If you have natural hair, you may be wondering if it’s possible to tone it.
While you can tone your natural hair, keep in mind that toning natural hair can be a tricky process, and it’s best to consult with a professional stylist before attempting to tone your hair at home (especially if it’s your first time!).
A stylist can help you determine the best toning method for your hair type and can ensure that the process is done safely and effectively.
With that said, let’s go ahead and discover how you can tone your natural hair and what you need to keep in mind during the process!
Hair Toning and Color Theory
The Role of Toners in Hair Coloring
Toners are an essential part of the hair coloring process, particularly when it comes to achieving the perfect shade for your natural hair.
Toners are used to neutralize unwanted undertones in your hair, such as brassiness or yellow tones, and help you achieve a more even, natural-looking color.
Toners open up the hair cuticle and deposit pigments onto the hair shaft, which can help to neutralize unwanted tones and enhance the overall color of your hair.
They are typically used after the initial coloring process, and can be applied in a variety of ways, including as a separate treatment or mixed in with your regular hair dye.
Color Wheel Basics for Toning Hair
When it comes to toning natural hair, understanding the basics of color theory is essential.
The color wheel is a useful tool for understanding how different colors interact with each other, and can help you to select the right toner for your hair.
The color wheel is divided into warm and cool tones, with warm tones such as reds, oranges, and yellows on one side, and cool tones such as blues, greens, and purples on the other.
To neutralize unwanted tones in your hair, you’ll need to select a toner that is the opposite of the undertone you want to neutralize.
For example, if you have brassy, yellow tones in your hair, you’ll want to use a purple toner to neutralize them.
It’s also important to consider the level of your hair color when selecting a toner.
Hair color is rated on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being black and 10 being the lightest blonde. The level of your hair color can affect how a toner will look on your hair, so it’s important to choose a toner that is appropriate for your hair’s level.
Toning Your Natural Hair
Toning is a great way to enhance your natural hair color and minimize unwanted brassiness or yellow tones.
Whether your hair is blonde, brown, black or red, toning can help you achieve a healthier, more refined shade.
Can You Tone Natural Blonde Hair?
If your natural hair falls on the lighter blonde end of the spectrum, toning can help neutralize unwanted orange or yellow tones that sometimes occur. A toner for blonde hair uses subtle ash or violet pigments to cancel out warm undertones, leaving hair looking brighter and cooler toned.
Look for toners specifically formulated for blonde hair. These contain only small amounts of color to produce a softening effect without darkening.
Apply toner to roots and ends and leave on 5-10 minutes before rinsing. Toning every few months helps blonde hair maintain a fresh, ashy look between lightening services.
Can You Tone Natural Brown Hair?
For medium to dark brown hair, a toner can reduce brassy orange or red tones resulting from sun exposure or chemical processing over time. A brown hair toner will contain very light ash or blue pigments to subtly tone down warm colors without changing the overall shade.
As with blonde toners, look for a formula made especially for brown hair. Apply evenly and leave on briefly, checking hair color every few minutes until the desired tone is reached.
Regular toning keeps brown hair looking rich and healthy without any unwanted redness.
Can You Tone Natural Black Hair?
While black hair may not seem to need toning, a deep conditioner with very subtle blue or violet pigments can counteract brassy or ashiness that sometimes develops naturally. This helps black hair maintain an intense, lustrous color without any dullness or unevenness.
Choose a conditioning hair masque labeled for black hair toning. Apply generously, focus on ends and leave in for at least 10 minutes under a plastic cap before rinsing thoroughly.
Use as needed every 4-6 weeks to keep black hair looking dark and vibrant.
Can You Tone Natural Red Hair?
Red hair also benefits from toning to enhance natural coppery tones and neutralize brassy shades as they fade. A toner for red hair contains warm red and copper pigments to intensify the shade without darkening.
Look for a red hair toning treatment to maintain the fiery brilliance of your natural red locks. Apply, leave on briefly and rinse for beautifully balanced red tones without any yellowness.
I hope this guide helps you determine if toning is right to perfect your natural hair color.
Always test first and start with a short processing time. With regular toning, you can keep hair looking its beautiful, healthy best.
Can You Tone Natural Grey Hair?
It is possible to tone natural grey hair. Toner can be used to neutralize any unwanted yellow or brassy tones that may appear in gray hair, giving it a cooler, more silver tone.
However, it’s important to choose the right toner shade for your hair color and to follow the instructions carefully to avoid over-toning or damaging your hair.
Choosing the Right Toner for Your Hair Type
If you have a natural hair color, you may be wondering if you can tone your locks. The answer is yes, you can! However, it’s important to choose the right toner for your hair type to achieve the best results. Here’s what you need to know.
Toners for Blonde Hair
Blonde hair can benefit from toners to eliminate brassiness and add shine. When selecting a toner, look for one that is specifically formulated for blonde or bleached hair. Semi-permanent toners are ideal for this hair type as they won’t damage the hair and can be used frequently.
Some popular toners for blonde and bleached hair include:
- Wella Color Charm T18 Lightest Ash Blonde
- Fanola No Yellow Shampoo
Selecting Toners for Brunettes and Redheads
If you have brunette or red hair, you may be hesitant to use a toner as it can alter the natural color. However, toners can actually enhance the richness and depth of these hair colors.
When selecting a toner for brunettes and red heads, look for one that is demi-permanent as it won’t cause significant damage to the hair.
Some popular toners for brunette hair and redheads include:
- Redken Shades EQ Cream
- Joico LumiShine Demi-Permanent Liquid Color
Make sure to always follow the instructions on the toner’s packaging and perform a patch test before applying it to your entire head.
With the right toner and proper application, you can achieve beautiful, toned natural hair.
Application Techniques for Optimal Results
Professional vs. At-Home Toning
When it comes to toning natural hair, you have the option of going to a salon or doing it at home. Both options have their pros and cons.
Going to a salon can be a great choice if you want a professional to handle your hair. A stylist can assess your hair and determine the best salon toner to use.
They also have access to high-quality products and tools that may not be available for at-home use.
However, salon visits can be expensive and time-consuming.
If you choose to tone your hair at home, you have more control over the process and can save money. But, it’s important to do your research and choose high-quality at-home toners.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Toner
No matter where you choose to tone your natural hair, the application method is crucial to achieving optimal results. Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying toner at home:
- Start by washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo. This will remove any buildup and prepare your hair for the toner.
- Mix the toner according to the instructions on the packaging. Use an applicator bottle for easy and precise application.
- Section your hair into four parts and apply the toner from the roots to the ends.
- Leave the toner on for the recommended amount of time. This can vary depending on the product and your hair type.
- Rinse the toner out thoroughly with cool water.
- Follow up with a deep conditioner to nourish and moisturize your hair.
It’s important to note that over-toning can cause damage to your hair, so be sure to follow the instructions carefully and avoid leaving the toner on for too long.
With the right application techniques and high-quality products, toning natural hair can be a great way to enhance your natural beauty.
Maintaining Toned Hair and Preventing Brassiness
If you have natural hair, you may be wondering if it’s possible to tone it without causing damage or brassy hair.
The good news is that with the right products and techniques, you can achieve the perfect tone and keep your hair looking healthy and vibrant.
Using Toning Shampoos and Conditioners
One of the easiest ways to maintain toned hair is by using toning shampoos and conditioners. These products are specially formulated to neutralize any unwanted brassiness and keep your hair looking cool and ashy.
When shopping for toning shampoos and conditioners, look for products that contain purple or blue toner pigments.
Purple shampoo is ideal for neutralizing yellow tones, while blue shampoo is best for canceling out orange tones.
Make sure to choose a sulfate-free formula to avoid stripping your hair of its natural oils.
To use toning shampoo and conditioner, simply apply it to wet hair and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing it out.
Use it once or twice a week, or as needed, to maintain your desired tone.
Regular Salon Visits and Touch-Ups
Another way to maintain toned hair is by visiting your stylist regularly for touch-ups. Your stylist can apply a toner to your hair to neutralize any unwanted brassiness and keep your color looking fresh and vibrant.
It’s recommended to visit the salon every 4-6 weeks for touch-ups, depending on how quickly your hair grows and how often you wash it.
Your stylist can also recommend the best toning products for your hair type and help you achieve your desired tone.
Other Questions You May Have
How does toner affect the color of natural brown hair?
Toner can be used to enhance the color of natural brown hair. It works by neutralizing any unwanted tones, such as brassiness or yellowing, and can make the tone of your hair more cooler and ashy.
However, it’s important to choose the right toner shade for your hair colour and to follow the instructions carefully to avoid over-toning or damaging your hair.
Can toner be effectively used on natural red hair?
Toner can be used on natural red hair to enhance the color and add shine. However, it’s important to choose the right toner shade for your hair color to avoid changing the natural red tone too drastically.
Red hair tends to be more porous, which means it can absorb toner more quickly, so it’s important to monitor the toning process carefully.
What impact does hair toner have on highlights?
Hair toner can help to blend highlights and give them a more natural, seamless look. It can also help to neutralize any unwanted tones that may have appeared after highlighting, such as brassy or yellow tones.
However, make sure to choose the right toner shade for your hair color and to follow the instructions carefully to avoid over-toning or damaging your hair.
How long can one expect hair toner to last on untreated hair?
The longevity of hair toner on untreated hair can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the porosity of the hair, the type of toner used, and how often the hair is washed.
Generally, toner can last anywhere from 4-6 weeks on untreated hair, but it’s important to follow the instructions carefully and to use products that are specifically formulated for color-treated hair to help prolong the life of the toner.
Does applying toner to black hair produce noticeable before and after results?
Applying toner to black hair can produce noticeable before and after results. Toner can help to neutralize any unwanted red undertones or orange hair tones that may appear in dark hair, giving it a cooler, more natural-looking tone.
Any tips for hard water areas?
If you live in an area with hard water, which leaves mineral deposits that can worsen brassiness, do a vinegar rinse before toning. Mix 1 part vinegar with 1 part water and rinse hair after shampooing.
This removes mineral buildup so the toner can more effectively counteract unwanted tones without interference. A clarifying shampoo can also help.