How to Get Rid of Grey Tones in Blonde Hair

Written By :

Jane Hubbard

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Hair

Written By

Jane Hubbard

Expert Author

Are you tired of the dull and lifeless grey tones in your blonde hair? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with maintaining their blonde locks without any unwanted grey or brassy tones. But fear not, there are several ways how to get rid of grey tones in blonde hair.

Blonde hair has an alluring charm that the unwanted appearance of grey tones can quickly diminish. These greyish hues often result from environmental factors, such as hard water, pollution, or exposure to chlorine, and the use of certain hair products that can lead to dull and ashy undertones.

How to Get Rid of Grey Tones in Blonde Hair

In this guide, we will explore various techniques and treatments to help you banish those grey tones and bring back the brilliance of your beautiful blonde locks.

What Will You Need?

Before we delve into the various methods to eliminate grey tones in blonde hair, it is important to have the necessary tools and products on hand. Here are some essential items that you will need for the different techniques mentioned in this guide:

  • Purple or blue toning shampoo and conditioner
  • Purple or blue toning mask/treatment
  • Clarifying shampoo
  • Lemon juice
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Baking soda
  • Hair gloss/glaze

It is also recommended to have a good-quality hairbrush/comb and a wide-tooth comb for detangling wet hair. Additionally, invest in some deep-conditioning or nourishing hair masks to keep your locks healthy and strong.

10 Easy Steps on How to Get Rid of Grey Tones in Blonde Hair:

Step 1: Start with a Clarifying Shampoo 

Begin your hair care routine by using a clarifying shampoo to remove any buildup from hair products, hard water, or environmental pollutants. This will create a clean slate for the toning treatments to work more effectively. Apply the shampoo to wet hair, lather, and rinse thoroughly.

Use a Clarifying Shampoo

Step 2: Apply Purple or Blue Toning Shampoo 

After clarifying, it’s time to neutralize those grey tones with a purple or blue toning shampoo. These shampoos are specially formulated with pigments that counteract the grey and brassy tones in blonde hair. Apply the toning shampoo to your wet hair, focusing on areas with the most grey undertones. Leave the shampoo on for the recommended time, usually 3 to 5 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly. For best results, use this shampoo once or twice a week, depending on the severity of the grey tones.

Step 3: Use a Purple or Blue Toning Conditioner 

Following the toning shampoo, apply a purple or blue toning conditioner to neutralize grey tones further and nourish your hair. These conditioners help to lock in moisture while depositing the necessary pigments to counteract unwanted undertones. Apply the conditioner generously through your damp hair, concentrating on the areas with the most grey hues. Leave it on for the recommended time, typically around 3 to 5 minutes, before rinsing thoroughly. Regular use will help maintain a vibrant, warm blonde color.

Step 4: Treat Your Hair with a Purple or Blue Toning Mask/Treatment 

Use a purple or blue toning mask for a deeper and more intensive toning treatment. These masks contain higher concentrations of purple or blue pigments and are designed to be left on the hair for a more extended period, providing a more thorough neutralization of grey tones. Apply the mask evenly onto your damp hair, covering all areas with grey undertones. Leave the mask on for the recommended time, usually 10 to 20 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly. Use this treatment weekly or as needed to keep your blonde hair vibrant and free of unwanted grey hues.

Step 5: Rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar 

Apple cider vinegar is a powerful natural remedy that can help remove buildup and restore the shine to your blonde hair. Prepare a mixture of equal parts apple cider vinegar and water. After shampooing and rinsing your hair, pour the mixture over your damp hair, ensuring it covers all areas. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the vinegar to penetrate the hair shafts and neutralize grey tones. Rinse thoroughly with cool water to remove any remaining vinegar. Repeat this rinse once a week to maintain the desired tone and enhance your hair’s natural brilliance.

Rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar

Step 6: Try a Lemon Juice Rinse 

Lemon juice is an excellent natural lightener that can help counteract blonde hair’s grey tones. To rinse lemon juice, mix one or two lemons with a cup of water. After shampooing your hair, pour the lemon juice mixture over your hair, making sure to distribute it evenly. Leave it on for about 5 to 10 minutes to allow the acidic properties of lemon to lighten the grey tones. Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water. Avoid using lemon juice too frequently, as it can dry out your hair. Once every two weeks should be sufficient to see results without causing damage.

Step 7: Use Baking Soda for a Deep Clean 

Baking soda is another effective method for removing product buildup and neutralizing grey tones in blonde hair. Create a paste by mixing a tablespoon of baking soda with water until it reaches a spreadable consistency. Apply this paste to your damp hair, focusing mainly on areas with noticeable grey tones. Gently massage the paste into your scalp and through the length of your hair. Leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the baking soda to work magic. Rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water, and follow up with a deep conditioning treatment to restore moisture.

Step 8: Apply a Hair Gloss or Glaze 

Hair glosses and glazes can add a beautiful shine to your hair while helping to tone down unwanted grey hues. These treatments generally come in clear or tinted formulas and can be applied at home or by a professional. Apply the gloss or glaze evenly to your clean, damp hair, covering all strands. Follow the product’s instructions for timing—typically, this ranges from 10 to 20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with cool water to seal the cuticles and enjoy the enhanced, vibrant color and shine. Use a hair gloss or glaze every 6 to 8 weeks for the best results.

Step 9: Apply a Deep Conditioning Treatment 

After using various toning treatments and cleansers, it’s essential to replenish your hair’s moisture and strength with a deep conditioning treatment. Choose a deep conditioner or hair mask that is rich in nourishing ingredients like keratin, argan oil, or shea butter. Apply the treatment evenly throughout your clean, damp hair, focusing on the lengths and ends where the hair is driest. Leave it on for the recommended time, typically 10 to 30 minutes, allowing the nutrients to penetrate deeply into the hair shafts. Rinse thoroughly with cool water to lock in the moisture and ensure your hair remains soft, shiny, and resilient. Use this deep conditioning treatment once a week to maintain optimal hair health.

Step 10: Protect Your Hair from Heat Styling

Frequent use of heat-styling tools like blow dryers, flat irons, and curling wands can exacerbate grey tones and lead to dryness and damage. Always use a heat-protectant spray or serum before applying any heat to protect your blonde hair. These products form a barrier that shields your hair from high temperatures, reducing the risk of damage. Apply the heat protectant evenly to your damp or dry hair, ensuring all strands are coated. Use the lowest heat setting necessary to achieve your desired style, and avoid prolonged exposure to direct heat. Incorporating this step into your hair care routine will help maintain your hair’s vibrancy and health, keeping grey tones at bay.

Protect Your Hair from Heat Styling

By following these simple steps and incorporating toning treatments into your hair care routine, you can effectively neutralize grey tones in blonde hair.

5 Additional Tips and Tricks

  1. Use a Purple Shampoo: Purple shampoos neutralize grey and brassy tones due to their violet pigments, which counteract yellow and grey hues on the color spectrum. Use it once or twice a week to maintain the desired blonde color.
  2. Try a Clarifying Shampoo: Build-up from styling products, hard water, and environmental pollutants can cause greyish tones in blonde hair. A clarifying shampoo can help remove this build-up, keeping your hair color fresh and vibrant.
  3. Apply a Toner: Hair toners are effective at correcting grey tones. Visit a professional stylist for a toner tailored to your hair color needs, or use an at-home toner kit according to the instructions.
  4. Deep Conditioning Treatments: Regular use of deep conditioning treatments can improve your hair’s overall health and appearance. Well-nourished hair reflects light better, which can help minimize the appearance of grey tones.
  5. Seek Professional Help: Sometimes, the best way to eliminate grey tones is to visit a professional colorist. They can assess the underlying cause of the grey tones and provide personalized solutions, whether it’s a color correction service or a revamp of your hair care routine.
Visit a Professional Stylist for a Toner

5 Things You Should Avoid

  1. Overwashing Your Hair: Washing your hair too frequently can strip it of essential oils and moisture, which may exacerbate grey tones. Aim to wash your hair only two to three times a week to maintain its natural oils.
  2. Using Low-Quality Hair Products: Cheap or low-quality shampoos and conditioners can leave residue on your hair, contributing to build-up and dullness. Invest in high-quality, sulfate-free products designed for blonde hair.
  3. Excessive Heat Styling: Regular use of hot tools like hairdryers, straighteners, and curling irons can damage your hair and highlight grey tones. Limit your use of heat styling tools and always use a heat protectant spray.
  4. Ignoring Sun Protection: UV rays can damage your hair and cause color fading, accentuating grey tones. Wear a hat or use hair products with UV protection for prolonged periods in the sun.
  5. Skipping Regular Haircuts: Split ends and damaged hair can make grey tones more noticeable. Make sure to get regular trims every 6-8 weeks to keep your hair healthy and to diminish the appearance of grey tones.
Don't Over Wash Your Hair

Conclusion

How to get rid of grey tones in blonde hair requires a balanced approach to using the right products and avoiding harmful practices.

Incorporating purple shampoo, clarifying shampoos, and toners into your hair care regimen can effectively neutralize unwanted hues. On the other hand, deep conditioning treatments and professional consultations contribute to overall hair health, enhancing your hair’s natural shine and reducing grey tones. Avoiding frequent washing, low-quality products, excessive heat styling, sun exposure without protection, and skipping haircuts can prevent further damage and dullness.

Adhere to these tips and tricks to keep your blonde hair looking its best, ensuring it always appears fresh and radiant.

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