What is Hair Toner?

"Toner" - in hair can be thought of as the "top coat". It works to neutralize unwanted tones and deposit the desired tones. Toner can also be used to add shine to hair, increase softness of hair, or reduce the appearance of split ends.

What is toner used for?

To neutralize warm or cool tones, to deposit desired colour, to add shine.

Is toner permanent?

No, you can expect it to fade after 2 to 6 weeks.

Why is toner not permanent?

There is no ammonia in toning products like there are in permanent hair dyes. You can think of toner as coating the hair shaft, while permanent dyes penetrate the hair shaft. Once permanent dyes penetrate the hair shaft, there is no removing them. Permanent dyes, can be lifted to alter the colour or covered but will never fully be removed from the hair shaft until it is cut off. Toners do not penetrate the hair shaft, over time the coating washes off of the hair shaft.

Is toner purple shampoo?

Purple shampoo is used as a buffer between toning sessions to remove unwanted warm tones.

Purple shampoo targets yellow tones, and does not alter orange tones. However, if your hair has stained orange from products purple shampoo will return your blonde to its white self. For example, if you accidentally self tan your hair line, purple shampoo will help to restore your once icy tones. BUT, if your stylist did not lift you far enough, purple shampoo will not turn your orange highlights lighter.

Purple Shampoo Recommended at KOBO Beauty?

Olaplex

Joico

Can toner lighten my hair?

No, toner deposits colour only, it does not lift hair.

Same as purple shampoo, toner can help restore your icy tones, but will not make your hair lighter. If your hair has not been lifted past the orange stage, toner is not going to make it any lighter.