Blondes, we’ve all been there – that moment when your gorgeous golden locks start to take on an unwanted yellowish tinge. It’s a common struggle, but fear not! The secret weapon in your arsenal to restore your hair’s brilliance is none other than a toner. If you’ve ever wondered how to say goodbye to those pesky yellow undertones and hello to your dream shade of blonde, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’re diving headfirst into the world of toner for yellow hair, uncovering the science behind it and discovering how this magical elixir can be your ultimate ally in achieving hair that’s as stunning as it is vibrant.
What Causes Yellow Hair After Bleaching?
When you bleach your hair, it opens up the hair cuticle and removes your natural pigment. However, it does not remove the underlying yellow/orange pigment. This causes your hair to take on a yellow or brassy appearance after lightening.
The level of brassiness depends on factors like:
- Natural hair color – Darker hair has more underlying pigment
- Hair porosity – More porous hair absorbs more pigment
- Bleach strength and processing time
How Does Hair Toner Work?
Hair toner contains pigments that neutralize unwanted yellow and orange tones.
There are two main types of toner:
Permanent toner – Contains peroxide and ammonia to open the cuticle and deposit permanent pigment. Lasts 4-6 weeks.
Semi-permanent toner – Deposits pigment without lifting the cuticle. No peroxide or ammonia. Lasts 2-3 shampoos.
Choosing the Best Toner for Yellow Hair
Level of Brassiness
- Slight brassiness – semi-permanent toner
- Heavy brassiness – permanent toner
Hair Color
- Cool, ashy blondes – blue or violet toner
- Warm golden blondes – beige toner
Hair Porosity
- More porous hair = longer processing time
- Less porous hair = shorter processing time
Hair Condition
- Damage = use a conditioning toner
How to Apply Toner
- Clarify hair with a shampoo to remove product buildup
- Mix toner according to instructions
- Apply toner evenly with tint brush from roots to ends
- Process according to toner directions
- Permanent = 15-30 mins
- Semi-permanent = 5-10 mins
- Rinse thoroughly with cool water
- Condition hair
How to Use Toner to Neutralize Yellow Hair
- To get rid of brassiness, use a toner with blue or violet pigments. These opposite colors on the color wheel will cancel out yellow tones.
- When hair is very yellow, a permanent toner will give longer-lasting results. Semi-permanent options work well for mild brassiness.
- Strand testing toner before full application allows you to see the color result and adjust the timing if needed.
- Porous or damaged hair may require a longer toner processing time than healthy hair. Monitor frequently to avoid over-toning.
- For best toner maintenance, use a purple shampoo weekly and avoid hot tools. Heat damage can make hair more porous and prone to brassiness.
- To keep blonde hair bright, re-tone every 4-6 weeks. Toner fades over time, so regular applications preserve the color.
- When toning at home, always follow the directions carefully. Leaving toner on too long or mixing incorrectly can lead to unwanted results. Professional help is best for tricky color jobs.
Best Toners for Yellow Hair
Wella Color Charm T18 Lightest Ash Blonde Toner: A cult favorite, this toner works wonders to neutralize yellow and create a cool, ashy blonde shade.
Schwarzkopf Professional BlondMe Instant Blush Blonde Beautifier: This customizable toner offers a range of shades to counteract yellow and infuse beautiful pastel hues.
Fanola No Yellow Shampoo and Mask: A dynamic duo, this purple shampoo and mask combo is renowned for swiftly banishing yellow tones and maintaining vibrant blonde hair.
Redken Shades EQ Gloss: Known for its conditioning formula, this toner not only removes brassiness but also leaves hair shiny and silky.
Joico Color Balance Purple Shampoo and Conditioner: Another purple power couple, these products work in harmony to eliminate yellow undertones while hydrating your locks.
Matrix Total Results So Silver Shampoo: A purple shampoo that’s loved for its effective color correction and its ability to maintain cool-toned blonde shades.
TIGI Bed Head Dumb Blonde Purple Toning Shampoo: This shampoo offers a double whammy of toning and nourishing, making it a go-to for neutralizing yellow.
Paul Mitchell Platinum Blonde Toning Spray: For a quick and easy fix, this toning spray can be applied to damp or dry hair to help counteract yellow tones.
Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Shampoo and Conditioner: A classic choice, this duo has been trusted for years to refresh blonde hair and keep it looking vibrant.
Pravana The Perfect Blonde Purple Toning Masque: This masque not only tones out brassiness but also helps strengthen and nourish your hair.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – the journey from yellow to fabulous is just a toner away! Toner for yellow hair isn’t just a quick fix; it’s a game-changer that can transform your blonde from meh to marvelous. Whether you’re aiming for icy platinum, a soft ash hue, or any shade in between, the power of toner is undeniable. So, bid adieu to those pesky yellow tones and embrace a blonde that’s pure, radiant, and absolutely stunning. With a little help from the toner magic, your hair will shine like the star you are, turning heads and leaving a trail of envy in your wake.
