What is a Toner

Surveys have shown that up to 86% of salon clients- despite having colour done- don’t know what a toner is. The thing is, this can be the most important part of a colour service.

Read on to gain a better understanding of the toning process, why & when it is used in salons. By understanding this, it can make it easier for you to know what you should ask for, when next visiting your stylist and get the hair you’ve always wanted

1. Bleach: Bleach, also known as pre-lightener, or lightener is not a colour, this product is used to remove colour from your hair, whether this is cosmetic colour or natural pigment, no colour is added during this process. Often after lightener has been used on your hair a toner will be applied to give a more appealing finish and rid the hair of the raw look lightener can create. The toner also will add shine and condition plus the desired tone to your hair

2. Toning: Toning is the final step of the colouring process and the choice is endless. On blondes, a cooler or ash tone can be added to give the hair a more grey or silver appearance where as a warm tone can give a golden blonde, rose or coppery look. When toning, we will use a semi, Demi or permanent colour depending on what is required for your hair and chosen end result, generally this will left on your hair for up to 30 minutes.

3. Toning is for everyone: Most people think toners are for blondes but this is not the case. Toners are a must for brunettes and redheads also. Pigmented conditioners and masks are great to maintain your colour between salon visits, keeping your hair glossy and healthy. In salon we like the Kromalife masks which come in a variety of shades.

4. How long does a toner last: How long is a piece of string? A toner will last between 2 to 6 weeks. The better the condition of your hair, the longer your toner will last, so if your hair is very porous and dry, you can expect to get about 2 weeks from your toner. So it is in your best interest to maintain the condition. We recommend that with each colour service, you include Olaplex, this will protect your hair during the colour service and minimize damage.

5. Gloss: A gloss service is the same as a toner except it doesn’t have any pigment in it. This service is designed to give your hair a super glossy varnish-like effect and is ideal when re-doing your roots but not changing the tone on the ends.

6. Maintain: Ideally you should use a shampoo and conditioner at home that contains a suitable tone, this will refresh your colour each time you wash your hair and help prolong the colour. Here in Hair Fx we can customise a shampoo and conditioner bespoke to your needs. We will add the required amount of pure pigment to your chosen Actyva, Moroccanoil or Olaplex home-care and these will keep your hair looking its best.

If you would like any further information on any of the above, please just get in touch. You can contact me by email gorgeous@hairfx.ie, send a message via messenger or ask your stylist when in the salon. We are here to help 😊