If your blonde tends to turn brassy while you’re enjoying the sun, sand and sea in summer – don’t panic – because help is at hand. It’s easier and cheaper than you think to fix
“Brassiness happens when the underlying warm pigment in the hair starts to resurface which is completely normal with blondes,” says Moe Harb, Hair Colour Educator and Co-Founder of Beauty Club London. “When we lighten hair, we’re essentially exposing those warm tones like yellow, gold and even orange, and toner is what keeps them neutralised. Over time, that toner fades, and when it does, those warmer shades begin to show through again. It’s not that something has gone wrong, it’s just that blonde hair needs ongoing maintenance to keep that clean, cool finish.
“A lot of people don’t realise how much environmental factors impact their blonde. Things like sun exposure, hard water (esepcially in London), chlorine and even pollution can all shift the tone of your hair. UV rays can oxidise the colour, chlorine can cause dryness and discolouration, and mineral build-up from water can make blonde appear dull and brassy. These are everyday factors, but they have a huge effect if you’re not protecting your hair properly.
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“One of the biggest mistakes I see is over-washing the hair, especially with harsh shampoos. Every time you wash your hair, you’re gradually stripping away that toner which is what keeps your blonde looking fresh. If you’re washing daily, you’re speeding up the process of brassiness appearing. Scaling that back to two or three times a week can make a noticeable difference in how long your colour lasts.
“Another common issue is using the wrong products for blonde maintenance. Not all shampoos and conditioners are created for colour-treated hair, and if yo’’re not using something that supports tone, hydration and protection, your blonde will lose its brightness much faster. It’s about choosing products that maintain both the colour and the condition of the hair. “When it comes to correcting brassiness, it’s all about reintroducing cool tones in a controlled way. Purple shampoos are great for neutralising yellow tones, while blue-based products can help with deeper orange hues. But it’s important to use them strategically because overusing toning products can leave the hair looking flat, slightly grey, or even uneven in tone so balance is key. “If the brassiness is more intense or uneven, that’s when I’d always recommend coming back into the salon for a toner or gloss. A professional toner is tailored to your exact shade and will give you that clean, polished blonde again. At-home products are great for maintenance, but they don’t replace a professional refresh when it’s needed.
“Prevention is always better than correction. Simple habits like using a heat protectant, limiting how often you wash your hair, and protecting your hair from chlorine or sun exposure will go a long way in keeping your blonde looking fresh. Blonde hair is more delicate, so the more you protect it, the better it will hold its tone. “One of my go-to tips is applying conditioner to your hair before swimming. It sounds simple, but it creates a barrier that helps stop chlorine from penetrating the hair shaft. It’s one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent discolouration, especially in the summer.”
Moe’s top 10 budget hair hacks
- Use a purple shampoo once or twice a week, not daily. It’s about maintenance, not over-correcting.
- Apply conditioner before entering a pool, it’s one of the easiest and cheapest ways to prevent brassiness.
- Wash your hair less frequently. It costs nothing, but it helps your toner last longer and keeps your blonde looking fresher.
- Rinse your hair with cooler water at the end of your shower to help seal the cuticle and maintain shine.
- Cut back on heat styling where you can – it’s one of the most effective free ways to stop your blonde from turning brassy.
- Use a microfibre towel or even a cotton T-shirt to dry your hair. It’s a simple swap that reduces damage, especially on bleached hair.
- Invest in an affordable leave-in conditioner or serum, even budget options can make your hair look smoother, shinier and more polished.
- Wet your hair with clean water before swimming in the sea or pool. It limits how much salt or chlorine your hair absorbs.
- Switch to a satin or silk-style pillowcase, there are plenty of budget-friendly options, and it really helps reduce dryness and breakage overnight.
- Brush your hair gently and only when needed as over-brushing can cause breakage, especially on lightened hair so being more mindful with your hair costs nothing but makes a big difference.
The toolkit
GHD Speed Ionic Hair Dryer, £299 at ghdhair.com, features innovative dual-airflow technology that blends power with control quick drying with no heat damage. The result? Salon-perfect locks for longer.
K18 TripleBright Oxidation Defence Purple Shampoo, £39 at cultbeauty.co.uk, is an easy-to-use foam formula. It removes brass-causing minerals and metals, neutralises existing orange tones and defends against future discolouration
The Body Shop Ginger Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, £12 from thebodyshop.com, is a great everyday shampoo as it cleanses and rids the scalp of flakes, without stripping colour. A cult favourite, one bottle is sold every 16 seconds.
*For more information and to book in to see Moe, visit beautyclublondon.co.uk
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Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: mirror.co.uk
