Bleaching your hair can be a great way to change up your look, but it can also leave your hair looking brassy or yellow. Hair toner is a product that can help to correct the color of your bleached hair and give it a more natural-looking finish. In this article, we’ll show you how to use hair toner after bleaching so that you can achieve the perfect hair color.
Before you start toning your hair, it’s important to understand what toner is and how it works. Hair toner is a semi-permanent hair color that is used to correct or enhance the color of your hair. It works by depositing color pigments into the hair shaft, which can help to neutralize unwanted tones or add warmth to your hair. Hair toner is available in a variety of colors, so you can choose the one that best suits your desired hair color.
Once you’ve chosen a hair toner, you’ll need to follow the instructions on the package to apply it. Generally, you’ll need to mix the toner with a developer and then apply it to your hair. The developer will help to open up the hair cuticle so that the toner can penetrate the hair shaft. You’ll need to leave the toner on your hair for the amount of time specified on the package. Once the time is up, you’ll need to rinse your hair with water and shampoo and condition it as usual. After you’ve toned your hair, it’s important to use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner to help maintain the color of your hair.
Understanding Hair Toner
What is Hair Toner?
Hair toner is a semi-permanent hair dye that is used to neutralize unwanted tones in bleached hair. It works by depositing color pigments into the hair shaft, which can help to correct brassiness, yellowness, or orange tones. Toners can come in a variety of shades, such as blue, violet, or green, and they are typically applied after bleaching to achieve the desired tone.
How Does Hair Toner Work?
Hair toner works by using color theory to neutralize unwanted tones in bleached hair. For example, blue toner is used to neutralize orange tones, violet toner is used to neutralize yellow tones, and green toner is used to neutralize red tones. When these toners are applied to the hair, they deposit color pigments into the hair shaft, which blend with the existing color to create a more natural-looking tone.
The Color Wheel and Hair Toning
To understand how hair toner works, it is helpful to refer to the color wheel. The color wheel is a diagram that shows the relationships between different colors. Primary colors are red, yellow, and blue. Secondary colors are green, orange, and violet. Tertiary colors are created by mixing a primary color with a secondary color. For example, blue-violet is a tertiary color created by mixing blue and violet.
| Primary Colors | Secondary Colors | Tertiary Colors |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Green | Blue-green |
| Yellow | Orange | Yellow-orange |
| Blue | Violet | Blue-violet |
Benefits of Using Hair Toner After Bleaching
Using hair toner after bleaching offers several benefits, including:
- Corrects Brassiness: Bleaching can often result in brassiness or unwanted orange or yellow tones. Toner neutralizes these tones, giving you the desired icy blonde or ashy shade.
- Enhances Color Vibrancy: Toner deposits color pigments into bleached hair, enhancing the vibrancy and depth of the color. It can add warmth to cool tones or cool down warm tones, creating custom hues.
- Protects Against Damage: Bleaching can damage hair, making it dry and brittle. Toner contains conditioning agents that help repair and protect the hair, restoring its health and shine.
Customizing Toner Shades
To achieve the perfect toner shade for your hair, consider the following factors:
| Desired Shade | Toner Type |
|---|---|
| Icy Blonde | Blue or Purple Toner |
| Ashy Blonde | Green or Blue-Green Toner |
| Warm Blonde | Golden or Honey Toner |
| Neutral Blonde | Beige or Pearl Toner |
It’s important to note that the toner shade you need will depend on your starting level, porosity, and the desired result. Consult with a professional hairstylist for personalized guidance.
Determining the Right Toner for Your Hair
Choosing the correct toner is crucial for achieving the desired outcome. Consider the following factors:
Base Color
The base color of your bleached hair will influence the toner’s effect. For example, yellow hair requires a violet toner to neutralize brassiness, while orange hair needs a blue toner to correct the warmth.
Desired Tone
Decide on the specific shade you wish to achieve. Toners come in a wide range of colors, from cool ashes to warm blondes and everything in between. Refer to the toner color chart to determine which shade will best complement your hair.
Damage Level
The condition of your hair will impact the toner’s application and effectiveness. If your hair is severely damaged, it may require a gentler toner or a pre-toner to protect it from further damage.
Toner Color Chart
| Hair Color | Toner Color |
|---|---|
| Yellow | Violet |
| Orange | Blue |
| Warm Blonde | Green |
| Cool Blonde | Pink |
Applying Hair Toner Properly
To ensure proper hair toner application, follow these steps:
1. Wear Gloves: Protect your hands from the toner by wearing disposable gloves.
2. Divide Hair into Sections: Section your hair into manageable pieces to ensure even application.
3. Apply Toner: Apply the toner using a brush or comb, starting at the roots and working your way down to the ends.
4. Process Time: The processing time will vary depending on the toner you are using. Refer to the product instructions for the recommended duration.
5. Additional Tips:
a. Emulsify: Once the processing time is complete, add a small amount of water to the toner and mix it together. This helps to soften the toner and makes it easier to rinse out.
b. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear.
c. Condition: Use a deep conditioning treatment to restore moisture and nourishment to your hair after bleaching and toning.
| Time | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Roots | Process for 10-15 minutes. |
| Mid-lengths and Ends | Process for 5-10 minutes, checking for desired results. |
Processing Time
The processing time for hair toner will vary depending on the specific product you are using and the darkness of your hair. However, as a general rule of thumb, most toners will need to be processed for 5-10 minutes. If you have very dark hair, you may need to process the toner for longer, up to 20 minutes. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid over-toning your hair.
Removal
Once you have finished processing the toner, you will need to rinse it out of your hair with cool water. Be sure to rinse your hair thoroughly until the water runs clear. You can then shampoo and condition your hair as usual.
If you are not happy with the results of your toner, you can remove it using a color remover. Color removers are available at most beauty supply stores. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid damaging your hair.
6. Additional Tips for Using Hair Toner After Bleaching
Here are a few additional tips for using hair toner after bleaching:
-
Always do a strand test before applying toner to your entire head. This will help you to ensure that you are happy with the results.
-
Apply toner to damp hair. This will help the toner to penetrate your hair more easily.
-
Use a developer that is specifically designed for use with toner. This will help to prevent your hair from becoming damaged.
-
Process the toner for the amount of time specified in the manufacturer’s instructions. Over-processing can damage your hair.
-
Rinse the toner out of your hair thoroughly with cool water. This will help to prevent your hair from becoming brassy.
-
Use a purple shampoo to help keep your hair from becoming brassy.
Product Description Fanola No Yellow Purple Shampoo This shampoo is specifically designed to neutralize brassy tones in blonde hair. Matrix Total Results So Silver Purple Shampoo This shampoo is a good choice for all hair types, including bleached hair. Aveda Blue Malva Color Conditioner This conditioner is a good choice for color-treated hair. It helps to keep hair looking vibrant and healthy. Neutralizing the Toner
After the desired tone has been achieved, it’s time to neutralize the toner and stop the chemical reaction. This step is crucial to prevent further color changes or damage to your hair.
**Materials:**
- Water
- Neutralizing shampoo or conditioner
**Instructions:**
- Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water to remove any excess toner.
- Apply a neutralizing shampoo or conditioner to your hair and massage it in gently.
- Leave the product in for the amount of time specified on the packaging, usually 5-10 minutes.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water again.
- Use a deep conditioner to moisturize and repair your hair.
- Dry and style your hair as desired.
**Additional Tips:**
– Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner designed for color-treated hair.
– Avoid using hot water, as it can strip away the toner.
– If you have particularly porous hair, you may need to apply a toner sealer to prevent fading.
– Use a toner-saving shampoo that does not contain sulfates or other harsh ingredients.Troubleshooting Common Toning Issues
9. Toned Hair is Brassy
Brassiness is one of the most common problems that occur after toning bleached hair. This can be caused by several reasons, including:
Reason Solution Insufficient Toner Apply more toner to the affected areas and let it process for longer. Incorrect Toner Shade Choose a toner shade that is slightly cooler than your desired result to reduce brassiness. Overtoning Wait at least 24 hours after bleaching before toning to allow your hair to rest. Using the Wrong Developer Make sure you’re using a developer with the correct strength for your hair type and the desired toning effect. Water Temperature Use lukewarm water when rinsing the toner, as hot water can open the hair cuticle and cause brassiness. Underlying Warmth If your hair was naturally warm-toned before bleaching, it may be necessary to use a toner with a stronger neutralizing pigment, such as blue or purple. Maintaining Toned Hair Over Time
Once you’ve achieved your desired hair toner, here are some tips to keep your locks looking vibrant for as long as possible:
1. Use Color-Protecting Shampoo and Conditioner
Invest in color-protecting hair care products specifically designed for toned hair. These products will help seal in the toner and prevent fading.
2. Limit Heat Styling
Avoid excess heat styling, as heat can weaken the bonds holding the toner to your hair and cause it to fade prematurely.
3. Use Cold Water for Rinsing
When washing your hair, use cold water to rinse out the shampoo and conditioner. This will help close the hair cuticles and prevent fading.
4. Minimize Sun Exposure
Prolonged exposure to the sun can damage your hair and cause the toner to fade. Wear a hat or scarf when outdoors for extended periods.
5. Avoid Chlorine
Chlorine in swimming pools can strip away the toner and leave your hair brassy or green. Wear a swim cap or rinse your hair with fresh water after swimming.
6. Use Color-Enhancing Products
Color-enhancing shampoos, conditioners, or sprays can refresh the toner and keep your color looking vibrant.
7. Touch Up Roots
As your roots grow out, you may notice a difference between the toned hair and the new growth. Touch up your roots regularly to maintain an even color.
8. Use Toner Occasionally
Over-toning can lead to build-up and make your hair look dull. Use toner as needed to maintain the desired color.
9. Consider a Gloss Treatment
A gloss treatment can help add shine and vibrancy to toned hair. It can also seal in color and prevent fading.
10. Adjust pH Levels
The pH level of your water can affect the longevity of your toner. Ideally, you want the pH level to be slightly acidic (pH 4.5-5.5). You can use a pH-adjusting shampoo or conditioner to achieve the optimal pH level.
pH Level Effect on Toner Below 4.5 Can damage hair and cause toner to fade 4.5-5.5 Optimal pH level for toner Above 5.5 Can cause cuticles to open, leading to toner fading How to Use Hair Toner After Bleaching
Bleaching your hair can be a great way to achieve a new look, but it can also leave your hair looking brassy or yellow. Hair toner can help to correct the color of your hair and give it a more natural look. Here’s how to use hair toner after bleaching:
- Choose the right toner. There are two types of hair toner: permanent and semi-permanent. Permanent toner will last longer, but it can also be more damaging to your hair. Semi-permanent toner will fade over time, but it is less damaging to your hair.
- Apply the toner to your hair. Start by applying the toner to the roots of your hair. Then, work your way through the rest of your hair, making sure to evenly distribute the toner.
- Rinse the toner out of your hair. Once the toner has been applied, rinse it out of your hair with cool water. Be sure to rinse all of the toner out of your hair, or it will continue to darken.
- Style your hair as usual. Once your hair is dry, you can style it as usual.
People Also Ask
What is the difference between toner and bleach?
Bleach is a chemical that lightens the color of your hair. Toner is a semi-permanent color that is used to correct the color of your hair or to add highlights.
How often can I use hair toner?
You can use hair toner as often as you need to. However, it is important to wait at least two weeks between applications.
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 avoid getting the toner on your skin or eyes.
