When it comes to hair coloring, achieving the perfect shade can be a challenge, especially when it comes to highlights. Whether you’re looking to enhance your natural color, correct a previous coloring mistake, or simply try out a new look, toners have become a popular solution. But can toners really change the color of highlights? In this article, we’ll dive into the world of toners, explore what they can and can’t do, and provide some valuable tips for getting the most out of your hair coloring experience.
What Are Toners, and How Do They Work?
Toners are a type of hair color product that can be used to adjust the tone of your hair after it’s been bleached or colored. They’re usually applied to the hair as a complementary or contrasting color to neutralize or enhance the existing shade. Toners can be used on both natural and colored hair, and they’re particularly popular among individuals with blonde or light brown hair who want to add a touch of warmth or coolness to their locks.
Toners work by depositing color pigment onto the hair shaft, which can help to:
- Neutralize brassy tones in blonde hair
- Add warmth or coolness to the hair
- Enhance or change the color of highlights
Can Toners Change the Color of Highlights?
Now, let’s get to the million-dollar question: can toners really change the color of highlights? The short answer is yes, but with some caveats.
Toners can definitely alter the tone of highlights, making them look more vibrant, richer, or more subtle. For example, if you have blonde highlights with a warm, golden tone, a purple-based toner can help to neutralize the warmth and create a cooler, more ashy blonde shade.
However, toners cannot drastically change the color of highlights from one shade to another. If you have dark brown highlights, for instance, a toner won’t be able to transform them into light blonde highlights overnight.
Factors That Affect the Success of Toner on Highlights
Several factors can influence the effectiveness of a toner on highlights, including:
Hair Porosity
Hair porosity plays a significant role in how well a toner takes to the hair. If your hair has low porosity, the toner may not penetrate evenly, resulting in an uneven color deposit. On the other hand, hair with high porosity may absorb too much toner, leading to an over-deposit of color.
Previous Color Treatments
If your hair has been previously colored or chemically treated, the toner may not take as well as it would on virgin hair. This is because the hair’s cuticle layer may be more compact, making it harder for the toner to penetrate.
Toner Formulation
The type of toner used can also impact its effectiveness. For example, a demi-permanent toner may not be as effective as a permanent toner in changing the color of highlights.
Choosing the Right Toner for Your Highlights
With so many toners on the market, selecting the right one for your highlights can be overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
- Determine your desired outcome: Before choosing a toner, decide what you want to achieve. Do you want to neutralize brassy tones, add warmth, or enhance your highlights?
- Consider your hair type and condition: If you have damaged or porous hair, look for a toner that’s formulated to address these concerns.
- Read reviews and consult with a professional: Research different toners online, and consult with a hair professional if you’re unsure which toner to choose.
Popular Toner Shades for Highlights
Here are some popular toner shades that can enhance or change the color of highlights:
Blonde Highlights
- Wella Color Charm T18 “Lilac” for a cool, ashy blonde shade
- Redken Pillow Proof “Pink” for a warm, rosy blonde shade
Brunette Highlights
- Joico Vero K-Pak “Blue” for a cool, dark blonde shade
- Matrix SoColor “Red” for a warm, auburn shade
Maintenance and Aftercare
Once you’ve applied a toner to your highlights, it’s essential to maintain the color and condition of your hair. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Use a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner: These products can help to lock in the color and moisture of your hair.
- 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 maintain the color and vibrancy of your highlights, consider getting regular touch-ups every 4-6 weeks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, toners can be a highly effective way to change the color of highlights, but it’s essential to understand their limitations and choose the right product for your hair type and desired outcome. By following the tips and advice outlined in this article, you can achieve the perfect shade of highlights that complements your skin tone, hair texture, and personal style. So, go ahead and experiment with toners – your hair will thank you!
What are toners and how do they work?
Toners are a type of hair color product that are used to adjust the tone of previously colored hair. They work by depositing color pigments onto the hair shaft, which can help to enhance or change the color of the hair. Toners are typically applied after bleaching or coloring the hair, and can be used to achieve a variety of different looks and effects.
Toners can be either demi-permanent or semi-permanent, and can be mixed with developer to create a customized color formula. They are usually applied to the hair and left on for a certain amount of time before being rinsed out, and can be used to achieve a range of different effects, from subtle, natural-looking color changes to more dramatic, bold color transformations.
Can toners really change the color of highlights?
Yes, toners can really change the color of highlights. Because toners deposit color pigments onto the hair shaft, they can be used to adjust the color of previously highlighted hair. This can be especially useful if you have highlights that have started to look brassy or yellow, as a toner can be used to neutralize these unwanted tones and achieve a more desirable color.
For example, if you have blonde highlights that have started to look too yellow, a purple-based toner can be used to neutralize the yellow tones and achieve a cooler, more ashy blonde color. Similarly, if you have dark brown highlights that have started to look too red, a green-based toner can be used to cancel out the red tones and achieve a deeper, richer brown color.
How do I choose the right toner for my highlights?
Choosing the right toner for your highlights depends on the current color of your hair and the color you want to achieve. If you want to neutralize unwanted tones, you’ll want to choose a toner that is opposite to the tone you’re trying to cancel out. For example, if you have brassy highlights, you’ll want to choose a purple-based toner to neutralize the yellow tones.
It’s also important to consider the level of your highlights and the type of color you’re working with. If you have very light blonde highlights, you may want to use a more saturated toner to achieve the desired color. If you have darker highlights, you may want to use a less saturated toner to avoid over-depositing color. It’s always a good idea to consult with a professional stylist or colorist for personalized advice on choosing the right toner for your highlights.
Can I use toners at home, or do I need to go to a salon?
While it’s possible to use toners at home, it’s generally recommended to have them applied by a professional stylist or colorist. This is because toners can be tricky to use, and it’s easy to end up with uneven color or unwanted tones.
A professional stylist or colorist will have the training and experience to choose the right toner for your hair and apply it correctly to achieve the desired color. They will also be able to perform a strand test to ensure the toner doesn’t damage your hair, and can make adjustments as needed to achieve the perfect color.
How long does a toner last?
The length of time a toner lasts can vary depending on several factors, including the type of toner used, the condition of your hair, and how well you take care of your hair. On average, a toner can last anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks, although some toners may last longer or shorter than this.
To make your toner last longer, it’s important to use a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner, avoid using hot water, and minimize your use of heat styling tools. You can also use a color-depositing treatment or gloss to help maintain the color and vibrancy of your hair between toner applications.
Can I use toners on virgin hair?
Toners can be used on virgin hair, but it’s generally not recommended. Toners are typically used to adjust the tone of previously colored hair, and using them on virgin hair can result in uneven color or unwanted tones.
If you have virgin hair and want to achieve a specific color or tone, it’s usually better to use a demi-permanent or semi-permanent hair color instead of a toner. These types of color products are formulated to deposit color onto virgin hair, and can be used to achieve a wide range of different looks and effects.
Are toners damaging to hair?
Like any hair color product, toners can be damaging to hair if not used properly. Toners can be especially damaging if they are over-processed or used on already damaged hair.
However, if used correctly and with the right precautions, toners can be a relatively gentle way to adjust the tone of your hair. To minimize the risk of damage, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully, perform a strand test before applying the toner, and use a pre-toner treatment to protect your hair. It’s also important to use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner after toning to help lock in moisture and keep your hair healthy.