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Choosing the Right Toner for Highlighted Hair: a Complete Guide (2024)

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how to choose the right toner for your highlighted hairAre you struggling to find the right toner for your highlighted hair? Look no further! This complete guide will help you navigate through the world of hair toners and choose the perfect one for your needs.

From understanding different types of toners to considering factors like hair level and undertones, we’ll provide expert advice on selecting a toner that will enhance your highlights and leave you with beautiful, vibrant locks.

Get ready to achieve salon-worthy results with our comprehensive guide on choosing the right toner for highlighted hair.

Key Takeaways

  • Understanding the hair’s level and undertones is crucial in choosing the right toner.
  • Consider color theory and the color wheel when selecting a toner.
  • Different toner colors have specific effects on hair, so choose one that aligns with your desired results.
  • Maintenance is essential to preserve the desired hair tone, including using purple shampoos and limiting washing.

Understanding Hair Toners

Understanding Hair Toners
Hair toners are essential for achieving the desired results on bleached or highlighted hair.

They come in various colors such as violet, blue, and green (ash) to counteract yellow and orange undertones.

The choice of toner is determined by the hair’s level, with different toners suitable for various levels.

Purpose of Hair Toners

Hair toners serve a crucial purpose in maintaining the color and vibrancy of highlighted hair.

  1. Purpose of Toners: Hair toners neutralize unwanted undertones, such as brassiness or yellowness, that may appear after bleaching.
  2. Toner Selection: Choose a toner based on your hair’s level and desired outcome to achieve the perfect shade.
  3. Application Tips: Follow recommended development times and use proper techniques for optimal results.
  4. Toning Maintenance:Toners require care to preserve their effects, including limiting washing and heat styling while adjusting your hair care routine accordingly.

Types of Hair Toners

When it comes to understanding hair toners, it’s important to explore the different types available.

There are various types of hair toners, including permanent and semi-permanent options.

Permanent toners completely cover previous hair shading, while semi-permanent ones offer temporary color that lasts about 10-12 washes.

Additionally, there are also purple shampoos available for maintaining and refreshing blonde hair.

Understanding these different types will help you choose the right toner for your highlighted hair and ensure proper maintenance for long-lasting results.

How Hair Toners Work

To understand how hair toners work, you need to know that they’re oxidative products mixed with a developer to create an alkaline solution. This solution opens, recolors, and closes the hair cuticle, resulting in improved hair color.

The primary effects of toners include the removal of yellow tones and color correction. By using violet, blue or green pigments following the Color Wheel Theory, toners cancel out undesirable yellow and orange hues for a cooler and more desirable blonde shade.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Toner

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Toner
When choosing a toner for your highlighted hair, there are several factors to consider.

One important factor is the level and undertones of your hair. The right toner should be chosen based on these factors to achieve the desired result.

Additionally, understanding how different toner colors can affect your hair’s appearance is crucial in making an informed decision.

Hair Level and Undertones

Now that you understand the basics of hair toners, let’s dive into an important factor to consider when choosing the right toner for your highlighted hair: your hair level and undertones.

Your hair level refers to how light or dark your bleached or highlighted strands are, while undertones refer to the underlying colors present in your hair. These factors will determine which toner colors will work best for achieving your desired result.

Consider consulting a bleaching level chart and understanding color theory with the help of a color wheel before selecting a specific toner shade. This knowledge will guide you in choosing an appropriate intense pearl blonde toner or other shades that complement and enhance your highlights effectively.

Toner Colors and Their Effects

Now that you understand the importance of considering your hair’s level and undertones when choosing a toner, let’s explore the different toner colors and their effects.

When selecting a toner color, keep in mind its impact on your hair coloring process.

  • Intense Violet Blonde Toner: Counteracts yellow tones for a cool, ashy blonde.
  • Intense Silver Blonde Toner: Neutralizes brassy or orange tones for a silver or platinum look.
  • Hair Level: Different levels require specific toners to achieve desired results.
  • Color Correction Techniques: Toners can correct unwanted hues and create balanced shades.
  • Maintenance Tips:Toners fade over time; use purple shampoos/masks & limit washing/heat styling.

Intense Cream-Based Toners for Orange or Yellow-Orange Tones

Intense Cream-Based Toners for Orange or Yellow-Orange Tones
If you have level 7-8 hair with strong orange or yellow-orange tones, intense cream-based toners like Ugly Duckling 100V (violet) and 100B (blue) are ideal choices for achieving the desired results.

These toners are specifically formulated to counteract warm undertones and neutralize brassiness, giving your highlighted hair a cooler and more desirable blonde shade.

The intense cream-based formula ensures thorough coverage and effective color correction for a professional-looking finish.

Suitable Toners for Level 7-8 Hair

If your highlighted hair falls within the level 7-8 range and has strong orange or yellow-orange tones, you’ll want to opt for intense cream-based toners like Ugly Duckling’s 100V (violet) and 100B (blue).

These toners are specifically designed to counteract these warm undertones and provide a cooler, more desirable blonde shade.

When applying these toners, make sure to follow proper application techniques and wait for the toner to change your hair color before rinsing.

Maintain your toned hair by limiting washing and heat styling.

Ugly Duckling 100V (Violet) and 100B (Blue)

Do you want to neutralize those strong orange or yellow-orange tones in your level 7-8 highlighted hair?

Ugly Duckling offers the perfect solution with their intense cream-based toners, such as 100V (violet) and 100B (blue). These toners are specifically designed to counteract unwanted warm tones and create a cooler blonde shade.

Maintain your toned hair by using these high-quality, professional-grade toners from Ugly Duckling.

Regular, No-Lift Cream-Based Toners for Level 9-10 Hair

Regular, No-Lift Cream-Based Toners for Level 9-10 Hair
If you have level 9-10 hair and are searching for the perfect toner, look no further than Ugly Duckling’s 10V (violet) and 10B (blue) cream-based toners.

These regular, no-lift toners are specifically formulated to enhance and refine your blonde shade without lightening it further.

With their creamy consistency, they provide easy application and excellent color correction for achieving a cooler tone on your highlighted hair.

Suitable Toners for Level 9-10 Hair

For level 9-10 hair, you’ll want to choose regular, no-lift cream-based toners that can enhance your blonde shade without further lightening it.

Here are suitable toners for level 9-10 hair:

  1. Ugly Duckling 10V (Violet): This toner neutralizes yellow tones and gives a cool, ash-blonde result.
  2. Ugly Duckling 10B (Blue): Ideal for canceling out orange undertones and achieving a cold ash-blonde look.
  3. Blondify liquid gloss toners in Natural Ash Blonde and Natural Violet Blonde: Perfect for refreshing highlights without affecting dark bases or lowlights.

These products will help you achieve the desired tone while maintaining the integrity of your bleached hair.

Ugly Duckling 10V (Violet) and 10B (Blue)

To achieve the perfect tonal balance for your level 9-10 highlighted hair, opt for Ugly Duckling’s regular, no-lift cream-based toners in shades 10V (Violet) and 10B (Blue).

These toners are specifically designed to neutralize any unwanted brassiness and yellow tones in your hair. They provide excellent color correction while maintaining the durability of the toner.

By using these toners, you can preserve your toned hair and prevent it from fading over time.

Refreshing Highlights Without Affecting Dark Bases or Lowlights

Refreshing Highlights Without Affecting Dark Bases or Lowlights
To refresh your highlights without affecting dark bases or lowlights, consider using Blondify liquid gloss toners in Natural Ash Blonde and Natural Violet Blonde.

These toners are specifically formulated to add vibrancy to highlighted hair while maintaining the integrity of darker sections.

The Natural Ash Blonde toner helps neutralize any unwanted warm tones, while the Natural Violet Blonde adds coolness for a more balanced look.

Using Blondify Liquid Gloss Toners

To refresh your highlights without affecting dark bases or lowlights, try using Blondify liquid gloss toners.

These toners are perfect for achieving a silver grey look and maintaining color vibrancy.

The application of Blondify toners involves carefully selecting the right shade, applying it to the hair cuticle, and allowing it to work its magic.

With proper use and regular maintenance, these toners can help achieve stunning color correction while preventing hair damage and ensuring long-lasting results.

Natural Ash Blonde and Natural Violet Blonde

You can refresh your highlights without affecting dark bases or lowlights by using Blondify’s Natural Ash Blonde and Natural Violet Blonde gloss toners.

These toners are perfect for blonde maintenance, offering unique results while balancing undertones. They provide effective color correction and can be used to achieve the desired shade of blonde.

To ensure the longevity of your toned hair, limit heat styling and use a thermal-protection spray before styling. Additionally, avoid over-washing to prevent fading and maintain vibrant tones in your hair.

Diverse Range of Unique Blonde Toners From Ugly Duckling

Diverse Range of Unique Blonde Toners From Ugly Duckling
If you’re looking for a diverse range of unique blonde toners, Ugly Duckling offers the perfect solution. Their line of toners provides options that cater to different needs and hair levels.

For intense orange or yellow-orange tones in level 7-8 hair, Ugly Duckling 100V (violet) and 100B (blue) are ideal choices with their cream-based formulas.

If you have level 9-10 hair, regular no-lift cream-based toners like Ugly Duckling’s 10V (violet) and 10B (blue) will give you beautiful results.

Additionally, if your goal is to refresh highlights without affecting dark bases or lowlights, consider using Blondify liquid gloss toners in Natural Ash Blonde and Natural Violet Blonde shades from Ugly Duckling’s collection.

With these unique options from Ugly Ducking, achieving the perfect tone for your highlighted hair has never been easier.

Additional Blonde Toning Products

Additional Blonde Toning Products
When it comes to maintaining and refreshing your blonde hair, there are additional toning products that can be highly beneficial.

Purple shampoos and masks, such as Ugly Duckling’s Brilliant Blonde Purple Shampoo & Mask, are excellent options for keeping your blonde color vibrant. These sulfate-free products help to tone down any brassiness or unwanted yellow tones in between salon visits while nourishing and moisturizing the hair.

Purple Shampoos and Masks

Purple shampoos and masks are excellent additions to your hair care routine for maintaining and refreshing the vibrant tones of your highlighted hair. These products, such as Ugly Duckling’s Brilliant Blonde Purple Shampoo & Mask, provide color correction while protecting your hair.

Purple shampoos and masks are specially formulated with violet pigments that neutralize unwanted yellow or brassy tones in blonde hair. Incorporating these toning techniques into your routine will help you achieve long-lasting results and keep your highlighted hair looking its best.

Ugly Duckling’s Brilliant Blonde Purple Shampoo & Mask

To further enhance your highlighted hair, consider incorporating Ugly Duckling’s Brilliant Blonde Purple Shampoo & Mask into your blonde toning routine.

This purple toning duo is specially formulated to neutralize unwanted brassy tones and maintain vibrant results in between salon visits.

The sulfate-free formula gently cleanses and nourishes the hair while depositing violet pigments to counteract yellow undertones.

Use this dynamic duo for regular maintenance, protecting your blonde locks and keeping them looking fresh and vibrant.

Application Tips for Hair Toners

Application Tips for Hair Toners
To ensure optimal results when applying hair toners to your highlighted hair, it’s important to follow proper application techniques.

This includes carefully following the recommended development time based on your hair’s quality, shade, and desired effect.

Additionally, it’s crucial to wait for the toner to change your hair color before rinsing it out, as this will determine the final outcome of your toned highlights.

Proper Application Techniques

To achieve the best results when applying hair toners, it’s important that you follow proper application techniques.

Start by sectioning your hair and applying the toner evenly from root to tip.

Use a brush or comb to distribute the product thoroughly and ensure all strands are covered.

Leave the toner on for the recommended development time based on your desired effect.

Rinse well with cool water and style as usual for beautiful, toned highlights.

Waiting for the Toner to Change Hair Color

Once you’ve applied the toner to your highlighted hair, it’s important to wait patiently for the toner to work its magic and change the color of your hair. The waiting time can vary depending on factors such as the desired result and the specific toner used.

Typically, you should leave the toner on for about 10-20 minutes before rinsing it out. During this time, be sure not to disturb or manipulate your hair too much to allow proper development of the toner.

After rinsing, follow up with a gentle shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for colored hair to maintain vibrancy and prolong results.

Maintaining Toned Hair

Maintaining Toned Hair
To maintain toned hair, limit washing and heat styling to prevent fading.

Adjust your hair care routine by using products specifically designed for maintaining toner-treated hair, such as color-safe shampoos and conditioners.

Additionally, consider incorporating leave-in treatments or masks that provide extra nourishment and protection for your highlighted locks.

Limiting Washing and Heat Styling

To maintain your toned hair, it’s important to limit how often you wash and style with heat.

Washing too frequently can cause the toner to fade faster. Instead, try reducing washing frequency and using dry shampoo in between washes.

When styling with heat, use thermal protection spray to minimize damage and prevent toner fading.

By adopting these habits, you can prolong the vibrancy of your toned hair color while keeping it healthy and beautiful.

Adjusting Hair Care Routine and Toning Products

To maintain your toned hair, you’ll need to make adjustments to your hair care routine and the toning products you use.

Proper hair maintenance is crucial for preventing fading and keeping your color vibrant.

Use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners specifically formulated for colored hair to prevent stripping away the toner.

Additionally, limit heat styling and protect your hair with thermal sprays before using hot tools.

Regularly deep conditioning can also help keep your tones looking fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can toners be used on natural hair, or are they only for bleached or highlighted hair?

Toners can be used on both bleached or highlighted hair and natural hair. They aren’t exclusive to specific types of hair.

Toners help neutralize unwanted undertones, enhance color vibrancy, and create a polished look for any type of hair.

Is it possible to mix different toner shades together to achieve a custom color?

Yes, you can mix different toner shades together to achieve a custom color. This allows for personalized results and gives you the opportunity to create unique tones that suit your hair perfectly.

Get creative with your toning!

How long should I leave the toner on my hair for optimal results?

For optimal results, leave the toner on your hair as recommended based on factors like hair quality, shade, and desired effect.

Following the suggested development time will help you achieve the best outcome for beautifully toned hair.

Can toners be used on other hair colors besides blonde?

Yes, toners can be used on hair colors other than blonde.

They’re versatile products that can help neutralize unwanted undertones and enhance the desired shade in different hair colors.

Are there any specific hair care products or routines that should be followed after toning to maintain the color?

After toning your hair, it’s important to follow a proper hair care routine.

  • Limit washing and heat styling to prevent fading.
  • Use thermal protection spray before styling.
  • Wait a while after toning before washing your hair.

Conclusion

To achieve stunning, salon-worthy results with your highlighted hair, choosing the right toner is essential.

Understanding hair toners, considering factors like hair level and undertones, and selecting the appropriate toner colors are crucial steps in this process.

Whether you have orange or yellow-orange tones or want to refresh your highlights without affecting dark bases or lowlights, there are toners available to meet your specific needs.

With the right toner and proper application techniques, you can maintain beautifully toned hair that leaves you feeling confident and vibrant.

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Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim is a published author and software engineer and beard care expert from the US. To date, he has helped thousands of men make their beards look better and get fatter. His work has been mentioned in countless notable publications on men's care and style and has been cited in Seeker, Wikihow, GQ, TED, and Buzzfeed.