Oh no! You’ve just gotten your hair highlighted, and you hate it. The color is too light, too brassy, or just not what you were expecting. Don’t worry, there are a few things you can do to tone down your highlights and get the look you want. First, you can try using a purple shampoo. Purple shampoo is designed to neutralize yellow and orange tones in hair, so it can help to tone down brassy highlights. You can also try using a blue shampoo, which can help to tone down green highlights.
If you’re not sure which shampoo to use, you can consult with a professional hairstylist. They can help you choose the right shampoo for your hair type and color. You can also try using a hair toner. Hair toner is a semi-permanent hair color that can be used to change the tone of your hair. Toners are available in a variety of colors, so you can find one that will help you achieve the look you want. If you’re not sure how to use toner, you can consult with a professional hairstylist.
Assessing Your Hair’s Current Condition
Before attempting to tone down highlights, it’s crucial to assess the condition of your hair to determine its suitability for the process. Consider the following factors:
Porosity
Porosity refers to the hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. Highly porous hair absorbs moisture quickly, making it more prone to damage and color absorption. Low-porosity hair, on the other hand, absorbs moisture slowly, making it more resistant to dye. To assess your hair’s porosity, dampen it and perform the water droplet test. If the water droplets bead up on the surface, you have low-porosity hair. If they absorb quickly, your hair is highly porous.
| Porosity Level | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Low | Water droplets bead up on the surface |
| High | Water droplets absorb quickly |
Condition
The condition of your hair determines its ability to withstand the toning process. Healthy, undamaged hair is more likely to tolerate the chemicals involved in toning. If your hair is dry, brittle, or damaged, it’s best to consult a professional colorist before attempting to tone it down. They can assess the condition of your hair and recommend the best course of action.
Color History
The color history of your hair can influence the effectiveness of toning. If your hair has been previously bleached or colored, it may be more challenging to achieve the desired results. The presence of multiple colors or undertones can interfere with the toning process and make it difficult to create a uniform result.
Choosing the Right Toner
Choosing the right toner is crucial to achieve the desired results. Here are key factors to consider:
1. Tone Level: Determine the level of toning required. A Level 10 toner deposits the least amount of pigment, while a Level 1 toner deposits the most. Select a toner one or two levels darker than the highlights you want to neutralize.
2. Base Color and Undertones: Consider the base color and undertones of your hair. Cool-toned highlights require a blue or purple toner, while warm-toned highlights benefit from green or gold toners. Consult a color wheel to identify the appropriate toner color for your specific hair color.
3. Porosity and Texture: Porous or damaged hair absorbs toner more readily, so use a lower-level toner. Fine hair requires less toner than coarse hair.
Toner Color Wheel:
| Base Color | Highlight Undertones | Toner Color |
|---|---|---|
| Blonde | Yellow | Purple |
| Blonde | Orange | Blue |
| Brown | Red | Green |
| Brown | Gold | Violet |
Preparing Your Hair for Toning
Before you begin the toning process, it’s crucial to prepare your hair to ensure optimal results. Here are the essential steps involved:
1. Wash and Condition Your Hair
Start by washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup or dirt. Follow with a moisturizing conditioner to hydrate your hair and make it more receptive to the toner.
2. Towel Dry Your Hair
After washing and conditioning, gently towel dry your hair to remove excess water. Avoid using a blow dryer, as heat can damage your hair and interfere with the toning process.
3. Determine Your Hair Type and Porosity
Understanding your hair type and porosity is essential for selecting the appropriate toner and achieving desired results. Here’s how to determine them:
| Hair Type | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Virgin Hair | Hair that has never been chemically treated or colored |
| Bleached Hair | Hair that has undergone a chemical process to lighten its color |
| Color-Treated Hair | Hair that has been dyed with a permanent or semi-permanent color |
Hair Porosity refers to how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture:
| Porosity | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Low Porosity | Hair that is dense, water-resistant, and absorbs slowly |
| Medium Porosity | Hair that is balanced and absorbs moisture moderately |
| High Porosity | Hair that is porous, easily damaged, and absorbs moisture rapidly |
Applying the Toner Evenly
To ensure an even application of the toner, follow these steps:
- Divide hair into sections: Separate your hair into smaller sections using clips. This will make it easier to apply the toner evenly.
- Apply to roots first: Start by applying the toner to the roots of your hair. Use a brush or applicator to distribute the product evenly from the root to the mid-shaft.
- Work in small sections: Apply the toner to one section at a time. Use a fine-tooth comb to distribute the product evenly throughout the hair.
- Process for recommended time: Leave the toner in your hair for the amount of time specified in the instructions. The processing time will vary depending on the toner used and the desired level of toning.
| Processing Time | Desired Result |
|---|---|
| 5-10 minutes | Subtle toning |
| 10-15 minutes | Medium toning |
| 15-20 minutes | Intense toning |
It’s important to note that overprocessing can lead to brassy or unwanted tones. If you are unsure about the processing time, start with a shorter period and gradually increase it if necessary.
Processing the Toner
Once you have selected the appropriate toner, it is time to start the processing step. This involves applying the toner evenly to the desired areas of your hair and allowing it to sit for the recommended amount of time.
Step 1: Prepare Your Hair
Before applying the toner, make sure your hair is clean, dry, and free of any styling products. This will help the toner to adhere evenly to your hair and achieve the desired results.
Step 2: Section Your Hair
Divide your hair into small sections to make it easier to apply the toner. This will help you to avoid missing any spots and ensure that the toner is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Apply the Toner
Using a brush or applicator bottle, apply the toner to each section of hair, starting from the roots and working your way down to the ends. Make sure to apply the toner evenly and avoid over-saturating your hair.
Step 4: Process the Toner
The processing time for the toner will vary depending on the product you are using. Generally, most toners will require a processing time of 15-30 minutes. During this time, the toner will work to change the tone of your hair and correct any unwanted brassiness or warmth.
Step 5: Rinse and Style
Once the processing time is complete, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water to remove the toner. Avoid using hot water, as this can cause the toner to fade prematurely. After rinsing, style your hair as desired.
Here is a table summarizing the steps involved in processing the toner:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare your hair by washing and drying it. |
| 2 | Section your hair into small sections. |
| 3 | Apply the toner to each section of hair, starting from the roots and working your way down to the ends. |
| 4 | Process the toner for 15-30 minutes, depending on the product you are using. |
| 5 | Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water and style as desired. |
Rinsing and Conditioning
1. Rinse Thoroughly
After applying the toner, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water. This will help remove any excess toner and prevent it from staining your hair.
2. Use a Color-Protecting Conditioner
After rinsing, apply a color-protecting conditioner to your hair. This will help keep your hair color vibrant and prevent it from fading.
3. Avoid Heat Styling
Avoid using heat styling tools, such as blow dryers and flat irons, on your hair. Heat can damage your hair and cause the toner to fade more quickly.
4. Wash Your Hair Less Often
To prevent the toner from fading, try to wash your hair less often. The more you wash your hair, the more the toner will fade.
5. Use a Swim Cap
If you plan on swimming, wear a swim cap to protect your hair from the chlorine in the pool. Chlorine can cause the toner to fade.
6. Touch Up Your Roots
As your roots grow out, you may need to touch up your highlights. To do this, simply reapply the toner to your roots and blend it in with your existing highlights. Here’s a table summarizing how to touch up your roots:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Part your hair into sections. |
| 2 | Apply the toner to your roots, starting at the back of your head. |
| 3 | Comb the toner through your roots to distribute it evenly. |
| 4 | Process the toner for the recommended amount of time. |
| 5 | Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water. |
| 6 | Apply a color-protecting conditioner to your hair. |
Drying and Styling Your Hair
Once you’ve applied the toner, you’ll need to dry and style your hair. This will help to set the toner and give you the look you want. Here are a few tips for drying and styling your hair:
Use a low heat setting
High heat can damage your hair and make it more likely to fade. When drying your hair, use a low heat setting and avoid holding the dryer too close to your head.
Use a diffuser
A diffuser is a type of hair dryer attachment that helps to distribute heat evenly and prevent frizz. If you have curly or frizzy hair, use a diffuser to dry your hair.
Avoid over-brushing
Brushing your hair too much can damage it and make it more likely to fade. When styling your hair, use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle it.
Here is a table summarizing the key steps for drying and styling your hair after applying toner:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Apply toner to your hair. |
| 2 | Rinse out the toner. |
| 3 | Dry your hair on a low heat setting. |
| 4 | Use a diffuser if you have curly or frizzy hair. |
| 5 | Avoid over-brushing. |
| 6 | Style your hair as usual. |
Maintaining Your Toned Hair
Maintaining your toned hair requires regular care to keep it looking its best. Here are some tips to help you maintain your toned hair:
1. Use Color-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner
Use shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for color-treated hair. These products will help to protect your hair color from fading and will keep your hair looking vibrant.
2. Wash Your Hair Less Often
Washing your hair too often can strip your hair of its natural oils, which can lead to fading. Aim to wash your hair 2-3 times per week, or as needed.
3. Use a Heat Protectant
Heat styling can damage your hair color, so always use a heat protectant spray before using heat styling tools.
4. Avoid Chlorine and Salt Water
Chlorine and salt water can damage your hair color, so avoid swimming in chlorinated pools or the ocean without protecting your hair.
5. Get Regular Haircuts
Getting regular haircuts will help to remove any split ends, which can make your hair look dull and faded.
6. Use a Toning Shampoo or Conditioner
If your hair color starts to fade, you can use a toning shampoo or conditioner to help refresh the color.
7. Avoid Direct Sunlight
Direct sunlight can damage your hair color, so try to avoid spending long periods of time in the sun without covering your hair.
8. Deep Condition Your Hair
Deep conditioning your hair once a week will help to keep it hydrated and healthy. Look for deep conditioners that are designed for color-treated hair.
| Benefits of Deep Conditioning |
|---|
| Moisturizes and hydrates hair |
| Reduces breakage and split ends |
| Protects against damage |
| Enhances shine and vibrancy |
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Brassiness
Brassiness is a common issue that can occur when toning highlights down. It can be caused by using a toner that is too warm or by leaving the toner on for too long. To correct brassiness, try using a toner that is cooler in tone or removing the toner sooner.
Green Tones
Green tones can also occur when toning highlights down. This can be caused by using a toner that is too blue or by not neutralizing the hair properly before toning. To correct green tones, try using a toner that is warmer in tone or neutralizing the hair with a purple shampoo or conditioner.
Orange Tones
Orange tones can occur when toning highlights down on hair that has been previously dyed red. To correct orange tones, try using a toner that is blue-based or neutralizing the hair with a blue shampoo or conditioner.
Uneven Results
Uneven results can occur when toning highlights down on hair that is not evenly bleached. To achieve even results, make sure to bleach the hair evenly before toning.
Dryness
Toning highlights down can cause the hair to become dry. To prevent dryness, use a deep conditioner after toning and avoid over-washing the hair.
Fading
Toner can fade over time, especially if the hair is washed frequently. To prevent fading, use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner and avoid using heat styling tools.
Damage
Toning highlights down can damage the hair if it is done incorrectly. To prevent damage, make sure to follow the instructions carefully and avoid over-toning the hair.
Toning Highlights Down
Toning highlights down is a relatively simple process that can be done at home with the right products and techniques. By following these steps, you can achieve natural-looking, toned-down highlights that will complement your skin tone and hair color.
Tips for Optimal Results
To ensure the best outcome when toning down highlights, consider the following tips:
1. Choose the Right Toner
Select a toner that is specifically designed for toning down highlights, rather than a color-correcting toner. Look for a toner that is slightly darker than your target shade, as it will blend seamlessly with your highlights.
2. Use a Low-Volume Developer
Opt for a developer with a volume of 10 or 20 to avoid damaging your hair or lifting the color of your highlights too much.
3. Apply the Toner Evenly
Apply the toner evenly throughout your hair, focusing on the highlighted areas. Use a brush or comb to distribute the toner and ensure complete coverage.
4. Leave the Toner On for the Recommended Time
Follow the instructions on the toner packaging for the recommended processing time. Typically, this ranges from 5 to 20 minutes.
5. Rinse the Toner Thoroughly
Once the processing time is complete, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear. This will remove any excess toner.
6. Wash Your Hair with a Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Wash your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo to gently cleanse and remove any remaining toner. Avoid using hot water.
7. Condition Your Hair
Apply a deep conditioner to your hair to nourish and restore moisture. Leave it on for at least 10 minutes before rinsing.
8. Use a Hair Mask Regularly
Treat your hair with a hair mask once a week to maintain its health and vibrancy. Choose a mask that is formulated for color-treated hair.
9. Avoid Heat Styling
Limit heat styling tools such as hair dryers and flat irons to prevent damage to your toned highlights.
10. Touch Up Your Highlights As Needed
As your highlights grow out, you will need to touch them up to maintain the desired level of contrast. Use the same toner and techniques as described above.
How To Tone Highlights Down
If you’ve ever gotten highlights and then regretted them, you know how frustrating it can be. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to tone down highlights and get your hair back to its natural color.
One option is to use a toner. Toners are semi-permanent hair dyes that can be used to change the color of your hair without damaging it. They can be used to tone down highlights, add warmth to your hair, or even change your hair color completely.
Another option is to use a color-correcting shampoo. Color-correcting shampoos are designed to neutralize unwanted tones in your hair. They can be used to tone down highlights, remove brassiness, or even add shine to your hair.
If you’re not sure which option is right for you, it’s always best to consult with a professional hairstylist. They can help you choose the right products and techniques to get the results you want.
People Also Ask About How To Tone Highlights Down
How long does it take to tone down highlights?
It depends on the method you use. If you use a toner, it will typically take about 15-30 minutes. If you use a color-correcting shampoo, it may take several washes to see results.
Can I tone down highlights at home?
Yes, you can tone down highlights at home. However, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging your hair.
What is the best way to tone down highlights?
The best way to tone down highlights is to consult with a professional hairstylist. They can help you choose the right products and techniques to get the results you want.
