No, toner is not exactly like hair dye, though they both alter hair color. Toner is a gentler, less permanent option compared to hair dye, which provides longer-lasting results.
Key Differences Between Toner and Hair Dye
While both toner and hair dye change your hair color, understanding their differences is crucial for choosing the right product. Here's a breakdown:
| Feature | Toner | Hair Dye |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity | Less permanent | Longer-lasting |
| Harshness | Gentler | More intense |
| Purpose | Adjusts tone, neutralizes unwanted hues | Drastically changes hair color |
Understanding Toner
Toner works primarily to adjust the tone of your hair. It's often used:
- To neutralize brassy tones: For example, purple toner can counteract yellow or orange hues in blonde hair.
- To add shine and dimension: Toner can enhance the overall look of your hair, making it appear healthier.
- To correct uneven color: After bleaching or highlighting, toner can even out any inconsistencies.
Understanding Hair Dye
Hair dye, on the other hand, is designed to significantly change your hair color. It does this by:
- Penetrating the hair shaft: Hair dye opens the hair cuticle to deposit color.
- Offering permanent or semi-permanent options: Permanent dyes chemically alter the hair, while semi-permanent dyes coat the hair.
- Covering grays: Hair dye effectively covers gray hair for a more uniform color.
