use vinegar to get rid of brassiness in your blonde hair:
Ingredients:
- Water
- Vinegar(white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, etc.)
- Food coloring(red and blue)
- Bowl
Step 1. Wash Your Hair
Shampooing your hair before you apply the toner is crucial as it will help remove any build-up of products or chlorine on your hair. After a deep shampoo session, you may want to apply your conditioner as you usually would.
After the conditioner has taken effect on the hair, rinse it off thoroughly using plenty of lukewarm water.
Step 2. Mix The DIY Toner
Mix your best vinegar with two cups of water. Ensure that the ratio of vinegar to water is maintained at 1 part vinegar:2 parts water. Add a few drops of the food color. The essence of attaining a purple shade is that purple cancels out yellow tones. You might need to experiment with the number of drops until you get the desired color.
Step 3. Apply Your Homemade Toner
Before you apply the toner:
- Make sure your hair is completely dry.
- Section your hair into small parts, then apply the toner using a spray bottle.
- Massage it in with your fingers until it covers all of your hair.
Leave the toner on for around 15 minutes, then rinse it out completely using plenty of lukewarm water.
Step 4. Condition Your Hair
After rinsing out the toner, apply a deep conditioner to your hair and leave it in for around 15 minutes. Rinse out the conditioner thoroughly, then style your hair as usual.
After using the vinegar-based toner, deep conditioning is necessary as vinegar may leave your hair feeling a little dry.
You should repeat this process every time you notice your hair becoming brassy or yellow. If done regularly, vinegar can be an incredibly effective way to keep the blonde sheen looking bright and natural.
Advantages of Using Vinegar to Get Rid of Brassy Hair
There are several advantages to using vinegar to get rid of brassiness in your hair:
- Vinegar is natural and non-toxic
- It’s a cheap and readily available product
- Vinegar can be mixed with other ingredients to create an even more effective toner
- The treatment can be repeated as often as needed
- It leaves your hair feeling soft and healthy
How To Prevent Appearance of Brassy Hair
If you recently went for blonde hair color, there are several steps you can take to prevent your hair from becoming brassy:
- Use shower filters: Shower water contains mineral deposits and chlorine, which can strip the color from your hair. Installing a shower filter can help to prevent this from happening.
- Avoid using hot water: Hot water opens up the hair cuticle, making it more susceptible to discoloration. Use cooler water when shampooing and conditioning your hair.
- Use a purple shampoo: A purple shampoo can help counteract the yellow tones in blonde hair. Using it regularly can help to keep your hair color looking bright and vibrant.
- Avoid over-bleaching: Bleaching your hair too often can cause it to become dry and brittle, which can lead to brassiness. Try to limit the number of times you bleach your hair each year.
- Use a hair mask: A hair mask can help nourish and protect your hair, preventing it from becoming brittle and prone to brassiness.
Conclusion
Vinegar-based toners are a great way to eliminate brassiness in your hair and keep it looking bright and natural. As a natural and non-toxic product, vinegar is an excellent choice for those looking for an environmentally friendly way to get rid of brassiness. It’s also cheap and readily available, making it a convenient option. It is always advisable to do a patch test before using the toner on your entire head, just in case you have a sensitive scalp.
Frequently Asked Questions
a) I have highlights – can I use this toner?
If your highlights are blonde, then you can use this toner. If they are a different color, the toner may not be as effective.
b) My hair is dry and brittle – will this toner make it worse?
Vinegar can be a little drying, so it’s important to use a deep conditioner after rinsing it out. If your hair is already dry and brittle, the vinegar may make it worse.
c) Can I use this toner if I have colored my hair?
It’s best to consult with your stylist before using this toner if you have colored your hair recently. There is a chance that the vinegar may strip away some of the color.
d) How often should I use this toner?
You can use this toner as often as needed, but it’s best to repeat the treatment every time you notice your hair becoming brassy or yellow.
e) I have a sensitive scalp – can I still use this toner?
If you have a sensitive scalp, it’s best to do a patch test before using the toner on your entire head. Apply the toner to a small area behind your ear and wait 24 hours to see if there is any reaction. If not, you can proceed with using the toner.
Featured image source: unsplash.com
