Do you shampoo after toning hair?

Just got your hair toned and loving the fresh, new hue? But wait, there’s one question lingering: Do you shampoo after toning hair? This seemingly simple step can spark debate. Should you wash away any lingering product, or let the toner settle? Don’t worry, we’ll untangle the truth behind shampooing after toning. We’ll explore the pros and cons, decode hairdresser advice, and reveal the best course of action for vibrant, long-lasting color. Let’s dive in!

What is hair toning?

Hair toning is the process of adjusting and enhancing the tone of your hair after bleaching or lightening to counteract any unwanted undertones or brassy tones. Hair toning requires specialized products called hair toners or color correctors, a demi or semi-permanent hair color to tone the overall hair color. Hair toners doesn’t lighten your hair nor it lift or alter the color of hair but adds a tone over it. If you want to refresh your natural color, a toner can help you achieve that. They are applied to the hair for a specific time and then rinsed out.

How does hair toner work?

Most natural hair colors, except for very light blonde, contain underlying red and orange pigments. When bleach is applied, it lifts these pigments to achieve a lighter shade. However, depending on the bleach strength and processing time, unwanted brassy or orange tones might remain. This is where hair toner comes in.

Hair toner acts like a color filter, specifically targeting these brassy tones. It deposits cool tones, such as ash or beige, to neutralize the warmth and create a more desirable, balanced color. While toner doesn’t drastically alter your overall hair color, it subtly corrects and refines the shade, resulting in a shinier, healthier-looking result.

What are the benefits of hair toning?

Hair toning offers numerous benefits for those seeking to achieve their desired hair color or maintain vibrant tones.

• Neutralizes brassiness: Hair toners combat unwanted brassy or yellow tones, particularly in blonde or light-colored hair. This is ideal for achieving cool tones like ash blonde or platinum.
• Enhances dimension: Toning adds depth and dimension by enriching your hair color’s richness. This creates a polished and professional look, while also boosting your hair’s vibrancy and healthy appearance.
• Extends color lifespan: Hair toning extend the life of your dyed or bleached hair color. It prevents fading and keeps your color looking fresh for a longer duration.

Can you shampoo after toner?

The post-treatment protocol following hair toning is crucial for maximizing color vibrancy.While the immediate removal of excess product via shampooing might seem intuitive, some stylists advocate for a different approach.

For optimal color results after toning, it’s best to wait at least 24 hours before shampooing. This extended timeframe allows the toner to deposit color pigments effectively, leading to a more vibrant and long-lasting effect. In instances where exceptionally vibrant tones are desired, some stylists might even recommend extending the waiting period to 48 hours. This patience ensures the toner achieves its full color-correcting potential.

Related: Can purple shampoo cause hair loss?

Factors that influence for post-toner shampooing

Several factors come into play when deciding whether or not to shampoo after toning your hair. These factors can vary depending on individual hair types, toners used, and personal preferences. Let’s explore some of the key considerations:

• Hair porosity: One crucial factor is the porosity of your hair. If you have highly porous hair, it is more likely to absorb toner and product residues, making shampooing necessary to ensure they are thoroughly removed.
• Toner type: Different toners have different compositions and instructions. Some toners are intended to be left in the hair without rinsing, while others require rinsing after a specified duration. Follow the instructions provided by the toner manufacturer to make an informed decision.
• Color intensity: If you had your hair toner applied for a vibrant and intense color result, shampooing immediately after may result in a slightly muted tone. However, if the toner was on for too long or you prefer a more subtle effect, shampooing can assist in achieving the desired outcome.
• Oiliness or scalp condition: Individuals with oily scalps or specific scalp conditions may prefer to shampoo after toning to maintain cleanliness and manage excess oil.

How to wash hair with shampoo after toning treatment?

Here are the 5 tips to shampoo hair as a post-toner hair care regimen:

• Rinse with lukewarm water: initiate the rinse cycle with lukewarm water. Excessively hot water can inflict damage on hair follicles and diminish the effectiveness of the toner. Conversely, frigid water might irritate the scalp and hinder the achievement of a vibrant hair color.
• Use color- safe shampoo: Opt for a shampoo specifically formulated for color-treated hair. These gentle cleansers effectively remove impurities while safeguarding and preserving color vibrancy. Additionally, they provide essential nourishment, hydration, and minimize potential hair damage.
• Focus on toned areas: Ensure thorough cleansing where you applied more toner.
• Apply leave-in conditioner: Incorporate a leave-in conditioner as an extra layer of protection for your color-treated hair.
• Weekly hair mask (optional): Use  a weekly deep conditioning treatment with a hair mask. This will provide your hair strands with intensive nourishment, promoting long-lasting smoothness and a radiant shine.

Don’ts of post-toner shampooing

Scientific studies and research on the effects of shampooing after hair toning have offered compelling insights. These studies highlight the potential negative impact of immediate shampooing on toned hair.

• Shampooing right after toning can disrupt the pH balance of your scalp and hair, which can be detrimental to the toner’s effectiveness.
• Frequent shampooing immediately after toning can lead to color fading and dullness.
• The surfactants in shampoos can be harsh on chemically treated hair, making them prevalent culprits for premature color loss.

Note these don’ts vary on individual hair types and the specific toning products used. So, consult your hairstylist and conduct a patch test before deciding on a post-toning hair care routine.

FAQ about shampooing after toning your hair

Final Word: Do you shampoo after toning hair?

The answer to the age-old question, “Should you shampoo after toning hair?” is yes. Shampooing after toning not only remove any residual toner on your hair but also ensures that your hair is thoroughly cleansed and ready to absorb any other styling or treatment products.

But, you need to understand the science behind toner and the importance of proper post-toning care to unlock the secrets to long-lasting, vibrant color. Remember, a little patience goes a long way – wait 24-48 hours before shampooing allows the toner to work its magic. Embrace the cool, ash blonde of your dreams, or achieve rich, dimensional brunettes – with the right post-toning routine, your color will stay fresh and fabulous for weeks to come.