Can I tone my hair after stripping it?

Author: Francisco Bogan DDS  |  Last update: Thursday, November 20, 2025

Your next step should be A little added Warmth is expected after Colour Removing, it's left over from the Developer that was used when you Coloured your Hair previously. Your Warmth is easy to remove, all you need is a little Toning!

Can I color my hair after stripping it?

When you use a ``color remover'', you're completely stripping the hair of ALL colors. This process is EXTREMELY damaging. So if you're set on removing the color, then wait at least 4 weeks before applying a new color so your hair can recuperate.

Can I use toner after color remover?

Consider a Toner: After using a color remover, you may still have some warmth left. Using a toner with a violet or blue base can help neutralize any remaining orange tones.

Can I use toner after permanent hair color?

Yes, you can apply hair toner over dyed hair. In fact, using toner can help adjust the tone of your dyed hair, neutralizing unwanted shades (like brassiness) and enhancing the overall color. Here are some points to consider:

How long after toning hair can I tone again?

You can typically tone your hair again as soon as you feel it's necessary, but it's advisable to wait at least 2 to 4 weeks between toning sessions. This waiting period allows your hair to recover from any potential damage and helps maintain its health.

Can I dye my hair after using color remover?

Can I tone my hair again if it's still yellow?

One option is to re-bleach the roots to lift them to a lighter level before toning again. You need to get them to that very pale yellow - think the inside of a banana. This will help to ensure that your favourite toner can effectively neutralize any remaining yellow tones and match the rest of your hair perfectly.

Why is my hair still brassy after toning?

Toning Mistakes

When you get your hair lightened, the stylist uses bleach to lift your natural color and then "tone" the highlight with a darker shade. Some people have warmer undertones than others, and those warm undertones can look brassy if not toned with a neutral or cooler shade.

Will toner lift hair color?

It doesn't completely alter your hair colour, but it helps you subtly manipulate the shade of brassy hair. Hair toners neutralise unwanted warm or brassy tones to help you achieve a shinier, healthier, more natural-looking shade.

Is purple shampoo a toner?

Is purple shampoo a toner? Any product that dispenses pigment to adjust hair tone can be considered a toner, and that includes purple shampoo. Its pigments work to neutralize brass.

Can you tone down permanent hair color?

Hair lighteners or toners are great for lifting darker shades and achieving a lighter shade. Apply the toner or hair lightener to your hair according to the product's instructions. Rinse it out once you've reached your desired color. Finish with a deep conditioner to replenish your hair's moisture.

Is hair color stripping damaging?

The chemical composition of hair color removers can cause immediate damage, such as dryness and breakage, especially if not used correctly. Long-term use of hair color removers can lead to weakened hair structure and increased susceptibility to damage from other treatments.

What to put on hair after a color remover?

Hold Back on Using Peroxides After Colour Removal

However, you can use peroxide-free semi-permanent colourants and toners, such as Colour Restore, immediately after using a hair colour remover.

How soon can I recolor my hair if I don't like the color?

Generally speaking though, it's best to wait 4-6 weeks before having another color treatment – in most cases, this is enough anyway and reduces the risk of hair damage. There are some exceptions, but in general, it's better to err on the side of caution and wait for this long.

How much does stripping your hair damage it?

Stripping hair color can be a harsh process and might lead to damage if not done correctly. It often results in dryness, so it's recommended to use an intensive treatment afterward. If considering this process, it's advisable to consult with a professional hairstylist to ensure it's done safely and effectively.

Should I color strip my hair before bleaching?

Just make sure to always use color remover first. It'll be a gentler way to get you to a good starting point for bleaching. That way, you don't have to start with such a harsh chemical while there's still lots of pigment in your hair.

How to fix orange hair after color remover without bleach?

Use a purple or blue shampoo

Blue and purple shampoos neutralise unwanted brassy tones to reveal a cooler blonde or light brown shade.

When not to use purple shampoo?

"You want to stop using it two weeks before any lightening service. The purple shampoo can cause build up making the hair look dull and darker if overused." This makes the lightening process more difficult to create a seamless blend.

What works better, toner or purple shampoo?

Convenience and Quick Fixes: On the other hand, if you're looking for an easy way to combat brassiness between salon visits, purple shampoo is your go-to product. Combo Strategy: Some people use both toners and purple shampoo. Toners help you achieve the initial colour, while purple shampoo helps you maintain it.

What happens if I leave purple shampoo in my hair for 30 minutes?

If you leave purple shampoo in your hair for 30 minutes, the risk of over-toning increases significantly. While purple shampoo is designed to neutralize brassy or yellow tones, leaving it on for an extended period can lead to overly cool or even purple-tinted hair, especially for those with light or porous hair.

What happens if you tone unbleached hair?

You can also apply a toner for hair to virgin strands to enhance your natural color and boost shine. “Toners work by depositing color, so they will only enhance the current level or go darker, says Papanikolas.

Do you apply toner to wet or dry hair?

You want the hair cuticle to be open for toning. Towel-dry hair to about 65 - 75% dry then start toning. Usually color & bleach is on dry hair, even toners and colors that do not require developer; however toner that uses developer is recommended on towel dried hair.

How many times can you tone your hair?

How often should I use at-home toners? We recommended using a toning shampoo or conditioner once a week, with twice being the maximum limit as over-washing can lead to staining, dryness and irritation. Between toning, use a clarifying shampoo to remove product build-up and keep your hair and scalp clean.

What if I use toner but my hair is still orange?

Different shades of brassiness need different pigments to fight them. For example, orange brassiness needs a product with blue pigments to remove that orange brassiness. If you use a toner or colour with purple pigments in it on orange brassiness, it won't do anything.

What happens if you put blonde dye on grey hair?

Blonde blends better with grey

Grey hair in blonde hair or grey roots in blonde hair blends better than with darker hair. So blonde is a good choice if you want to make your grey hair or grey roots less noticeable.

What is the best toner for brassy hair?

Purple toners are the best for brassy blonde hair! As a blonde, if you're seeing brass you're likely seeing unwanted yellow - and purple counteracts this.

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