What Toners Do:
* Neutralize Unwanted Tones: This is their most common use. After bleaching, hair often has yellow, orange, or brassy undertones. Toners with complementary colors (like purple for yellow or blue for orange) cancel out these unwanted tones, resulting in a more neutral or ash-blonde/brown.
* Add Subtle Tones: Toners can add a subtle tint or hue to the hair. For example, you could use a toner to add a rose gold or silver tone to blonde hair.
* Correct Uneven Color: Toners can help to even out slightly uneven color after bleaching or dyeing. However, they're not a fix for major color differences.
* Enhance Existing Color: Sometimes toners are used to refresh or enhance the existing color, making it more vibrant or dimensional.
* Add Shine: Many toners contain ingredients that help to smooth the hair cuticle, resulting in increased shine.
* Deposit Pigment: Toners deposit color pigment but do not lift hair color. Toners will only work with bleached or lightened hair.
How Toners Work:
* Low Volume Developer: Toners are typically mixed with a very low volume developer (10 volume or less). This developer opens the hair cuticle slightly, allowing the toner to deposit pigment.
* Pigment Deposition: The toner deposits pigment onto the hair shaft, neutralizing or adding the desired tones.
* Temporary Effect: Toner is a demi-permanent color, meaning it fades over time with washing. The longevity depends on the hair's porosity, the toner's strength, and how often the hair is washed. Toners usually lasts for about 2-6 weeks.
Potential Effects (Both Positive and Negative):
* Pros:
* Improved hair color tone and appearance.
* Increased shine.
* Less damage than permanent dyes.
* Can prolong the time between bleaching sessions.
* Cons:
* Can be drying, especially if used frequently.
* If not applied correctly, can result in uneven or undesirable tones (e.g., hair turning too ashy or green).
* Fades over time, requiring reapplication.
* Can darken hair if the wrong toner is used.
* In rare cases, allergic reactions are possible.
Important Considerations:
* Porosity: Hair porosity (the hair's ability to absorb and retain moisture) affects how the toner will take. More porous hair will absorb toner faster and may require shorter processing times.
* Hair Condition: Damaged or over-processed hair may react differently to toner. It's important to assess the hair's condition before applying a toner.
* Toner Choice: Selecting the right toner for your hair color and desired outcome is crucial. Consult with a professional if you're unsure.
* Strand Test: Always do a strand test before applying toner to the entire head to ensure you achieve the desired results.
In summary, toners are a valuable tool for refining hair color and achieving specific tones, especially after bleaching. However, it's important to understand how they work and to choose the right toner for your hair type and desired outcome to avoid unwanted results.