Choosing the right toner is essential when it comes to maintaining the perfect blonde shade. Different blonde hues require specific toners to neutralize unwanted brassiness, enhance shine, and keep your color looking fresh and vibrant.
Top Toner Products According to Blonde Shades
Here are some top recommended toner products tailored for various blonde shades:
1. For Platinum Blonde
If you have icy, platinum blonde hair, you’ll want a toner that cancels out yellow and brassy tones without dulling the cool, sleek finish.
Look for violet or blue-based toners. They include:
- Wella Color Charm T18 Lightest Ash Blonde
- Fanola No Yellow Mask
These formulas effectively neutralize warmth and maintain that icy brightness.
2. For Golden Blonde
Golden blondes benefit from warm, honeyed undertones but can sometimes develop unwanted orange or red hues. A toner with a soft purple or blue base including:
- Redken Shades EQ Gloss in “Pearl Blonde”
- Schwarzkopf BlondMe Blonde Toning Mask
They help balance the warmth while enhancing natural golden highlights.
3. For Strawberry Blonde
Strawberry blondes have beautiful reddish tones that can sometimes become too intense or muddy. Opt for toners with a subtle neutralizing effect, such as a delicate ash or beige toner.
- Pravana ChromaSilk Vivids in “Ash Blonde”
- Joico Color Balance Red Shampoo
These can help refine the tone without stripping away the warmth.
4. For Ash Blonde
Ash blondes crave that cool, smoky finish. Toners with strong violet pigments are ideal for combating yellow and brassy undertones. Try the
- L’Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Silver Shampoo
- Clairol Shimmer Lights Conditioner
Both are designed to keep ash blondes looking fresh and vibrant.
When selecting a toner, always consider your current hair condition and the exact blonde shade you want to maintain.
Some toners are available as shampoos or masks for regular at-home use. Others are professional treatments best applied by a stylist.
How Often Should You Tone Blonde Hair?
Toning blonde hair is essential to maintain its vibrancy and keep unwanted brassy or yellow tones at bay. But how often should you tone your blonde locks to achieve the best results without causing damage?
Generally, toning should be done every 4 to 6 weeks. However, this depends on how quickly your hair tends to develop brassiness and the type of toner you use.
If you notice your blonde starting to look dull or warm in tone sooner, you might want to refresh the toner more frequently.
It’s important to strike a balance. Over-toning can lead to dryness and hair damage, especially if you use permanent toners or harsh chemicals. “We recommend that you use them only once or twice in the lifetime of the hair,” says Sally Madison.
If you’re using a semi-permanent or demi-permanent toner, these typically fade faster. This allows for more regular touch-ups with less risk.
On the other hand, purple shampoos and conditioners, which work as gentle toners, can be used weekly or even a few times a week to maintain cool tones between salon visits.
Ultimately, pay attention to your hair’s condition and color. Ensure you adjust your toning routine accordingly.
Consulting with a professional colorist can also help you establish a toning schedule tailored to your hair type and desired shade.
Toner Alternatives: Purple Shampoos and Conditioners
Toner alternatives are a great, low-maintenance way to keep your blonde hair bright and vibrant without committing to regular toner applications.
“These specially formulated products contain purple pigments that neutralize brassy and yellow tones in blonde hair,” says Lucia Gray.
“Since purple is opposite yellow on the color wheel, it effectively cancels out unwanted warmth,” adds Gray. This leaves your hair looking cooler and fresher between salon visits.
How-to Quick Tips
Using purple shampoos and conditioners is simple:
- Substitute your regular shampoo or conditioner once or twice a week
- Be careful not to overuse them
- Excessive application can sometimes leave a slight purple tint
Your substitution can depend on how much toning your hair needs.
Additionally, these products not only help maintain your color but also nourish and hydrate your hair, preventing dryness and damage.
Purple shampoos and conditioners work best for mild brassiness and regular upkeep.
For more stubborn or intense discoloration, professional toning treatments may still be necessary.
Incorporating purple shampoos and conditioners into your hair care routine has two significant meanings:
- They extend the life of your blonde color
- They keep your locks looking salon-fresh longer.
When to See a Professional Colorist
Knowing when to see a professional colorist is crucial to maintaining the health of your blonde.
While at-home toners and treatments can be effective for minor adjustments and regular upkeep, certain situations call for the expertise of a trained specialist.\
- If you’re experiencing uneven tones
- Unexpected color results
- Damage such as excessive dryness or breakage after coloring
Additionally, you may need to see a hair specialist/colorist if you’re looking to make a dramatic change:
- shifting from a warm blonde to a cool ash tone
- if your hair has been heavily processed
Professionals also have access to high-quality products and techniques that help prevent damage and extend the life of your color.
FAQs About Toner for Blonde Hair
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions to help you navigate the process with confidence:
Q: How often should I use toner on blonde hair?
A: Generally, toner can be used every 4 to 6 weeks, depending on how quickly your hair color fades or develops unwanted brassiness. Over-toning can lead to dullness, so it’s best to follow your stylist’s recommendations or the product instructions.
Q: Can I use toner at home or should I go to a professional?
A: Many at-home toners are designed for easy application, but if you’re unsure about your hair’s condition or want a precise color correction, visiting a professional stylist is the safest bet.
Q: What’s the difference between purple and blue toner?
A: Purple toner neutralizes yellow tones in blonde hair, while blue toner is used to counteract orange or brassy hues. Choosing the right toner depends on the specific undertones you want to eliminate.
Q: Will toner damage my hair?
A: Toners are generally less damaging than bleach or permanent dyes since they don’t penetrate deeply. However, overuse or improper application can lead to dryness, so always condition your hair well after toning.
Q: Can toner lighten my hair?
A: No, toner mainly adjusts the tone of your hair color; it doesn’t lighten hair. If you want a lighter shade, you’ll need to bleach or use a high-lift color before toning.
