Have you ever wondered why your natural blonde hair has slowly changed color over the years? Have you noticed that it’s become more of a light brown than your traditional bright, sunny blonde locks?
If so, then this blog article is for you. In this article, we’ll take a dive into the science behind why does blonde hair turn brown? Plus, the steps you can do, to keep your blonde hair, blonde.
Why Does Blonde Hair Turn Brown?
Blonde hair turning to brown over time is a well-known and widely discussed phenomenon, but why does it occur?
The most widely accepted explanation is that the pigment cells in your scalp simply get older and fewer as years pass. Because these cells are responsible for the production of types of melanin, which affects hair color, when there are fewer of them, less pigment is released and the resulting color is darker.
There is also evidence suggesting that hormone changes during pregnancy or due to medication can cause blond hair to darken; however, like gray hair coming in, this change does not last forever. Thanks to technological advances with hair dyes, blondes can keep their golden locks, no matter how old they get.
Can Hormones Lead To Blonde Hair Turning Brown?
It is a widely known fact that during puberty and adolescence, hair can begin to lose its pigments, but this same activity can happen at any stage in life, and when it does, it’s usually because of some kind of hormone imbalance, or hormonal changes.
Specifically, regarding blonde hair turning brown, an excess or lack of certain hormones could be to blame. This could include an increase in levels of testosterone or thyroid hormones, which could lead to a decrease in melanin production, subsequently causing the color of the hair to turn from golden locks to sandy brown hues.
Whatever the reason for your sudden brunette tones may be, maintaining a proper hormonal balance and health is key for beauty maintenance as well as overall wellbeing.
Will Hair Type Influence Blonde Hair Turning Brown?
People with naturally blonder hair may be more prone to the signature sun-kissed look of summer, but it would appear that other factors such as age and overall health are equally important determinants of whether someone’s blonde hair will lighten or darken to a dirty blonde shade over time.
For example, those with thicker or coarser strands may have an easier time protecting their lighter hues from UV rays; while finer haired people could opt for lightweight protective technologies in their styling products that help keep color vibrant. So, there is no conclusive evidence connecting one’s hair type to blonde hair turning to a brown hair color or dark hair color.
How Does Melanin Pigment Influence The Color Of Our Hair?
Melanin pigment is an incredibly integral component of human health, with profound impacts on our hair color, skin tone, and susceptibility to skin damage. Scientists believe that the alleles responsible for the secretion of melanin within the body can explain why some of us have lighter or darker colored locks.
Melanosomes, special cells found in the cortex layer of each strand, produce eumelanin and pheomelanin to give us blondes, brunettes, and many shades in between. By controlling the amount of melanin these cells create, our hair color is ultimately determined – a reminder that often times even something as simple as one’s hair color can be heavily influenced by genetics.
What Is Eumelanin Production, And How Does It Influence Hair Color?
Eumelanin is a type of pigment, or coloring matter, produced by cells in the human body called melanocytes. This pigment is responsible for giving our skin, eyes, and hair their color.
Generally, the more eumelanin in an individual’s body, the darker their hair color will be. This can range from light brown to black. The amount of eumelanin in the body can influence how much heat and UV radiation our skin can tolerate.
This is because eumelanin is capable of absorbing multiple types of radiation, which can help protect us from sunburns or other damage caused by the sun’s rays. At the same time, too much eumelanin can also cause skin discoloration such as freckles or age spots.
In terms of hair color, the amount or intensity of eumelanin production is determined by several factors such as genetics, age, and environmental conditions.
This means that some people may have naturally higher levels of eumelanin in their bodies than others and, therefore, their hair might be naturally darker. Likewise, some people may not have as much eumelanin in their bodies and so their hair may be lighter.
Age can influence how much pigment our bodies produce and as we get older, our eumelanin production often decreases, resulting in grayer hair. Finally, environmental factors such as exposure to chemicals, pollutants, or certain medications may also increase or decrease our eumelanin production, which could change our hair color over time.
Environmental Factors That Impact Blonde Hair Turning Brown
The color of human hair can vary significantly due to a variety of factors, such as genetics, age, and nutrition. However, environmental factors can also have a significant impact on how hair color changes over time.
For example, many people with naturally blonde hair will find that the color of their hair gradually changes to brown over time. This is usually attributed to prolonged exposure to the UV rays of the sun, as this can cause a gradual darkening of the hair’s pigment.
Exposure to humidity and air pollution can also lead to an increase in melanin production, which accelerates the darkening process.
Chlorine from swimming pools can also cause blonde hair to turn brown due to its bleaching properties. There’s also an issue, where environmental stressors such as excessive heat and cold temperatures can cause oxidative damage to the hair shaft, which can cause the hair to become darker in hue.
Preventative Measures for Blonde Hair Turning Brown
If you’re a natural blonde struggling to keep your color, there are some preventative measures that can help prevent you getting hair darker over time. Start with a good, sulfate-free shampoo that won’t strip natural oils from your hair and scalp.
Continually using a conditioner is important to help maintain the locks’ pH balance and lock in moisture. When swimming in chlorinated water, wearing a swim cap will help protect the delicate blonde strands from becoming discolored due to contact with the pool chemicals.
You can use hair masks regularly for added protection if you want to keep your blonde looking vibrant and healthy, without your natural color turning into a darker hair color. You could always use a box dye, if you find it tiresome trying to overcome the maintenance steps involved in keeping your blonde hair, blonde.
What Are the Most Common Factors that Contribute to Blonde Hair Turning Brown?
As with any hair color, blonde can be prone to changing shades. The most common factor that contributes to blonde hair turning brown is exposure to sunlight.
With summer days growing longer and the UV rays from the sun becoming stronger, the direct light can fade lighter strands of hair, resulting in a less shiny shade of blonde.
Another factor that contributes to blonde hair turning brown is the process of oxidation. When oxygen interacts with the natural pigment in the hair (known as melanin), it can cause a chemical reaction that changes the color of the hair.
Certain environmental factors, such as swimming in chlorinated pools or applying hair products with harsh chemicals, can also affect the color of blonde hair and cause it to turn brown.
Depending on the individual, browning blonde hair may also be influenced by genetic influences; some people are more prone to having darker hair than others. So, some resort to using brown dye, to cut back on the effort required to keep their blonde hair from changing color.
Can Hard Or Soft Water Make Blonde Hair Turn Brown?
When it comes to blonde hair and hard or soft water, the issue is a little more nuanced than what many hair dye advertisements might lead you to believe.
Despite the impressions of commercials which imply that extended use of hard water can result in brown natural hair color, this isn’t necessarily the case and hair color mostly depends on genetics.
What hard water can do is strip natural highlights and create brassy tones due to excessive minerals in the water reacting with hair follicles.
These increased amounts of chlorine and progressive build-up over time may cause already light hair to appear dark, but not switch hair shades from blonde hair to brown hair altogether.
If you do have blonde hair and are looking for ways to keep its steadiness or enhance it without changing drastically, getting a quality water filter or checking for alternative sources of softer water should help matters considerably.
If You’re Born Blonde, Will Your Hair Go Brown As You Age?
If you are born with blonde hair, you may wonder if it will darken as you age. It is perfectly normal to experience some changes in your hair color with age, but it is not guaranteed that you will go from blonde to brown.
Generally, blonde hair will slowly lighten as you age due to oxidation, usually starting to show signs of lightening in your teenage years.
Depending on your genetics, it is possible that your hair may eventually become a lighter shade of brown, but it is very unlikely that it will thoroughly change from blonde to brown.
Some people may find that their hair darkens slightly over the years, or they may even develop gray hairs as they age. However, this does not mean that you will go from blonde to brown.
How Does Hair Build-Up Lead To Hair Changing Color?
One of the most surprising transformations that can occur to hair is when it changes color. While many assume external factors such as the sun, salon coloring, and chemicals may be the cause of a hue shift, there’s actually an internal culprit at play: build-up in the hair.
Hair build-up is an accumulation of sebum, dirt, pomade products, minerals from hard water deposits, and other products found on the scalp or strands. It prevents pigment molecules from attaching to the hair itself, which creates a monotone or dull shade on top of any natural or naturalized hues.
Therefore, eliminating this buildup through regular shampooing and clarifying treatments can restore one’s original shade; but if neglected entirely, it has the potential to slowly transition those locked locks into brunette or blonde over time.
How To Keep Your Hair Build-Up Free?
Keeping your hair clean and free from build-up doesn’t have to be a chore. A few effective and easy steps can help ensure mineral deposits, sweat, oils and other build-ups don’t accumulate in your strands.
Start with a clarifying shampoo once or twice a week to remove impurities. Avoid washing your hair every day unless it is extremely oily or has been exposed to high levels of dirt during strenuous activity.
After each wash, rinse with cold water, as this will close the cuticles and serve better at locking in moisture than a hot shower.
Using a deeply penetrating conditioner after every other shampooing session can show great results in dislodging mineral deposit build-up while simultaneously keeping hair soft and shiny.
How Can Chelating Shampoos Help To Stop Blonde Hair From Going Brown?
Chelating shampoos are specifically designed to stop blonde hair from going brown. They work by removing minerals, chlorine, and other contaminants which can discolor the blonde hair.
This type of shampoo contains chelating agents which bind to the foreign particles and strip them away from the hair shaft. The result is that any dulling or discoloration caused by the chlorine or contaminants is removed.
Not only do chelating shampoos help keep blonde hair looking vibrant and glossy, they also extend the life of hair color by removing any deposits which fade the color.
Chelating shampoos can make it easier to remove excess product build-up, such as styling products or even hard water minerals, leading to shinier, healthier looking hair.
This kind of shampoos can also help reduce hair damage caused by free radicals or environmental pollutants by allowing the hair to stay cleaner for longer periods of time. All these benefits help keep blonde hair from going brassy and brown.
How To Stop Your Hair From Becoming Brassy?
Everyone strives to keep their hair vibrant, but when it becomes brassy, it can be a real struggle. Brassy hair is usually the result of artificial coloring or an accumulation of hard water minerals in the hair strands, and can leave you with red hair. Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can do to prevent and correct brassiness and copper tones within your hair.
The first step is to avoid harsh chemical treatments and heat styling. This can have a dramatic effect on the health and tone of your hair, leading it to become overly dry, brittle, and discolored.
Instead, opt for natural treatments like deep conditioning and hydrating masks, to counteract the red pigment within the brassy tones. Using sulfate-free and gentle shampoos and conditioners can help protect your hair from the elements and reduce brassiness.
It is important to use a toner or purple shampoo every few weeks to counter unwanted yellow and orange tones. Opt for purple shampoo and purple toners that specify neutralizing brass, as they are more effective in achieving a cool toned hair color.
To hydrate dry strands and help maintain color, use an oil-based mask or treatment to add extra moisture and shine.
If your hair is regularly exposed to chlorine, saltwater, or hard water, try using a shower head filter to reduce the number of minerals that get into the hair. Each of these treatments will help prevent any further brassiness and maintain a healthy, natural look.
How To Stop Blonde Hair From Darkening?
Natural blondes, and dyed blondes, experience some natural color change over time, especially when exposed to the elements. To fight against natural darkening that comes with age or being out in the sun, there are a few tips to help stop blonde hair from darkening.
The first tip is to use shampoos specifically designed for blondes as well as other products containing natural ingredients such as chamomile, calendula and natural oils.
Regular trimming of your hair every two months will help keep it looking vibrant by removing any split ends that may cause blonde strands to darken.
It’s also important to use hydrating masks and properly nourish your hair with natural oils and butters to protect it from the sun or harsh chemicals that can lead to natural color change.
Are There Any Products Or Treatments That Can Help To Slow Down Or Prevent Blonde Hair From Turning Brown?
When blonde hair starts to turn brown, it is a frustrating and quite upsetting phenomenon. Fortunately, there are products and treatments available to help slow down or prevent blonde hair from turning brown.
A number of over-the-counter products are available, such as blonde shampoos and toners, that are specifically formulated to help maintain the brightness of blonde hair. These products typically contain blue or violet pigments, which counteract the warm tones that can cause hair to turn brassy or brown.
There are also a number of salon treatments available, such as glazing and balayage, that can help keep blonde hair looking its best, or a treatment utilizing hydrogen peroxide. Glazing is a semi-permanent treatment that helps to maintain color vibrancy and prevent fading, while balayage is a highlighting technique that helps add brightness and dimension.
It’s important to remember, however, that most of these treatments and products are simply temporary solutions, and it is still essential to take good care of your blonde hair to maintain its vibrancy.
It is essential to use high-quality shampoo and conditioner, as well as a collagen-infused leave-in conditioner, to protect your hair color from damage caused by heat styling tools. Additionally, it is important to limit exposure to the sun and use a heat protectant spray whenever using heat styling tools.
Which Home Remedies Can Make Your Blonde Hair Bright Blonde Again?
If you’re looking to bring your bleached blonde highlights back to life and refresh the vibrant, bright tone you originally achieved at the salon, look no further than some simple home remedies. Using ingredients like lemon juice, beer, and honey in various combinations can work wonders for restoring your blonde hue.
Lemon juice is one of the best natural remedies as it’s a great lightener and brightener, while beer helps to add texture and depth. Mixed with honey, this trio can become your go-to hair revitalizer.
Adding a gloss or glossing tonic at the end can help keep your blonde locks super glossy and ensure that color stays put. So don’t hesitate to experiment with your own DIY beauty cures – there are plenty of simple recipes out there that could be just what you need to get your hair looking brighter and better than ever.
Summary
Blonde hair can easily succumb to darkening with age or sun exposure. To help prevent this, it is important to use shampoos and other products specifically made for blondes, as well as regular trims and hydrating masks.
There are also a number of over-the-counter products and salon treatments available that can help slow down or prevent blonde hair from turning brown. Additionally, home remedies like lemon juice, beer, and honey can be used to bring back the vibrancy of your blonde highlights. With proper care and maintenance, you can keep your blonde hair looking beautiful and bright.
Hi, my name is Gemma, and I’m the owner of MakeupMuddle.com. I’m a true beauty obsessive, and love writing about anything to do with beauty. In addition to Makeup Muddle, I also own GemmaEtc.com, and love sharing my thoughts and feelings about the greatest (and not so great) beauty products!