Looking to refresh your blonde or light-colored hair? A DIY blue toner might be the answer.
DIY blue toners are an easy and cost-effective solution for tackling unwanted brassy tones.
In this article, we’ll explore creating your own blue toner at home using simple ingredients. Whether you’re new to DIY hair care or looking to save money, making your own toner is a great option.
Let’s dive into the world of DIY blue toner and achieve the cool, refreshed look you desire.
Blue Toner: The Basics
Hair toner is a product that helps you adjust the tone of your hair color. It’s used to neutralize any unwanted undertones, such as brassiness or yellow tones. It also enhances the overall appearance of your hair.
Toner works by depositing pigments into the hair shaft. This modifies the hair’s pH level and changes the color to a more desired shade.
Blue and green toners target specific types of hair undertones. Blue toner is best suited for neutralizing orange or brassy hues in the hair. The blue pigments help balance out the warm tones.
Green toner is more effective for counteracting red or copper undertones,. The green pigments neutralize the red tones in the hair.
What Type of Hair Is Blue Toner Suited For?
Blue toner is great for individuals with medium to dark blonde hair or lighter, with orange or brassy undertones.
If your hair has lighter yellow undertones, you might need a toner with a purple pigment instead.
Can I Make A Blue Toner At Home?
Yes, you can make a blue toner at home. DIY toners are easy to create. They offer a cost-effective solution for brassy tones.
DIY toners involve mixing a semi-permanent blue hair dye with a white conditioner, simplifying the process.
The benefits of making a blue toner at home include:
- Affordability: DIY toners are more budget-friendly compared to salon treatments.
- Customization: You can adjust the intensity of the toner by controlling the amount of dye you mix with the conditioner.
- Convenience: Most of the required ingredients and tools are available. This makes it convenient to create your toner whenever you need it.
There are a few drawbacks to consider:
- Variable Results: Achieving consistent and precise results might be challenging for beginners. Factors like hair type and starting color can affect the outcome.
- Limited Longevity: DIY toners tend to have shorter staying power compared to professional products.
- Risk of Over-Toning: Leaving the toner on for too long can lead to an overly cool or even greenish tint in your hair.
DIY Blue Toner Ingredients
Here’s a list of ingredients you might consider for your DIY blue toner:
- Purple or Blue Hair Dye: Select a semi-permanent purple or blue hair dye. These dyes contain pigments that help neutralize the yellow and orange tones in the hair.
- Conditioner: Choose a white, sulfate-free conditioner as your base. This will dilute the hair dye and make it easier to apply. Make sure the conditioner is free from any extra color or pigments.
- Mixing Bowl and Brush: You’ll need a mixing bowl to combine the conditioner and hair dye. A hair dye brush will help you apply the toner evenly to your hair.
- Plastic Gloves: To protect your hands from staining, wear plastic gloves while mixing and applying the toner.
- Plastic or Glass Container: Store any leftover mixture in a plastic or glass container with an airtight lid for future use.
- Hair Clips: Divide your hair into sections for even application. Hair clips will help keep the sections separate.
- Shower Cap: After applying the toner, covering your hair with a shower cap helps the toner develop and prevents any mess.
- Timer: Set a timer to track how long the toner should stay on your hair. The timing will depend on the brand of hair dye you’re using.
- Shampoo and Conditioner (Optional): Use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner to wash and condition your hair.
How Do You Make and Apply Blue Toner?
Creating a DIY blue toner is an easy and budget-friendly way to neutralize brassy or orange tones in your hair. You can make it using simple ingredients found in your kitchen. Here’s how to create your own blue toner at home:
Steps:
- Prepare your workspace
- Choose your hair dye
- Mix the toner
- Section your hair
- Put on gloves
- Apply the toner
- Time the development
- Cover with a shower cap
- Check the color
- Rinse
- Optional shampoo and conditioner
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Set up your workspace with all the necessary ingredients and tools. Wear old clothing or an apron to avoid staining your clothes.
Step 2: Choose Your Hair Dye
Select a semi-permanent blue hair dye. Look for a shade that will help neutralize the brassiness in your hair.
Step 3: Mix the Toner
In a mixing bowl, combine a desired amount of white conditioner with a small amount of blue hair dye. Start with a small amount of dye and gradually add more until you achieve the desired shade. Mix well until the color is evenly distributed.
Step 4: Section Your Hair
Divide your hair into manageable sections using hair clips. This will help you apply the toner evenly.
Step 5: Put on Gloves
Put on plastic gloves to protect your hands from staining.
Step 6: Apply the Toner
Using a hair dye brush, apply the toner mixture to each section of your hair, starting from the roots and working your way to the ends. Make sure to saturate your hair thoroughly for even coverage.
Step 7: Time the Development
Set a timer according to the instructions provided with the hair dye. The development time will vary depending on the brand and the desired intensity of the toner.
Step 8: Cover with a Shower Cap
Once you’ve applied the toner, cover your hair with a shower cap. This will help trap heat and encourage the toner to develop evenly.
Step 9: Check the Color
After the recommended development time, remove the shower cap and check the color of your hair. If it’s reached the desired tone, proceed to the next step. If not, you can leave the toner on for a bit longer, but be cautious not to over-tone your hair.
Step 10: Rinse
Rinse your hair under cool water until the water runs clear. Avoid using hot water, as it can strip away the toner.
Step 11: Optional Shampoo and Conditioner
If desired, you can use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner to wash and condition your hair after rinsing out the toner.
Benefits of DIY Blue Toner
DIY blue toner offers many advantages when it comes to hair and skincare. By creating your own, you can ensure your formula is gentle and effective with natural ingredients.
Here are some of the benefits you can enjoy with DIY blue toner:
- Lightens hair: Blue toner helps neutralize brassy tones in hair. This oggers a cooler, more natural shade.
- Shine: This toner enhances your hair’s shine by penetrating the shaft and improving its appearance.
- Moisturizing: The ingredients in DIY blue toner can provide hydration to both hair and skin.
- Cleansing: This toner helps remove leftover dirt, makeup, and oil to reveal a cleaner, brighter complexion.
- Acne control: DIY blue toner can have a formula that helps keep acne-prone scalp under control.
- Pore reduction: Regular use of a DIY blue toner can make pores appear smaller and reduce their visibility.
DIY Blue Toner for Different Skin Types
A DIY blue toner can be great for catering to various skin types, including sensitive, dry, and oily skin. Remember to always do a patch test before trying any new toner on your scalp.
Let’s dive into some simple yet effective blue toner recipes for different skin types.
Here’s a comparison table to help you choose the right ingredients for your DIY blue toner:
| Skin Type | Main Ingredient | Support Ingredient |
|---|---|---|
| Sensitive | Witch Hazel | Chamomile Tea |
| Dry | Rose Water | Aloe Vera Gel |
| Oily | Green Tea | Apple Cider Vinegar |
Natural Alternatives to Commercial Blue Toners
Looking for natural, organic alternatives to commercial blue toners? There are various botanical options that can help neutralize brassiness in your hair.
Here are some natural alternatives to the purple or blue dye used in a DIY blue toner:
| Natural Alternatives | Description |
|---|---|
| Purple or Blue Shampoo | Shampoos containing purple or blue pigments to neutralize brassy tones. Can be used regularly for maintenance. |
| Blueberries | Blend and strain blueberries to extract natural blue pigments. Mix with conditioner for a temporary blue toner. |
| Purple Grape Juice | Mix purple grape juice with conditioner to counteract warm tones. More effective on lighter hair shades. |
| Hibiscus Petals | Boil hibiscus petals to create an infusion. Mix with conditioner to achieve a reddish-purple tone. |
| Beet Juice | Mix beet juice with conditioner for a temporary reddish-purple tint. |
| Indigo Powder | Plant-based dye for creating blue tones. Mix with water to create a paste, apply, and follow instructions. |
| Chamomile Tea | Brew strong chamomile tea, cool, and use it as a final rinse to lighten blonde hair and reduce brassiness subtly. |
Remember that their effectiveness may vary compared to commercial blue toners. Experiment with these ingredients, and find what works best for your hair.
Read more here: 11 Best Home Remedies for Brassy Hair: Quick and Easy Solutions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use blue dye as toner?
Yes, you can use blue dye as a toner, but it’s best to dilute it with a conditioner or hair mask. This helps create a more gentle toning solution. It can neutralize orange and brassy tones without over-coloring your hair.
Does blue shampoo work like toner?
Blue shampoo does work like a toner to a certain extent. It neutralizes orange and brassy tones in lightened hair. Blue shampoo is a temporary solution. You have to use it on a regular basis to maintain the toned effect. Instead, a toner may provide longer-lasting results.
Will using blue toner help me remove orange tones?
Yes, using blue toner will help you remove orange tones in your hair. Blue toner works by neutralizing the warm and unwanted orange hues. It creates a more balanced and cool-toned appearance. Follow the instructions on the product or consult a professional for the best results.
