When dyeing your hair, it is normal for it to take on yellow, orange or red shades over time, usually due to environmental factors such as sun exposure and pollution. Luckily, brass tones can be remedied with a toning shampoo. It should be used in a very similar way to the classic shampoo, but you need to be patient. If the situation is particularly serious, you may want to try using it on dry hair.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Choose a Toning Shampoo
Step 1. Find the shades you want to correct
The toning shampoo helps fight the brassy shades caused by multiple types of dyes. When choosing it it is important to determine the shades you want to correct. Examine your hair in front of a mirror in both natural and artificial light to figure out which shades you want to remove.
- In the case of blonde and gray hair, yellow or golden shades usually appear when the hair becomes brass-colored.
- Some shades of blond can also turn to orange, copper or red when the color begins to take on shades of brass.
- Dark hair that has been highlighted can begin to turn a brassy color with orange or red undertones.
- If you are unsure what your hair color tone is, ask a hairdresser you trust.
Step 2. Choose the toning shampoo accordingly
Once you have determined the tones you want to neutralize, it will be easier to choose the right shampoo, as you can use the color wheel in order to understand which pigment you need to correct brass shades. Look for a toning shampoo that contains pigments of one tone that is on the opposite side of the color wheel from that of your hair.
- If you want to neutralize golden or yellow undertones, look for a purple or purple shampoo.
- If you want to neutralize the golden-auburn undertones, choose a blue-purple or blue-purple shampoo.
- If you want to neutralize auburn or orange undertones, opt for a blue shampoo.
- If you want to neutralize shades of coppery red or orange-red, choose a blue-green shampoo.
- If you want to neutralize red undertones, look for a green shampoo.
Step 3. Examine the color intensity and consistency of the shampoo
Better to buy it in a store, so you can check these characteristics for yourself. If you have dark hair, you will need an extremely pigmented formulation with a thick consistency for optimal results. If possible, remove the cap from the bottle to observe it before proceeding with the purchase.
If you have fine hair, remember that it may be better to use a lighter or less pigmented toning shampoo. The formulations rich in pigments can dye the hair during use. For example, if you use a dark purple toning shampoo, you risk finding yourself with subtle highlights of this color
Part 2 of 3: Perform the Flush
Step 1. Moisten your hair in the shower or sink, just like you would when using regular shampoo
Better to use lukewarm water: opening the cuticles, it favors the absorption of the product.
Step 2. Wet your hair, squeeze the shampoo into your hand and massage it into your head from root to tip
Apply it gently forming a nice lather.
- If you have short hair, use a quantity of shampoo that is about 1.5 cm in diameter.
- If the length of the hair is between the chin and the shoulders, use a quantity of shampoo with a diameter of about 2.5 cm.
- If they are larger than the shoulders, use a quantity of shampoo with a diameter of about 4 cm.
Step 3. After massaging the shampoo and creating a nice lather, leave it on for a few minutes, so that the toning pigments can penetrate the hair
Read the product instructions. In most cases it should be left to act for 3-5 minutes.
If you have fine hair, do not leave it on for as long as indicated, as otherwise you risk dyeing it
Step 4. When the shutter speed is over, rinse them with lukewarm water to remove all the shampoo and apply the conditioner
Finally, rinse them with cold water to close the cuticles.
- Many companies that make toning shampoos also sell conditioners of the same color which further aid the process. You can use one after applying the toning shampoo, but you can also opt for a regular conditioner.
- If after using the toning shampoo your hair takes on reflections, remember that the color will go away with future washes. You can speed up the process by using a clarifying shampoo on the next wash.
Part 3 of 3: Using the Toning Shampoo on Dry Hair
Step 1. Divide the hair into sections to make it easier to apply the toning shampoo
Secure the strands you don't need to work with with pliers or bobby pins, so they don't bother you.
Step 2. After parting your hair, start applying the shampoo
Start with the sections that require more toning and that are more resistant to treatments. Then move on to the other strands. Make sure you apply the shampoo all over your hair to avoid finding yourself with an uneven result after the procedure is complete.
- Use a more generous amount of shampoo than you would use on wet hair. You need enough to coat all of your hair well.
- Using the toning shampoo on dry hair can give better results as the pigments are not diluted with water. As a result, it can sometimes dye your hair. If you have thin ones, don't try this treatment.
Step 3. After applying the shampoo all over your hair, leave it on for it to penetrate well
Read the instructions on the bottle to find out how long to let it act. In general, it is possible to leave it on for up to 10 minutes.
The thicker and thicker your hair, the longer you can leave it on. In any case, it is better to be cautious and reduce the shutter speed to observe how they react
Step 4. At the end of the exposure time, rinse the hair with warm water to remove the shampoo well and apply the conditioner
Make a final rinse with cold water.
Advice
- When you start using a toning shampoo, apply it only once a week to see how your hair reacts. The frequency of use varies depending on the type of hair and the situation you intend to remedy.
- Applying the toning shampoo to dry hair is more concentrated and intense, so you should only do this treatment once or twice a month.
