What Toner Should I Use to Remove Orange

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When it comes to achieving the perfect hair color, one of the most common issues people face is dealing with unwanted orange or brassy tones, especially after lightening their hair. Whether you’ve gone blonde or simply had your hair highlighted, removing orange tones is often an essential step to get that cool, natural-looking shade you desire. Toners play a crucial role in this process, helping to neutralize warm hues and create a more balanced, flattering color. In this article, we’ll delve into the best toners to remove orange tones from hair, how they work, and how to choose the right one for your specific needs.

Understanding Hair Color and the Color Wheel

The Basics of Hair Color

Hair color is determined by the amount and type of melanin present in the hair strands. There are three primary types of melanin:

• Eumelanin: Responsible for black and brown hair.
• Pheomelanin: Responsible for blonde and red hair.
• Mixed Melanin: A combination of eumelanin and pheomelanin, resulting in various shades.

When lightening hair, the natural pigments are lifted, often revealing underlying tones. For example, when dark hair is bleached, it may first turn orange or brassy before reaching the desired blonde shade.

The Color Wheel

Understanding the color wheel is essential for selecting the right toner. The color wheel illustrates how colors relate to one another, particularly complementary colors, which can neutralize unwanted tones.

• Orange and Blue: Blue is the complementary color to orange. Therefore, to neutralize orange tones in hair, you should use a toner with blue or blue-violet pigments.

• Yellow and Purple: Similarly, yellow tones can be neutralized with purple toners.

By understanding these relationships, you can effectively choose a toner that will counteract unwanted warmth in your hair.

What is Hair Toner?

Definition and Purpose

Hair toner is a semi-permanent or demi-permanent hair color product that is used to adjust or enhance the color of hair. Toners are primarily used to neutralize unwanted undertones that may arise after lightening or coloring hair. They can also add shine and depth to the hair color.

Types of Toners

There are several types of toners available, each serving a specific purpose:

• Liquid Toners: These are typically applied to wet hair and can be mixed with a developer. They provide more intense color results.

• Cream Toners: Cream toners are thicker and easier to apply, making them ideal for at-home use. They are often less concentrated than liquid toners.

• Toning Shampoos and Conditioners: These products contain mild pigments and are designed for regular use to maintain color and neutralize brassy tones.

• Color Depositing Masks: These masks provide a temporary color boost and can help maintain the desired shade between salon visits.

Identifying Orange Tones

Causes of Orange Tones

Orange tones typically emerge due to several factors, including:

• Insufficient Lightening: If hair is not lightened enough, the underlying orange pigments may become visible.

• Previous Color Treatments: Hair that has been previously dyed may reveal unwanted tones during the lightening process.

• Oxidation: Over time, hair color can fade and oxidize, leading to brassy, orange hues.

Recognizing the Problem

To effectively address orange tones, it’s important to recognize when they appear. Common signs include:

• Brassy or Warm Hues: Hair that appears overly warm or has a yellow-orange tint after bleaching or dyeing.

• Uneven Color: Patches of orange or yellow that disrupt the overall color balance of the hair.

Choosing the Right Toner to Remove Orange Tones

Key Ingredients to Look For

When selecting a toner to remove orange tones, look for products that contain specific pigments designed to counteract warmth:

• Blue Pigments: These are essential for neutralizing orange tones. Toners with blue pigments will effectively cancel out brassy hues.

• Violet Pigments: While violet is more effective against yellow tones, some toners combine blue and violet pigments for a broader range of color correction.

Recommended Toners for Orange Tones

Here are some of the most effective toners for removing orange tones from hair:

Wella Color Charm T18 (Lightest Ash Blonde)

• • Description: A popular choice among professionals, T18 contains blue-violet pigments that effectively neutralize orange and yellow tones.
  • Application: Mix with a 20-volume developer and apply to pre-lightened hair for 20-30 minutes.

Schwarzkopf Professional BlondMe Toner (Ice)

• • Description: This toner is formulated with a unique bonding technology and blue pigments to eliminate orange tones while providing a cool finish.
  • Application: Mix with the appropriate developer and apply to damp hair, leaving it on for 10-20 minutes.

Pravana The Perfect Blonde Purple Toning Shampoo

• • Description: A sulfate-free shampoo that deposits purple pigments to neutralize brassiness while cleansing hair.
  • Application: Use in place of regular shampoo, leaving it in for 3-5 minutes before rinsing.

Redken Shades EQ Gloss (9V)

• • Description: A demi-permanent toner that provides shine and neutralizes orange tones with its violet base.
  • Application: Mix with the appropriate processing solution and apply to damp hair for 20 minutes.

Joico Color Balance Purple Shampoo

• • Description: This shampoo is formulated to neutralize yellow and orange tones in blonde and gray hair.
  • Application: Use as a regular shampoo, leaving it on for 3-5 minutes before rinsing.

Professional vs. At-Home Toners

While there are many effective toners available for at-home use, consulting with a professional stylist can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific hair type and color. Professionals often have access to higher-quality products and can ensure proper application for optimal results.

How to Apply Toner

Preparing Your Hair

Before applying toner, ensure that your hair is clean and dry. If you’ve recently lightened your hair, wait at least 24 hours before toning to allow your scalp to recover.

Application Steps

1. Gather Your Supplies: You will need your chosen toner, a developer (if required), gloves, a mixing bowl, a brush, and a plastic cap.

2. Mix the Toner: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to mix the toner with the developer in the recommended ratio.

3. Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into four sections for easier application.

4. Apply the Toner: Using a brush, apply the toner evenly to the sections of hair, starting from the roots and working your way down to the ends.

5. Monitor Processing Time: Check the hair every 5-10 minutes to ensure it doesn’t over-process. The total processing time will depend on the desired level of toning.

6. Rinse and Condition: Once the desired tone is achieved, rinse the toner out thoroughly with cool water. Follow up with a moisturizing conditioner to restore hydration.

Post-Toning Care

To maintain your newly toned hair, consider the following tips:

• Use Sulfate-Free Products: Sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners can help preserve color and prevent fading.

• Limit Heat Styling: Minimize the use of heat styling tools to reduce damage and maintain color vibrancy.

• Regular Touch-Ups: Depending on your hair growth and fading, plan for regular toning sessions to keep unwanted tones at bay.

Conclusion

Removing unwanted orange tones from hair can be a straightforward process with the right toner and application techniques. By understanding the color wheel, choosing the appropriate toner, and following proper application steps, you can achieve beautiful, balanced hair color. Whether you opt for professional products or at-home solutions, the key is to monitor your hair’s condition and adjust your routine as needed. With the right approach, you can enjoy vibrant, cool-toned hair that reflects your personal style and enhances your overall look.

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