Are you tired of dull, brassy tones in your brown hair? Do you want to achieve a rich, vibrant color without breaking the bank or damaging your locks? Look no further! Making toner with purple shampoo is a game-changing hack that can transform your hair in just a few simple steps. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of hair toning, explore the benefits of using purple shampoo, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to create your own custom toner at home.
Understanding Hair Toning: What You Need to Know
Before we dive into the DIY toner recipe, it’s essential to understand the basics of hair toning. Hair toning is a process that helps to adjust the tone and color of your hair, removing unwanted warm or brassy tones and adding a cooler, more vibrant hue. There are two main types of hair toners: demi-permanent and semi-permanent. Demi-permanent toners last longer and provide more dramatic results, while semi-permanent toners are gentler and wash out faster.
The Magic of Purple Shampoo
Purple shampoo is a type of color-depositing shampoo specifically designed for blonde and brunette hair. It helps to neutralize warm tones, adding a cool, ashy hue to the hair. But did you know that purple shampoo can also be used as a toner? When mixed with a developer, purple shampoo becomes a powerful tool for achieving vibrant, long-lasting results. The purple pigment in the shampoo helps to cancel out brassy tones, leaving your hair with a rich, cool color.
Why Make Your Own Toner with Purple Shampoo?
There are several reasons why making your own toner with purple shampoo is a great idea:
- Cost-effective: Commercial toners can be expensive, and making your own toner at home can save you a significant amount of money.
- Customization: With a DIY toner, you can control the amount of purple pigment and developer used, allowing you to create a custom formula tailored to your hair type and desired results.
- Less damage: Using a purple shampoo toner can be gentler on your hair than traditional toners, which can contain harsh chemicals.
- Convenience: Making your own toner at home means you can tone your hair whenever you want, without having to visit a salon.
The Ultimate DIY Toner Recipe with Purple Shampoo
Now that we’ve covered the basics, it’s time to get started with the recipe! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup of purple shampoo (make sure to choose a sulfate-free, color-depositing shampoo)
- 1/2 cup of developer (10 volume or higher)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil (optional)
- 1 tablespoon of honey (optional)
Step 1: Mix the Purple Shampoo and Developer
In a bowl, mix 1 cup of purple shampoo with 1/2 cup of developer. Stir the mixture well until it’s smooth and free of lumps.
Step 2: Add the Olive Oil and Honey (Optional)
If you want to add an extra layer of nourishment to your hair, now is the time to add the olive oil and honey. Mix in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of honey into the purple shampoo mixture.
Step 3: Apply the Toner
Apply the toner mixture to your hair, starting at the roots and working your way down to the ends. Make sure to saturate your hair evenly, but avoid overlapping or applying too much product.
Step 4: Process the Toner
Leave the toner on your hair for 20-30 minutes, depending on the desired level of toning. You can check the progress by rinsing a small section of hair with warm water. If you want a more intense tone, leave the toner on for a longer period.
Step 5: Rinse and Condition
Rinse the toner out of your hair with warm water, followed by a cold water rinse. Shampoo and condition your hair as usual.
Tips and Tricks for Achieving the Perfect Toner
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when making your own toner with purple shampoo:
- Use a sulfate-free shampoo: Sulfates can strip the hair of its natural oils, which can affect the toning process. Choose a sulfate-free purple shampoo to ensure the best results.
- Choose the right developer volume: The volume of the developer will affect the intensity of the toning process. If you’re new to hair toning, start with a lower volume (10 or 12) and gradually increase as needed.
- Be patient: Toning your hair can take time, so be patient and don’t rush the process.
- Do a patch test: Before applying the toner to your entire head, do a patch test to ensure you don’t have any allergic reactions or sensitivity to the ingredients.
Maintenance and Follow-Up
To maintain the vibrant tone achieved with your DIY purple shampoo toner, here are a few tips:
- Use a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner: Switch to a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner to help lock in the tone and prevent fading.
- Avoid using hot water: Hot water can cause the color to fade faster, so try to use warm or cool water when washing your hair.
- Get regular touch-ups: To keep your hair looking vibrant and healthy, consider getting regular touch-ups every 4-6 weeks.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Here are a few common issues you may encounter when making and using your DIY purple shampoo toner:
- Over-toning: If you notice your hair has become too ashy or purple, try mixing in a small amount of shampoo to dilute the toner.
- Under-toning: If your hair isn’t achieving the desired level of toning, try leaving the toner on for a longer period or increasing the volume of the developer.
By following this simple recipe and tips, you can create your own custom toner with purple shampoo at home. Remember to be patient, do a patch test, and follow up with regular maintenance to achieve the vibrant, healthy-looking hair you deserve. Happy toning!
What is a toner and how does it work?
A toner is a color-depositing treatment that can be applied to the hair after bleaching or coloring to enhance and adjust the tone of the color. It works by depositing color pigments onto the hair shaft, which can help to neutralize brassy tones, add depth and dimension, and create a more vibrant color. Toners can be used to make subtle adjustments to the color or to make more dramatic changes, depending on the desired result.
In the case of using purple shampoo as a toner, the purple pigment helps to cancel out warm tones and create a cooler, more ashy blonde color. This is especially useful for brunettes who want to achieve a vibrant, icy blonde color without having to bleach their hair.
What kind of purple shampoo should I use to make a toner?
When choosing a purple shampoo to use as a toner, look for a high-quality, sulfate-free shampoo that is specifically formulated for toning and color-depositing. Avoid using regular purple shampoos that are meant for daily use, as they may not be as effective at depositing color onto the hair. Some popular brands that offer toning purple shampoos include Wella, Joico, and Redken.
It’s also important to note that the shade of purple shampoo you choose will affect the final result of your toner. If you want a more pinkish tone, use a lighter purple shampoo. For a more blueish tone, use a darker purple shampoo.
How long does the toning process take?
The toning process can take anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes, depending on the length and thickness of your hair, as well as the desired level of color deposit. If you’re looking to make a subtle adjustment to your color, a shorter processing time may be sufficient. However, if you want to achieve a more dramatic change, you may need to leave the toner on for a longer period of time.
It’s also important to follow the instructions on the purple shampoo packaging and to perform a strand test before applying the toner to your entire head. This will help you determine the optimal processing time and ensure that you achieve the desired results.
Can I use this toner on virgin hair?
It’s generally not recommended to use a toner on virgin hair, as it can cause damage and dryness. Toners are best used on hair that has already been lightened or colored, as they can help to enhance and adjust the tone of the color. If you have virgin hair and want to achieve a vibrant, icy blonde color, it’s best to consult with a professional stylist who can help you achieve the desired result safely and effectively.
If you do decide to use a toner on virgin hair, make sure to follow the instructions carefully and perform a strand test before applying the toner to your entire head. Additionally, be sure to use a hydrating conditioner and a color-protecting treatment after the toning process to help minimize damage and dryness.
How long does the color last after using a toner?
The longevity of the color after using a toner will depend on several factors, including the quality of the toner, the type of hair you have, and how well you care for your hair after the toning process. On average, a toner can last anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks, depending on how quickly your hair grows and how well you maintain the color.
To help extend the life of the color, be sure to use a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner, and avoid using hot tools or heat styling tools excessively. You can also touch up your roots and ends every 4-6 weeks to maintain the desired color.
Can I use a toner on highlighted hair?
Yes, you can use a toner on highlighted hair, but it’s important to be cautious when doing so. If you have highlighted hair, it’s best to use a toner that is specifically formulated for highlighted hair, as regular toners can cause the highlights to become too dark or ashy.
When using a toner on highlighted hair, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and perform a strand test before applying the toner to your entire head. Additionally, be sure to use a hydrating conditioner and a color-protecting treatment after the toning process to help minimize damage and dryness.
Is making a toner with purple shampoo damaging to my hair?
Making a toner with purple shampoo can be damaging to your hair if not done properly. Over-processing or leaving the toner on for too long can cause damage, dryness, and breakage. Additionally, if you have previously colored or damaged hair, using a toner can further exacerbate the damage.
To minimize damage, be sure to follow the instructions carefully, perform a strand test before applying the toner to your entire head, and use a hydrating conditioner and a color-protecting treatment after the toning process. It’s also a good idea to get regular trims and use a hair mask once a week to keep your hair healthy and strong.