“Do you shampoo after toner?” is a question often asked by those new to hair coloring and care.
People apply toner to neutralize unwanted hair tones. But what comes next? Shampooing can be a critical step, but its timing is essential.
In this article, we explore the answer. Dive in to ensure your hair gets the best care.
The Science Behind Hair Toner
Hair toner is a product that helps to correct or enhance your hair color. It’s often used after:
- Highlights
- Bleach
- Other hair color treatments
There are two types of toners: semi-permanent and permanent.
- Semi-permanent toner: They are gentler on hair and last up to 6-8 shampoos.
- Permanent toner: They last longer than semi-permanent and need mixing with a developer.
Toners use complementary colors on the color wheel to counteract unwanted tones in the hair.
If your hair is too yellow, a toner with purple undertones can help neutralize the brassiness.
Some toners only need rinsing with water, while others need shampooing afterward.
Shampooing removes product buildup and can prevent your hair from looking greasy or weighed down.
Do You Wash and Shampoo After Toner?
Yes, you should shampoo after toner. But the type of shampoo you use matters. If you use a regular shampoo immediately after toning, it could strip your hair of the toner’s effects. To maintain the toner, use a color-safe shampoo or a toning shampoo.
These include purple or silver shampoo, depending on the hair color and effect you’re trying to maintain.
Depending on the toner, you may want to wait a day or two before shampooing to give the toner a chance to set in.
Avoid shampooing your hair before applying the toner. Instead, wash your hair only after the toner settles in.
How to Choose the Best Shampoo
When choosing a shampoo, opt for a gentle formula that won’t cause your color to fade. Here are some other tips:
| Type of Shampoo | Observation |
|---|---|
| Moisturizing Shampoos | Great for preventing hair damage caused by toning treatments. |
| Dandruff Shampoos | Might not be ideal as they can be harsh on color-treated hair. |
| Clarifying Shampoos | You can use it occasionally to remove product build-up but might strip the toner faster. |
How to Apply Toner and Shampoo After Toning
Applying toner and shampooing your hair after is an important process to maintain your hair’s color and health.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you apply toner and shampoo your hair afterward:
- Gather the necessary tools: Before starting, ensure you have gloves, a brush, toner, and shampoo ready.
- Put on gloves: To protect your skin from staining, wear gloves before handling the toner.
- Mix the toner: Follow the instructions on the toner packaging to mix the toner the proper way.
- Section your hair: Divide it into sections, making it easier to apply the toner evenly.
- Apply the toner: Using a brush, apply the toner to your hair, starting from the roots and moving toward the tips. Be sure to distribute the toner across all sections.
- Wait for the right timing: Allow the toner to sit in your hair for the time specified on the packaging. This will ensure that the toner works.
- Wash out toner: Rinse your hair with lukewarm water to remove all the toner residue.
- Shampoo your hair: Use a moisturizing shampoo designed for dyed hair to cleanse your hair after toning. This will help protect the color and effects of the toner.
How Long Should I Wait to Wash Hair After Toning?
Wait at least 24 hours before washing your hair after toning. This gives the toner time to set and develop, creating a more vibrant and long-lasting color.
Some hair experts even recommend waiting up to 48 hours to ensure great results.
Be patient and give your hair the time it needs to keep the desired tone, and your results will be worth the wait!
Addressing Common Hair Tones and Undertones
When it comes to hair color, understanding the tones and undertones is essential for achieving the perfect shade.
Yellow and orange tones are often seen in blonde and light hair colors. These tones can sometimes appear as unwanted or brassy undertones. They make the hair appear warmer than desired.
To neutralize these tones, you can use a purple or blue-based toner. These colors are opposite to yellow and orange on the color wheel.
Brunette hair colors can also present a range of tones and undertones. Like blonde hair, brunette hair may have yellow or orange undertones. This can give the hair a brassy appearance.
Use a green or blue-based toner to neutralize the undesired tones present in brunette hair.
Here’s a summary of the common tones with their respective contrasting colors for better understanding:
- Yellow tones: use a purple toner
- Orange tones: use a blue toner
- Brassy tones: use a blue or purple toner, depending on the specific undertones
Ways to Protect and Nourish Toned Hair
To keep your hair healthy and shiny, follow these tips:
- Use a moisturizing shampoo for dyed hair. It will hydrate your cuticles and follicles.
- Opt for lukewarm or cold water, as it helps seal the cuticles and preserve the vibrant color of your toned hair.
- After using a blue toner or any other potent toner, avoid exposing your hair to harsh chemicals like ammonia.
- Limit the usage of heat-based hair products such as hair dryers to prevent further damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cold water better for rinsing out toner?
Cold water is great for rinsing out toner. It helps to close the hair cuticles, which then seals in the color and keeps your hair looking shiny and healthy. Rinsing with hot water can cause the cuticles to open, which may result in color fading faster.
What type of shampoo is best post-toning?
After using a toner, choose a sulfate-free shampoo. This type of shampoo is gentler on your hair. It doesn’t contain harsh cleansing agents like sulfates, which can strip your hair of its natural oils. Shampoos containing sulfates may also cause the color of your hair to fade more quickly.
Is purple shampoo necessary after using a toner?
Purple shampoo is not always necessary after using a toner. Still, it is helpful for maintaining the desired shade of blonde hair. Purple shampoo works by neutralizing any yellow or brassy tones in your hair. This helps keep it looking fresh and vibrant. If you don’t use a purple shampoo, your toned hair may start to lose its cool tones and look brassy over time.
How long do I leave toner in before rinsing?
The duration of leaving toner in your hair varies depending on the product and your desired outcome. You should leave a toner in your hair for approximately 10 to 20 minutes. It’s essential to follow the instructions provided by the specific product you’re using. Leaving it in for too long can result in over-toning, which may damage your hair and cause an unwanted color change. Always set a timer and watch the process to avoid any issues with your hair color.
