How to Tone Yellow Hair to Ash: Easy Step-by-Step Guide
So you've gone blonde, but now you're dealing with those annoying yellow tones? Don't panic! Your besties are here with all the tea on how to transform that brassy blonde into the cool, ashy shade of your dreams.
This isn't rocket science, just a few tricks that'll have you serving ice queen vibes in no time!
Why Does Hair Turn Yellow?
Hair turns yellow mainly due to oxidation, sun exposure, and mineral buildup from hard water. When you bleach your hair, it's actually revealing the underlying warm pigments that naturally exist in your strands - those stubborn yellow tones are what's left behind after the bleach lifts your natural color!
Over time, these yellow tones become more noticeable as your bleached hair continues to oxidize. Heat styling tools and chlorine from pools can accelerate this yellowing process too.
Basically, your blonde is constantly fighting environmental factors that are trying to turn it into a yellow mess, it's like your hair's own little battle against the elements!
What Color Toner Neutralizes Yellow Hair?
Purple toner is your bestie for neutralizing yellow hair! This works because purple sits opposite yellow on the color wheel, so it cancels out those brassy tones when applied. Look for purple shampoos, conditioners, or professional toning treatments depending on how intense your yellowing is.
For a DIY hack that seriously works, mix a tiny dot of Arctic Fox's Purple AF, Girls Night, or Periwinkle semi-permanent dye into your regular shampoo or conditioner. You will have created an instant custom purple toning product without the salon price tag!
For subtle warmth, a weekly purple treatment might do the trick, but for that "I just left the salon" cool blonde, you might need a more concentrated purple formula to kick those yellow tones to the curb.
Say Goodbye to Yellow and Hello to Ash!
Yellow tones can be stubborn little devils, but with the right approach, you can banish them for good.
Whether you're a DIY queen or a salon regular who needs some maintenance between appointments, we’ve got you covered with this step-by-step guide that actually works.
Step 1: Wash That Yellow Away
First things first, let's try the gentlest approach before bringing in the big guns. Sometimes those yellow tones are just buildup that needs a good cleanse!
-
Start washing your hair more frequently with warm (not hot!) water
-
Switch to a clarifying shampoo to remove product buildup that might be causing discoloration
-
Make sure to follow up with our Pool Party Hair Mask to replenish moisture because nobody wants straw-like strands, am I right?
-
Massage that mask in, leave for 5-10 minutes, and rinse with cool water
Trust us, this simple step makes a HUGE difference for some blondes, and your hair will thank you for the hydration boost!
Step 2: DIY Vitamin C Treatment
If those yellow tones are as stubborn as your ex who keeps watching your Instagram stories, it's time to try this miracle worker!
-
Crush up about 5-10 vitamin C tablets into a fine powder
-
Mix the powder with your regular shampoo until it forms a paste
-
Apply the mixture to damp hair, focusing on the yellowest areas
-
Cover with a shower cap and let it sit for 30-60 minutes
-
Rinse thoroughly and follow up with our Money Hunny Serum to restore shine and hydration
This vitamin C trick is literally life-changing and works by gently stripping away color molecules that cause yellowing. Your hair might feel a bit dry afterward, but that's why the Money Hunny Serum exists, bestie!
Step 3: Purple Power to the Rescue
Now for the main event! Purple is yellow's opposite on the color wheel, which means it neutralizes those brassy tones like magic. Choose the right purple product based on your specific yellow situation:
-
Periwinkle: Our pastel blue with purple undertone hair dye is perfect for darker yellow tones that lean orange. Mix Periwinkle with conditioner and leave on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing.
-
Girls Night: THE holy grail for achieving that ashy platinum look. Dilute our pastel purple hair dye, Girls Night, with conditioner and leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
-
Purple AF: For darker blondes, mix 1-2 drops of Purple AF with your regular conditioner for a gentle toning effect without going overboard.
Pro tip: Always wear gloves when applying purple products unless you want purple-stained nails for your date night!
Also, don't leave these products on too long, or you'll end up with lavender hair color (cute, but probably not the look you're going for!).
Step 4: Prevention is Key
Once you've achieved that perfect ashy tone, let's keep it that way, shall we?
-
Avoid chlorine like it's your toxic ex! If you must take a dip, apply our Pool Party hair mask for protection before diving in
-
Apply our OG Hair Perfume, which not only smells like our famous grape scent, but it also doubles as a UV protectant to prevent sun damage
-
Use cold water for final rinses to seal the cuticle and lock in your color
Remember: maintaining that perfect ash tone is a marathon, not a sprint. A little maintenance goes a long way!
FAQs About Toning Yellow Hair
How often should I tone my hair?
Listen to your locks! Most people need to tone every 2-3 weeks, but if you're using purple hair treatments 1-2 times a week as maintenance, you might stretch that even longer.
Can I tone my hair too much?
Yes, babe! Over-toning can lead to dryness and even a purple cast. If your hair starts looking dull or lilac-tinted, take a break from toning products.
Will toning damage my already-processed hair?
When done correctly, toning is much gentler than bleaching. Always follow with deep conditioning treatments to keep your hair healthy.
Can I go from golden blonde to ash blonde at home?
Absolutely! As mentioned above, there are a few ways to do this, like washing your hair with clarifying shampoo, using a vitamin C hair mask, and using purple hair toning products!
But be patient, it might take a few sessions to reach your desired level of ashiness.
What if purple products aren't working?
You might need a stronger professional toner with blue tones if you're dealing with orange-yellow hues. Consider messaging our color specialists if purple products aren't cutting it.
Ready for Your Ash Blonde Journey?
That's it, bestie! From one blonde to another, trust us when we say that achieving and maintaining ash blonde hair isn't as complicated as the internet makes it seem. With these simple steps and the right products, you'll be serving cool-toned realness in no time!
Remember: healthy hair should always be the priority, so don't skip those hydrating treatments. Now go forth and rock that gorgeous ash blonde like the queen you are! 💁♀️✨
Want more hair tips and tricks? Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and all other socials @ArcticFoxHairColor!