Do you use toner before or after conditioner?

Author: Dr. Lizzie Sanford I  |  Last update: Sunday, June 22, 2025

Toning shouldn't be done with completely dried out or completely wet hair. Once the exposure time is over, slowly rinse your hair with cold water. And then apply a conditioner. Don't use a shampoo or hot water because you might run out of your toner pigments too.

Do I use conditioner before toner?

Conditioning: Consider applying a deep conditioner or a hair mask after bleaching and before toning. This can help restore moisture and prepare your hair for the toner. Toning Application: Once your hair is clean and conditioned, you can apply the toner.

Do I tone my hair before or after shampooing?

Yes, you should use shampoo and conditioner on your hair before applying a toner. Here's a quick overview of the process: Shampoo: Start by washing your hair with shampoo to remove any dirt, oil, or product buildup. This helps the toner to penetrate the hair more effectively.

Can you put toner on top of conditioner?

Mixing toner with regular hair conditioner instead of a developer is not recommended because: Activation: Developers contain hydrogen peroxide, which helps to open the hair cuticle and allow the toner to deposit color. Conditioner does not have this property and won't activate the toner effectively.

Do you use skin conditioner before or after toner?

Thinner, more liquid products like toners and serums absorb faster. So they should be used before thicker products like lotions and creams. 2. Water before oil.

toners: how to pick, mix & apply a hair color toner at home | 2024

What order do you put toner on?

As we've already discussed, the order should be:
  1. Start with a facial cleanser, one to two times per day, as needed.
  2. Next comes your toner, also once or twice a day depending on necessity and skin type. ...
  3. After toner, apply your moisturizer or serum.

Should I wait after applying conditioner?

Wait for the Magic to Happen

Let the conditioner stay in your hair for a few minutes and do its magic. Generally, it is recommended to leave the product for 1-3 minutes. However, you must check for the ideal time on the packaging of the conditioner you are using.

How long do you leave toner in?

Toners are different from hair dyes. Toners act immediately and should be left for about 20 minutes. On the other hand, hair dyes require 45 minutes of exposure time. Moreover, toners neutralize brassy tones as soon as applied.

Can you use toner with conditioner instead of developer?

The answer depends on the type of toner you're using. You won't need a developer if you're using a toning shampoo or conditioner, but an in-salon toner will need to be mixed with a developer at 1:2 ratio.

Why is toner not working on my hair?

Either the undertone of the toner/colour is wrong, or the product is too light for you.

Do I 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.

Do I shampoo after using toner?

You should wait to shampoo your hair again after applying toner for about 24 hours. This will allow the toner to set and not wash out of your hair.

Is toner better on dirty hair?

There are a few cons to washing your hair before toning. First, if you have light hair, washing it can strip away some of the natural oils that protect your hair and keep it healthy. Second, hair that is clean and free of styling products will absorb color more evenly, resulting in a more even tone.

How do I prepare my hair for toning?

How To Use Hair Toner At Home
  1. Shampoo Your Hair. If you decide to DIY your hair toner, the first step is to shampoo your hair to make sure it is as clean as possible.
  2. Towel Dry Before You Start. Make sure to start with damp hair, it shouldn't be soaking wet. ...
  3. Mix Well + Grab Your Brush. ...
  4. Wait, Then Rinse.

What happens if I use conditioner before hair dye?

Along with washing your hair right before dyeing it, avoid applying any styling products, like dry shampoo or leave-in conditioners. While you can color dirty hair, styling products can contribute to buildup and may affect the way the hair dye absorbs.

What does toner do before and after?

Toners are applied after cleansing, in the morning and at night. They help balance the skin's pH and remove excess dirt, oil, makeup, and other impurities. All skin types can benefit from including a gentle, hydrating toner in their daily routine.

Does toner go before conditioner?

Even color absorption: Conditioning the hair before toning helps create a more even canvas by smoothing the cuticle layer and reducing variations in porosity. This is minimizing the risk of patchiness or uneven color result.

What toner to use on yellow hair?

Taking the next step in the laws of neutralization, you can conclude that a violet toner or blue violet color formula will cancel out the unwanted yellow or gold tones in your blonde hair color; blue will cancel out the unwanted orange or brassy tones in your brown hair color, which is where products like blue shampoo ...

How often should you tone your hair?

☀️The frequency of hair toning depends on various factors like type of toner used, the condition of your hair, and your desired result. Typically hair toning is recommended every 4-6 weeks to maintain the desired tone and color always ask your hairstylist what she/ he recommends.

What does toner do for your hair?

A hair toner is a product that helps you correct or personalise your colour. It is used to add natural or more visible tones after a professional colour treatment. As a result, it enhances the tonality of your hair.

Can toner damage your hair if left on too long?

Leaving toner on your hair for too long can cause damage to your hair. If you keep toner on your hair for too much time, it can dry out your locks, making them brittle and more likely to break. Hair toners often contain chemicals that can be harsh on your hair if overused.

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.

When should you not use hair conditioner?

She also notes that you can likely skip conditioner when using a deep conditioner or conditioning hair mask, as they're typically formulated at a similar low pH. When in doubt, check the product's instructions. Other than that, Gaunitz says there's really no reason to cut out conditioner from your routine.

What should be a hair care routine?

Hair care routine steps for healthy hair
  • Step 1: Cleanse. The first step in any haircare routine is to cleanse. ...
  • Step 2: Condition & nourish. The next essential step in your washing routine is to condition. ...
  • Step 3: Detangle. ...
  • Step 4: Protect, prime & style. ...
  • Step 5: Moisturize. ...
  • Step 6: Treatment.

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