When should I use hair toner?

Author: Miss Maryse Reichel  |  Last update: Monday, May 5, 2025

When to use hair toner. You can use hair toner at any point during your colouring cycle - but we'd recommend you use it every time you bleach your hair, as you'll need a toner to neutralise unwanted undertones. Salon-style toners last around three to four weeks before a refresh is needed.

Do you put toner on dry or wet 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.

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.

When should I use toner in routine?

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.

Do you tone before or after conditioner?

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.

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Do you put toner on clean or dirty hair?

Another benefit of washing your hair before getting a toning treatment is that it gives your stylist a better idea of your scalp and hair health. This is important because it allows them to tailor the treatment to best suit your needs.

Should I tone then moisturize?

Toner should be applied before a moisturiser. Toners remove any traces of dirt or makeup that may be left on your skin after cleansing. You want to apply moisturiser, which includes hydration and vital skin-supporting nutrients, to clean skin.

When to apply toner to hair?

When to use hair toner. You can use hair toner at any point during your colouring cycle - but we'd recommend you use it every time you bleach your hair, as you'll need a toner to neutralise unwanted undertones. Salon-style toners last around three to four weeks before a refresh is needed.

What should I apply after toner?

How to Apply Skincare Products the Right Way
  1. Step One: Cleanser. ...
  2. Step Two: Toner. ...
  3. Step Three: Serum. ...
  4. Step Four: Spot Treatment. ...
  5. Step Five: Moisturizer. ...
  6. Step Six: Retinol. ...
  7. Step Seven: Sunscreen. ...
  8. Step Eight: Overnight Mask or Night Cream.

What are the cons of hair toner?

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.

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.

Does a toner lighten hair?

“Toners work by depositing color, so they will only enhance the current level or go darker, says Papanikolas. “Toners will not lighten hair, so if your desire is to make your highlights brighter, then a toner is the wrong approach.”

How to apply toner to hair at home?

  1. Know which type and colour toner to use. ...
  2. Make Sure Your Hair Has Been Lifted To The Desired Color. ...
  3. Mix your toner with a developer in a 1:2 ratio. ...
  4. Use an applicator brush to work the mixture into your hair. ...
  5. Focus on the areas with unwanted undertones. ...
  6. Leave the toner in for up to 45 minutes.

Do I mix toner with developer?

Can I use a toner without 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. Should I use toner to change my hair colour?

What does hair toner do to highlights?

Hair toners work by depositing color molecules into the hair shaft, thereby neutralising or enhancing specific undertones. They can reduce brassiness, add warmth, create cooler tones, or increase the vibrancy of highlights.

Can you use toner after conditioner?

1. “Don't Condition Before Toning” Debunked. The common worry about applying conditioner before toning comes from the assumption that the hair's cuticle will close, blocking the toner from depositing properly. “The cuticle takes much more time to close than that,” Carly explains.

What is the point of a toner?

It removes oil and traces of dirt.

Toner is part of the cleansing process. It can remove dirt, bacteria, makeup, pollution and other impurities that your cleanser may have left behind. Using a toner can give your skin an extra-deep clean.

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.

Can I use purple shampoo instead of toner?

Purple shampoo is a toning shampoo used for all shades of blonde hair to help preserve its color and keep locks looking healthy and vibrant. The shampoo essentially acts as a color-correcting toner for your hair without you ever having to step foot in a salon.

Should I tone my hair before dying it brown?

Do You Need a Filler Shade to Go From Blonde to Brown Hair? “If you are going more than two to three shades darker from a pale blonde, you always need to fill the hair first with yellow, orange [or] red tones,” says Lee.

How to wash off toner from hair?

Clarifying Shampoo

Most toners are not permanent, therefore eventually, after several washes, the 'cool' tones will fade. If you want that toner gone quicker, 2-3 washes with a clarifying shampoo will start to remove the blue, grey or purple stains.

How long to wait after toner to moisturizer?

After applying your toner, wait for around 10-30 seconds to allow the toner to be absorbed by your skin. While your skin is slightly damp, apply your moisturizer. This helps lock in the moisture from the toner and ensures that your skin remains hydrated.

What should go first toner or moisturizer?

You should use the toner immediately after cleansing and before applying other serums, moisturizers, or skin oil. Also, do not skip your morning toner routine to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.

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