Yes, you absolutely mix hair toner with something before applying it. Based on standard practice in hair coloring and information from reliable sources, hair toner must be mixed with a developer.
What You Mix Hair Toner With
Hair toner is not applied directly to the hair. It needs an activating agent to work effectively and safely.
- Developer: This is the essential ingredient mixed with hair toner. Developer contains hydrogen peroxide, which opens the hair cuticle, allowing the toner to penetrate and deposit color pigments.
The Correct Mixing Ratio
Getting the ratio right is crucial for achieving the desired results and preventing damage.
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Standard Ratio: According to professional guidelines, to tone the hair perfectly, one must mix the toner with a developer in a 1:2 ratio. This means for every one part of toner, you use two parts of developer.
- Example: If you use 30ml of toner, you would mix it with 60ml of developer.
Choosing the Right Developer Volume
Developers come in different strengths, or "volumes," which indicate the concentration of hydrogen peroxide. The appropriate volume depends on the desired result and the hair's condition.
- Lower Volumes (e.g., 10-volume): These are often used for depositing tone without significant lift. As referenced, "For dark hair colour, one should add a 10-volume developer to neutralise the dark shade of the hair." This volume is gentler and ideal for subtle toning or refreshing color.
- Higher Volumes (e.g., 20-volume): These provide more lift and can be used when you need to slightly lighten the hair while toning. Higher volumes should be used with caution, especially on damaged hair.
Why Accurate Mixing is Critical
Precision in mixing toner and developer is not just about color results; it's also about hair health.
- Achieving Desired Tone: The correct ratio ensures the toner works as intended to neutralize unwanted brassy or yellow tones.
- Preventing Hair Damage: Mixing the wrong ratio, or using the wrong developer volume, can lead to uneven color, dryness, breakage, or other damage. As highlighted in the reference, "A miscalculation of the toner and developer gives hair damage."
In summary, mixing hair toner with a developer, typically in a 1:2 ratio, is a necessary step in the toning process to achieve beautiful, balanced hair color safely.
