How to Get Ash Blonde Hair from Yellow

Co-authored by Jamie Bushman

Last Updated: April 7, 2021 References

If you tried to dye your hair blonde or bleach it, and it turned out yellow, no worries! Because the yellow color is caused by red or orange hues in your natural hair, you can easily tone it to get the ash blonde color you want. Do it with a toner and developer for a more permanent solution, or, if you want a temporary fix, try purple shampoo. You can also make your own toners and rinses using items from your pantry. Good luck!

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Removing the Yellow with Toner

1
Choose the right toner based on what color yellow your hair is. Look at your hair’s current color. If it’s the color of a banana, pick a purple toner. If it’s more golden or if it has an orange tint, go with a blue violet toner.
- You can buy toner at a beauty supply store or from an online retailer.
2
Mix 1 part toner with 2 parts 20 volume developer in a bowl. Pour a 1.42 oz (42 ml) bottle of toner into the bowl followed by 2.84 oz (84 ml) of developer. Stir the 2 products together with a whisk or spoon until they’re thoroughly combined.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Using a whisk will help you combine the chemicals more easily.
- You can buy the developer from a beauty supply store or online retailer.
- For shorter hair, you may not need the full bottle of toner whereas people with longer hair may need to use more than one bottle. Adjust the amount of developer based on the 2:1 ratio.
- If your hair is very damaged or fragile, consider using a 10 volume developer instead of 20 volume. It’s a little gentler on your strands but is also weaker so the toner won’t last as long.
Advertisement
3
Part your hair and split it into 3 sections. With a comb, first section off the back of your hair by parting it from ear to ear. Clip or tie it. Then, part the top of your hair down the middle into 2 sections and clip or tie those as well.
- If you have longer or thicker hair, you might want to make more sections, like by splitting the back of your hair into 2 different sections. This will ensure your hair is fully saturated so you don't end up with patchy spots.
4
Apply the mixture all over your hair, starting at your roots. Once the toner and developer are combined, massage the mixture onto your head, working it from the roots through to the ends of your hair. Continue applying it until all of your strands are completely saturated.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Always wear plastic or latex gloves while handling the mixture, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Tip: Use toner as soon after you bleach your hair as possible. It’s most effective immediately after bleaching.
5
Leave the toner on for up to 30 minutes, checking it often. Look on the back of your toner package for the exact time to let it soak for your specific type and brand. Wipe a few strands with a towel every 5 to 10 minutes until your hair has reached your desired ash color.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Typically, you’ll let the toner mixture sit for no more than 30 minutes.
- Don’t leave the toner on for longer than the recommended time or you’ll end up with lavender or gray hair.
6
Rinse the products out of your hair with water and then condition it as usual. After the time is up, run your head under any temperature water to remove the toner and developer. Then, apply the color-safe conditioner of your choice and rinse again as you normally would.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Using color-safe conditioner will keep your toner from fading quickly.
- Always use some sort of conditioner or hair mask after you tone your hair since it can be harsh on your strands.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Toning Your Hair with Purple Shampoo

1
Comb your hair to get rid of tangles and make it easier to apply the shampoo. Run a comb through your hair, working out any tangles and removing any loose strands that fall out. Be careful not to tug at knots, but instead gently comb, starting at the end of the hair and making your way up to the root.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- If you have very thick or coarse hair, use a wide tooth comb. If you have fine or thin hair, you can use a fine tooth comb.
2
Divide your hair into 3 sections. Use your comb to part your hair in a horizontal line across the back of your head from ear to ear. Tie or clip the bottom half off into one section. Then, part the remaining hair on the top of your head down the middle to form 2 more sections.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- For thick or long hair, you can divide your hair up into more sections, For example, you might do 2 at the front and then 3 separate sections in the back, instead of just one.
3
Apply purple shampoo all over your hair, starting at the roots. Begin putting the shampoo on your roots first along with any sections that are particularly yellow, which tend to be towards the back of your hair. Once those areas are coated, pull the shampoo through to your ends until your entire head is covered.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Massage the shampoo into your hair as you apply it to fully saturate all of the strands.
- Unclip or release the sections you created as you work, after you’ve applied the shampoo to the roots.
4
Let the shampoo sit on your hair for 5 to 10 minutes. Give the pigment in the purple shampoo time to pull out the yellow in your hair by letting it sit. If you have longer or thicker hair, be sure to leave the shampoo on for the full 10 minutes.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- To get your hair out of your face or off your neck while you wait, pile it on top of your head and clip it in place.
5
Rinse the shampoo out with water. After the shampoo has been on your hair for 5 to 10 minutes, run it under water to remove the product. Continue rinsing it until the water runs clear, meaning the purple shampoo is completely gone.
- You can use any temperature of water, from cold to hot.
Tip: If you have dry or damaged hair, apply a deep conditioner or hair mask after you rinse out the shampoo, since purple shampoo can be drying. Follow the directions on the conditioner package to find how long to leave it on your hair.
6
Repeat once a week for best results. Use purple shampoo about once every 7 days to keep the yellow out of your hair. It will only last for 3 to 4 washes on average.
- If you notice your hair turning yellow more often, you can use the purple shampoo more frequently, like 2 times a week.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using Homemade Methods

1
Opt for hydrogen peroxide if you want to remove yellow and add shine. In a spray bottle, mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide, water, and hair conditioner. Shake it to combine, then spritz the mixture on damp hair. Comb it through your ends and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing.
- For the best results, do this rinse once a week.
- Although hydrogen peroxide is effective for removing yellow from your hair, it's also a chemical that will lighten your color every time you use it.
2
Do a vinegar rinse if you want to clarify your hair while you tone it. Mix 2 teaspoons (9.9 ml) of white vinegar with 2 cups (470 ml) of water in a small bowl. Apply the mixture all over wet hair, from roots to ends. Let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing with water and conditioning as normal. Vinegar not only removes yellow, it also gets rid of product buildup and oil.
- Avoid leaving the vinegar on for longer than 15 minutes as it can be very harsh on your hair.
Tip: You can also use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar if you prefer.
3
Use food coloring if you want to make your own purple toner. If you don’t have purple shampoo, mix up your own version by combining 2.5 cups (590 ml) of white vinegar, 10 drops of blue food coloring, and 3 to 4 drops of red food coloring in a bowl. Put it on clean, wet hair and let it sit for 10 seconds before rinsing with water.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- If you don’t want the smell of vinegar in your hair, wash with shampoo and conditioner after you do the rinse.
- Use more blue food coloring if your hair naturally has a lot of red undertones.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do I make my blonde hair more ashy?

Jamie Bushman
Master Hair Stylist
Jamie Bushman is a Master Hair Stylist and the Owner of The Circle Salon, an eco-friendly salon in Chicago, Illinois. With over 22 years of experience, she specializes in cutting hair, styling hair, coloring hair, hair care, waxing, and makeup. Jamie has been featured in multiple publications such as Allure and Elle, and her salon has been recognized as one of Salon Today’s Top 200 Salons. Jamie received her cosmetology training at The Aveda Institute Minneapolis.

Jamie Bushman

Master Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

My recommendation is to use blue or purple-colored shampoo and conditioner. That will actually tint the hair as it's being cleansed or conditioned, in a way that you're putting a tiny bit of color back into the hair when washing it.