HAIR TONER: Everything You Need To Know About Hair Toner and Hair Extensions!

Article published at: Aug 10, 2023 Article author: Eme Ray Article tag: and Trends
HAIR TONER: Everything You Need To Know About Hair Toner and Hair Extensions!
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Everything you need to know about hair toner

hair swatches of different blonde color tones

The many different types of hair toner 

Hair toner is a product that works by depositing color onto the natural or color-treated hair to neutralize or enhance certain tones. Toner is used after the client has lightened their hair, whether through highlights or full colored hair, as it helps to correct any unwanted brassy or yellow tones that can occur during the lightening process.  ALL lightening processes work by lifting natural human hair through a predictable pattern - black, brown, red-brown, red-orange, orange, gold, yellow, and finally pale yellow.  If you have added color to your hair, this can add strange colors into this mix, but generally they stay within this strange red-brown to yellow range.

How hair toner works / How to use hair toner

Toner works by using a complementary (but opposing) color to cancel out any unwanted tones.  When you look at a color wheel, you will be looking for the color directly across.

color wheel

For example, you use hair color toner like purple to cancel out yellow tones in bleached hair or blonde hair, while blue toner can be used in brown hair to remove orange tones.  Think about a toner like a translucent gel.  You are just adding enough see through color to balance out the original tone.  When you combine purple and yellow - they neutralize to brown.  When you combine blue and orange - they neutralize to brown.  Neat, right? 

The stronger the toner color (deeper, richer, less see through) the more it moves to the opposite side of the color wheel.  The more see-through the toner color, the less it moves across to the other side.  You've probably seen the effects of leaving purple shampoo on bleached hair too long - instead of just canceling the yellows, it actually leaves little purple bits because it moved across too far to the other side of the color wheel.  If it had been mixed down with a bit of regular shampoo, it would have been more translucent and would not have moved as much across the color wheel.  

To use a hair toner, mix to directions and leave the toner on the hair for a specific amount of time (usually between 15 and 30 minutes.  The color will penetrate the client's hair strands and neutralize or enhance the desired tones. Wash the product from your client's hair with color safe conditioner and blow out to complete the process.  The more porous the hair, the more the color will be sucked into the strands.  When in doubt, thin it out. :)

How to use a hair toner to make toner last

Hair toner comes in various consistencies, such as a liquid or cream, and can be used on hair in your salon to make your clients' hair dazzle. It's important to note that salon hair toner is more pigmented that at-home hair toners. Manufacturers do this intentionally so that there are less at-home styling "accidents" from untrained users.  Stylists are trusted to know their products better and feel out the hair fabric they are working with to gauge if it needs to be thinned out to create the right amount of pigmentation.

It is important to choose the right color of toner and also the right consistency for your client's hair type and desired outcome, as using the wrong toner can result in unwanted color changes. Overall, hair toner is a great way to achieve the color you are after.

Removing brassy tones on your client using extensions

Tone your client's hair without dye or bleach, instead use extensions!

bundles of different colored blonde hair extensions hanging on the wall
 

Did you realize you could change your color by adding hair extensions to your natural hair?  If your natural hair's top layers taper a bit, you can add extensions that are up to three levels apart and completely change the color of your style!

Bliss Hair extensions aren't just a great option for adding length, volume - we can also use them to add tone and color to your clients' hair.

When it comes to toning with extensions, there are a few key things to keep in mind:

  • First, it's important to select the right type of extensions for the job. There are many different types of extensions available, including clip-ins, tape-ins, flex-tip, and sew-ins. Each type has its own pros and cons, so it's important to consider the client's hair type, lifestyle, and budget when making your selection.
  • Once you've selected the right type (style) of hair extensions, it's time to choose the color tone. If you're using extensions to add volume or length, you'll want to match the color as closely as possible to the ends of client's natural hair. However, if you're using extensions to add highlights or lowlights, you'll need to choose a color that complements the client's existing coloured hair.
  • When selecting a color for toning, consider the client's skin tone and eye color. Warm-toned skin looks best with warm-toned hair colors, such as golden blondes, caramel browns, and auburns. Cool-toned skin looks best with cool-toned hair colors, such as ash blondes, platinum blondes, and cool browns.
  • Another factor to consider is the placement of the extensions. If you're adding highlights or lowlights, you'll want to place the extensions strategically to create the desired effect. For example, if you're adding highlights, you'll want to place the extensions around the face and on the crown of the head to create a natural, sun-kissed look. If you're adding lowlights, you'll want to place the extensions underneath the top layers of hair to create depth and dimension.

Use toner to add pizazz that a professional hair stylist can recommend

When it comes to toning with hair extensions, check the texture of the extensions to your client's hair. If you're using synthetic extensions (which we do not recommend), you'll need to use a special hair dye that is designed for synthetic hair (this is more of a stain - and you'll want to alter the hair BEFORE you install it. If you're using human hair extensions (like Bliss), you can use professional hair color, but you'll need to be careful not to damage the extensions.  Always, always, always do a test strand before you commit!

To apply hair dye to extensions, start by washing the extensions with a clarifying shampoo to help make sure the hair is free from any product buildup. Then, mix the hair dye according to the manufacturer's instructions and apply it to the extensions using a tint brush. Make sure to saturate the hair evenly and if you are using extensions with keratin or adhesive bonding, avoid getting the dye on these parts as it may alter their ability to hold.

After you use a color toner, let it sit for the recommended amount of time (generally no longer than 45 minutes max), then rinse the extensions thoroughly with cool water. Follow up with a color-safe conditioner to help lock in the color so toner can last and keep the extensions looking healthy and add shine to the hair.

How long does toner last? Extensions are the best "hair toners!"

blonde hair extensions fanned out on a table with flowers

If you are using extensions for toning, the results will be indefinite.  If you are using a dyed color, it will gradually fade over the next 2 to 3 weeks.  Toning with hair extensions can mean less coloring, and therefore less damage to delicate natural strands.  If you choose to work with color, expect to refresh with a colored shampoo to maintain the tone and keep away the color of the underlying pigments.  Toning is just helping to mask the natural color.

Hair extensions can be a great tool for toning the hair, whether you're adding highlights, lowlights, or a whole new color and hair tones. As a stylist, it's important to select the right type of extensions, choose a color that complements the client's skin tone and eye color, and place the extensions strategically to create the desired effect. By following these tips and using the right techniques, you can help your clients achieve their dream hair color with the help of extensions.

Clients can use hair at home to maintain hair color and hair care

Clients don't need to use hair toner, bleach, or dyed hair at home to keep hair looking great. Using hair extensions to "tone" without coloring any hair is a great way to achieve a new look without committing to a permanent color change. Clip-in extensions can help make your hair appear accented while keeping your original hair it's natural color.

stylist looking at client's hair to see the blend of blonde extensions with the natural hair color

Here are a few steps to follow to achieve a toned look using hair extensions: 

  1. Choose the right color:

    • The first step is to choose the right color of hair extensions that will match the tone of the hair. There are a variety of shades available (especially blondes since they range from warm to cool!), so take your time to find the perfect match.

  2. Select the right type of extension:

    • There are several types of extensions available, such as clip-ins, tape-ins, Flex-tip, and sew-ins. For at home toning, clip-in extensions work best as they are easy to attach and remove.

  3. Section your hair:

    • Section off a portion of hair where you want to add the extensions. This could be the crown of their head, the sides, or the back, depending on the look you are going for.

  4. Prep your extensions:

    • Brush them out and make sure they are tangle-free. If they are not the same length as your hair, trim them to the desired length.

  5. Install the extensions: 

    • Clip, clip, clip!  Use the appropriate installation method for the type of extensions your client has chosen.

  6. Layer the extensions:

    • Working in layers from the nape, install the extensions row by row.  Continue to layer the extensions, working your way up to the top of your head. Be sure to blend the extensions with the natural hair as you go, so they look seamless when you have finished.

  7. Style your hair:

    • Once you have all the extensions in place, style the hair as desired. You can use a curling iron, straightener, or other styling tools to create the perfect look.

  8. Use toning products:

    • To enhance the toning effect, you can use toning products such as toning shampoos or conditioners to keep the extensions looking their best.

By following these steps, you can easily achieve a toned look using hair extensions without coloring any of the natural hair. This is a great way to experiment and add dimension to hair color without the commitment of permanent hair dye, and it can be a fun way to change up your client's look for a special occasion or just for a change of pace. Add dimension to hair color

Selling extensions as an option to tone your clients' hair can be beneficial for your bottom line too!

woman with hair extensions that give her blonde highlights in front of lake

  1. Increased revenue:

  2. Improved customer satisfaction:

    • Offering hair extensions as an option for an in-salon toner can help improve customer satisfaction. Many clients may be looking for a way to change up their look without committing to a permanent color change. By offering extensions as an option, you can help your clients achieve the look they want while also providing a non-permanent and damage free solution.

  3. Expanded service offerings:

    • Expand your service offerings and provide a more comprehensive range of services to your clients by offering this as an alternative. This can help you stand out from other hairdressers in the area and attract new clients.

  4. Strengthened client relationships:

    • Offering hair extensions as an option for toning can help you build stronger relationships with your clients. By providing a personalized solution to their hair needs, you can establish trust and loyalty, leading to repeat business and referrals.

  5. Increased skill set:

    • Incorporating hair extensions into your services can help you develop new skills and improve your expertise as a hairdresser. This can help you grow professionally and offer a wider range of services to your clients.

Toning hair keeps lightened hair blonde and free from brass

Selling extensions as an option to tone your clients' hair can be a great way to increase your revenue, improve customer satisfaction, expand your service offerings, strengthen client relationships, and develop new skills. By offering extensions as a personalized solution to your clients' hair needs, you can set yourself apart as a skilled and knowledgeable hairdresser who can provide a comprehensive range of services.

Hand tied extensions are perfect for adding rows as a premium salon service.  Learn how for free by taking our course here!  Buy the kit below to get everything you need to get started.

button to buy Bliss hand tied extention starter kit

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