When it comes to achieving that perfect hair color, toner often plays a crucial role. It helps in eliminating the undesired brassiness and brings out a more refined, polished look. But, one question that frequently arises is – how long to leave toner in hair? In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into this topic and provide you with all the necessary information.
No matter if you have grey hair with yellow tones, or black hair with some red tones, we have the solution for your problem.
Chapter Overview
Understanding Toner and Its Role
Hair toner, often referred to as the ‘secret weapon’ of hair coloring, is an essential product for individuals seeking to enhance their hair’s natural or dyed color.
Primarily used after bleaching, toner works by adding pigments into the hair that neutralize and correct the hair’s undertone. For instance, if your hair has yellow or orange undertones post-bleaching, a toner can help in achieving a more natural and balanced color.
Apart from neutralizing undesired tones, hair toners can also add shine and boost the overall color of your hair. Essentially, it’s all about refining the hair color to get the exact shade you desire.
When to Use Hair Toner
There are specific situations where using a toner can be beneficial, such as:
- If you notice unwanted warm brassy tones like gold in your hair.
- If you prefer cooler, ashy tones.
- To refresh your existing hair color.
- To cover gray hair.
- If you have bleached hair or blonde highlights.
Types of Hair Toners
There are primarily three types of hair toners:
Semi-permanent Toners
These toners are quick and easy to use, requiring only 1-3 minutes of application time. Semi-permanent toners include toning shampoos, color-depositing conditioners, and colored hair masks.
For example, a purple shampoo for blonde hair or any other toning shampoo.
Demi-permanent Toners
Also known as gloss, demi-permanent toners are ideally used for enriching hair color and adding shine. They require a processing time between 5 to 15 minutes.
Permanent Toners
For significant color correction, permanent toners are utilized. These are preferred by hair professionals as they provide the most noticeable results. However, they also require the longest processing time.
So, make sure to chose the right one for your brassy hair. But we always suggest using a permanent toner only when recommended by a hair professional.
Factors Influencing Toner Processing Times
Several factors can affect how long you should leave toner in your hair:
Original Hair Color
The base or starting color of your hair plays a crucial role in toning. This is the color that requires adjustments, and the time required for toning can differ based on this factor.
You have to look at the color wheel, and see which hair toning shampoo works for your color treated hair. For example, a black hair and red hair need a bit more time compared to blonde hair.
Hair’s Health and Condition
The current state of your natural hair also influences how long to leave the toner in. For instance, if your hair is already damaged due to repeated dyeing or bleaching, you should not leave the toner in for too long. Yes, you can solve the unwanted tones issue even with a short use of hair toning tool.
Degree of Brassiness
The degree of brassiness in your hair also affects the toning time. Generally, darker hair requires a longer toning time due to deeper pigments that need to be neutralized.
How Long Should You Leave Toner in Hair?
Now, coming to the main question – how long to leave toner in hair?
If your hair has been freshly lightened, toner should ideally be left on for about 30 to 45 minutes. However, when toning colored hair, a span of 5 to 20 minutes is sufficient to correct the tones and revive its freshness.
However, always remember to check your hair frequently during the toning process. This will ensure that your hair does not end up overly dark.
Using Hair Toner After Bleaching
Using toner after bleaching your natural hair can be a bit tricky and is usually best left to professionals. However, if you choose to do it yourself, the toner should be left on your hair for about 20 to 30 minutes. Always ensure you are regularly checking the hair during this time to achieve the desired result.
Using Hair Toner on Brassy Hair
If your hair has turned brassy due to repeated washes or exposure to natural elements, toner can come to your rescue. Depending on the degree of brassiness in your orange hair, you will need to leave the toner on your hair for about 15 to 35 minutes.
The Risk of Leaving Toner on Too Long
While leaving the toner on for the recommended time is crucial, it’s also important not to leave it on for too long. Over-toning can result in a darker color than desired or even give your hair a purple or blue tint.
Therefore, always keep an eye on the clock and your hair when toning.
Maintaining Toned Hair
After you’ve successfully toned your hair, maintenance is key. Here are a few tips:
- Use hair care products that are gentle and won’t strip the color quickly
- Minimize sun exposure
- Try not to stay in chlorinated water for too long
- Limit the usage of hot styling tools
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, knowing how long to leave toner in hair can be a game-changer when it comes to achieving the perfect hair color. However, remember that toning is a delicate process, and each individual’s hair may react differently. Therefore, always keep a watchful eye on both the clock and your hair to avoid any unwanted results. Happy toning!