Can I Tone Hair Without Bleaching First?
If simplicity is your goal, you’re likely wondering whether toning your hair requires the extra step of bleaching. The answer is no – you can achieve great results by skipping the bleach and going straight to toner. In fact, many people find that the process of bleaching can be time-consuming and even damaging if not done properly. That’s why this guide focuses on how to tone your hair without resorting to bleach, providing a straightforward approach to achieving the look you want.
How to Use Tone Hair without Bleach in 5 Steps
While it’s generally recommended to bleach your hair before applying a toner, there are situations where you can tone your hair without bleach at home. If your hair is already quite light, you can skip the bleaching step and proceed with toning. However, if you’re looking to achieve a significantly lighter or blonder shade, bleaching your hair beforehand will be necessary.
For a comprehensive guide on bleaching and toning your hair at home, I encourage you to check out this article, which provides detailed instructions for achieving the desired results. As someone with strawberry blonde hair who has used the Wella T18 toner to achieve an ash white color, I can attest that bleaching my hair prior to toning it has worked effectively in the past.
Buy Toner and Developer
To tone your hair without bleaching at home, you’ll need a few essential products. Start by grabbing an applicator bottle, which can be found for just $3 at Sally’s or on Amazon. Next, pick up Wella Color Charm Toner in the color of your choice – Wella offers eight different shades to suit various hair tones. You can purchase this toner at Sally’s or on Amazon as well. When it comes to the developer, I recommend using a 20 volume solution by Salon Care.
This is available on Amazon and at Sally’s stores. The reason for this recommendation lies in the oxidizing potential of the developer. A 10 volume developer won’t lift your hair color, while a 30 volume developer may be too strong. The 20 volume developer strikes a happy medium. In terms of toner color, Wella offers a range of shades to choose from. For my recent application, I used T35 and found it worked well. However, I did find it was slightly too dark for my taste.
In the past, I’ve also used T18 and T27 with success. Next time around, I may try out T28 or T15. As a reference, here’s a chart of Wella toner colors: Silver is represented by T28 and T10, Ash by T14 and T18, and Beige by T15, T11, T27, and T35.
Go Easy on Your Hair for Two Days
When preparing your hair for bleaching or toning without bleach, it’s essential to show some TLC before the process begins. Give your locks a gentle two-day reprieve by avoiding shampoo, shunning heat styling tools like curling irons, and letting your hair air dry instead of relying on blow dryers. This downtime will help your hair and scalp recharge, ensuring a stronger foundation for the toning process to come.
The reason for this gentle approach lies in the chemicals involved.
As part of the toning process, you’ll be introducing developer to your hair, which contains hydrogen peroxide – a potent chemical that can wreak havoc on your locks if they’re not properly primed. By giving your hair and scalp a break before toning, you’ll allow them to replenish their natural oils and strengthen their structure, setting the stage for a healthier, more vibrant finish.
Mix One Part Toner with Two Parts Developer
To achieve the desired results, start by pouring one bottle of Wella Color Charm toner into the applicator bottle. Next, repeat this process by filling the toner container twice with developer, then add it to the applicator bottle for a seamless blend.
Apply Toner to Hair and Wait 20 Minutes
To complete the process, apply the toner to your hair, taking care not to be too meticulous. Simply wear gloves and avoid getting it anywhere near your eyes or other sensitive areas. As you work the toner into your locks, focus on ensuring it reaches the roots of your hair. Don’t neglect the front sections, either – bring the toner close to your forehead for an even application.
Wash out Toner with Conditioner
To complete the process, simply rinse your locks after 20 minutes by washing out the toner in the shower using warm water – make sure not to use hot water. Next, apply a deep conditioning treatment to help lock in the color and moisturize your hair. This final step is crucial in preserving the tone you’ve achieved without resorting to harsh bleach chemicals.
Before and After Pictures of Using a Toner At Home (without Bleaching Hair)
Prior to incorporating a toner into my routine, my locks were far from their best. Just take a look at those unflattering roots! To showcase the transformative power of Wella T35 toner, I’ve included both before-and-after photos below. What’s most impressive is how this product managed to harmonize my natural hair color, effectively eliminating those unwanted orange undertones and brassy tones that had been bothering me.
Hair Before Using Wella T35 Toner
Hair After Using Wella T35 Toner
In some cases, after toner is where the magic happens. When colors are blended together at this stage, the result can be nothing short of remarkable.
Frequently Asked Questions about Using Hair Toners
While some people may have concerns or uncertainties about incorporating toners into their skincare routine at home, there are several key points to consider that can help alleviate any worries and ensure a successful experience.
Does Toner Get Rid of Brassiness?
Does Toner Get Rid of Orange Hues in Hair?
One of the most common concerns after a hair coloring session is the gradual appearance of undertones, typically manifesting as a subtle orange or yellow tint one to two months later. It’s essential to understand that this phenomenon is not unique to any particular individual and is often an inherent characteristic of the coloring process.
How Long Does Hair Toner Last?
While most toners typically have a lifespan of around 3-4 weeks, there are ways to extend its duration. By incorporating a color-protecting shampoo into your routine and reducing the frequency of washing to every other day instead of daily, you can enjoy a longer-lasting toner.
Can I Use Toner on Dry Hair?
When it comes to incorporating toner into your hair care routine, it’s essential to understand that timing is everything. Unlike some other styling products, toners are best applied to hair when it’s in a specific state – namely, when it’s slightly damp. This means you should use toner on towel-dried hair, rather than dry or wet locks.
By applying the product to hair that’s still retaining some moisture, you’ll be able to achieve the desired results without compromising the overall health of your strands.
Can I Use Toner Without Bleaching My Hair First?
You don’t necessarily need to bleach your hair prior to using a toner, as you can still achieve desired results without compromising the integrity of your locks. In fact, I’ve personally experimented with toning my own hair without pre-bleaching, and the outcome was quite impressive – as evident from the ‘before and after’ images shared above.
Can I Tone My Hair at Home?
Achieving salon-quality results from the comfort of your own home is totally possible, and one effective way to do so is by using a reliable hair toner. If you’re looking for an effortless and user-friendly option, consider opting for Wella’s range of toners, which are widely available on Amazon and at popular beauty retailers like Sally’s.
What’s the Best Color Toner?
When selecting a color toner, the desired outcome is crucial. For individuals with cool skin tones, Wella’s T14 and T18 options might be the perfect choice. On the other hand, those with warm skin tones featuring yellow or golden undertones may find success with Wella’s T15, T11, T27, or T35 formulas. While Redken toners are a favorite among hair stylists, they often come with restrictions on purchase, making them less accessible to the general public.
Ultimately, the choice between warm and cool tones depends on your unique skin tone and the look you’re striving for.
How Long Should I Keep Toner on My Hair?
While the recommended toning time is 30 minutes, it’s generally suggested to keep the treatment on your locks for a more conservative 20 minutes to avoid any potential damage or over-processing.
Should I Use a Purple Conditioner After Toner?
When it comes to maintaining the results of a DIY hair toning session, it’s essential to approach the process with care. Rather than applying a purple shampoo directly after using a toner, it’s recommended that you rinse out the toner with a sulfate-free conditioner first. This helps to neutralize any remaining product and prevent unwanted interactions between the toner and the shampoo.
After two weeks have passed since your initial toning session, you may want to use a purple shampoo and conditioner combination to gently remove any lingering orange or yellow tones that have developed in your hair.
Should I Use 20 or 30 Volume Developer with Toner?
When it comes to choosing the right developer for your hair coloring needs, I suggest opting for a 20-volume option accompanied by a toner. If you’re looking for more dramatic results, consider stepping up to a 30-volume developer, which can lift or lighten your hair color by an impressive five shades. However, be aware that this stronger concentration is not typically used as it’s generally considered excessive. The standard choice among most women is the 20-volume option.
Conclusion
To recap, achieving a toned look without relying on bleach is a relatively straightforward process. Simply acquire the necessary supplies, combine one part toner with two parts developer, and apply this mixture to your damp locks. Allow it to sit for 20 minutes before rinsing, and you’ll be left with the desired outcome.
Want More Hair Tips?
Looking to spice up your style with a fresh new ‘do? Want more expert advice on how to achieve the look you want? At Very Easy Makeup, we’re passionate about empowering women to take control of their beauty. Our extensive library of hair articles offers a wealth of information on everything from DIY coloring and dyeing techniques to product reviews and tutorials.
And if you’re looking for a more visual guide, be sure to check out our YouTube channel where we share step-by-step how-to guides on bleaching and dying your hair at home. Don’t forget to have fun with your new look – after all, beauty is all about expressing yourself!
More Hair Guides
For those seeking to enhance their locks without a full makeover, Wella’s T28 guide offers a comprehensive walkthrough on how to achieve a hair gloss at home. With its step-by-step instructions and impressive before-and-after results, this DIY endeavor promises to leave your tresses looking revitalized and radiant. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced stylist, understanding the intricacies of this transformative treatment can make all the difference in achieving salon-quality results.
