How to Tone Down Blonde Hair, According to Colorists

Use Purple Shampoo and Conditioner

If you are seeking an at-home solution, start with purple shampoo and conditioner. "Purple shampoo is great for neutralizing yellow or brassy tones by balancing them with cool pigments," shares Korab. "Use it once or twice a week and leave it on for a few minutes, but avoid overuse to prevent a purple tint."

Rez adds, "You can use the Moroccanoil Purple Shampoo and Conditioner Bundle to tone down blonde hair that pulls yellow tones over time."

However, if your blonde hair looks more orange than yellow, you'll want to avoid purple shampoo and conditioner. "Even if the purple component tones down the yellow, the orange will pop more, making the color look muddy," Rez explains. "If you see orange and yellow tones, using a gray shampoo is best. The gray shampoo has blue and purple tones, which will address unwanted yellow and orange coloring and tone down the blonde."

Use a Hair Gloss

You've probably heard the terms "glaze" and "gloss" tossed around at your salon, especially if you're a blonde. While at-home options are on the market, professionals agree that leaving these treatments to the salon professionals is best. "I don't recommend using at-home products because long term it can cause build up and make it harder to highlight your hair," Rojas warns.

Visiting a colorist will also allow them to assess your hair thoroughly and pick the best treatment for it. "Let the [salon pro] see if you have yellow or orange tones [to begin]," explains Rez. "When selecting a gloss to tone down the warmth, your colorist must see the predominant tone to cancel out. For yellow tones, use a violet-based gloss. For yellow-orange tones, use a violet-blue gloss to cancel out both. For orange tones, use a blue-based gloss."

Rez is a fan of the Moroccanoil Color Calypso Liquid Gloss 10.21. "It cancels out unwanted warmth but does not dull or darken hair post-glossing."

Try a Chamomile Tea Rinse

Korab says that you may be able to tone your hair with a DIY tea treatment. "Chamomile tea rinse can gently soften bright tones and create a more natural blonde," she shares. "Simply brew strong chamomile tea, allow it to cool, and rinse your hair, leaving it on for 30 minutes before rinsing with cool water. Regular use results in subtle toning."

Add Lowlights

Adding lowlights is a great way to help tone out your hair. "At the salon, we soften blonde tones by layering glosses, adding subtle ribbons of lowlights, and incorporating root shadows," Shore says. "The ideal approach is to request a low-maintenance color that grows out seamlessly, blending natural tones with the overall look. I apply lowlights and glosses for Gigi Hadid's tone-on-tone blonde, enhancing her existing highlights for a pop of dimension. Additional highlights are placed around her face for a soft, natural grow-out."

Rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar serves multiple purposes, including toning down blonde hair. "Apple cider vinegar is another effective natural remedy, as it balances the hair's pH, reduces brassiness, and adds shine," Korab says. "Mix one to two tablespoons of ACV with water and let it sit [on your hair] for a few minutes before rinsing with cool water."

Use a Honey Mask

Honey is another staple ingredient that can help tone blonde hair. "Honey masks can tone down bright hues over time while moisturizing the hair," explains Korab. "Just mix honey with conditioner or water, apply to damp hair, and leave it on for an hour."

Create a Baking Soda Paste

Baking soda has many purposes, and color-correcting is one of them. "Baking soda can help remove excess brightness or brassiness when mixed with water into a paste and left on damp hair for 10 to 15 minutes," Korab says. "However, this treatment should be used sparingly to avoid dryness."