Many people wonder if they can use toner to darken their hair. The short answer is yes, but with caveats. Toner is primarily designed to neutralize unwanted undertones, like brassiness, in blonde or bleached hair. However, it can also be used to add subtle depth and dimension to your existing color, effectively making it appear darker in some cases. Understanding how toner works and its limitations is crucial before attempting to darken your hair with it.
Understanding Hair Toner: What It Is and How It Works
Toner isn’t a hair dye in the traditional sense. Instead, it’s a demi-permanent hair color that contains a low volume of developer, usually around 10 volume or lower. This means it doesn’t significantly lift the hair’s natural pigment. Toners work by depositing color onto the hair shaft to correct or enhance the existing shade.
Toners often contain pigments that counteract unwanted tones. For example, purple toners are used to neutralize yellow tones in blonde hair, while blue toners combat orange tones in brunette hair. These neutralizing pigments create a more balanced and refined color.
When aiming for darker hair, the toner’s purpose shifts from neutralizing to depositing color. You’re not necessarily canceling out a specific undertone, but rather adding a new hue to the overall color profile. This is where choosing the right toner becomes extremely important.
The Role of Developer in Toning
The developer used with toner plays a significant role in the final result. A low-volume developer (like 10 volume) is ideal for toning as it gently opens the hair cuticle, allowing the toner to deposit color without causing excessive damage or lift. Higher volume developers are generally used with permanent hair dyes to lighten the hair.
Using the wrong developer can have undesirable consequences. A developer that’s too strong can lift the hair’s natural pigment, leading to unwanted warmth or damage. Conversely, using no developer at all will prevent the toner from properly adhering to the hair shaft, resulting in minimal color change.
Choosing the Right Toner for Darkening Hair
Selecting the correct toner is paramount when aiming to darken your hair. Consider your current hair color, desired shade, and any underlying tones you might need to address.
Matching the Toner to Your Hair Color: If your hair is already light, a toner with a darker pigment can effectively darken it. For example, a light blonde can be toned to a darker blonde or light brown using a suitable toner. However, if your hair is dark brown or black, a toner is unlikely to make a noticeable difference in darkening it.
Understanding Toner Pigments: Toners come in various shades and pigments. Ash toners, for instance, contain cool tones that can help neutralize warmth and add depth to the hair. Golden toners, on the other hand, will add warmth and can enrich brown hair. The best choice depends on your desired outcome.
Considering Underlying Tones: Before applying toner, assess your hair’s undertones. If your hair has a lot of red or orange tones, an ash-based toner can help neutralize those warm tones and create a cooler, darker shade. If your hair lacks warmth, a golden or warm-toned toner can add richness and depth.
Popular Toner Options for Darkening
Several toners are popular for their ability to darken hair, including those from well-known brands. Many professional lines offer a range of demi-permanent colors that can be used as toners. Look for shades with descriptions like “ash brown,” “dark beige blonde,” or “cool brunette” to achieve a darker, cooler tone.
Wella Color Charm T18: While primarily known for neutralizing yellow in blonde hair, some find it can slightly darken very light blonde hair when mixed with a low-volume developer. This is due to its purple pigment, which cancels out yellow and creates a cooler, seemingly darker tone.
Redken Shades EQ: Redken Shades EQ is a popular choice among professionals. It offers a wide range of demi-permanent colors that can be used to tone and darken hair. Consult with a stylist to determine the best shade for your desired outcome.
Ion Color Brilliance Demi-Permanent Creme Hair Color: Ion offers a budget-friendly option with a variety of shades suitable for toning and darkening. Be sure to choose a shade that complements your current hair color and undertones.
The Process of Darkening Hair with Toner: A Step-by-Step Guide
Darkening hair with toner requires careful planning and execution. Following these steps will help you achieve the best possible results.
Preparation: Gather your supplies, including toner, developer (10 volume is recommended), a mixing bowl, applicator brush, gloves, and an old towel to protect your clothing. Perform a strand test to assess how the toner will react with your hair and adjust the processing time accordingly.
Mixing the Toner: Mix the toner and developer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The ratio is typically 1:2 (one part toner to two parts developer), but always refer to the product packaging for specific instructions.
Application: Apply the toner evenly to clean, dry hair. Start at the roots and work your way down to the ends, ensuring that all strands are thoroughly saturated. Use the applicator brush to apply the toner precisely, especially around the hairline.
Processing Time: Allow the toner to process for the recommended time, typically between 20 and 30 minutes. Monitor your hair closely during the processing time to ensure that it doesn’t become too dark or develop unwanted tones.
Rinsing and Conditioning: Once the processing time is complete, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear. Apply a moisturizing conditioner to replenish moisture and seal the hair cuticle.
Tips for Achieving Optimal Results
Strand Test: A strand test is essential to predict how the toner will affect your hair. Apply the toner to a small, inconspicuous section of your hair and observe the results. This will help you determine the correct processing time and ensure that you achieve your desired shade.
Even Application: Even application is crucial for achieving a uniform color. Work in small sections and ensure that all strands are thoroughly saturated with toner. Use a mirror to check the back of your head and ensure that you haven’t missed any spots.
Timing is Key: Over-processing toner can lead to unwanted results, such as overly dark or ashy hair. Follow the recommended processing time and monitor your hair closely during the process.
The Limitations of Using Toner to Darken Hair
While toner can be effective for darkening hair, it has limitations. Understanding these limitations is crucial to managing your expectations and avoiding disappointment.
Not a Permanent Solution: Toner is a demi-permanent hair color, meaning it will gradually fade over time. The longevity of toner depends on various factors, including your hair’s porosity, the frequency of washing, and the type of shampoo you use.
Limited Lightening Ability: Toner cannot significantly lighten hair. If you want to go significantly lighter, you’ll need to use a bleach or high-lift color. Toner is best suited for enhancing or darkening your existing shade by a shade or two.
Dark Hair May Not See a Noticeable Difference: Toner is most effective on light or pre-lightened hair. If you have dark hair, a toner is unlikely to make a significant difference in darkening it. In some cases, it may add a subtle tone or richness, but the overall effect will be minimal.
When to Consider Hair Dye Instead
If you want to achieve a significant color change or need a long-lasting solution, hair dye is a better option than toner. Hair dye contains stronger chemicals that can permanently alter your hair color.
Permanent Hair Dye: Permanent hair dye can lighten and darken hair. It penetrates the hair shaft and alters the natural pigment. This type of dye is best suited for covering gray hair or achieving a dramatic color change.
Demi-Permanent Hair Dye: Demi-permanent hair dye is similar to toner in that it deposits color without significantly lightening the hair. However, demi-permanent dye lasts longer than toner and can provide more intense color results.
Maintaining Your Toned Hair: Tips and Tricks
Proper maintenance is essential to prolong the life of your toned hair and keep it looking vibrant.
Use Color-Safe Shampoo: Color-safe shampoos are formulated to gently cleanse the hair without stripping away color. These shampoos typically contain milder surfactants and are free of sulfates, which can fade color quickly.
Avoid Hot Water: Hot water can open the hair cuticle and cause color to fade more quickly. Wash your hair with lukewarm or cool water to help seal the cuticle and retain color.
Limit Washing: Frequent washing can strip away color and moisture. Try to wash your hair only when necessary, typically two to three times per week.
Use a Deep Conditioner: Regular deep conditioning treatments can help replenish moisture and repair damage, keeping your hair healthy and vibrant.
Protect Your Hair from the Sun: Sun exposure can cause hair color to fade. Wear a hat or use a hair product with UV protection when spending time outdoors.
Extending the Life of Your Toner
To extend the life of your toner, consider using a color-depositing conditioner. These conditioners contain pigments that deposit color onto the hair shaft with each use, helping to maintain the tone and prevent fading.
Purple Shampoo/Conditioner: Purple shampoo and conditioner are designed to neutralize yellow tones in blonde hair. If you’ve used a toner to achieve a cool-toned brunette shade, purple shampoo can help maintain the coolness and prevent brassiness.
Blue Shampoo/Conditioner: Blue shampoo and conditioner are designed to neutralize orange tones in brunette hair. If you’ve used a toner to achieve a cool-toned brown shade, blue shampoo can help maintain the coolness and prevent brassiness.
When to Seek Professional Help
While it’s possible to darken your hair with toner at home, there are situations where it’s best to seek professional help.
Complex Color Corrections: If you’re attempting a significant color correction or have multiple underlying tones to address, it’s best to consult with a professional stylist. They have the expertise and knowledge to assess your hair and formulate a custom color plan.
Damaged Hair: If your hair is already damaged or over-processed, toning it at home can exacerbate the damage. A professional stylist can assess the condition of your hair and recommend a gentle toning solution or alternative treatment.
Unsure of the Process: If you’re unsure about any aspect of the toning process, it’s best to seek professional advice. A stylist can guide you through the process and ensure that you achieve your desired results without damaging your hair.
In conclusion, yes, you can darken your hair with toner, but it’s crucial to understand the limitations and choose the right product for your hair. With careful planning and execution, you can achieve beautiful, subtly darker hair at home. However, for complex color corrections or damaged hair, seeking professional help is always recommended.
Can toner actually darken my hair, or does it just change the tone?
Toner’s primary function is to neutralize unwanted undertones, such as brassiness (orange or yellow hues) in blonde hair. While toner doesn’t deposit a significant amount of pigment to drastically alter your hair color multiple shades darker, it can subtly darken your hair, particularly if you choose a toner with a deeper base color than your current shade. The effect is often more about making the color look richer and less bright.
The darkening effect comes from the toner’s ability to deposit pigment, even though it’s designed to be a semi-permanent color. Think of it like adding a filter to your hair – it adjusts the overall shade. If you’re aiming for a noticeable darkening, toner alone might not be sufficient and you might need to consider a demi-permanent or permanent hair dye instead.
What type of toner should I use if I want to darken my hair slightly?
To achieve a subtle darkening effect with toner, opt for a toner that is one or two shades darker than your current hair color and has a base tone that complements your desired result. For example, if your hair is a light blonde and you want a darker, ashier blonde, choose an ash blonde toner. If you are a light brown and want to achieve a darker, richer brown, choose a level 6 or 7 brown toner with cool or neutral tones to avoid brassiness.
Also consider the formulation of the toner. Demi-permanent toners, which contain a small amount of developer, will deposit more color than deposit-only toners, leading to a more noticeable darkening effect. Always perform a strand test before applying the toner to your entire head to ensure you achieve the desired result without unwanted surprises.
How long should I leave toner on my hair to darken it effectively?
The development time for toner varies depending on the brand and the specific formula. Generally, toners are left on for 10 to 30 minutes. For a slight darkening effect, start with the shorter end of the recommended time and monitor your hair color closely. If you want a more pronounced darkening, you can leave it on for the full recommended time.
Regular checking during the development process is crucial. Apply a small amount of the toner to a cotton ball and wipe a strand of hair clean to see how much color has been deposited. Leaving toner on for longer than the recommended time can sometimes lead to unwanted color results or damage, especially with stronger toners that contain developer.
Can toner damage my hair if I use it to darken it?
Toner is generally less damaging than permanent hair dye because it doesn’t penetrate the hair shaft as deeply. However, any chemical process can potentially cause some damage, especially if overused or misused. Toners containing ammonia or high volumes of developer can be more damaging than those without.
Over-toning, or using toner too frequently, can lead to dryness, brittleness, and even breakage. Choosing a toner formulated with conditioning ingredients can help minimize potential damage. It is also advisable to use a deep conditioning treatment following the toner application to restore moisture and strength to your hair.
What happens if I choose a toner that’s too dark for my hair?
Selecting a toner that is significantly darker than your natural or current hair color can lead to uneven color distribution or a shade that is much darker than intended. This is because toners deposit pigment and can build up in certain areas, especially if the hair is porous or has pre-existing color variations.
If you accidentally choose a toner that’s too dark, there are steps you can take to lighten it, though they may require a salon visit. Color removers can gently lift some of the deposited pigment, but they should be used with caution as they can be drying. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and choose a toner that’s only slightly darker than your desired shade.
Will toner cover gray hair if I’m trying to darken my overall color?
Toner is primarily designed to neutralize undertones rather than provide comprehensive gray coverage. While it can subtly blend or camouflage a few stray grays, it won’t provide the same level of coverage as permanent or demi-permanent hair color, especially if you have a significant amount of gray hair.
If you’re aiming to darken your hair and cover gray, consider using a demi-permanent hair color instead of relying solely on toner. Demi-permanent colors deposit color and can provide better gray coverage while still being less damaging than permanent dyes. You can then use toner to fine-tune the tone and achieve your desired shade.
How often can I use toner to darken my hair without causing damage?
The frequency of toner application depends on your hair type, the type of toner you’re using, and how quickly your hair color fades. Generally, toning every 4-8 weeks is a safe guideline to maintain your desired tone without causing excessive damage. Over-toning can lead to dryness and breakage.
Pay attention to your hair’s condition. If your hair feels dry, brittle, or damaged, it’s best to wait longer between toning sessions. Using conditioning treatments and hair masks regularly can help keep your hair healthy and strong, allowing you to tone more frequently if needed. Consider using a color-depositing conditioner in between toning sessions to refresh your color without the risk of damage from repeated chemical processes.