How long should you leave toner in your hair?

Author: Dr. Desiree Mayer  |  Last update: Saturday, August 23, 2025

If you have never toned your hair before, it's best to do a strand test first as the results of the treatment will vary depending on your hair's porosity. Leave the toner in for between 5-20 minutes: you can rinse a small section to see when the color has fixed to your liking.

Can you leave toner in too long?

Generally, purple toner is left in the hair for about 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the desired level of toning and the starting color of the hair. If left on for too long, it can potentially lead to a bluish or grayish tint instead of the intended cool blonde shade.

How do I know when toner is done?

Watch for the color to reach the desired tone. For cool-toned blondes, for example, the hair should start to lose its yellow or brassy hues and shift toward the cool shade you're aiming for. 2. Gently wipe off a small section of toner to check the color.

Do you put toner on wet or dry hair?

No, a toner should not be applied to damp hair. Toners are typically used on dry hair that has been previously lightened or bleached. Applying toner to damp hair can dilute the product and affect the outcome of the color.

How long does it take for toner to settle in?

Toner typically takes five to 20 minutes to process, depending on the type and application method utilized. Your hairstylist will determine if a toner is necessary (it isn't always), which type to use, and how it should be applied.

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Do I shampoo after 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 it better to tone clean or dirty hair?

Let's kill the myth that dirty hair is better. Fresh hair will color better with more even results, better gray coverage and increased longevity. "Dirty" hair is only good if you are going to be doing a global lightening with lightener.

Do you apply toner to roots or ends first?

Apply the toner first to areas that require the most color correction or simply apply to the central part of the strands before working up to the roots and down to the tips.

Should you let toner dry?

Toner can be applied through a spray bottle, soaked cotton pads, or with clean hands. It is important to let the toner dry fully before applying serums and moisturizers.

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.

Do you shampoo after bleaching before toning?

You want your hair to be just a little damp when you apply the toning mixture to your hair. If you're toning hair sometime after it's been bleached, just wash your hair and towel dry it so it's not dripping wet, and then go to town.

Why is my hair still brassy after toner?

There's two reasons why your hair is still brassy after toning or colouring. Either the undertone of the toner/colour is wrong, or the product is too light for you.

What is the difference between Wella T14 and T18?

T14 is a pale ash blonde with violet-blue tones, making it better for hair that still has some orange left in it. T18, on the other hand, is Lightest Ash Blonde with only a violet base. Violet cancels out yellow while blue cancels out orange.

Is toner damaging for your hair?

The main difference between toner and hair color is that the former simply deposits pigments on the surface of the hair, while the latter—at least in the case of permanent hair color—introduces color deep into the hair cuticle. And because they only act on the surface, toners won't damage your hair.

How to properly apply toner to hair?

How Do I Use Toner?
  1. Mix your toner with a developer in a 1:2 ratio.
  2. Use an applicator brush to work the mixture into your hair, focusing on the areas with unwanted undertones.
  3. Leave the toner in for up to 45 minutes, then rinse, and wash with a moisturizing shampoo and deep conditioner.

Will toner lighten my hair?

Although it might seem like it can lighten, toner has no lifting ability. Toner simply cancels out unwanted tones. For Example: when we lighten hair it can turn yellow or orange. We use toners to shift hair from yellow into a golden, sandy, icy or beige color that will give you your desired result.

Do I tone my hair wet or dry?

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.

Should I use conditioner before toner?

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.

How long do you leave Wella T18 toner on?

Wella Colour Charm Toners should be left on for 30 minutes (this is called processing). Letting your process for the full 30 minutes is ideal, but check every 5-10 minutes or so to see how it's going. The Wella Toners turn a dark purple shade as they process, this is normal so don't panic!

What happens if you leave hair toner on too long?

Overlapping the toner application or leaving it on for too long can lead to overprocessing, which may result in dryness, breakage, or a change in texture. To avoid overprocessing, it's crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and monitor the toner's development time.

What color hair does T14 work on?

The Wella Color Charm T14 Pale Ash Blonde Hair Toner transforms brassy hair yellow and light orange hair. Gives a cool toned, silvery blonde result. The Wella Color Charm Hair Toners are simple to use and give a salon-quailty finish, all from the comfort of home.

What is level 7 hair?

The level system is made up of 10 numbers which help determine the depth level of your natural hair. 1 is black, 5 is light brown, 6 is dark blonde, 7 is blonde and 10 is the lightest blonde.

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