https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hair-highlights-turned-out-brassy-what-to-do Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 13:24:59 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hair-highlights-turned-out-brassy-what-to-do/page/2#post-167049 Mon, 07 Jun 2010 04:58:11 +0000 tarzy 167049@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Taylor - thanks, I've actually been thinking about going shorter! You have given me the nudge I need. (Agrace - sorry - didn't mean to hijack your thread!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hair-highlights-turned-out-brassy-what-to-do#post-166877 Sun, 06 Jun 2010 21:45:16 +0000 taylor 166877@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tarzy, I would LOVE to see your hair short...that would be so fun on you. Also you are quite right about switching to semi perm. color being a good option for you IF it covers grey well!!. I would drop you a level, down one shade darker neutral to eliminate the brass. They gradually fade , so no worries about going too dark with 1 level. I know nothing about OTC drugstore products, but if you have a good beauty supply near (Sally's even) they can give you a good idea about what brand and point you in the right direction with professional products, they last longer on the hair shaft and are kinder to your hair")</p> <p>You are quite welcome agrace:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hair-highlights-turned-out-brassy-what-to-do#post-166806 Sun, 06 Jun 2010 17:03:22 +0000 agrace 166806@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes Taylor - if there ever is a YLF convention bring your shears and highlighting equipment and we will all pay you to do our hair! It would be so nice to have someone so knowledgeable work on my head..thanks again for sharing all your wisdom on this topic. The 'purple' shampoo is really helping tone it down, I'm glad they convinced me to just wait it out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hair-highlights-turned-out-brassy-what-to-do#post-166803 Sun, 06 Jun 2010 16:48:54 +0000 tarzy 166803@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Such an interesting thread! Agrace - I'm glad your hair is getting better. I know it's hard to wait it out.</p> <p>Taylor - I wish you were in LA. I'd be over to see you in a flash!</p> <p>I've been thinking about this same issue myself, as my auburn-reddish hair is starting to get very brassy/orangy looking. i"m covering a lot of grey, and I also have to do it myself (due to economics) which doesn't help. After reading this I might use a semi-permanent, maybe a more neutral brown, just to see what that does. Semi probably won't cover my ngrey roots or last too long, but it's not as scary as doing more permanent color. I may end up just getting a really short cut for summer anyway! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hair-highlights-turned-out-brassy-what-to-do#post-166731 Sun, 06 Jun 2010 05:01:52 +0000 taylor 166731@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well now that is where experience, expertise and advanced training come in. Knowing your craft and being a color expert entails LOTS of education..remember we work with chemicals so it gets tricky. The same rules apply to hair color as in the color wheel. Hair is MORE art than science...VERY visual when it comes to color Do your best to seek out a color specialist when getting color, as opposed to some who specializes in cutting...there IS a big difference in the advanced training!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hair-highlights-turned-out-brassy-what-to-do#post-166490 Sat, 05 Jun 2010 12:29:13 +0000 agrace 166490@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Taylor, Then how on earth do stylists achieve ashy/ neutral highlights? Is it a matter of when you take the foil/ color out? Is it a certain brand that leaves ashy/ neutral color only? I used to go to Aveda for years and years but recently learned that Aveda tends to be very very warm. </p> <p>I'm so curious about these mysterious color secrets! </p> <p>The stylist who did this said she thought she pulled the foils about 5 minutes too early... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hair-highlights-turned-out-brassy-what-to-do#post-166396 Sat, 05 Jun 2010 01:09:24 +0000 taylor 166396@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, agrace, your stylist was correct, hair always pulls warm. It is more noticeable the darker the natural color is:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hair-highlights-turned-out-brassy-what-to-do#post-165244 Wed, 02 Jun 2010 13:13:30 +0000 shiny 165244@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm soooo NOT an expert, and I can't remember what color your natural hair is, what your starting point is. But, I can relate completely. My color gaffes always happen because the hairdresser assumes I need a warm highlight. I can understand the assumption, as my hair has a lot of red in it (my mother was and my sister is auburn). However, warm highlights always look horrendous on me!! </p> <p>Meanwhile, I can't do ashy at all either! Ashy highlights leave me looking drained, tired, washed out. And age me dramatically, as it appears I'm going gray. </p> <p>The best highlights for me are neutral - this is what I have been told by those colorists who have got it right. </p> <p>With that said, my current colorist put in 4 different shades last week. A little red. A lot of caramel. And a little neutral blonde. Not sure what the fourth shade was. The effect is wonderful - lots of dimension. It's nowhere near as light as it was last summer, but I am liking it very much. It very closely replicates my natural haircolor when I was in college (my hair got a bit darker in my 20s). And, it grows out very gracefully - last color, i went 8 weeks and you could barely notice the roots, even though they had grown out two inches. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hair-highlights-turned-out-brassy-what-to-do#post-165224 Wed, 02 Jun 2010 12:22:24 +0000 agrace 165224@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny - Thanks, that was something I thought about doing as well (the semi-permanent) It is also good to hear I am not the only one this happens too - it's happened several times as well. </p> <p>One of the stylists told me something very interesting - she said that artificial hair color always comes out with some warmth. Now I don't know if this is true but it might explain why the ashy/ neutral blond I want seems to be so darn elusive! Taylor, if you read this, would you agree?</p> <p>The other thing these three said that was interesting to me was as we were going through some magazines to get ideas of where I'd like to be with my hair, I was pointing out various celebs and they said A LOT of those people have either wigs or extensions and that is how their color always looks so flawless. Again, don't know if it is true or not.</p> <p>It makes me want to learn to color hair honestly! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hair-highlights-turned-out-brassy-what-to-do#post-165217 Wed, 02 Jun 2010 12:01:07 +0000 shiny 165217@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm too late but thought I'd share my own experiences, as I've had this happen about three times now over the years. </p> <p>The best solution I ever got was to put a semi-permanent over top. I don't know what exactly they used (sorry!) but whatever it was, it toned it down nicely. No, I did not get lighter - I got slightly darker, as the dye deposits dye, doesn't lift it. But I still looked like I had highlights - since the hair was already different shades. Light areas became a little darker and much less brassy/orange. Dark areas stayed the same. </p> <p>Also the semi-permanent dramatically improved the condition of my hair, which was fried by the initial goofed processing. I was very pleased with the results, even if it wasn't quite what I had in mind. It also gave my hair a nice rest for a few months. (I had the semi-permanent repeated three times, before risking highlights again).</p> <p>Meanwhile, I can't say enough good things about the purple shampoo. I use Aveda Blue Malva. Just don't use it daily, as it is drying. I use it about once a week. I think our water has something in it that brings out the brass over time. </p> <p>DH also uses the Blue Malva, on his gray hair, to keep it from yellowing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hair-highlights-turned-out-brassy-what-to-do#post-165174 Wed, 02 Jun 2010 05:48:20 +0000 Scarlet 165174@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Grace, glad you resolved the hair situation. Probably it looks better than you think Also thanks everyone for the info about purple shampoo. I didn't want to switch shampoos completely so maybe that Redken option is a good idea. I had my hair highlighted for the first time ever a couple months ago and was quite amazed by the whole process. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hair-highlights-turned-out-brassy-what-to-do#post-165143 Wed, 02 Jun 2010 04:28:27 +0000 taylor 165143@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A good and professional resolution. Sounds like you are in good hands, and they compensated you to your satisfaction. YAY !!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hair-highlights-turned-out-brassy-what-to-do#post-165136 Wed, 02 Jun 2010 04:14:22 +0000 agrace 165136@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Taylor, Thank you again for your advice! Ana, I like your strategy and if patience were a stronger virtue of mine or if I could get in more frequently than 2x a year that is exactly what I would do - I really think that makes sense!</p> <p>Well, here is the update: I went in today and the salon was very professional. The three top stylists/ colorists came over and all weighed in and we decided to not do anything at the moment but they gave me a 50 % off for my next service which is okay b/c as I continue to use the 'purple shampoo' it is getting more tolerable. They really felt like my hair didn't need any more chemical processing and also that the way it looks is much better than I am perhaps thinking. All in all, they were willing to do whatever I wanted but I went with their consensus of waiting a few weeks or a couple months and then heading back in (and yes I will absolutely be using the 50 % off for my next highlight) </p> <p>I was impressed with the professionalism but didn't like the attention of having all those stylists gathered around and I noticed that the original stylist, though she was supposed to be working today, was not there. So I hope she isn't feeling too badly about the whole thing. </p> <p>Thanks everyone for your advice! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hair-highlights-turned-out-brassy-what-to-do#post-165103 Wed, 02 Jun 2010 02:40:20 +0000 taylor 165103@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Blue or purple shampoo is designed to neutralize orange , yellow and drabness, can be used on brunettes with any color of highlights as well as blonde and works particularly well on grey or silver hair. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hair-highlights-turned-out-brassy-what-to-do#post-164810 Tue, 01 Jun 2010 13:13:01 +0000 Ana 164810@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Scarlet, it's shampoo that is specifically designed for blonde, color-treated hair. I think several brands make some version of it. I use this one (it's actually just a conditioner I use once or twice a week): </p> <p><a href="http://www.redken.com/products/haircare/blonde-glam/perfect-platinum" rel="nofollow">http://www.redken.com/products.....t-platinum</a></p> <p>agrace, I think you did everything right, since you had seen the stylist before, and liked her previous work. When I'm looking for a new stylist, I will go and see them for haircuts for at least six months before I even bring up color. I look pretty scraggly with my highlights growing out that long, but it's worth it because I need to feel really comfortable with the person's abilities as a stylist, and I want to have a rapport built with them too, in case something goes wrong. I also know that I need warmer highlights, so I really stress this to the person, that the highlights need to have warm undertones (but don't make it reddish). I think that helps. Then I proceed with really subtle highlights, and if I'm happy, I'll go for something more dramatic later. This is why when I find someone I really like, I stick with them. My stylist, Bobby, just recently switched over to handling more of the business (he and his wife own and run the salon I go to), so he is not doing hair anymore! I was so sad, since I had been seeing him since I moved to Austin, so over three years. The salon is about an hour's drive away (all highway), but he was so good, it was worth the drive. Well, I was contemplating looking for a salon that was closer and possibly a little less expensive, since it would be a natural time to switch, but I really needed my highlights redone, so I switched to seeing his wife Vanessa, who is actually more experienced than Bobby. The color and cut were SO good, I decided to just stick with driving out there to see her. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hair-highlights-turned-out-brassy-what-to-do#post-164768 Tue, 01 Jun 2010 08:12:23 +0000 Louise 164768@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aaack how awful, fingers crossed they get it sorted x </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hair-highlights-turned-out-brassy-what-to-do#post-164724 Tue, 01 Jun 2010 05:33:42 +0000 Scarlet 164724@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Grace, good luck getting your hair sorted out. I hope they do a good job this time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hair-highlights-turned-out-brassy-what-to-do#post-164723 Tue, 01 Jun 2010 05:32:58 +0000 Scarlet 164723@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What is this mythic purple shampoo I keep reading about? Is that just what comes in the bottle for color-treated hair? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hair-highlights-turned-out-brassy-what-to-do#post-164697 Tue, 01 Jun 2010 03:22:17 +0000 marianna 164697@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh I've had a few horror stories of my own too. So sorry you had to go through this! Good luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hair-highlights-turned-out-brassy-what-to-do#post-164680 Tue, 01 Jun 2010 02:40:23 +0000 Mellllls 164680@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hair-highlights-turned-out-brassy-what-to-do#post-164679 Tue, 01 Jun 2010 02:39:56 +0000 agrace 164679@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, spot on! It is so, so so hard to get right. I just wonder how it is that the celebrities seem to never have hair catastrophes but it always seems to happen to me. I wanted an ashy, neutral, creamy blond color highlight with absolutely zero brassiness and really no warmth as my hair is naturally ashy/ neutral but instead have this brassy, reddish - blonde. </p> <p>Angie, if I may ask - if you color your hair (I'm blanking on whether you do right now!) how do you ensure you don't end up with any brassiness? How do any of you lovely blondes do it? It seems to always happen to me! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hair-highlights-turned-out-brassy-what-to-do#post-164678 Tue, 01 Jun 2010 02:37:19 +0000 agrace 164678@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Taylor, a dream come true to have you answer! Thanks! I am concerned that in the end I will not have any highlights as you identified, but your plan of action sounds like the best one for me. I don't have any pictures of it but if I can get some before I go in in the morning I will post some. I almost feel I can live with it, particularly as I use the purple shampoo, it seems to be fading. I just don't like the notion that I"m having to 'live' with anything that I paid $100 plus tip for you know? </p> <p>Anyways, it's a risk to go back in but I am going to do it and I am going to mention what you've said as a suggested plan of action. A million thank you's for your knowledgeable advice. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hair-highlights-turned-out-brassy-what-to-do#post-164676 Tue, 01 Jun 2010 02:36:40 +0000 Ann 164676@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You should ask to see their colorist.....s/he should put on a toner to calm down the brassiness... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hair-highlights-turned-out-brassy-what-to-do#post-164672 Tue, 01 Jun 2010 02:35:02 +0000 Angie 164672@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry, agrace. Very frustrating :0(.</p> <p>I can't add to the professional wisdom but I hope you get sorted. Blonding is not so easy to get right. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hair-highlights-turned-out-brassy-what-to-do#post-164667 Tue, 01 Jun 2010 02:18:54 +0000 taylor 164667@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, you poor thing, honestly a nightmare for you. ,brassy hair is flattering on no one. You are right to go back.</p> <p>They need to lowlight your entire head with as close to your "natural" color as they can. You will still see the highlights so don't worry about losing all the lightness. As they shampoo off the lowlights they should work it through your hair for several minutes to further tone down any brassiness. Be sure they take the time to discuss their plan of action with you and that you are satisfied with the solution.</p> <p>Not seeing you personally, these of course are only guidelines, but do not continue to further highlight at this point, work instead towards a more natural look, with some subtle highlights peeking through.....BEST of luck!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hair-highlights-turned-out-brassy-what-to-do#post-164665 Tue, 01 Jun 2010 02:13:19 +0000 agrace 164665@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Annagybe- thanks - I am actually using that, and you are right! My 'issue' is paying $100 for what amounts to looking like I dumped a bottle of sun in in my hair. I feel I am entitled to money back or fixed hair </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hair-highlights-turned-out-brassy-what-to-do#post-164664 Tue, 01 Jun 2010 02:12:20 +0000 agrace 164664@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ana - good to 'see' you! I kind of feel bad going back in, like i"m asking for too much but they told me on their first visit, they have a satisfaction guaranteed policy so I do agree, it is definitely a reputable salon. I think the original stylist is a nice enough person and really actually quite good but for some reason, she messed up. She said she thought she took the foils out too early. </p> <p>Anyways, I'd like to give them a chance b/c I really don't want to live with organgey hair. I guess I should not feel bad asking for any 'extras' like a protein treatment but I know I will feel sheepish about that. I'll try to get my chin up and do it anyways. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hair-highlights-turned-out-brassy-what-to-do#post-164663 Tue, 01 Jun 2010 02:10:20 +0000 annagybe 164663@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hopefully the senior stylist fixes it, but purple shampoo does reduce brassiness over time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hair-highlights-turned-out-brassy-what-to-do#post-164659 Tue, 01 Jun 2010 02:08:31 +0000 Ana 164659@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'd go in and give them a chance if someone more senior is going to be working with your hair. If that doesn't turn out to your liking, ask for your money back. It sounds like this is a reputable salon because they are trying to correct the mistake. The stylist you saw was probably just inexperienced or having a bad day. I know that doesn't really help you, because now you have to live with hair you don't like. </p> <p>Because your hair might be suffering from all the chemicals, ask them if they would provide a free deep conditioning or protein treatment to try and restore some of what they are stripping out during this process. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hair-highlights-turned-out-brassy-what-to-do#post-164654 Tue, 01 Jun 2010 02:03:13 +0000 Steph 164654@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't really know anything about hair, but my first thought was whether they could dye the brassy highlights to match your regular hair color. But I honestly have no idea how that works/if it is possible/if a certain amount of time has to pass. </p>