Should You Apply Toner To Wet Or Dry Hair?

You just got your hair freshly colored, and it looks exquisite. But you know that the color will fade and turn brassy over time. Hence, you make a smart move and buy a hair toner. However, you find yourself wondering if you can apply toner on dry hair. Sounds familiar?

A hair toner eliminates those frustrating orange and brassy yellow hues on colored hair. It also stops any discoloration on bleached hair. Toners also shield your hair strands from damage and regulate the hair porosity level. One frequent question about toners is whether you should use them on dry or wet hair. Keep reading to know everything you need to know about hair toners and their usage.

Did You Know?

There are different types of toners, such as glosses, demi-permanent colors, tinted shampoos, and conditioners containing pigments that can adjust the tone of your hair.

Should I Apply Toner On Wet Or Dry Hair?

Your hair has to be a little damp or towel dried while applying a toner. To be precise, you should always use a hair toner when your hair is 70% dry.

You will achieve better results if you put toner on damp hair and not dripping wet or completely dry hair. Damp hair is more porous, which helps distribute the toner effectively and enables it to work effectively.

What Happens If I Apply Toner On Wet Hair?

Wet hair may dilute the toner and affect the longevity of the toner and its color. There is a good reason why it is recommended to use toner always on towel-dried hair. It all comes down to the color of your hair when it is wet and dry.

For example, if your hair is blonde, you may find it bright yellow when wet. On the other hand, the blonde may seem neutral or ashy when your hair is dry. If you apply toner on wet blonde hair, you may overcompensate for the color, and the result may seem flat or ashy.

You need to follow some steps to maintain the effect of toner on your locks. Here’s what you need to know.

How Long Does A Hair Toner Last?

Typically, the effects of a hair toner can last between two to six weeks. However, it also depends on your hair type and hair condition. If your hair is colored or bleached, it may be able to hold the toner for a lesser period than virgin hair.

Here are some tips to help you maintain your toner for a long time.

Tips For Long-Lasting Toning Effects

• Hair Wash Routine

The longevity of your hair toner depends on how often you wash your hair.

The less frequently you wash it, the longer the effects of the toner. The ideal routine is to wash your hair once a week after using a toner.

For those who love experimenting with hair care at home, creating a DIY hair toner can be both fun, natural, and equally effective.

• Shampoos

Avoid using shampoos immediately after applying toner, as they can reduce the toner’s effectiveness before it fully absorbs. It’s best to wait at least 48-72 hours before shampooing. In the meantime, you can simply rinse your hair with cold water. Also, steer clear of hot water, as it can strip off the toner pigments. When you do wash your locks, opt for sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners to protect the effect of the toner and prevent it from fading quickly. Professional purple shampoos are also helpful for maintaining the tone longer.

Note: Do not leave the purple shampoo in your hair for more than three to five minutes. If you need to cleanse   your hair more than once a week, try a dry shampoo.

Quick Tip

Purple toning products are suitable for blondes as violet cancels out the yellow tones and brassiness, while blue toning products are formulated for brunettes as blues cancels out orange tones.

• Summer Care

Exposure to direct sunlight can damage your freshly toned hair.

After toning your hair, ensure to cover it with a hat or scarf while stepping out. Limit your time spent in swimming pools and under direct sunlight at all costs.

• Hair Styling

The frequent use of heat tools to style your hair can weaken the effects of your toner. Avoid subjecting your hair to styling techniques that require high heat and excessive strain. You can keep your hair nourished and protected by applying argan, coconut, almond, and grapeseed oils.

Note: Choosing the right hair products is important for maintaining healthy locks, especially when you are trying to correct color mistakes and damage done by hair dyes. It is also important to consider your hair length when selecting products and treatments. If you have very long hair, a small bottle of toner may not be sufficient to correct your hair color.

Infographic: Tips To Make Hair Toner Last Longer

Hair toners help remove excess brassiness from your hair and leave them looking smooth and lustrous. However, you must be diligent in taking care of your toned hair. Because the longevity of the toning effect depends on your hair care routine. While you can follow the tips discussed in the article, the infographic below summarizes the must-follow tips to make your hair toner last longer. Scroll down and take a look.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if you put toner on dry hair?

If you put toner on dry hair, it will not spread evenly over the hair shaft, making your hair look dull and dark.

Can I apply toner to damp hair?

Yes, toner works best on damp hair, as it helps the product spread evenly and absorb better. But as mentioned before, make sure your hair is damp or towel-dried and not soaking wet.

How long do you leave toner on dry hair?

It depends on your hair color and desired results. For example, the toner can work in 10 minutes if you have light hair. However, it may take up to 30 minutes for darker hair.

What happens if you leave toner on for too long?

When left for too long, toners can strip away your hair’s natural pigment and nourishment, making it dull, lifeless, and with unwanted shades of blue or green.

Learn how to apply toner to your hair to get a beautiful, vibrant color! Check out this video for easy steps to get a salon-quality look at home.

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Ghanima AbdullahCosmetologist

   

A cosmetologist from Chicago, IL, Ghanima lives in the Caribbean. As a beauty consultant and stylist with 40 years of experience, she has been in the beauty industry for a few decades, doing makeup and hair. Being a formulator, she has her eye on new ingredients in the market and their uses.

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