Bleaching your hair is a transformative process, allowing you to achieve vibrant, fashion-forward colors. However, the journey from dark to light often leaves your hair with unwanted brassy, yellow, or orange tones. This is where toning comes in. But can you tone just bleached hair, and what do you need to know to do it correctly? Let’s delve into the world of toning and discover how to achieve the perfect shade after bleaching.
Understanding Bleach and Its Effects on Hair
Bleaching is a chemical process that lifts the natural pigment from your hair. It works by opening the hair cuticle and oxidizing the melanin, which is responsible for hair color. The more levels you lift (i.e., the lighter you go), the more damage can occur. This is because the bleach weakens the hair’s protein structure, making it more porous and prone to breakage.
The bleaching process doesn’t always result in a clean, even canvas. As the natural pigment is lifted, underlying warm tones like red, orange, and yellow become visible. These are the tones that toners are designed to neutralize. The degree to which these tones are present depends on your natural hair color and how many levels it has been lifted. Darker hair will typically reveal more orange and red tones, while lighter hair tends to show more yellow.
Furthermore, bleached hair is more susceptible to absorbing environmental factors like minerals in water and pollutants, which can further contribute to unwanted discoloration.
The Importance of Toning After Bleaching
Toning is a crucial step after bleaching because it corrects these unwanted undertones, creating a more balanced and desirable final color. Without toning, your bleached hair may appear brassy, dull, or simply unfinished. Toning not only neutralizes unwanted warmth, but it can also add depth, dimension, and shine to your hair. It’s the key to achieving that salon-worthy look at home.
Toning also helps to prepare the hair for further coloring, if desired. By creating a neutral base, you can ensure that subsequent colors are more true-to-tone and vibrant.
What is a Toner and How Does it Work?
A toner is a demi-permanent hair color product designed to neutralize unwanted undertones in bleached or pre-lightened hair. Unlike permanent hair color, toners do not lift the hair’s natural pigment. Instead, they deposit color onto the hair shaft to counteract the existing undertones.
Toners typically contain pigments that are opposite to the unwanted tones on the color wheel. For example, purple toners are used to neutralize yellow tones, blue toners are used to counteract orange tones, and green toners are used to neutralize red tones.
The toner works by depositing these complementary pigments onto the hair shaft. The pigments essentially cancel out the unwanted tones, resulting in a more neutral or cool-toned shade. Toners also contain developers, but they are usually low-volume (10 or 20 volume), minimizing further damage to already sensitized hair.
Types of Toners Available
There are several types of toners available, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Understanding the different types can help you choose the best option for your hair.
- Liquid Toners: These toners are typically mixed with a developer and applied to the hair like a regular hair dye. They are known for their ability to provide even and consistent results.
- Cream Toners: Similar to liquid toners, cream toners are also mixed with a developer. They are often preferred for their thicker consistency, which makes them easier to apply and control.
- Toning Shampoos and Conditioners: These products contain pigments that gradually tone the hair over time. They are a great option for maintaining your desired tone between salon visits or toning sessions.
- Hair Glosses: Hair glosses enhance color, add shine, and correct tone. They’re usually acidic, which helps to seal the hair cuticle and lock in moisture, leaving the hair looking healthy and vibrant.
Choosing the Right Toner for Your Hair
Selecting the appropriate toner is crucial for achieving your desired result. Several factors need to be considered, including your current hair color, the undertones you want to neutralize, and your desired final shade.
First, assess the undertones present in your hair. Is it primarily yellow, orange, or red? This will determine which toner you need. For example, if your hair is a brassy yellow, a purple-based toner is the best choice. If it’s more orange, a blue-based toner is needed.
Next, consider your desired final shade. Do you want a cool-toned blonde, a neutral blonde, or a warmer blonde? This will influence the intensity and undertone of the toner you select. For example, if you want a cool-toned blonde, you may opt for a more intense purple or blue-based toner.
Finally, consider the level of your hair. Toners are designed to work on specific levels of lightness. Using a toner that is too dark for your hair level can result in muddy or uneven results. Most toners are formulated for hair that has been lifted to a level 8 or higher.
Consulting with a professional stylist is always recommended, especially if you are unsure about which toner to choose. They can assess your hair and recommend the best product for your specific needs.
Toner Color Chart: A Quick Guide
Understanding the relationship between undertones and toner colors is key. Here’s a simplified guide:
- Yellow Undertones: Use a purple or violet-based toner.
- Orange Undertones: Use a blue-based toner.
- Red Undertones: Use a green-based toner (less common for blonde hair).
- Gold Undertones: Use a silver or ash-based toner.
Remember that these are general guidelines, and the specific shade of toner you choose will depend on the intensity of the undertones and your desired final result.
How to Tone Just Bleached Hair: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toning your hair at home can seem daunting, but with the right tools and instructions, it can be a manageable process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect tone.
- Prepare Your Hair: Ensure your hair is clean and dry. Shampoo your hair 24-48 hours before toning to allow the natural oils to replenish slightly.
- Gather Your Supplies: You will need your chosen toner, developer (usually 10 or 20 volume), a mixing bowl, a tint brush, gloves, a towel to protect your clothing, and a timer.
- Mix the Toner: Follow the instructions on the toner packaging to mix the toner and developer. The ratio will vary depending on the product.
- Perform a Strand Test: Before applying the toner to your entire head, perform a strand test. This will allow you to see how the toner will react with your hair and adjust the processing time accordingly. Apply the toner to a small, inconspicuous section of your hair and leave it on for the recommended time.
- Apply the Toner: Once you are satisfied with the strand test, apply the toner to your hair, starting at the roots and working your way to the ends. Ensure that all strands are evenly coated.
- Process the Toner: Leave the toner on for the recommended time, as indicated on the packaging. Keep a close eye on your hair during processing to avoid over-toning.
- Rinse and Condition: Once the processing time is complete, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water. Follow up with a moisturizing conditioner to help replenish moisture and close the hair cuticle.
- Style as Usual: Style your hair as usual and enjoy your newly toned locks.
Tips for a Successful Toning Session
- Start with Clean Hair: Toner adheres best to clean hair.
- Don’t Over-Process: Over-processing can lead to unwanted color results and damage.
- Use a Low-Volume Developer: This minimizes damage and ensures gentle toning.
- Apply Evenly: Even application is key to consistent results.
- Monitor Closely: Watch your hair carefully during processing to prevent over-toning.
- Use a Color-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner: These products help to maintain your tone and prevent fading.
Potential Risks and How to Avoid Them
While toning is generally a safe process, there are some potential risks to be aware of. Understanding these risks and how to avoid them can help you ensure a successful and damage-free toning experience.
One of the most common risks is over-toning, which can result in hair that is too ashy, muddy, or even gray. This happens when the toner is left on for too long or when too much pigment is deposited onto the hair. To avoid over-toning, always perform a strand test and carefully monitor your hair during processing.
Another risk is damage to the hair. While toners are less damaging than bleach, they can still cause dryness and breakage, especially if used too frequently or if the hair is already compromised. To minimize damage, use a low-volume developer and always follow up with a moisturizing conditioner.
Allergic reactions are also a possibility with any hair color product. To avoid an allergic reaction, perform a patch test 48 hours before toning. Apply a small amount of the toner to a discreet area of your skin and watch for any signs of irritation, such as redness, itching, or swelling.
Finally, uneven results can occur if the toner is not applied evenly or if the hair is not properly saturated. To avoid uneven results, take your time and ensure that all strands are evenly coated with toner.
Dealing with Common Toning Problems
- Over-Toned Hair: If you over-tone your hair, try washing it with a clarifying shampoo to help remove some of the pigment. You can also use a moisturizing mask to help rehydrate the hair.
- Uneven Results: If you experience uneven results, you may need to re-tone the areas that are not evenly colored. Consult with a professional stylist for guidance.
- Dry or Damaged Hair: If your hair feels dry or damaged after toning, use a deep conditioning treatment to help replenish moisture and strengthen the hair.
Maintaining Your Toned Hair
Once you’ve achieved your desired tone, it’s important to maintain it to prevent brassiness from creeping back in. This can be done through a combination of at-home care and salon visits.
Using color-safe shampoo and conditioner is essential. These products are formulated to be gentle on color-treated hair and will help prevent fading. Avoid shampoos that contain sulfates, as these can strip the hair of its color.
Toning shampoos and conditioners, as mentioned earlier, are a great way to maintain your tone between toning sessions. Use them once or twice a week, or as needed, to keep your hair looking fresh and vibrant.
Protect your hair from the sun. UV rays can fade your hair color and contribute to brassiness. Wear a hat or use a hair product with UV protection when spending time outdoors.
Limit heat styling. Excessive heat can damage the hair and cause the color to fade. When using heat styling tools, use a heat protectant spray to minimize damage.
Schedule regular toning appointments with your stylist to keep your hair looking its best. They can assess your hair and recommend the best toner and treatment for your specific needs.
Conclusion: Toning for Beautiful Bleached Hair
Toning is an essential step in achieving beautiful, vibrant hair after bleaching. By understanding the science behind toning, choosing the right products, and following the proper techniques, you can successfully tone your hair at home and maintain your desired shade. Remember to prioritize the health of your hair and consult with a professional stylist if you have any concerns. With the right care and attention, your bleached and toned hair can be the envy of all!
Can bleaching hair damage its texture and ability to hold a toner?
Bleaching inherently alters the hair’s structure. It opens the cuticle layer to remove the natural pigment, which also weakens the protein bonds within the hair shaft. This process creates porosity, making the hair more susceptible to damage. As a result, bleached hair becomes more fragile, prone to breakage, and can lose its natural elasticity, which directly impacts its ability to effectively absorb and retain a toner.
Consequently, damaged and overly porous hair might absorb toner unevenly, leading to patchy or inconsistent color results. The toner may also fade more rapidly because the damaged cuticle cannot properly hold onto the dye molecules. Therefore, assessing the health and porosity of your bleached hair is crucial before attempting to tone it to ensure optimal results and minimize further damage.
How soon after bleaching can you safely apply a toner?
Ideally, wait at least 48-72 hours after bleaching before applying a toner. This waiting period allows the hair’s cuticle to partially close and recover, reducing the risk of further damage. It also allows the scalp to calm down, especially if the bleaching process caused any irritation or sensitivity. Rushing the process can lead to increased dryness, breakage, and scalp discomfort.
Furthermore, the slight delay gives you time to assess the evenness of the bleaching and address any uneven patches before toning. It’s recommended to use a deep conditioning treatment in the interim to help replenish moisture and strengthen the hair. This preparation will improve the hair’s ability to absorb the toner uniformly and prolong the color’s vibrancy and longevity.
What type of toner is best for bleached hair that is already damaged?
For bleached and damaged hair, a demi-permanent toner is generally the safest option. Demi-permanent toners contain a lower volume of developer (or no developer at all in some cases) compared to permanent toners. This means they deposit color without significantly lifting the hair’s cuticle, minimizing further damage and preserving the hair’s integrity.
Furthermore, look for toners formulated with moisturizing and conditioning ingredients like keratin, amino acids, or plant-based oils. These ingredients help to replenish lost moisture and strengthen the hair while depositing color. Avoid toners that contain ammonia or high levels of peroxide, as these can further dry out and damage already compromised hair. A gentler approach is always preferable when dealing with bleached and fragile strands.
What are some signs that my bleached hair is too damaged to be toned?
Several signs indicate that your bleached hair may be too damaged to safely handle a toner. Excessive dryness, brittleness, and breakage are prominent indicators. If your hair feels like straw, snaps easily when gently stretched, or is shedding excessively, it’s likely too weak to withstand the additional chemical process.
Another key sign is extreme porosity. This can be identified if your hair absorbs water or product instantly but also dries out very quickly. This means the cuticle layer is severely damaged and cannot effectively retain moisture or color. Applying toner to severely damaged hair in this condition can lead to unpredictable results, further damage, and potentially hair loss. Prioritizing deep conditioning treatments and protein masks to rebuild the hair’s structure is essential before attempting any further chemical services.
Can I use purple shampoo to tone my bleached hair instead of a traditional toner?
Yes, purple shampoo can be used as a gentler alternative to traditional toners for maintaining blonde or bleached hair. Purple shampoo contains violet pigments that counteract yellow or brassy tones, helping to keep the hair looking cool and bright. It is a convenient and less damaging way to neutralize unwanted warmth without the commitment and chemical processing of a traditional toner.
However, it’s important to note that purple shampoo provides a more subtle toning effect compared to a dedicated toner. It’s best suited for maintaining existing blonde tones or correcting minor brassiness, rather than achieving a significant color change. Overuse of purple shampoo can also lead to a purplish tint, so it’s essential to use it sparingly and monitor the results closely.
How can I prevent my bleached hair from becoming too damaged to tone?
Prevention is key when it comes to maintaining the health of bleached hair and ensuring it’s suitable for toning. Start by minimizing the frequency of bleaching sessions and using a lower volume developer whenever possible. Always perform a strand test before bleaching your entire head to assess how your hair reacts to the chemicals and adjust accordingly.
Implement a rigorous hair care routine focused on hydration and protein replenishment. Use deep conditioning treatments weekly, and incorporate protein masks to rebuild the hair’s structure. Avoid heat styling as much as possible, and always use a heat protectant spray when using styling tools. Regularly trim split ends to prevent them from traveling up the hair shaft and causing further breakage.
What should I do if I’ve already toned my damaged bleached hair and it’s now worse?
If you’ve already toned your damaged bleached hair and the condition has worsened, the first step is to immediately discontinue any further chemical processing. Avoid further bleaching, toning, or heat styling. Focus on intensive repair treatments to rebuild the hair’s strength and moisture levels.
Implement a regimen of deep conditioning masks, protein treatments, and moisturizing leave-in conditioners. Consider consulting a professional hair stylist or trichologist for personalized advice and treatment options. They can assess the extent of the damage and recommend specific products or in-salon treatments, such as Olaplex or keratin treatments, to help repair and restore your hair’s health.