How to Bleach Hair Without Brass: The No-Yellow Guide to Clean, Cool Blonde

Brassy blonde hair? We’ve all been there. Whether you’re bleaching at home or in the salon, one of the most common problems after lightening is those unwanted yellow, orange, or gold tones—especially if you’re aiming for that clean, icy finish.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to bleach hair without brass, from choosing the right products to toning techniques that actually work.

 Why Does Hair Go Brassy After Bleaching?

Brassiness happens when the underlying warm pigments in your natural hair start to show through after bleaching. Everyone has red, orange, or yellow undertones depending on their starting colour. If those pigments aren’t fully lifted or neutralised during the process, you’re left with brassy tones instead of clean blonde.

Step 1: Start With the Right Bleach

If you want to prevent brass from the beginning, choose a bleach that’s formulated to neutralise warm tones during the lift.

Use a violet-based bleach like
Crazy Color High Lift Violet Lightener 9+
This powerful, dust-free lightener lifts up to 9 levels and contains violet pigments that help cancel out yellow as you bleach. That means you’ll finish with a cooler base, even before you apply toner.

Pro Tip: Avoid generic white or blue bleaches if your goal is icy blonde. Violet-based bleaches target the exact undertones that cause brass.

  Step 2: Choose the Right Developer Strength

Don’t just grab the strongest developer and go. The volume of peroxide you use matters:

• 6 Vol or 10 Vol – gentle lift, best for damaged or pre-lightened hair

• 20 Vol – medium lift, ideal for most hair types

• 30 Vol – high lift, only for resistant or dark hair

• Never use 40 Vol at home – it lifts too fast and risks damage

   Use with Crazy Color Cream Developer for best compatibility and performance.

Step 3: Don’t Rush the Process

Bleach needs time to work. Removing hair early, or washing too soon, can leave warm tones behind. Always follow these:

• Check every 10 minutes, but leave bleach on until you’ve lifted past the orange/yellow stage

• Lift to at least level 9 or 10 for a platinum or ash finish

• Rinse only when you’ve reached a pale yellow (think the inside of a banana)

Step 4: Tone the Right Way

Even with violet bleach, toning is the final weapon against brass. Once you’ve rinsed and dried your hair, apply a violet or blue-based toner to cancel out any lingering warm tones.

Use Crazy Color Rapid Toner – it processes in just 5–10 minutes and gives you an icy blonde finish without ammonia or harsh chemicals.

Going blonde doesn’t have to mean going brassy. With the right prep, products, and toner, you can get the clean, cool blonde you actually want—without booking emergency salon appointments.