Avoiding a brassy color or highlight can be a serious challenge even for seasoned hair stylists with years of experience. It is important to find a stylist who understands the intricacies of creating the correct formula and effective methods to avoid this unwanted result. The following points will help you achieve a desired color and steer clear of the dreaded brassy look.

• Find a stylist who specializes in color and understands the importance of using quality color lines in her formula. A stylist who cuts corners with cheaper color lines or is uneducated in the proper mixtures can cause an unwanted outcome. Furthermore, leaving color on too long can create similar problems. Whenever possible, do not hesitate to speak with your stylists clients and evaluate results for yourself.

• Find a quality shampoo. Cheaper shampoos use ingredients that can strip hair of it’s color and leave it looking gold and brassy. A quality stylist should be able to advise you on the proper at-home hair care treatment utilizing a salon professional shampoo.

• Extended exposure to the sun can cause color to be bleached out and stripped of its rich look that was paid for at the salon. When possible, cover your head when outdoors for long periods of time after a coloring.

• Hard water can also strip color and deposit materials into the hair that will result in brassy tones. Be aware of your water source, particularly if you are using well water or are in need of a softener.

Above all, make sure that you are communicating effectively and are comfortable with your hair stylist. With the proper education and experience, a stylist should be able to provide you with the necessary information to avoid a brassy look and maintain a desired color.