Blonde hair can be beautiful, but it can be hard to keep it bright and avoid getting brassy. Toner steps in like a superhero and saves your hair from dullness, giving it that desired salon-fresh shine. This in-depth guide will dive into the world of blonde hair toners and look at how they can change your hair before and after you use them.
What is it and How Does it Work?
Before we discuss the specifics of toning blonde hair, let’s define toner. A toner is a semi-permanent hair colorant used to bring out or balance the hair’s undertones. For blondes, toner is a game-changer for eliminating brassy or yellow tones and leaving behind a fresh, cool, and ashier color.
How does it work?
Toners have color powders that cover up hair tones you don’t want. For instance, purple toners are great for canceling out yellow tones, and blue toners are great for canceling out orange and brassy tones. Using suitable bleach, you can get your hair to the exact color you want, whether icy platinum or creamy vanilla.
What to Do Before Applying Toner
Preparing your hair properly before you start toning it for the best effects is essential. To make sure your hair is ready to soak up all the toning goodness, follow these steps:
Clarify Your Hair
Start by clarifying your hair with a shampoo to remove any product buildup, excess oils, or impurities. This step creates a clean canvas for the toner to penetrate evenly and effectively.
Perform a Strand Test
Always perform a strand test before applying toner to your entire head. This test helps determine the processing time needed and ensures you achieve the desired shade without surprises.
Protect Your Skin
Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or coconut oil around your hairline, ears, and neck to prevent the toner from staining your skin. Trust me, it’s much easier to prevent stains than to scrub them off later!
Mix Your Toner
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to mix your toner with the appropriate developer. Ensure you measure the ratios accurately for the best results.
How to Apply Toner to Blonde Hair
Now that your hair is ready, it’s time to dive into toning. Follow these steps for a flawless toning experience:
Section Your Hair
Divide your hair into manageable sections using hair clips. This step ensures thorough coverage and prevents any areas from being missed.
Apply the Toner
Apply the toner evenly using a tint brush or applicator bottle, starting from the roots and working your way down to the ends. Make sure every strand is coated with the toner for consistent results.
Time it Right
Keep a close eye on the processing time specified in the toner instructions. Over-processing can lead to overly relaxed or even purple-toned hair, so timing is critical.
Rinse and Condition
Once the processing time is up, rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water until the water runs clear. Follow up with a nourishing conditioner to restore moisture and seal the cuticle.
Tips for Maintaining Toned Blonde Hair
Congratulations! You’ve successfully toned your blonde hair to perfection! It’s essential to maintain that gorgeous hue for as long as possible. Here are some tips to keep your toned blonde hair looking fresh:
Use Purple Shampoo
Incorporate a purple shampoo into your hair care routine to keep brassiness at bay between toning sessions. Use it once or twice a week to maintain your desired shade of blonde.
Avoid Heat Styling
Excessive heat styling can strip away the toner and cause your blonde hair to fade faster. Opt for air-drying or use heat-protectant products when heat styling is necessary.
Protect Your Hair from the Sun
Prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause blonde hair to turn brassy or yellow over time. Wear a wide-brimmed hat or UV-protectant spray to shield your locks from sun damage.
Schedule Regular Touch-Ups
Depending on your hair growth and desired level of toning, schedule regular touch-up appointments with your hairstylist to maintain your blonde perfection.
Final Thoughts
Tones your blonde hair before and after coloring can make all the difference in getting the color you want and keeping it bright. You can have beautiful blonde hair daily with the right shampoo and take good care of it. Go ahead and enjoy the process of toning your hair. Your blonde hair will shine like a jewel!
