Does Apple Cider Vinegar Get Rid of Brassy Hair? The Truth You’ve Been Dying to Know!

Hey there, hair warriors! If you’ve ever dyed your locks a gorgeous blonde or light shade, only to see those pesky yellow or orange tones creep in, you know the struggle of brassy hair. It’s like your hair is throwing a tantrum, and you’re left wondering how to fix it without breaking the bank. Well, lemme tell ya, I’ve been there, and one remedy keeps popping up in my convos with friends—apple cider vinegar (ACV). But does apple cider vinegar really get rid of brassy hair, or is it just some kitchen myth? Stick with me, ‘cause we’re diving deep into this today with all the deets you need to know, straight from someone who’s battled brassiness and lived to tell the tale.

Right off the bat here’s the quick scoop ACV can help reduce the look of brassy tones by clarifying your hair and balancing its pH, making it shinier and less dull. But it ain’t a magic wand—it’s more of a temporary fix than a permanent cure. Wanna know the how why, and what to watch out for? Let’s break it down, fam!

What Even Is Brassy Hair, and Why Does It Happen to Good People Like Us?

Before we get into the vinegar fix, let’s chat about what brassy hair actually is. Picture this: you’ve just dyed your hair a stunning platinum or ash blonde, and it looks bomb for a hot minute. Then, outta nowhere, it starts looking like a cheap brass doorknob—yellowish, orangey, or even reddish tones sneaking in. That’s brassiness, and it’s a total vibe killer.

So, why does this happen? Well, when you lighten your hair, the dyeing process strips away natural pigments, revealing the warm undertones hiding underneath Think of it like peeling back layers—underneath your cool-toned dye, there’s yellows and oranges just waiting to show up Here’s a lil’ list of the usual suspects causing this mess

• Sun Exposure: Them UV rays can fade your cool tones faster than you can say “sunscreen,” leaving warm hues behind.
• Hard Water: If your shower water’s got minerals galore, they can deposit on your hair, making it look dull and brassy.
• Chlorine and Salt Water: Swimming in a pool or the ocean? That stuff can strip your color and bring out the brass.
• Fading Dye: Over time, even the best dye fades, and those underlying warm tones start peekin’ through.
• Wrong Products or Cheap Dye: Using low-quality stuff or the wrong shampoo can mess with your color big time.

It’s super common especially if you’ve gone from dark to light hair ‘cause darker hair naturally has more red and orange pigments. But don’t worry—we’ve got ways to fight back!

Can Apple Cider Vinegar Really Zap Away Brassy Hair?

Now, onto the star of the show—apple cider vinegar. You’ve prob’ly got a bottle of this stuff sittin’ in your kitchen right now, and word on the street is it’s a game-changer for brassy hair. But does it work? Here’s my take, based on what I’ve tried and heard from my peeps.

ACV is a type of vinegar made from fermented apples, and it’s got this acidic kick that can do some cool things for your hair. The idea is that its acidity helps balance the pH of your scalp and hair, which is often thrown outta whack by dyeing or hard water. Healthy hair likes to be a bit acidic, and ACV can help get it there. Plus, it’s a natural clarifier, meaning it can strip away gunk like product buildup or mineral deposits that make your hair look dull and brassy.

Here’s how it might help with brassiness:

• Clears Buildup: By removing residue from hard water or styling products, ACV can make your hair look brighter, reducing that brassy dullness.
• Smooths Hair Cuticles: The acidity can tighten the outer layer of your hair, making it reflect light better—basically, shinier hair can look less brassy.
• Temporary Tone-Down: It won’t change the pigment, but by cleaning up your strands, it can make cool tones stand out more for a bit.

But, real talk, it’s not like ACV is gonna neutralize warm tones the way a purple shampoo does. It’s more about improving the overall look of your hair rather than directly canceling out yellow or orange hues. I’ve used it myself, and while my hair felt smoother and a tad less brassy, them stubborn tones were still there after a few washes. So, it’s a helpful trick, but don’t expect miracles, ya know?

How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Brassy Hair (Without Messin’ It Up)

If you’re pumped to give ACV a shot, I’ve gotchu with a simple step-by-step guide. It’s super easy to do at home, but there’s a right way to do it so you don’t end up with straw-like hair. Here’s how I do it, and trust me, I’ve learned the hard way what not to do.

Step-by-Step Guide to an ACV Rinse

1. Dilute That Stuff: Never, and I mean never, use ACV straight outta the bottle. It’s way too acidic and can fry your hair or irritate your scalp. Mix 1 part ACV with 2-3 parts water. I usually do 2 tablespoons of ACV to a cup of water, and that’s plenty.
2. Wash Your Hair First: Shampoo and condition as usual. If you’ve got a shampoo for color-treated hair, even better—it’ll help protect your dye job.
3. Apply the Rinse: Pour the diluted ACV mix over your hair, making sure it gets from root to tip. I like to use a squeeze bottle for this to avoid a mess. Massage it in a lil’ to make sure it’s all over.
4. Let It Sit: Leave it on for 2-5 minutes. Don’t go longer than 10, ‘cause it can start drying out your strands. I set a timer to keep track.
5. Rinse It Out: Wash it out with cool or lukewarm water. Hot water can damage your hair, so keep it chill.
6. Condition If Needed: If your hair feels a bit rough after, slap on a light conditioner to bring back some moisture.

Quick Table of ACV Rinse Recipe

Pro Tips from Yours Truly

• Pick the Right ACV: Go for the raw, unfiltered kind with the cloudy “mother” stuff in it. That’s where the good enzymes and bacteria are at.
• Don’t Overdo It: I only do this rinse once or twice a week. Any more, and my hair starts feeling like hay—super dry and brittle.
• Test It First: If you’re nervous, try it on a small section of hair first to see how it reacts. Better safe than sorry, right?

I’ve gotta say, the first time I tried this, I was skeptical, but my hair did look a smidge brighter after. The brassiness wasn’t totally gone, but it was less in-your-face. Plus, it’s cheap as heck compared to salon treatments!

What Are the Risks? Don’t Say I Didn’t Warn Ya!

Now, before you go pouring vinegar all over your head every day, let’s talk about the downsides. ACV can be a lil’ harsh if you ain’t careful, and I’ve seen folks mess up their hair by overusing it. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Dryness Overload: The acidity can strip your hair’s natural oils if you use it too much. I made this mistake once, and my hair felt like a broom—yikes!
• Scalp Irritation: If you’ve got a sensitive scalp, ACV might cause redness or itching. If it stings, rinse it out ASAP and skip it next time.
• Color Fading: While some say it helps preserve color, I’ve noticed it can fade semi-permanent dyes if used too often. So, tread lightly if your hair’s freshly dyed.
• Not for Everyone: Depending on your hair type or how bad the brassiness is, it might not do much. My friend with super thick hair didn’t see much difference, while it worked okay for my finer strands.

Bottom line? Use it in moderation, dilute it proper, and listen to your hair. If it starts feeling off or looking worse, take a break from the vinegar game.

Other Ways to Kick Brassiness to the Curb (If ACV Ain’t Your Jam)

Okay, so what if ACV doesn’t work for you, or you just don’t wanna smell like a salad dressing? No worries, there’s plenty of other tricks to try. I’ve experimented with a bunch of these myself, and here’s what’s worked for me and my crew:

• Purple Shampoo: This stuff is a lifesaver for yellow tones. It’s got violet pigments that cancel out the warmth. Use it once a week, and don’t leave it on too long or you’ll end up with lavender hair (been there, done that).
• Blue Shampoo: If your brassiness is more orange than yellow, blue shampoo is your go-to. Works the same way by neutralizing warm tones.
• Hair Toners or Glosses: These are like semi-permanent dyes that add cool tones back to your hair. You can do ‘em at home or at a salon for a longer-lasting fix.
• Professional Help: If all else fails, hit up a hairdresser. They can do a color correction or apply a toner that’s tailored to your hair. Costs more, but it’s worth it if you’re desperate.
• Prevention Tips: Use a color-protecting shampoo, avoid sun overexposure (wear a hat!), and consider a water filter for your shower to cut down on hard water minerals.

I usually mix and match these—ACV one week, purple shampoo the next. Keeps my hair from getting too used to one thing, ya feel me?

How to Stop Brassy Hair from Coming Back (Prevention Is Key, Y’all)

Fixing brassiness is one thing, but keeping it away is the real goal. I’ve learned a few hacks over the years to protect my color and avoid that dreaded orange glow. Try these out:

• High-Quality Dye: Don’t skimp on cheap hair color. Spend a lil’ extra for something good that won’t fade into brass city.
• Shower Filter: Hard water is a sneaky culprit. A water-softening filter for your shower can make a huge diff by cutting out minerals.
• Limit Sun and Water Exposure: UV rays and chlorine are no friends to dyed hair. Wear a hat outside, and rinse your hair with fresh water after swimming.
• Color-Safe Products: Stick to shampoos and conditioners made for color-treated hair. They’re gentler and help lock in your shade.

I started using a filter a while back, and man, my hair stays cooler-toned way longer. Small changes like that can save you a ton of hassle.

Wrapping It Up: Should You Try Apple Cider Vinegar for Brassy Hair?

So, does apple cider vinegar get rid of brassy hair? Well, sorta. It can definitely help by clearing buildup and making your hair shinier, which can tone down the brassy look for a bit. I’ve seen a difference myself, especially when my hair’s feeling dull from hard water. But it’s not a full-on cure—those warm tones might still peek through, and it’s gotta be used right to avoid drying out your locks.

If you’re lookin’ for a cheap, at-home fix to try, ACV is worth a shot. Just dilute it, don’t overdo it, and pair it with other stuff like purple shampoo for better results. And hey, if it doesn’t work, you’ve still got a bottle of vinegar for your next salad, right? For me, mixing ACV rinses with other products has been the sweet spot—keeps my hair lookin’ fresh without a trip to the salon every month.

Got brassy hair woes of your own? Drop a comment with your story or any tricks you’ve tried. I’m all ears for new hair hacks! And if you give the ACV rinse a go, lemme know how it turns out. Let’s keep slayin’ those hair goals together!

Yes, apple cider vinegar (ACV) can help to lighten or fade semi-permanent hair dye, but it is not effective at removing permanent hair dye.