Gray hair can be beautiful, but facing yellow tones in gray hair can be an unwelcome addition. We know how annoying and frustrating it can be to look in the mirror and see yellow tones in your beautiful gray locks.
If you want to learn how to remove yellow tones from gray hair, below we will cover what causes these yellow hues in the first place and how to safely remove them without damaging your delicate gray locks.
What Causes Yellow Tones in Gray Hair?
You may be wondering what causes those annoying yellow tones in the first place. Here are the two main reasons yellow tones creep into your gray hair.
Natural Causes
The natural aging process of hair is one of the leading causes of yellow tones in gray hair. As you grow older, your body’s melanin production diminishes slowly, causing a gradual change in hair color and introducing yellow tones.
Additionally, certain medical conditions, such as alopecia areata or vitiligo, can cause premature graying, which could lead to yellowing due to the lack of pigment production.
Environmental Factors
Sun exposure is another cause of increased yellow tones in gray hair. UV rays from sunlight can damage your scalp, making it more prone to discoloration.
Other factors, like air pollution or chemical products used for styling, may also contribute to yellowing by stripping away protective oils that help keep your scalp healthy and hydrated.
How to Remove Yellow Tones from Gray Hair?
Here is how you can get rid of yellow tones from your gray hair.
1. Purple Shampoo and Conditioner
Using purple shampoo and conditioner is one of the easiest ways to remove yellow tones from gray hair. Purple shampoos contain violet pigments that can neutralize brassy or yellow tones in your hair, leaving it looking brighter and more vibrant.
For optimal results, apply the purple shampoo evenly throughout your locks and let it sit for at least five minutes before rinsing it off.
2. Clarifying Shampoo
Another effective way to remove yellow tones from gray hair is by using a clarifying shampoo.
Clarifying shampoos strip away dirt, oil, product build-up, and other impurities from the scalp and strands, which can all cause dullness or discoloration over time.
3. Silver Rinse
Another option is using a silver rinse or mask treatment. Silver rinses work similarly to purple shampoos, but they contain silver pigments that can instantly brighten up gray hairs while neutralizing warm undertones.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
If you’re after something more gentle than commercial products, why not whip up a natural remedy at home?
All you need is common household ingredients like apple cider vinegar (ACV), baking soda, and honey, plus essential oils like lavender or rosemary for added fragrance and benefits (the essential oils are optional).
Simply mix them into a paste-like consistency. Then, massage it into your damp strands after a shower.
Allow the blend to remain on your head for 15–20 minutes before rinsing off with cold water. Repeat this process once every two weeks to achieve optimal results.
Finally, if none of those methods catch your fancy, visit a professional stylist. They have access to specialized dyes and toners specifically designed for gray hair.
Tips for Maintaining Healthy Gray Hair After Removing Yellow Tones
Using heat-protectant products before styling your hair is essential for keeping your hair healthy after removing yellow tones, as heat can damage delicate strands of gray hair. Look for a heat protectant spray or serum specifically designed for gray hair.
Over washing your hair can strip away natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage. Instead, wash every other day with lukewarm water and use a gentle shampoo formulated specifically for color-treated or silver/gray tresses.
Finally, deep conditioning treatments are critical for keeping your gray locks soft and silky smooth after removing yellow tones. Look for hydrating masks that contain ingredients such as argan oil, shea butter, or avocado oil.
Conclusion
Removing yellow tones from gray hair will help you maintain a youthful and vibrant appearance. Gray hair, while beautiful in its own right, can often take on a dull or brassy hue due to environmental factors such as sun exposure and lifestyle habits like smoking.
To summarize, here is how to remove yellow tones from gray hair: Use a purple shampoo and conditioner, clarifying shampoos, silver rinses, mask treatments, or natural remedies at home. Alternatively, visit a professional stylist for help.
Related Topics:
How to Remove Unwanted Pink Tones from Hair?
How To Get Rid of Yellow and Orange Tones From Your Hair
FAQs
Here are answers to some of the most common questions we see from readers about removing yellow tones from gray hair.
Toners or color glazes, which can be applied at home or by a professional stylist, contain special ingredients that remove those yellow tones.
Additionally, shampoos specifically formulated for gray hair also have a unique formula that can reduce brassiness.
Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with two tablespoons of warm water until it forms a paste-like consistency, apply it to your hair, and leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing off with cool or lukewarm water.
Getting rid of yellowish tints will help you show off your hair’s natural, beautiful gray color and bring forth your gray locks’ true hue and depth.