How To Use Wella Toner After Bleach A Step-by-Step Guide

by Henrik Larsen 57 views

Hey there, hair enthusiasts! If you've just taken the plunge into the world of bleached hair, you know that achieving that perfect, vibrant blonde or pastel shade is a journey, not a one-step process. One of the most crucial steps in this journey is toning. Toner is like the magic wand that banishes those unwanted yellow or orange undertones, leaving you with the cool, clean color you've been dreaming of. And when it comes to toners, Wella is a name that stands out for its quality and results. So, if you're wondering how to use Wella toner after bleaching your hair, you've come to the right place. Let's dive into the world of hair toning and unlock the secrets to achieving salon-worthy results at home!

Why Use Toner After Bleaching?

Before we get into the how, let's quickly touch on the why. Bleaching your hair is a process that strips away its natural pigment. Unfortunately, it doesn't always remove all the color evenly, often leaving behind brassy tones – those pesky yellows, oranges, or even reds. This is where toner comes to the rescue. Toner is a demi-permanent hair color that contains pigments to neutralize these unwanted tones. Think of it like a color corrector for your hair. It doesn't lift the color like bleach does, but instead, it deposits color to counteract the brassiness. For example, a purple-toned toner will neutralize yellow tones, while a blue-toned toner will counteract orange tones. Using a toner after bleaching is essential for achieving a clean, polished blonde or any other pastel or vibrant shade you desire. Without toner, your hair might look uneven, brassy, and not quite the color you were hoping for. So, if you want that salon-quality finish, don't skip this crucial step!

Choosing the Right Wella Toner

Okay, so you're convinced that toner is a must. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right Wella toner for your hair? This is a critical step, as using the wrong toner can lead to unwanted results. First, you need to assess your hair's undertones. Is it more yellow or orange? This will determine the color of toner you need. Wella offers a range of toners, with some of the most popular being from the Wella Color Charm line. These toners are known for their effectiveness and affordability.

Here's a quick guide to choosing the right Wella Color Charm toner:

  • Wella Color Charm T10 (Pale Blonde): This toner is ideal for neutralizing pale yellow tones in very light blonde hair (level 9 or 10). It will give you a beautiful, icy blonde finish. If your hair is already quite light and you just want to eliminate some subtle yellow, this is a great option.
  • Wella Color Charm T14 (Silver Blonde): T14 is a popular choice for achieving a cool, silver blonde. It's best for hair that's a level 9 or 10 and has yellow undertones. This toner is known for its strong toning power, so it's perfect if you want a noticeable silver hue.
  • Wella Color Charm T18 (White Lady): If you're aiming for a pure, white blonde, T18 is your go-to. It's designed to neutralize yellow tones in very light blonde hair (level 10). Keep in mind that this toner can be quite intense, so it's best used on hair that's already very light.
  • Wella Color Charm T27 (Medium Beige Blonde): For those who prefer a warmer blonde, T27 is an excellent choice. It neutralizes yellow and gold tones, leaving you with a beautiful beige blonde. This toner is great if you want to avoid a super cool or ashy blonde.
  • Wella Color Charm T35 (Beige Blonde): Similar to T27, T35 provides a warm beige blonde finish. It's effective at neutralizing yellow and gold tones, making it a versatile option for various blonde shades.

In addition to these popular shades, Wella offers other toners in their Color Charm line, as well as in their Illumina Color and Koleston Perfect lines. Consider your desired end result and your hair's current level and undertones when making your selection. If you're unsure, it's always best to do a strand test or consult with a professional hairstylist.

Understanding Hair Levels and Undertones

To choose the right toner, it's crucial to understand hair levels and undertones. Hair levels refer to the lightness or darkness of your hair, ranging from 1 (black) to 10 (lightest blonde). Undertones are the underlying colors that are revealed when hair is lightened. As we discussed earlier, these are typically yellow, orange, or red.

  • Level 9 and 10 (Lightest Blonde): Hair at this level is pale yellow and can be toned with T10, T14, or T18 for icy, silver, or white blonde results.
  • Level 8 (Light Blonde): Hair at this level has yellow undertones and can be toned with T14 or T18 for cooler tones, or T27 or T35 for warmer beige blonde results.
  • Level 7 (Medium Blonde): Hair at this level may have yellow or orange undertones and can be toned with a blue-based toner to neutralize the orange, or a violet-based toner to neutralize the yellow.

Identifying your hair level and undertones is the first step in choosing the correct Wella toner. If you're not sure, you can compare your hair to a hair level chart or seek advice from a professional.

Gathering Your Supplies

Once you've chosen your Wella toner, it's time to gather your supplies. Having everything you need on hand will make the toning process smoother and more efficient. Here's a checklist of what you'll need:

  • Wella Toner: Of course! Make sure you have the correct shade and enough product for your hair length and thickness.
  • Wella Developer: Toner needs to be mixed with a developer to activate the color. Wella Color Charm toners typically use a 10-volume developer. Using a higher volume developer is not recommended, as it can damage your hair and may not give you the desired results.
  • Mixing Bowl and Applicator Brush: You'll need a non-metallic bowl and brush to mix and apply the toner.
  • Gloves: Protect your hands from staining by wearing gloves during the application process.
  • Old Towel or Cape: Toner can stain clothing, so wear an old towel or cape to protect your clothes.
  • Hair Clips: Use hair clips to section your hair for even application.
  • Timer: Set a timer to ensure you don't leave the toner on for too long.
  • Shampoo and Conditioner: Use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner to wash your hair after toning.

Having these supplies ready will help you stay organized and focused during the toning process.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Wella Toner

Alright, let's get to the nitty-gritty! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to apply Wella toner after bleaching your hair. Follow these instructions carefully for the best results:

Step 1: Perform a Strand Test

Before applying toner to your entire head, it's crucial to perform a strand test. This will allow you to see how the toner will react with your hair and ensure you achieve the desired color. To do a strand test, mix a small amount of toner and developer according to the instructions. Apply the mixture to a small, inconspicuous section of your hair (like the underside near your neck). Let it process for the recommended time, then rinse and dry the strand. If you're happy with the result, you can proceed with the full application.

Step 2: Mix the Toner and Developer

In your non-metallic mixing bowl, combine the Wella toner and developer. The standard ratio for Wella Color Charm toners is 1 part toner to 2 parts developer. For example, if you're using 2 ounces of toner, you'll need 4 ounces of developer. Mix the toner and developer thoroughly until you achieve a creamy consistency. Make sure there are no lumps or streaks in the mixture.

Step 3: Section Your Hair

To ensure even application, section your hair into four quadrants. Use hair clips to secure each section. This will make it easier to apply the toner evenly and prevent you from missing any spots.

Step 4: Apply the Toner

Wearing your gloves, start applying the toner to your hair, beginning at the roots. Use the applicator brush to saturate each strand of hair with the toner mixture. Work your way down from the roots to the ends, ensuring that all of your hair is covered. If you have particularly brassy areas, you can apply the toner more heavily to those sections.

Step 5: Process the Toner

Once you've applied the toner to all of your hair, set a timer for the recommended processing time. For Wella Color Charm toners, the typical processing time is 30 minutes. However, it's essential to follow the instructions on the toner packaging, as processing times may vary. During the processing time, keep an eye on your hair. If you notice it reaching the desired color sooner, you can rinse the toner out early. But be careful not to leave it on for too long, as this can lead to over-toning.

Step 6: Rinse and Condition

After the processing time is up, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear. This is an important step, as any remaining toner can continue to process and affect your hair color. Once your hair is rinsed, apply a color-safe conditioner to help replenish moisture and seal the hair cuticle. Leave the conditioner on for a few minutes, then rinse again.

Step 7: Dry and Style

Gently towel-dry your hair and style as usual. Avoid using heat styling tools immediately after toning, as this can further dry out your hair. If you do need to use heat, apply a heat protectant spray first. Now, admire your beautifully toned hair!

Tips for Maintaining Your Toned Hair

So, you've toned your hair and it looks amazing! But how do you maintain that gorgeous color? Here are some tips to keep your toned hair looking its best:

  • Use Color-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner: These products are formulated to be gentle on color-treated hair and won't strip the toner as quickly as regular shampoos and conditioners. Look for products that are sulfate-free, as sulfates can fade hair color.
  • Wash Your Hair Less Often: Washing your hair too frequently can cause the toner to fade faster. Try to extend the time between washes by using dry shampoo on your roots.
  • Avoid Hot Water: Hot water can open the hair cuticle and cause the toner to wash out. Rinse your hair with cool or lukewarm water instead.
  • Use a Toner-Depositing Shampoo or Conditioner: These products contain a small amount of pigment that helps to refresh your toner and prevent brassiness. Purple shampoo and conditioner are popular choices for blonde hair, as they neutralize yellow tones.
  • Protect Your Hair from the Sun: UV rays can fade hair color, so wear a hat or use a hair product with UV protection when you're spending time in the sun.
  • Schedule Regular Toner Touch-Ups: Depending on how quickly your toner fades, you'll need to touch it up every few weeks. This will help to keep your hair color looking fresh and vibrant.

Troubleshooting Common Toner Issues

Even with the best intentions, things don't always go as planned. Here are some common toner issues and how to troubleshoot them:

  • Hair Turned Ashy or Gray: This can happen if you used a toner that was too cool-toned or left it on for too long. To fix this, try washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove some of the toner. You can also use a warm-toned gloss or semi-permanent color to add warmth back to your hair.
  • Hair Still Brassy: If your hair is still brassy after toning, it could be that your hair wasn't light enough to begin with, or you didn't leave the toner on long enough. You may need to bleach your hair again or try a stronger toner.
  • Uneven Toning: Uneven toning can occur if you didn't apply the toner evenly or if your hair was unevenly bleached. To fix this, you may need to reapply toner to the areas that are still brassy. Sectioning your hair carefully and applying the toner methodically can help prevent this issue.
  • Dry or Damaged Hair: Toning can be drying, especially if your hair is already damaged from bleaching. To combat this, use a deep conditioning treatment after toning and avoid heat styling. You can also try using a protein treatment to help strengthen your hair.

Final Thoughts

Using Wella toner after bleaching is a game-changer for achieving that perfect hair color. By choosing the right toner, following the application steps carefully, and maintaining your toned hair, you can enjoy beautiful, salon-worthy results at home. Remember to always perform a strand test, gather your supplies, and be patient with the process. And if you encounter any issues, don't hesitate to seek advice from a professional hairstylist. With a little practice and the right products, you'll be rocking your dream hair color in no time! So go ahead, unleash your inner colorist and get ready to flaunt those stunning tresses!