Brassy hair, characterized by unwanted red, yellow, or orange tones, is a common concern for those who lighten their hair. This issue can arise in both dark and blonde hair that has undergone lightening processes. The Matrix Total Results Brass Off shampoo aims to combat this problem, offering a potential solution for maintaining cool, salon-worthy tones at home.
Brassy hair typically results from highlights or coloring gone awry. For brunettes with lightened hair, this often manifests as blonde or gold highlights turning an unwelcome red, yellow, or orange hue. The hair dyeing process involves lifting the natural pigment while depositing a new one. Unfortunately, the blue color molecules responsible for neutralizing these warm tones are the smallest and tend to fade quickly.
Several years ago, driven by the desire for sun-kissed hair, I embarked on a highlighting adventure. However, the golden shade chosen deposited a yellow tone that quickly turned orange after sun exposure. This led to a new mission: reverting the highlights back to my original hair color. This personal experience underscores the frustration many face when dealing with brassy tones.
The Matrix Total Results Brass Off shampoo is designed to neutralize brassy tones and refresh hair with cool tones. Marketed as a professional salon clarifying shampoo, it deposits balancing blue-violet pigments to reduce brassiness in all hair types, particularly benefiting brunettes who lighten or highlight their hair. The Brass Off haircare range includes a shampoo, conditioner, mask, and toning spray, promising up to 10 times less breakage when using the complete system.
The ingredient list includes Aqua/Water/Eau, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Coco-Betaine, Glycol Distearate, Sodium Chloride, Cocamide Mipa, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Parfum /Fragrance, Amodimethicone, Sodium Benzoate, Hexylene Glycol, Polyquaternium-7, Polyquaternium-10, Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Ci 60730/Ext. Violet 2. While many of these ingredients may seem unfamiliar, some warrant closer attention.
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The shampoo contains sulfates, such as Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, which are cleansing agents known for creating a lathering effect. Sulfates effectively remove dirt and oil but can also be harsh, potentially drying out hair, fading dye, and stripping it of natural moisture. This is a common concern, as sulfates have become less popular due to their potential to compromise hair health.
The shampoo utilizes blue-violet pigments to counteract brassiness. Blue is opposite orange on the color wheel, making it effective for neutralizing unwanted orange tones in bleached dark hair. However, the small size of blue color molecules means they can break down and fade quickly.
The recommended usage involves wearing suitable gloves, applying to wet hair, lathering, and rinsing thoroughly. For enhanced neutralization, the shampoo can be left on for 3-5 minutes before rinsing, followed by the Brass Off Conditioner. The product claims to neutralize brassy, orange undertones in just one wash when using the shampoo and mask.
Customer reviews present a mixed picture. Some users found the shampoo dried their hair, while others felt it nourished their hair in addition to neutralizing brassy tones. Some reviewers also reported that the shampoo left purple or blue pigments on their hair, even darkening unbleached areas.
If the shampoo dries out your hair, follow with a deep conditioning treatment and limit use to once or twice a week. Alternatively, consider switching to a different neutralizing shampoo that is less drying.
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Leaving the shampoo on for longer than recommended can result in purple or blue pigments depositing on the hair. Adhering to the recommended 3-5 minute processing time is crucial to avoid this issue.
Besides using the Matrix Brass Off shampoo, several other strategies can help prevent or correct brassy tones.
Protecting hair from sun exposure is crucial, as the sun can exacerbate brassiness. Wearing a hat when directly under the sun for extended periods can significantly reduce the development of unwanted warm tones.
Avoid overwashing hair, as frequent washing can fade color. The general recommendation is to wash hair approximately two to three times a week, balancing cleansing with color preservation.
For quick and effective results, consider getting your hair professionally toned at a salon. A toner can successfully remove brassiness, although it may not always revert highlights to the exact original hair color.
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A DIY alternative involves adding 2 to 3 drops of violet or purple food coloring to shampoo or conditioner. If the mixture turns reddish, add a drop of blue food coloring until a bluish violet color is achieved. Lather the mixture into the hair, leave on for a few minutes, and rinse.
While ashy tones are currently popular, some individuals prefer warmer tones and may not mind some brassiness in their hair. Ultimately, personal preference dictates whether brassiness is considered undesirable.
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