What is a Hair Toner?

After you change your hair color, your mind is likely focused on the best hairstyle to showcase your new ‘do, rather than how you should be updating your hair care routine to preserve your color. And while you may very well have a hair care regimen for color-treated hair in place, there’s one thing your plan may be missing—a hair toner. Using a hair toner is important for brunettes, blondes, and redheads alike. Wondering what a hair toner is, how it’s used, and how to get the most out of using one? Keep reading to find the answers to all of the above.

WHAT IS HAIR TONER?

A hair toner works to correct hair that’s just been bleached or colored—whether that’s a shade of brown, blonde, or red. Using a toner can help neutralize any unwanted tones and enhance your new hair color.

HOW IS A HAIR TONER USED?

There are two different types of hair toner: in-salon hair toners and at-home toners. When your hair is bleached at the salon, your stylist will often use a hair toner on your locks as well. There are different ways your stylists can apply a toner, including toner mixed with bleach and a toning hair gloss. This can help neutralize any unwanted brassy or warm tones in your hair. Hair toners are most often used on blondes as this color tends to get brassy very easily. However, a toner can be used on brunettes, redheads, and those with gray hair as well to keep their color cool-toned. A toner can also help a stylist achieve a more even hair color application or add a wash of bright color to your mane without lifting (aka bleaching) your hair.

The second type of hair toner is included in various hair care products, including shampoo and conditioner. You’ve probably heard of silver and purple shampoo, which are two popular types of at-home hair toning products. These can be used at home to maintain a brass-free color and brighten your mane.

HOW TO MAKE THE EFFECTS OF HAIR TONER LAST

Now that you know a little bit about what toner is, it’s time to learn how you can help make the effects of in-salon hair toner last so you can maintain your cool-toned, brass-free mane. Follow the two tips below to help make your hair toner last.

TIP #1: LIMIT SUN EXPOSURE

Your skin isn’t the only thing that can be affected by the sun’s rays! According to the National Center of Biotechnological Information, sun exposure can fade colored hair. Try to limit your sun exposure to make your hair toner last, and throw on a hat or trendy head wrap when you’re going to be in the sun for long periods of time!

TIP #2: USE A TONING HAIR CARE SYSTEM

This is where that second type of hair toner comes in! Below, find three hair care products for blonde hair to help make your hair toner last.

L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Shampoo: This blonde shampoo, which is formulated with iris botanicals, helps balance blonde hair and neutralize brassiness in just one use. The blonde shampoo deeply hydrates over-processed hair for pure shine and a soft, luxurious touch. The anti-fade formula is especially gentle on color and is free of harsh sulfates, salts, and surfactants that can strip dull and damaged hair. Apply it to wet hair and massage gently into a thick lather, rinse thoroughly, and follow with conditioner.

L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Conditioner: The matching conditioner to the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Shampoo, this blonde conditioner also deeply hydrates over-processed hair for pure shine and a soft, luxurious touch while being especially gentle on color. The rich, creamy formula, which has a fresh aromatic fragrance, will help neutralize your locks and keep your color from fading. After shampooing, apply the conditioner to wet hair and gently massage. Leave it on for one to two minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Shade Reviving Treatment: The third product in the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde line, this hair treatment is also formulated with iris botanicals. The treatment instantly neutralizes unwanted brassiness while intensely nourishing over-processed hair. It can also help to boost your blonde for a fresh and pure lustrous color with its sulfate-free formula. Once a week after using L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde shampoo, apply the mask to towel-dried hair in place of the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Conditioner. Leave on for three to five minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

Next, it’s time to answer another hair care question—What is a Keratin Treatment?