Achieving the perfect blonde highlights can feel like a never-ending quest. You spend time and money at the salon, only to find that your highlights turn brassy or yellow within weeks. The good news is, you can often correct these issues yourself with a toner, saving both time and money. But is it right for you? Let’s delve into the world of toning highlights at home.
Understanding Toning and Why Highlights Need It
Toning is a crucial step in the highlighting process. It’s not about lightening the hair further; instead, it’s about neutralizing unwanted undertones, such as yellow, orange, or red, to achieve the desired shade of blonde. Think of it like color correcting for your hair.
Why Highlights Turn Brassy or Yellow
When hair is lightened, the natural pigment is lifted. Depending on your natural hair color and the lightening process, underlying warm tones can become exposed. These warm tones are what we perceive as brassiness or yellowness. Environmental factors, such as sun exposure, chlorine, and hard water, can also contribute to brassiness over time.
Is Toning at Home Right for You? Assessing Your Skills and Hair Condition
Before you grab a toner, it’s essential to assess your skills and the condition of your hair. Toning at home can be a great option, but it’s not for everyone.
Skill Level and Experience
Have you ever dyed your hair at home before? Do you feel comfortable applying products evenly and precisely? Toning requires careful application to avoid uneven results. If you’re a complete beginner, it might be best to start with a consultation with a professional stylist. They can assess your hair and provide guidance.
Hair Condition: Healthy vs. Damaged
The health of your hair plays a crucial role in how well it will respond to toning. Damaged or over-processed hair is more porous, meaning it absorbs color quickly and unevenly. This can lead to patchy or overly toned results. If your hair is dry, brittle, or prone to breakage, focus on improving its condition with deep conditioning treatments before attempting to tone.
Choosing the Right Toner for Your Highlights
Selecting the appropriate toner is paramount to achieving your desired results. Toners come in various forms, including demi-permanent colors, shampoos, conditioners, and glosses. Each serves a slightly different purpose and is suitable for different hair types and needs.
Understanding Toner Numbers and Color Theory
Most toners are labeled with numbers and letters that indicate their level and tone. The number represents the lightness or darkness of the toner (e.g., 9 for a very light blonde, 7 for a medium blonde), while the letter indicates the tone (e.g., V for violet/purple, B for blue, G for gold). Understanding basic color theory is essential. Violet neutralizes yellow, blue neutralizes orange, and green neutralizes red.
Types of Toners: Demi-Permanent Colors, Shampoos, Conditioners, and Glosses
- Demi-Permanent Toners: These are the most potent type of toner and provide the most noticeable and long-lasting results. They require mixing with a developer and should be used with caution. They’re best for correcting significant brassiness or achieving a specific tone.
- Toning Shampoos (Purple Shampoos): These shampoos contain violet pigments that help to neutralize yellow tones. They are a gentle option for maintaining blonde highlights and preventing brassiness. Use them once or twice a week.
- Toning Conditioners: Similar to purple shampoos, toning conditioners deposit violet pigments while also providing moisture and hydration. They are a good option for dry or damaged hair.
- Hair Glosses: Glosses are semi-permanent treatments that add shine and can also tone the hair. They are a less permanent option than demi-permanent toners and are good for enhancing your color and adding vibrancy.
Reading Toner Reviews and Seeking Recommendations
Before purchasing any toner, read online reviews and seek recommendations from other users. Pay attention to reviews that mention similar hair types and color goals to yours. Don’t hesitate to ask your stylist for product recommendations.
Gathering Your Supplies: What You’ll Need
Having the right supplies on hand will make the toning process smoother and more efficient. Here’s a checklist of essential items:
- Toner of your choice
- Developer (if using a demi-permanent toner; choose the correct volume, usually 10 or 20)
- Mixing bowl and applicator brush
- Gloves (essential for protecting your hands)
- Old towel (to protect your clothing)
- Hair clips (to section your hair)
- Timer
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Optional: Deep conditioner
Step-by-Step Guide to Toning Your Highlights at Home
Now that you’ve gathered your supplies and chosen your toner, it’s time to get started. Follow these steps carefully for the best results.
Preparation: Strand Test and Protecting Your Workspace
Always perform a strand test before applying toner to your entire head. This will allow you to see how the toner will affect your hair and adjust the application time accordingly. Apply the toner to a small, hidden section of hair and check the results after the recommended processing time.
Protect your workspace by laying down an old towel. Wear an old shirt that you don’t mind staining.
Mixing the Toner and Developer (If Applicable)
If you’re using a demi-permanent toner, mix the toner and developer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the correct ratio to avoid damaging your hair or achieving the wrong color. Typically, a 1:2 ratio of toner to developer is used, but always refer to the product instructions.
Applying the Toner Evenly
Section your hair into small, manageable sections. Apply the toner evenly, starting at the roots and working your way to the ends. Ensure that all highlighted strands are thoroughly saturated with the toner. Work quickly and efficiently to ensure even color distribution.
Processing Time: How Long to Leave the Toner On
The processing time will vary depending on the toner you’re using and the desired results. Refer to the product instructions for the recommended processing time. Generally, it ranges from 10 to 30 minutes. Check your hair periodically during the processing time to see how the color is developing.
Rinsing and Conditioning Your Hair
Once the processing time is complete, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear. Shampoo your hair and then apply a moisturizing conditioner. Consider using a deep conditioner to replenish moisture and restore shine.
Troubleshooting Common Toning Problems
Even with careful planning, things can sometimes go wrong when toning your highlights at home. Here’s how to troubleshoot some common problems.
Uneven Toning: Patchy or Streaky Results
Uneven toning can occur if the toner wasn’t applied evenly or if the hair is porous in some areas and not others. To fix this, you can try re-toning the areas that are not toned properly. Use a gentle toner and apply it only to the affected areas. In severe cases, it may be necessary to seek professional help.
Toning Too Dark: Over-Toned Hair
If your hair is toned too dark, it can look dull and lifeless. To lighten over-toned hair, you can try using a clarifying shampoo or washing your hair with a mixture of baking soda and water. These methods will help to gently lift the toner from your hair.
Still Brassy: Toner Didn’t Work
If your toner didn’t neutralize the brassiness, it could be because you used the wrong toner, didn’t leave it on long enough, or your hair was too brassy to begin with. Try using a stronger toner with more pigment or leaving the toner on for a longer period of time (within the recommended range). You may also need to pre-lighten your hair further before toning.
Maintaining Your Toned Highlights: Tips and Tricks
Once you’ve achieved your desired tone, it’s important to maintain it. Here are some tips and tricks for keeping your highlights looking fresh and vibrant.
Using Purple Shampoo and Conditioner Regularly
Purple shampoo and conditioner are your best friends when it comes to maintaining toned highlights. Use them regularly to neutralize yellow tones and prevent brassiness.
Avoiding Heat Styling and Sun Exposure
Heat styling and sun exposure can both contribute to brassiness. Minimize heat styling by using heat protectant sprays and air-drying your hair whenever possible. Wear a hat or use a UV protectant spray when spending time in the sun.
Deep Conditioning Regularly
Deep conditioning treatments help to keep your hair hydrated and healthy, which is essential for maintaining its color and shine. Use a deep conditioner once or twice a week to replenish moisture and prevent damage.
When to Seek Professional Help
While toning your highlights at home can be a convenient and cost-effective option, there are times when it’s best to seek professional help.
If you’re unsure about which toner to use, have severely damaged hair, or are experiencing significant brassiness, consult with a professional stylist. They can assess your hair, recommend the right products and techniques, and ensure that you achieve your desired results without damaging your hair. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your hair.
What are the essential tools and products I need to tone my highlights at home?
You’ll need a few key items to effectively tone your highlights. This includes a quality toner (choose one formulated for your specific hair needs and desired tone, like brassy or yellow), developer (usually a low volume, such as 10 or 20, depending on your hair’s porosity and the toner’s instructions), a mixing bowl and applicator brush, gloves to protect your hands, a timer to keep track of processing time, and an old towel to protect your clothing. Consider also using a clarifying shampoo to remove buildup before toning and a deep conditioner afterward to restore moisture.
Proper preparation is crucial for a successful at-home toning experience. Be sure to read the instructions for your chosen toner and developer thoroughly before starting. Perform a strand test on a hidden section of your hair to assess how the toner will react and to avoid unwanted surprises. Finally, make sure you have a well-lit space and someone who can help you reach the back of your head for even application if necessary.
How do I choose the right toner for my blonde highlights?
Selecting the right toner depends heavily on the undertones you want to neutralize and the overall desired result. If your highlights are excessively yellow, a purple-based toner will help counteract that warmth and create a cooler, more neutral blonde. For orange or brassy tones, a blue-based toner is generally more effective. Consider the level of your blonde as well; very light blonde shades typically require gentler toners.
Beyond color correction, think about the formula and its impact on your hair’s condition. Some toners are formulated with conditioning agents to minimize dryness, while others might be more drying. Read reviews and consider your hair type (dry, oily, damaged) when making your selection. A lighter or more diluted toner is always preferred to avoid over-toning your hair and creating unwanted colours.
What developer volume should I use with my toner?
The volume of developer you use directly affects how much the toner lifts and deposits color. For toning highlights, a low volume developer is generally recommended to avoid further lightening the hair or causing damage. A 10-volume developer is typically sufficient for depositing color and neutralizing unwanted tones without significant lift.
A 20-volume developer can provide slightly more lift, but it’s best reserved for situations where you need to slightly brighten the highlights in addition to toning. Avoid using higher volume developers like 30 or 40 with toners, as these are intended for lightening and can lead to unpredictable and potentially damaging results on pre-lightened hair. Always follow the toner manufacturer’s instructions for the recommended developer volume.
How do I apply the toner evenly to my highlights?
Even application is key to avoiding patchy or uneven results when toning your highlights. Start by sectioning your hair into small, manageable sections. Apply the toner mixture to each section, focusing on the highlighted strands. Use an applicator brush to ensure even coverage, working from the roots (if needed) to the ends.
Pay close attention to the saturation of the highlights with the toner mixture. Avoid overlapping the toner onto the darker, non-highlighted hair, as this can alter its color as well. Once you’ve applied the toner to all the highlighted sections, gently massage the hair to ensure even distribution. Keep in mind it may be beneficial to apply toner on less porous areas first to ensure even development.
How long should I leave the toner on my hair?
The processing time for toner is crucial and varies depending on the toner formula, the desired result, and your hair’s porosity. Always refer to the toner manufacturer’s instructions for the recommended processing time, which is typically between 5 and 20 minutes. Keep a close eye on your hair while the toner is processing.
Regularly check the color development to ensure you achieve the desired tone. Strand tests are extremely useful in these situations. If your hair is highly porous, it may absorb the toner more quickly, so you may need to reduce the processing time. If you’re unsure, start with the minimum recommended time and gradually increase it if needed, checking frequently. Do not leave toner on longer than the recommended maximum processing time.
What should I do if I accidentally over-tone my highlights?
If you accidentally over-tone your highlights, resulting in a color that is too dark or ashy, don’t panic. There are several steps you can take to correct the situation. Start by washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo to help remove some of the toner. You may need to wash it multiple times.
After washing, use a deep conditioning treatment to rehydrate your hair, as clarifying shampoos can be drying. If the color is still too dark, you can try a color-removing shampoo or a diluted bleach wash (only if your hair is healthy enough for it, and always with extreme caution). If you’re uncomfortable performing these steps yourself, consult a professional hairstylist for assistance.
How can I maintain my toned highlights and prevent brassiness?
Maintaining your toned highlights involves incorporating specific products and practices into your hair care routine. Use a purple shampoo and conditioner once or twice a week to neutralize any developing brassiness. Look for products specifically formulated for blonde or highlighted hair, as these often contain ingredients to help preserve color and add shine.
Avoid excessive heat styling, as heat can contribute to color fading and brassiness. When heat styling is necessary, use a heat protectant spray. Protect your hair from sun exposure by wearing a hat or using a hair product with UV protection. Regularly deep condition your hair to keep it healthy and hydrated, which will help the toner last longer. A simple water rinse may also help to remove any buildup that can lead to discolouration.