Maintaining ash brown hair primarily involves combating brassy tones that can appear over time, especially in lightened hair.
Ash brown is a cool-toned color that can unfortunately develop unwanted warm (orange or red) tones as the color fades. This brassiness is a common issue, particularly because lightened hair inherently has underlying warm pigments. To keep your ash brown looking cool and fresh, targeted maintenance is crucial.
Combatting Brassiness with Brass-Proof Products
The most important step in maintaining ash brown hair is preventing and neutralizing brassiness. As noted by salon stylists, using a brass-proof shampoo and conditioner system specifically tailored for you is highly recommended.
- Why Brass-Proof? Lightened hair, a common base for ash brown, naturally lifts to warm tones. As the cool ash pigments fade, these warm tones become visible, resulting in a brassy finish. Brass-proof products typically contain violet or blue pigments that counteract these unwanted yellow, orange, or red tones.
- Types of Products:
- Purple Shampoo/Conditioner: Ideal for neutralizing yellow tones.
- Blue Shampoo/Conditioner: More effective at neutralizing orange or red tones, often more suitable for deeper ash brown shades.
- How to Use: These products are not for every wash. Use them typically once a week or as needed when you start noticing brassiness. Leave the product on for a few minutes (check the specific product instructions) before rinsing.
Other Essential Maintenance Tips
Beyond specialized products, general good practices for color-treated hair will help extend the life and vibrancy of your ash brown.
- Wash Less Frequently: Washing strips color. Try to wash your hair only 2-3 times a week.
- Use Cool Water: Hot water can cause color to fade faster. Wash and rinse your hair with cool or lukewarm water.
- Sulfate-Free Products: Sulfates can be harsh and strip color. Opt for sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners.
- Deep Conditioning: Keeping your hair healthy and hydrated helps it hold color better. Use a deep conditioner or mask regularly.
- Protect from Heat: High heat from styling tools can fade color and increase brassiness. Use a heat protectant spray before blow-drying, straightening, or curling.
- Sun Protection: UV rays can fade hair color. Use a hair product with UV filters or wear a hat when in direct sunlight for extended periods.
- Regular Touch-Ups: Ash brown requires maintenance appointments, especially at the roots if your natural color is significantly different. Discuss a touch-up schedule with your stylist.
Quick Guide to Maintaining Ash Brown
Here's a simple overview of key maintenance actions:
| Action | Benefit | Frequency/When To Use |
|---|---|---|
| Brass-Proof Products | Neutralizes brassiness | Weekly or as needed |
| Wash Less | Prevents color fading | 2-3 times per week |
| Cool Water Wash | Minimizes color stripping | Every wash |
| Sulfate-Free Products | Gentle on color | Every wash |
| Deep Conditioning | Keeps hair healthy/vibrant | Weekly |
| Heat Protectant | Reduces heat damage/fade | Before heat styling |
| UV Protection | Shields from sun fade | When in sun for long periods |
| Regular Touch-Ups | Maintains overall color | As recommended by your stylist |
By incorporating brass-neutralizing products and adopting good hair care habits, you can help your ash brown color stay cool and beautiful longer.
