4 Things You Must Know About Hair Toner

In 1950, 7% of all women coloured their hair. Fast forward to today, and that number is up to a staggering 80%. If you’re among that number, or you’re thinking of joining the hair colouring army, we don’t need to try to convince you. But here’s something you might not know about – the importance of hair toner.

What does toner do to your hair?

Of the 8 in 10 women who colour their hair, an incredible 90% answer ‘What is hair toner?’ when asked a simple question about what is arguably the most important part of the colouring process.

To cut a long story short, hair colour toner is the part of the process that leaves you with the colour you walk out of the salon with. It’s a very impressive product that personalises, enhances or corrects the colour, leaving your coloured hair looking more natural and beautiful than you dreamed of.

Some think it only relates to the blonde shades, but that’s not true at all — hair toning is just as important for brunettes and redheads too. It locks in the colour, boosts the shine, and makes coloured hair all the most healthy.

Let’s get to the bottom of why hair toners are so crucial:

1. It’s all about the colour

Especially when you’re going lighter, what is actually happening to your real hair is that you’re saying goodbye to the pigment. And it’s the toner for hair styles that really work beautifully that give you those amazing blondes, golds or copper tones instead of a horrible yellow, brass or creamy mess.

It’s also the secret behind that flash of trendy colour you’ve been spotting on the runways of late.

2. It doesn’t last forever

Toners for hair might be the essential step in beautifully coloured hair, but it doesn’t last forever. As a general rule, it will last about six weeks or up to 20 washes, but you boost your chances of extending the toner’s effective life (and your beautiful colour) by using professionally prescribed colour-locking shampoos and conditioners.

Your hair’s porosity is a key factor in the longevity of your colour – porosity is your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture and of course, colour.

Characteristics of High Porosity Hair

• Hair easily absorb water, however, it requires more products.
• Hair can look and feel dry.
• If curly, it will often be frizzy if not tamed with product.
• Hair dries quickly.

Your hair will have a “natural” porosity. Hair may become more porous through some colour processes like bleaching, for instance, which means it will be hard for your hair to “hold onto” colour from toners.  All these factors are taken into account when you consult with our expert Sydney hair colourists.

3. Hair Toners are great even without adding colour!

As we mentioned above, when it comes to the toner hair dressers use for your new mane of beautifully coloured hair, we’re talking about serious business! But even if you don’t colour your hair at all, ask your stylist about what toner can do for your uncoloured hair as well.

The answer is a beautiful high gloss and the ideal maintenance of your natural colour with softness and shine.

4. Not all toners are created equal

When you sit down with a great stylist, you really do get what you pay for – including incredible knowledge about the precise toner that will work for your hair type and colour. Try to do it at home and get it wrong, and take the risk of weeks with green hair — or worse!  That’s why we encourage you to book a consultation with one of our expert colourists who are versed in our high quality professional ranges and know exactly how to choose the right colours and toners to achieve your hair nirvana.  Don’t forget to come in with some inspiration pictures and a healthy dose of reality ;-)

 

Got a toner-at-home nightmare to share? Head to the comments below, or let us know if you have another hair toner fact you’re (hair) dying to share!

Lily Jackson is one of Sydney’s very best hairdressers, with a team of friendly and skilled professionals who have seen and done it all when it comes to the fine art of hair toning. Ready to leap into an exciting new colour but nervous about it all going wrong? Call 02 9360 8708 today for a chat, or ask about a complimentary consultation all about the ins and outs of hair toner!