Hair toner is primarily used to neutralize unwanted brassy or yellow tones in hair after bleaching or lightening.
How Hair Toner Works
Hair toner doesn't lift or lighten hair color. Instead, it deposits tone onto the hair shaft. Think of it like a color corrector for your hair.
- Neutralizing Unwanted Tones: Toners contain pigments that counteract unwanted shades. For example, purple toners neutralize yellow, and blue toners neutralize orange.
- Adding Shine and Dimension: Besides neutralizing brassiness, toners can add shine, depth, and dimension to your hair color.
- Correcting Uneven Tones: Toner can help blend and correct uneven tones after coloring or highlighting.
- Maintaining Color: Toners can refresh and maintain your desired hair color between salon visits.
Who Needs Hair Toner?
Toner is most effective on hair that has been lightened, either through bleaching or highlighting, because it works best on pale shades. It is especially helpful for people who want to achieve:
- Platinum Blonde: To remove yellow tones.
- Ash Blonde: To create a cool, ashy hue.
- Silver or Gray Hair: To eliminate warmth and achieve a true silver/gray shade.
- Dimensional Highlights: To blend and refine highlighted strands.
Types of Hair Toners
Hair toners come in various forms, including:
- Demi-Permanent Color: These are the most common type of toner and last for several weeks.
- Glosses: These provide subtle toning and shine.
- Purple Shampoos and Conditioners: These are designed to maintain blonde hair and prevent brassiness between toning sessions.
Important Considerations
- Timing: Toner is typically applied after bleaching or lightening, when the hair is still damp.
- Application: It's important to apply toner evenly for consistent results.
- Processing Time: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for processing time to avoid over-toning or damaging the hair.
In summary, hair toner is a valuable tool for achieving and maintaining your desired hair color, particularly after lightening processes, by neutralizing unwanted tones, adding shine, and creating dimension.
