After bleaching your hair, you may find that it has taken on unwanted yellow or orange tones. This is due to the removal of melanin, the pigment that gives hair its color. To correct these unwanted tones and achieve your desired hair color, you can use a hair toner. Hair toner is a semi-permanent hair color that deposits color onto the hair without lifting it. This makes it a great option for toning down bleached hair. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to use hair toner after bleaching.
Before you start, it is important to gather all of the necessary materials. You will need:
1. Hair toner
2. Developer
3. Mixing bowl and brush
4. Gloves
5. Towel
6. Old clothes
Once you have gathered all of the necessary materials, you can begin the toning process. First, put on your gloves and old clothes. Then, mix the hair toner and developer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once the toner is mixed, apply it to your hair evenly using the mixing brush. Be sure to saturate your hair completely.
Once the toner has been applied, let it process for the amount of time specified in the manufacturer’s instructions. The processing time will vary depending on the toner you are using. Once the processing time is complete, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water. Be sure to rinse all of the toner out of your hair. Once your hair is rinsed, style it as usual. You should now have toned down your bleached hair and achieved your desired hair color.
Understanding Hair Toners
Hair toners are semi-permanent or demi-permanent hair dyes that are designed to alter the tone or color of your hair, typically by neutralizing unwanted tones or adding subtle hues. They work by depositing tiny molecules of pigment onto the hair strand, allowing you to customize your hair color without making a permanent or drastic change.
Toners are available in a wide range of shades, from cool to warm, allowing you to create a variety of looks. They can be used to correct brassy or orange tones, add warmth to overly cool colors, or simply enhance the natural beauty of your hair.
When applied to bleached hair, toners can help to neutralize the yellow or orange tones that can sometimes occur after the bleaching process. They can also be used to create a specific color, such as platinum blonde, ash blonde, or beige blonde.
Toners are generally more subtle than permanent or demi-permanent hair dyes, and they typically fade gradually over time. This allows you to experiment with different shades without having to worry about making a long-term commitment.
Types of Hair Toners
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Demi-permanent | Lasts for 12-24 washes |
| Semi-permanent | Lasts for 6-12 washes |
| Temporary | Washes out in 1-2 washes |
Selecting the Right Toner for Your Desired Result
Choosing the appropriate toner is crucial to achieving the desired hair color after bleaching. Here are some key considerations:
Assess Your Hair’s Current Condition and Porosity: Bleaching can significantly alter your hair’s structure, making it more porous and prone to absorbing color. Determine your porosity level by performing a strand test. Dip a small piece of hair into a glass of water. If it floats, your hair is low porosity; if it sinks, it’s high porosity.
Consider Your Bleaching Results: Assess the level of lift achieved during the bleaching process. This will help you narrow down the toner shades that will best complement your newly lightened hair. For example, if you have lifted to a level 7 (dark blonde), you may opt for a toner that neutralizes any remaining yellow tones.
Determine Your Desired Tone: Decide on the specific color you want to achieve. Toners come in a variety of shades, from cool ash to warm copper. Consider your skin tone and personal preferences when selecting a toner.
Mixing and Applying the Toner Evenly
After bleaching, the next step in achieving your desired hair color is to apply a toner. Toner is a semi-permanent dye that helps balance out the uneven tones left behind by bleach and add a touch of color.
To ensure even application and optimal results, follow these steps:
1. Choose the Right Toner
Select a toner that is designed for bleached hair and closest to your desired color. Consider your bleached hair’s undertones and porosity to make an informed choice.
2. Prepare the Toner
Mix the toner according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, this involves combining the toner with a developer and water in specific proportions.
3. Divide Your Hair
Section your hair into four or more equal sections using clips. This will make it easier to apply the toner evenly.
4. Apply the Toner
Starting with one section at a time, apply the toner using a brush or applicator. Begin at the roots and work your way through to the ends, ensuring full coverage. Use a fine-toothed comb to distribute the toner evenly.
Once the toner is applied, cover your hair with a plastic cap and let it process for the recommended time. During the processing, check the hair periodically to monitor its progress and avoid over-processing.
| Processing Time Recommendations | Toner Level |
|---|---|
| 10-15 minutes | Level 10 (Lightest) |
| 20-25 minutes | Level 8-9 |
| 30-35 minutes | Level 6-7 |
| 40-45 minutes | Level 3-5 (Darkest) |
Processing Time and Monitoring
The processing time for hair toner varies depending on various factors, including the toner’s strength, the porosity of your hair, and the desired color outcome. Generally, the guidelines are:
- Weaker toners: 5 to 15 minutes
- Moderate toners: 15 to 30 minutes
- Strong toners: 30 to 45 minutes
It’s crucial to monitor the progress every 5-10 minutes by performing a strand test. To do this:
| Step 1: | Apply a small amount of toner to a strand of hair from the back of your head. |
|---|---|
| Step 2: | Wait the recommended processing time. |
| Step 3: | Rinse the test strand and dry it. |
| Step 4: | Evaluate the color. If it’s not the desired shade, adjust the processing time accordingly. |
Maintaining Toned Hair
After you’ve achieved your desired tone, there are a few things you can do to help maintain it.
1. Use color-safe shampoo and conditioner
Regular shampoos and conditioners can contain harsh chemicals that can strip away your toner. Opt for products that are specifically designed for color-treated hair. These products will help to preserve your color and keep your hair looking its best.
2. Avoid over-washing
Over-washing can also strip away your toner. Aim to wash your hair no more than every other day. If you have oily hair, you may need to wash it more often, but be sure to use a gentle shampoo and avoid scrubbing your scalp too hard.
3. Use a leave-in conditioner
A leave-in conditioner can help to keep your hair hydrated and prevent fading. Look for a product that contains UV protectants to help shield your hair from the sun’s damaging rays.
4. Avoid heat styling
Heat styling can damage your hair and cause your toner to fade. If you must use heat styling tools, be sure to use a heat protectant spray to help minimize damage.
5. Get regular trims
Regular trims will help to remove any split ends that can make your hair look dull and lifeless. Trimming your hair will also help to keep your toner looking fresh.
6. Use a toner touch-up kit
If your toner starts to fade, you can use a toner touch-up kit to refresh your color. These kits are available at most beauty supply stores.
7. Avoid swimming in chlorinated water
Chlorine can strip away your toner. If you swim regularly, be sure to rinse your hair with fresh water after swimming to remove any chlorine residue. You can also use a clarifying shampoo to remove any build-up.
| Maintain Toned Hair |
|---|
| Use color-safe shampoo and conditioner Avoid over-washing Use a leave-in conditioner Avoid heat styling Get regular trims Use a toner touch-up kit Avoid swimming in chlorinated water |
Troubleshooting Common Toning Issues
Brassiness after Toning
- Cause: Incorrect toner selection or improper application time.
- Solution: Use a violet or blue-based toner and reduce the application time to avoid over-toning.
Green Hair after Toning
- Cause: Over-toning with blue or green toner, or mixing incompatible toners.
- Solution: Rinse thoroughly with warm water and apply a warm-toned toner, such as orange or red.
Patchy or Uneven Toning
- Cause: Non-uniform application or insufficient bleach penetration.
- Solution: Reapply bleach to the faded areas and follow with a toner application.
Toner Washes Out Quickly
- Cause: Improper application, insufficient color deposit, or the use of a semi-permanent toner.
- Solution: Shampoo less frequently, use a color-preserving shampoo, and consider using a permanent toner.
Toner Too Dark or Light
- Cause: Incorrect toner selection or application time.
- Solution: Choose a lighter or darker toner as needed, and adjust the application time accordingly.
Toner Fades Unpredictably
- Cause: Varying porosity of hair strands, environmental factors, or incompatible toners.
- Solution: Use a color-correcting shampoo to stabilize the color, avoid heat styling, and consult a professional colorist if the issue persists.
Toner Turned Grey or Purple
- Cause: Using a toner with too much blue or green pigment, or applying toner to bleached hair that has been previously toned with an incompatible color.
- Solution: Apply a warm-toned toner, such as orange or red, to neutralize the color.
Toner Not Removing Yellow Tones
- Cause: Using a toner with insufficient violet or blue pigment, or applying toner over bleached hair that is too weak.
- Solution: Select a toner with a higher concentration of violet or blue, and consider bleaching the hair further (if healthy) to create a stronger base for the toner.
Tips for Preparing Your Hair Before Toning
Before applying toner, it’s crucial to prepare your hair to ensure optimal results. Start by shampooing and conditioning your hair to remove any buildup. Use a clarifying shampoo to remove any leftover bleach residue. Towel-dry your hair and apply a deep conditioning treatment to replenish moisture and strengthen the hair shaft.
Choosing the Right Toner
Selecting the appropriate toner is essential for achieving your desired hair color. Refer to a color wheel to determine the opposite color of the unwanted tones in your bleached hair. For example, if you have brassy yellow tones, choose a purple toner. Consider your natural hair level and porosity when selecting the toner’s strength.
Applying the Toner
Divide your hair into sections and apply the toner evenly using a brush or comb. Avoid over-saturating the hair, as this can lead to uneven toning. Use a timer to monitor the processing time, which typically ranges from 5 to 20 minutes. Rinse the toner thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear.
Processing Time
The processing time for toner varies depending on the strength of the toner used and the desired level of toning. Use the recommended processing time provided in the product’s instructions as a guide, but monitor the results closely.
Rinsing and Drying
After the processing time is complete, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear. Use a color-safe conditioner to seal the toner into the hair shaft and enhance its longevity. Towel-dry your hair gently and allow it to air dry or use a blow dryer on a cool setting.
Tips for Optimal Toning Results
Follow these additional tips to achieve the best possible results from hair toning:
- Start with clean, dry hair that has been recently bleached.
- Apply the toner evenly throughout your hair, avoiding over-saturating it.
- Use a timer to ensure you apply the toner for the correct amount of time.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly after toning to prevent any residual toner from staining your hair.
- Apply a color-safe conditioner after toning to nourish your hair and protect the toner.
- Use a heat protectant spray before blow-drying your hair to prevent fading and damage.
- Avoid washing your hair too frequently after toning, as this can strip away the toner prematurely.
- Use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner to maintain your toned hair color.
- Touch up your toner every few weeks as needed to maintain your desired hue.
Troubleshooting Toner Issues
If you encounter any issues with your toner, such as uneven toning or unwanted color, don’t panic. You can use a clarifying shampoo or a color remover to correct the problem. However, it’s always best to consult with a professional hairstylist if you’re not sure how to resolve the issue.
Lightness Levels:
Determining the lightness level of the hair is crucial for selecting the appropriate toner. Hair that has been bleached to a level 10 (very light blonde) or higher can accommodate a wider range of toners, while hair bleached to level 8 or 9 (light blonde) may require more caution to avoid creating unwanted brassy tones.
Porosity:
Hair porosity measures how well hair absorbs moisture. Porous hair allows toner to penetrate more easily, so it’s important to consider this factor when choosing a toner and applying it.
Undertones:
The underlying pigment or “undertone” of the hair can affect the final result of toning. Warm undertones (e.g., yellow or orange) may require cooler toners to neutralize them, while cool undertones (e.g., blue or purple) may require warmer toners to balance them.
Timing:
The duration of the toning process can significantly impact the result. Toners applied for longer periods will deposit more pigment, creating more intense results. It’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and monitor the hair closely during application.
### Developer Strength:
The developer’s strength used with the toner determines how deeply the pigment will penetrate the hair shaft. A 10-volume developer is typically used for subtle toning, while a 20-volume developer is recommended for more intense results.
pH Level:
The pH level of the toner can affect its performance. Acidic toners (pH below 7) help close the hair cuticles, resulting in smoother, shinier hair. Alkaline toners (pH above 7) can open the hair cuticles, making it easier for the toner to penetrate.
Bleach Level:
The level to which the hair has been bleached will determine the type of toner that can be used. Hair that has been bleached to a higher level will require a stronger toner to deposit color, while hair that has been bleached to a lower level may only require a semi-permanent toner.
Hair Condition:
The condition of the hair will also affect the way the toner works. Hair that is damaged or dry will absorb toner more quickly and may require a weaker toner to avoid over-toning. Healthy hair will be able to withstand stronger toners.
### Hair History:
The hair’s previous chemical treatments can affect the way the toner works. Hair that has been previously colored or bleached may require a stronger toner to deposit color, while hair that has never been chemically treated will be more receptive to toner.
Overall Assessment:
Before applying toner, it’s essential to assess the overall condition of the hair, including its lightness level, porosity, undertones, and previous chemical treatments. This assessment will help determine the best toner formula and application technique to achieve the desired results.
How To Use Hair Toner After Bleaching
After bleaching your hair, you may notice that it has become brassy or yellow. This is because the bleaching process removes the natural pigments from your hair, leaving behind the underlying yellow tones. To correct this, you can use a hair toner. Hair toner is a semi-permanent hair color that can be used to add or cancel out unwanted tones in your hair.
To use hair toner, follow these steps:
- Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup.
- Towel dry your hair and apply the hair toner to your hair. Be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging.
- Leave the hair toner on for the amount of time specified on the packaging.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water.
- Condition your hair and style as usual.
Here are some tips for using hair toner:
- Always do a strand test before applying hair toner to your entire head. This will help you to determine how long to leave the toner on and what results you can expect.
- Use a toner that is the same level or darker than your desired hair color.
- If you are unsure about what toner to use, consult with a professional hairstylist.
