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Why Is My Grey Hair Turning Yellow? (And What the Heck Can I Do About It?)
So, you’ve embraced your beautiful, natural silver hair—and it looks amazing on you. But then one day you catch a glimpse in the mirror and… wait a minute… is that yellow? Don’t worry. You’re not alone, and more importantly, you’re not stuck with it.
Let’s break down all the reasons why, how to avoid it and how to fix it when It's already gone down that road!
Why Does Grey Hair Turn Yellow?
First things first: grey hair is actually white. It just looks grey because it’s mixed in with your darker strands. Once your hair loses melanin (that’s the pigment that gives hair its color), the hair shaft becomes porous, meaning it soaks up everything around it like a sponge. And sometimes, that sponge picks up the wrong things. Porous also means it can become very dry, but we'll talk about that another time!
Here are the most common culprits for turning your White to Yellow:
1. Product Buildup
Your favorite styling cream, hairspray, or heat protectant might be leaving behind more than hold and shine. Over time, certain ingredients (especially silicones and sulfates) can build up and yellow your strands.
Fix it: Use a clarifying shampoo once a week to strip out that buildup. Bonus: your hair will feel fresh and light again. May I recommend Moroccan Oil Clarifying Shampoo?
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2. Heat Styling
Flat irons and curling wands are fab for style, but not so great for silver strands. High heat can literally scorch grey hair, leaving it with a brassy yellow tint.
Fix it: Use a heat protectant (always!), lower your tool’s temperature to 350 or below, and try to air dry when possible. If damage is done, a toning shampoo or treatment can help correct it. Moroccan Oil Perfecting Purple Shampoo is a great choice!
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3. Hard Water & Minerals
If your shower leaves spots on your glass, it’s probably leaving mineral deposits in your hair too. These minerals (like iron and copper) are infamous for turning grey hair yellowish or dull.
Fix it: Install a shower filter, and once a month use a chelating shampoo (stronger than clarifying) to remove mineral buildup.
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4. Smoking
Yep, cigarette smoke can stain more than just walls and fingers—it can stain your hair, too. If you're regularly exposed to smoke, your hair might show it.
Fix it: Besides the obvious health advice (ahem), a good detoxifying shampoo can help, along with blue/purple toning products, like Moroccan Oil Purple Conditioner.
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5. Sun Exposure
The sun can bleach and oxidize your hair, just like it fades your patio cushions. And grey hair has no melanin to protect it, so UV rays can leave it yellowed and faded.
Fix it: Wear a hat or use a UV protectant spray made for hair. (Yes, they exist, and they’re fabulous.)
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6. Anti-Aging Skincare Transfer
This one surprises a lot of people! Rich anti-aging lotions and night creams (especially those with retinol, alpha hydroxy acids, or certain oils) can rub off on your pillowcase, and then transfer to your hair while you sleep. Over time, they can dull your shine and leave yellowish areas—usually around the temples and hairline.
Fix it:
• Tie your hair back before bed or better yet wear a protective head band!
• Use a silk pillowcase (it helps reduce friction and won’t hold product residue like cotton).
• Be mindful when applying lotions near the hairline.
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7. Poor Diet or Medications
Sometimes yellowing comes from within—literally. Certain medications or vitamin imbalances can affect the tone of your hair.
Fix it: If you suspect this, chat with your doctor. Meanwhile, try an apple cider vinegar rinse to help restore brightness while you get things sorted.
How to Bring Back the Bright Silver Shine
If the yellowing has already shown up to the party uninvited, don’t worry—you’ve got options:
✔️ Purple or Blue Shampoo
These are your go-to heroes. Purple cancels out yellow, and blue cancels orange/brassiness. Use them 1–2 times per week and leave them on a few minutes before rinsing.
Pro tip: Don’t overdo it—too much can make your hair lavender instead of silver.
MOROCCAN OIL PERFECTING PURPLE SHAMPOO
MOROCCAN OIL PERFECTING PURPLE CONDITIONER
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✔️ Toning Masks & Glosses
Professional glosses or purple toning masks can give your grey hair an instant refresh. Ask your stylist (hi, it’s me) about clear or violet gloss treatments that add shine and cancel out the brass.
MOROCCAN OIL PERFECTING PURPLE CONDITIONER
CONTACT ME ABOUT A PROFESSIONAL GLOSSING TREATMENT!
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✔️ DIY ACV Rinse
Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 2 parts water and pour it over your hair post-shampoo. Leave on a few minutes and rinse. It helps balance pH and remove dulling residue.
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✔️ Deep Cleansing Treatments
When in doubt, go back to basics: strip the junk, start clean. A salon-grade clarifier followed by a moisturizing treatment can do wonders. Ask your stylist (hi, it’s me) about having a professional level detox treatment done on your hair.
CONTACT ME ABOUT A PROFESSIONAL DETOX TREATMENT
Silver Hair Deserves TLC
Grey hair is chic, bold, powerful, and honestly—it’s a vibe. But it does need a little extra care to keep it shining bright. If your silver has started looking a little more like stale lemonade, it’s totally fixable. And with the right care, your hair will be back to that fresh, cool tone in no time.
Need Help?
Come in for a consultation or treatment—whether it’s a detox, a toning session, or just some customized advice, I’ve got you covered. Book online anytime !!
Stay silver, stay fabulous. 💜
