If you’ve been looking for the perfect hair color, chances are you’ve come across toners. Toners are used to neutralize unwanted tones and enhance the color of your hair.
But, does toner damage hair?
In this article, we will dive deep into the topic of toner and hair damage, giving you a complete guide to help you decide whether toner is right for you.
Does Toner Damage Hair?
First things first, let’s address the elephant in the room: yes, toner can be damaging to your hair. You heard that right.
One of the main ways toner can damage your hair is by altering the internal structure of your hair. Toner penetrates the hair cuticle and can weaken the hair shaft, making it more prone to breakage and split ends.
This is why it’s crucial to use the best hair toner that’s specifically formulated for your hair type and color.
Also, it’s important to know the process of applying them. If you apply toner to hair that has been over-processed or damaged, it can further damage your hair.
But don’t fret, because we’ve got some tips and tricks up our sleeve to help you minimize the damage and keep your hair looking its best.
What is Hair Toner?
So, what is hair toner, anyway? Hair toner is a product used to adjust the color after you have bleached hair or color your hair to remove brassy tones and achieve a more natural-looking color.
It’s typically a semi-permanent dye that helps neutralize unwanted undertones, such as yellow or orange tones.
Toners come in a variety of shades, from platinum to ash blonde, and can be used to achieve a range of colors.
While hair toner can be a godsend for achieving your desired hair color, it can also wreak havoc on your strands if used improperly.
How Does Hair Toner Work?
Toners work by using color theory to neutralize unwanted tones in your hair.
For example, if you have a yellow tone in your hair, a purple toner will neutralize those tones and leave you with a cooler, more natural-looking color.
Toners typically contain ammonia or peroxide, which opens the cuticle of your hair to allow the color to penetrate.
However, toners are less harsh than permanent hair dyes, making them a great option for those who want to change their hair color without causing too much
Is Toner Less Damaging Than Hair Dye?
First off, let’s get clear on the main difference between hair dye and toner.
As we explained at the beginning Toner is a semi-permanent or demi-permanent color used to neutralize unwanted brassy tones in bleached or lightened hair.
Hair dye, on the other hand, is a permanent color that penetrates deep into the hair shaft to create a more dramatic color change.
Now, let’s talk about the big question: which one is less damaging? The answer is… drumroll please… toner! Yay! Toners are generally less damaging than dyes because they don’t penetrate as deeply into the hair shaft.
Hair Toners simply deposit color onto the surface of the hair, which means they’re less likely to cause dryness, breakage, or split ends. Plus, hair toner can help to improve the overall condition of your hair.
But let’s be clear that there are times when a dye may be necessary to achieve your desired result. If you’re looking to make a drastic color change or cover the stubborn white hair, a dye may be the way to go.
Just keep in mind that dyes can be more damaging to the hair than toners, so it’s important to take extra care of your locks after dye treatment.
Does Hair Toner Cause Dryness and Brittleness
Another way hair toner can damage your hair is by causing dryness and brittleness.
This is because toner can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it parched and dehydrated.
To combat this, it’s essential to use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner that will help replenish your hair’s moisture levels.
Can Toner Cause Hair Breakage?
Here is why we said earlier that it’s super important to know the right process of applying hair toner because it can cause hair breakage if not applied properly.
If you apply toner to hair that has been over-processed or damaged, it can cause the hair to become brittle and break off.
Additionally, if you leave the toner on your hair for too long, it can cause the hair to become weak and prone to breakage.
How to Use Toner Without Damaging Your Hair?
To use toner without damaging your hair, it’s important to follow these tips:
Do a hair strand test: Before applying toner to your hair, do a strand test to make sure your hair can handle the toner. This will also help you determine how long you should leave the toner on your hair.
Use a high-quality toner: Using a high-quality toner will ensure that you get the best results without causing damage to your hair. Look for toners that are free of ammonia and peroxide.
Don’t leave the toner on for too long: Leaving toner on your hair for too long can cause damage. Follow the instructions on the toner carefully and set a timer to make sure you don’t leave it on for too long.
Use a deep conditioning treatment: After applying toner to your hair, use a deep conditioning treatment to help restore moisture and prevent breakage.
How Often Should You Tone Your Hair?
When it comes to how often you should tone your hair, several factors come into play, such as:
The Desired Hair Color
The frequency of hair toning often depends on the desired hair color.
If you want a more vibrant and bold color, you may need to tone your hair more often.
However, if you prefer a more subtle tone, you may not need to tone your hair as frequently.
Hair Porosity
Hair porosity is the hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture and color.
If you have high-porosity hair, your hair may need to be toned more frequently than low-porosity hair.
Hair Texture
Hair texture also plays a role in how often you should tone your hair.
Coarse and curly hair may require less frequent toning than fine and straight hair.
Hair Care Routine
Your hair care routine can also impact the frequency of hair toning.
Using harsh shampoos, hot styling tools, and exposure to chlorine or salt water can cause your hair color to fade faster, meaning you may need to tone your hair more often.
Hair Toning Frequency for Different Hair Types
Now that you understand the factors that affect hair toning frequency let’s dive into how often you should tone your hair.
The frequency of hair toning varies for each individual, depending on the factors mentioned above.
For Blondes
If you have blonde hair, you may need to tone your hair more frequently to maintain the desired color.
Generally for blonde hair, it’s recommended to tone your hair every four to six weeks.
For Brunettes
For brunettes, the frequency of hair toning may vary depending on the desired color.
If you have a warm-toned brown hair color, you may need to tone your hair every six to eight weeks.
For cooler tones, you may need to tone your hair every eight to ten weeks.
For Redheads
Red hair color can be challenging to maintain, and the frequency of hair toning may depend on the desired shade.
Generally, redheads may need to tone their hair every four to six weeks to maintain the vibrancy of the color.
For Gray Hair
Gray hair tends to have a yellowish tint, and toning can help reduce the brassiness.
It’s recommended to tone gray hair every six to eight weeks.
Can Toner Damage Your Hair if Left on For Too Long?
The answer is yes. Leaving toner on your hair for too long can lead to dryness, breakage, and ultimately, hair damage.
Most toners are left on for around 5-10 minutes, depending on the brand and the desired result.
Leaving it on for longer than the recommended time can cause the toner to over-process your hair. Creating an unwanted tone and leaving it looking dull and lifeless.
It’s important to follow the instructions on the packaging and to conduct a strand test before applying toner to your entire head of hair.
Difference Between Hair Toner and Toning Shampoo
One of the most confusing choices in hair care is choosing between regular hair toner and toning shampoo.
Both products are designed to enhance hair colour, but they work in different ways.
We already covered everything you need to know about hair toners, but what about toning shampoo
What is Toning Shampoo?
The toning shampoo is a shampoo infused with pigment that helps enhance hair colour.
It is formulated to maintain the vibrancy of hair color and prevent it from fading or looking dull.
The toning shampoo is available in various shades to match different hair colors, including brunette, red, and blonde hair colour.
It is used like regular shampoo, and it helps neutralize the unwanted brassy hair that often appears in colored hair.
One of the most popular Toning Shampoo on the market is Olaplex Nº.4P Blonde Enhancer
What Are the Benefits of Toning Shampoo?
The toning shampoo has several benefits, including:
- Maintains vibrancy: Toning shampoo helps to maintain the vibrancy of hair color and prevent it from looking dull or faded, ensuring that your hair color looks fresh and vibrant for a longer time.
- Convenient: Toning shampoo is easy to use and can be incorporated into your regular hair care routine without any extra effort or time.
- Cost-effective: Toning shampoo is a more cost-effective alternative to regular salon visits for touch-ups, making it a budget-friendly option for hair care.
Is Toner Right for You?
Now that you know the basics of toner and hair damage, you can decide whether toner is right for you.
If you have healthy hair and want to enhance your hair color without causing damage, toner can be a great option.
However, if you have damaged hair or are prone to breakage, a toner may not be the best choice for you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a toner is a great option for those who want to enhance their hair color without causing too much damage. It can help neutralize unwanted tones, create a glossy finish, and give you a natural-looking hair color.
However, it’s important to use toner properly and avoid leaving it on your hair for too long. Always do a strand test before applying toner and use a high-quality toner to ensure the best results.
Now, you may be wondering, “What if I have more questions about toner?” Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Check out these unique FAQs to help you navigate the world of toner and achieve the perfect hair color.
FAQs
1. Can toner be used on all hair types?
Yes, toner can be used on all hair types. However, it’s important to consider the condition of your hair before using a toner to avoid further damage.
2. How often should I use toner?
It’s recommended to use toner once a month to maintain your hair color. Using toner too often can cause damage to your hair.
3. Can I use toner on dyed hair?
Yes, toner can be used on dyed hair. Toner is often used after bleaching or lightening hair to neutralize unwanted tones and enhance the color.
4. How long does toner last?
Toner typically lasts 4-6 weeks before it begins to fade. However, the duration of hair tone depends on the condition of your hair and how often you wash it.
5. Can toner damage my scalp?
Toner can cause some irritation to the scalp if left on for too long or if the scalp is sensitive. It’s important to follow the instructions carefully and avoid leaving toner on your scalp for too long.
6. Can you use toner on hair extensions?
Yes, you can use toner on hair extensions! Toner can be a great way to enhance the color of your extensions and make them blend seamlessly with your natural hair.
7. Can I use hair toner on dry hair?
It’s not recommended to use hair toner on dry hair as it can cause dryness, damage, or breakage. It’s essential to apply hair toner to damp hair after washing it with a clarifying shampoo.