After subjecting your hair to the transformative process of bleaching, it’s essential to give it the necessary care and attention it deserves. Hair toner, a crucial step in the post-bleaching routine, plays a pivotal role in enhancing the overall appearance of your color-treated tresses. Whether you’re looking to neutralize unwanted tones, add depth and dimension, or simply refine the bleached color, understanding how to use hair toner is paramount to achieving your desired results. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of hair toning, providing you with a step-by-step approach to ensure a successful application.
Before embarking on the hair toning process, it’s essential to assess the condition of your bleached hair. Bleaching can often lead to dryness and damage, so it’s crucial to provide your hair with the necessary nourishment and hydration. Deep conditioning treatments prior to toning can help restore moisture and strengthen the hair shaft. Additionally, it’s advisable to wait a few days after bleaching before applying toner, allowing your hair to rest and recuperate.
The choice of hair toner depends on the specific needs and desired outcomes. For those seeking to neutralize brassy tones, a purple or blue toner can effectively counteract the unwanted warmth. If you aim to add depth and richness, a green or red toner can enhance the vibrancy and dimension of your color. When selecting a toner, it’s essential to consider the level of your bleached hair and the porosity of your strands. Consulting with a professional hairstylist can provide personalized guidance in selecting the most suitable toner for your hair type and goals.
Understanding Hair Toner and Its Purpose
What Is Hair Toner?
Hair toner, also known as color corrector, is a semi-permanent or demi-permanent hair color that’s used to neutralize unwanted tones or enhance existing color. It’s commonly applied after bleaching to adjust the overall shade and ensure a vibrant, even result.
Why Use Hair Toner?
After bleaching, hair can develop unwanted brassy, orange, or yellow hues. These tones can make the hair appear dull, lackluster, and undesired. Hair toner neutralizes these unwanted pigments to achieve a more natural or desired hair color.
How Hair Toner Works
Hair toners contain color pigments that work by depositing or removing color from the hair shaft. They contain color molecules called direct dyes, which can be applied directly to the hair without the need for an oxidizing agent like peroxide.
The specific color of the toner depends on the desired result. For example, purple toner is used to cancel out yellow or brassy tones, while blue toner is used to eliminate orange tones.
| Hair Color | Toner Color |
|---|---|
| Yellow or Brassy | Purple |
| Orange | Blue |
| Red | Green |
Choosing the Right Hair Toner for Your Hair
Choosing the right hair toner is crucial for achieving the desired results after bleaching. Consider the following factors:
Hair Color Level
The level of your bleached hair will determine the strength of toner required. Darker hair may require a stronger toner to achieve noticeable results, while lighter hair will need a weaker toner to avoid over-toning.
Underlying Tones
Assess the underlying tones of your bleached hair. Warm tones, such as yellow or orange, can be neutralized with cool toners like blue or violet. Conversely, cool tones, such as green or blue, can be balanced with warm toners like orange or red.
Desired Shade
Identify the specific shade you wish to achieve. Toners can enhance or neutralize specific colors. For example, a purple toner can cancel out yellow tones, while a green toner can counteract red tones.
Reference Chart
To provide further guidance, here’s a reference chart to assist in selecting the appropriate toner for various hair color levels and underlying tones:
| Hair Color Level | Underlying Tones | Recommended Toner |
|---|---|---|
| Lightest Blonde (Levels 9-10) | Yellow, Orange | Cool toner (Blue, Violet) |
| Very Light Blonde (Levels 7-8) | Yellow, Brassy | Moderate toner (Ash, Grey) |
| Light Brown (Levels 5-6) | Orange, Warm | Neutral toner (Beige, Natural) |
| Dark Brown (Levels 3-4) | Red, Coppery | Warm toner (Golden, Copper) |
Preparing Your Hair for Toning
1. Assess Your Hair’s Condition
Thoroughly inspect your hair to determine its health and porosity. Damaged or over-processed hair may need additional conditioning prior to toning to prevent further damage.
2. Deep Condition Your Hair
Apply a deep conditioner or hair mask to replenish moisture and repair damaged areas. Leave the conditioner in for at least 30 minutes, or as recommended by the product instructions.
3. Conduct a Strand Test
Materials You’ll Need:
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bleach | Small amount |
| Developer (20-30 volume) | Small amount |
| Toning solution | Small amount |
| Disposable gloves | 1 pair |
Instructions:
- Select a small section of hair from an inconspicuous area.
- Mix a small amount of bleach and developer as per the product instructions.
- Apply the bleach mixture to the hair section and process for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse the bleach thoroughly.
- Apply the toning solution to the lightened hair section and process for 5-10 minutes.
- Rinse the toner thoroughly.
The strand test allows you to determine the optimal toning time and desired outcome based on your hair’s porosity and bleach level.
Applying Hair Toner Evenly
To achieve an even application of hair toner, follow these detailed steps:
1. Divide Hair into Sections:
Divide your hair into four equal sections: two in the front and two in the back. This will make it easier to apply the toner evenly throughout your hair.
2. Apply Toner to Roots:
Starting at the roots, apply the toner using a brush or your fingers. Avoid getting the toner on your scalp.
3. Work from Back to Front:
Start applying the toner to the back sections of your hair first, then move on to the front sections. This will help you avoid missing any areas.
4. Use a Wide-Toothed Comb:
Once you have applied the toner to your hair, use a wide-toothed comb to distribute it evenly. This will help to ensure that all of your hair is covered.
5. Leave in the Toner:
The amount of time you leave the toner in will depend on the product you are using. Follow the instructions on the packaging carefully.
6. Rinse Out the Toner:
Once the toner has processed, rinse it out thoroughly with warm water. Avoid using shampoo or conditioner at this point.
7. Style Your Hair:
Once your hair is dry, style it as desired. You may want to use a heat protectant spray if you are using heat styling tools.
Processing and Rinsing the Toner
Once you have applied the toner to your hair, you need to let it process for the amount of time specified on the product instructions. This can range from 5 to 30 minutes, depending on the strength of the toner and the level of correction you are trying to achieve.
During the processing time, it is important to keep the toner moist. This will help to ensure that it penetrates the hair shaft evenly and produces consistent results. You can do this by wrapping your hair in a plastic shower cap or by using a damp towel to cover it.
Once the processing time is complete, it is time to rinse the toner out of your hair. To do this, start by rinsing your hair with cool water until the water runs clear. Then, wash your hair with a gentle shampoo and conditioner to remove any remaining toner residue.
| Step 1 | Apply toner to hair. |
|---|---|
| Step 2 | Process toner for 5-30 minutes. |
| Step 3 | Rinse toner out of hair with cool water. |
| Step 4 | Wash hair with shampoo and conditioner. |
Step 5: Neutralizing and Conditioning After Toning
Once the toner has been applied and processed, it’s essential to neutralize it to avoid any further chemical reactions. This step involves washing your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo and using a neutralizing conditioner. The conditioner will help to restore your hair’s pH balance, close the hair cuticles, and prevent brassiness.
Neutralizing Shampoo
Choose a sulfate-free, clarifying shampoo to remove any residual toner and buildup. Massage the shampoo into your scalp and rinse thoroughly.
Neutralizing Conditioner
Apply a neutralizing conditioner to your hair and leave it on for 5-10 minutes. Look for a conditioner that is formulated for color-treated hair and contains ingredients like blue or purple pigments to counteract any unwanted warmth.
Deep Conditioning
After neutralizing your hair, follow it up with a deep conditioning treatment. This will help to repair any damage caused by the bleaching and toning process and restore moisture and shine to your hair. Leave the deep conditioner on for 20-30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
| Neutralizing and Conditioning Products | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Sulfate-free shampoo | Removes residual toner and buildup |
| Neutralizing conditioner | Restores pH balance, closes hair cuticles |
| Deep conditioner | Repairs damage, restores moisture and shine |
Troubleshooting Common Toner Issues
Incorrect Toner Color
If the toner color is too light or dark, the following could be the cause:
- Incorrect Toner Concentration: Ensure the toner is mixed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Hair Condition: Over-processed or damaged hair may not absorb the toner effectively, leading to a lighter result.
- Wrong Toner Shade: Choose a toner shade that is suitable for your hair’s level of lift and desired color.
Patchy Coverage
Uneven toner distribution can occur due to:
- Insufficient Mixing: Make sure the toner is thoroughly stirred before application.
- Porous Hair: Highly porous hair may absorb the toner unevenly, resulting in patchy areas.
- Application Technique: Apply the toner in thin, even sections to ensure proper coverage.
Brassiness
If the blonde hair turns brassy after applying toner, it could be because:
- Incorrect Toner Shade: Choose a toner with violet or purple undertones to neutralize yellow tones.
- Insufficient Processing Time: The toner may not have been left on long enough to fully neutralize the brassiness.
- Protein Imbalance in Hair: Hair that has been over-processed or damaged may need a protein treatment to absorb the toner better.
Maintaining Toned Hair Color
After you’ve achieved your desired hair color with toner, it’s important to take steps to maintain its vibrancy and longevity. Here are some tips:
Use Color-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner
Regular shampoos and conditioners can strip away toner, so it’s essential to use color-safe products specifically designed to preserve color.
Avoid Heat Styling
Heat from blow dryers, flat irons, and curling irons can damage toner and cause fading. Air-dry your hair or use heat protectant sprays when heat styling.
Limit Sun Exposure
Sunlight can cause hair toner to oxidize and fade. Wear a hat or scarf when in the sun for extended periods.
Avoid Chlorine and Saltwater
Chlorine in pools and saltwater in the ocean can discolor toner. Rinse your hair with clean water after swimming.
Use Color-Depositing Conditioner
Color-depositing conditioners can help refresh toner and extend its longevity. Use them once a week or as needed.
Touch Up Regularly
Toner will eventually fade over time, but you can touch it up every 4-6 weeks to maintain your desired color.
Protect Your Hair
Wear a swimming cap when swimming to protect your hair from chlorine. Avoid using harsh chemicals in hair products, and get regular trims to remove split ends.
What is Hair Toner?
Hair toner is a semi-permanent hair color that is used to neutralize unwanted tones in bleached hair. It can be used to correct brassiness, yellowness, or orange tones, and can also be used to add subtle color to hair.
Tips for Achieving the Desired Results
1. Choose the Right Toner
The first step is to choose the right toner for your hair. If your hair is brassy or yellow, you will need a toner with blue or purple pigments. If your hair is orange, you will need a toner with green pigments.
2. Apply the Toner Evenly
Once you have chosen the right toner, it is important to apply it evenly to your hair. Use a brush or comb to distribute the toner evenly, and be sure to saturate all of your hair.
3. Leave the Toner on for the Recommended Time
The amount of time you leave the toner on will depend on the product you are using. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
4. Rinse the Toner Out Thoroughly
Once the toner has been on for the recommended time, rinse it out thoroughly with cool water. Be sure to get all of the toner out of your hair.
5. Condition Your Hair
After you have rinsed the toner out of your hair, it is important to condition your hair to help restore moisture and protect your hair from damage.
6. Tone Your Hair Gradually
If you are not sure what color you want to achieve, it is best to tone your hair gradually. Start with a light toner and gradually add more toner until you reach the desired color.
7. Use a Toner to Correct Color Mistakes
If you have made a mistake when bleaching your hair, you can use a toner to correct the color. For example, if your hair is too brassy, you can use a toner with blue or purple pigments to neutralize the yellow tones.
8. Use a Toner to Add Subtle Color
Toners can also be used to add subtle color to your hair. For example, you can use a toner with red pigments to add a hint of warmth to your hair, or a toner with green pigments to add a hint of cool.
9. Different Types of Toners
| Type of Toner | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Permanent Toner | Lasts 6-8 weeks, can lighten or darken hair color |
| Semi-Permanent Toner | Lasts 4-6 weeks, deposits color without lightening or darkening hair |
| Demi-Permanent Toner | Lasts 2-4 weeks, adds shine and corrects color |
| Direct Dye Toner | Lasts only a few washes, used to enhance or change color |
| Gloss Toner | Lasts 2-4 weeks, adds shine and corrects color while leaving natural hair color intact |
Safety Considerations When Using Hair Toner
Before using hair toner after bleaching, it is essential to prioritize safety by considering the following precautions:
1. Wear Protective Equipment
Handle hair toner and bleach with gloves and protect your eyes with goggles to prevent skin and eye irritation.
2. Patch Test
Conduct a patch test on an inconspicuous area of skin before applying the toner to your hair. This helps identify and prevent allergic reactions.
3. Avoid Overlap with Bleached Areas
Use a barrier cream or petroleum jelly along the hairline and around the ears to prevent toner from touching unbleached areas and causing damage.
4. Use Low-Volume Developer
Opt for a low-volume (10- or 20-volume) developer in the toner to minimize further lightening and potential hair damage.
5. Choose the Right Toner
Select a toner specifically formulated for bleached hair to achieve the desired color correction.
6. Follow Instructions Carefully
Strictly follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing, application, and processing time to avoid uneven or damaging results.
7. Avoid Overprocessing
Overprocessing can dry out and weaken bleached hair. Check the toner’s progress regularly and rinse it out as soon as the desired tone is achieved.
8. Deep Condition Afterwards
Apply a deep conditioning treatment after toning to restore moisture and strengthen hair.
9. Use Color-Protecting Products
Incorporate color-protecting shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks into your hair care routine to preserve the toner’s vibrancy.
10. Professional Consultation (Optional)
If you have concerns or complex hair needs, consult a professional hairstylist for personalized guidance and to avoid potential hair damage. They can assess your hair condition, select the appropriate toner, and provide expert application.
How To Use Hair Toner After Bleaching
After bleaching your hair, you may find that it has turned out brassy or orange. This is because the bleaching process removes the natural pigments from your hair, leaving behind the yellow and orange undertones. To correct this, you can use a hair toner.
Hair toner is a semi-permanent hair color that can be used to neutralize unwanted tones and add desired ones. It is important to choose the right toner for your hair type and desired results. If you are unsure which toner to use, it is best to consult with a professional stylist.
To use hair toner after bleaching, follow these steps:
- Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup.
- Towel dry your hair and comb through to remove any tangles.
- Apply the toner to your hair, starting at the roots and working your way to the ends. Be sure to saturate your hair evenly.
- Leave the toner on for the amount of time specified on the packaging. This will vary depending on the brand of toner you are using.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear.
- Condition your hair to help restore moisture.
People Also Ask About How To Use Hair Toner After Bleaching
What are the different types of hair toners?
There are two main types of hair toners: direct dyes and oxidative toners.
Direct dyes are temporary and do not require a developer. They are typically used to add subtle tones or to refresh existing color. Oxidative toners are semi-permanent and require a developer to work. They are more effective at correcting unwanted tones and can last for several weeks.
How often should I use hair toner?
How often you need to use hair toner will depend on how quickly your hair fades and how well it holds color. If you have porous hair, you may need to tone it more often than someone with non-porous hair.
As a general rule, it is best to tone your hair every 4-6 weeks to maintain your desired color.
Can I use hair toner on my own?
Yes, you can use hair toner on your own. However, it is important to follow the instructions carefully and to use the correct type of toner for your hair type and desired results.
If you are unsure how to use hair toner, it is best to consult with a professional stylist.
