What Happens If You Use Toner On Black Hair: Toning Dyed And Natural Dark Tresses

Leah LOVES hair. So much so, she dedicated an entire website to it! One of the founders of Hair Everyday and Chief Editor, Leah enjoys reviewing all the hair products and showcasing the best. She believes her most underrated articles are her hair care tips!

Check out what happens if you use toner on black hair. Learn if toner shows up on unbleached, uncolored hair or natural black hair.

In This Article:

As a professional hair stylist, I always advise my clients to be cautious when it comes to using toner on black hair. While toner can be a great way to achieve a cool, ashy tone on lighter shades of hair, it can be a bit trickier when it comes to darker hair colors.

First and foremost, it’s important to understand that toner is designed to work on lightened hair. If your hair has not been lightened or bleached, using hair toner will likely have little to no effect. In fact, it may even cause damage to your hair if used incorrectly.

If you do choose to use toner on black hair, it’s important to select the right product for your specific hair type and color.

As a stylist, I often suggest my clients to do a strand test first to ensure that the toner will give you the desired results without causing damage to your hair. (Grosvenor, A J et al. “The physical and chemical disruption of human hair after bleaching – studies by transmission electron microscopy and redox proteomics.” International journal of cosmetic science vol. 40,6 (2018): 536-548. doi:10.1111/ics.12495)

Another important factor to consider is the condition of your hair. If your hair is already damaged or over-processed, using toner can exacerbate these issues and lead to further damage. In these cases, it may be best to avoid using toner altogether and focus on repairing and restoring your hair’s health.

What Is Hair Toner And Why Do We Use It

As a professional hairstylist, I often get asked about the benefits of using hair toner on black hair. Hair toner is a popular hair care product that is used to enhance the color of hair. It is especially useful for those who have recently dyed their hair or have highlights.

Hair toner is typically used after the hair has been bleached or lightened. It is a semi-permanent hair color that helps to neutralize any unwanted brassy or yellow tones in the hair. Hair toner is available in a range of shades, from cool ash tones to warm golden tones.

When using hair toner on black hair, it is important to choose the right shade. If you want to enhance the natural color of your black hair, choose a toner that is close to your natural shade. If you have highlights or have dyed your hair, choose a toner that will complement your new color.

To use hair toner, start by washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo. This will remove any buildup and prepare your hair for the toner. Mix the toner with developer according to the instructions on the package. Apply the toner to your hair and leave it on for the recommended amount of time. Rinse the toner out thoroughly and condition your hair.

What Happens If You Use Toner On Black Hair

When it comes to toning black hair, there are a few things you should know. Toner is a product that is used to neutralize unwanted tones in the hair, such as brassiness or yellowing. However, the results of using toner on black hair can vary depending on whether the hair is natural or dyed.

Toner on Natural Black Hair

If you have natural black hair, using toner can help to enhance the color and add shine. However, it is important to choose the right toner for your hair type. Toners that are designed for lighter hair colors may not work well on black hair, and could even cause damage or breakage.

It is also important to note that toner is not a permanent solution for color correction. If you want to change the color of your black hair, you will need to use a hair dye or bleach.

Toner on Dyed Black Hair

If you have dyed black hair, using toner can be a bit more complicated. While toner can help to neutralize unwanted tones in the hair, it can also affect the color of your dye job.

For example, if you have dyed your hair black and then use a toner with a blue or purple base, it could cause your hair to take on a blue or purple tint. This is because toners work by depositing color onto the hair, and if the color of the toner is not compatible with your hair dye, it could cause unexpected results.

Overall, using toner on black hair can be a great way to enhance the color and add shine. However, it is important to choose the right toner for your hair type and to be aware of the potential effects on dyed hair.

Choosing the Right Toner For Black Hair

When it comes to toning black hair, it’s important to choose the right product to achieve the desired results. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a toner for black hair:

1. Hair Color

The first thing to consider when choosing a toner for black hair is your current hair color. If you have natural black hair, you may want to opt for a toner that enhances its natural shine and depth. On the other hand, if you have colored black hair, you may want to choose a toner that complements your hair color or neutralizes any unwanted tones.

2. Desired Result

The second thing to consider is the desired result. Do you want to add warmth, coolness, or neutrality to your hair? Different toners have different effects, so it’s important to choose one that aligns with your goals.

3. Hair Type

Lastly, consider your hair type. If you have fine hair, you may want to choose a toner that is gentle and won’t weigh your hair down. If you have thick hair, you may want to choose a toner that is more potent to ensure even coverage.

Choosing the right toner for black hair requires careful consideration of your hair color, desired result, and hair type. With the right product, you can achieve a beautiful, vibrant, and healthy-looking head of hair.

How To Apply Toner on Black Hair

When applying toner on black hair, it is important to follow the instructions carefully to achieve the desired results. Here are some tips on how to apply toner on black hair:

Start with clean hair: Before applying toner, make sure your hair is clean and free of any product buildup. Shampoo your hair and rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Protect your skin: Apply petroleum jelly or a thick cream around your hairline and ears to avoid staining your skin with the toner.
Mix the toner: Follow the instructions on the toner package to mix the toner with the developer. Make sure to mix it thoroughly to avoid any clumps.
Apply the toner: Divide your hair into sections and apply the toner evenly with a tint brush. Start at the roots and work your way down to the ends. Make sure to saturate the hair completely with the toner.
Process the toner: Leave the toner on for the recommended time on the package. Do not exceed the recommended time as it can cause damage to your hair.
Rinse and condition: Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear. Apply a deep conditioner to your hair and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing it out.

By following these simple steps, you can achieve the perfect toner on your black hair. Remember to always read the instructions carefully and perform a patch test before applying the toner to your hair.

Alternatives To Toner For Black Hair

As an alternative to using toner on black hair, there are a few options that can help achieve similar results. Here are some alternatives that may work for you:

Purple Shampoo

Purple shampoo is a great alternative to toner for black hair. It helps to neutralize any brassy or yellow tones in the hair, making it look brighter and more vibrant. It is important to note that purple shampoo should only be used once a week, as it can cause dryness and damage if used too frequently.

Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

An apple cider vinegar rinse is another great alternative to toner for black hair. It helps to remove any buildup on the hair and scalp, while also restoring the hair’s natural pH balance. To use, mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water, and apply to the hair after shampooing. Leave on for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

Hair Gloss

A hair gloss is a semi-permanent color treatment that can help to enhance the shine and vibrancy of black hair. It can be used to add depth and dimension to the hair, as well as to neutralize any unwanted tones. Hair glosses are available in a variety of shades, so it is important to choose one that is specifically formulated for black hair.

Deep Conditioning Treatments

Deep conditioning treatments can help to enhance the natural shine and vibrancy of your black hair. Look for products that contain natural oils like coconut oil, argan oil, or jojoba oil. These oils can help to nourish and moisturize your hair, leaving it looking healthy and shiny.

Color-Depositing Shampoos and Conditioners

If you want to add a hint of color to your black hair, consider using a color-depositing shampoo or conditioner. These products contain small amounts of color that can help to enhance your natural hair color or add a subtle tint. They are also a great way to maintain your hair color between salon visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can applying red toner alter the shade of black hair?

Yes, applying red toner on black hair can alter its shade. However, it is important to note that toner is not designed to lighten hair, so it will not make black hair appear red. Instead, it can enhance the natural red undertones in black hair or add a reddish tint to it, depending on the type of toner used.

How does toner impact brown hair that has been highlighted?

Toner can help neutralize brassy or yellow tones in brown hair that has been highlighted. It can also enhance the color of the highlights and make them appear more vibrant. However, it is important to choose a toner that is specifically formulated for colored hair and to follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging the hair.

Is it possible to tone hair that has been dyed black?

Yes, toner can be used on hair that has been dyed black, but it is important to choose a toner that is specifically formulated for colored hair. Keep in mind that toner is not designed to lighten hair, so it will not make black hair appear lighter. Instead, it can help enhance the natural undertones of the hair or add a subtle tint to it.

What are the consequences of using toner on undyed hair?

Using toner on undyed hair can help enhance its natural undertones or add a subtle tint to it. However, it is important to choose a toner that is specifically formulated for your hair type and to follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging the hair. Using toner too frequently or leaving it on for too long can dry out the hair and make it brittle.

Does applying toner affect the natural color of hair?

Applying toner can enhance the natural color of hair or add a subtle tint to it, depending on the type of toner used. However, it is important to choose a toner that is specifically formulated for your hair type and to follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging the hair. Using toner too frequently or leaving it on for too long can dry out the hair and make it brittle.

Why You Should Trust Us?

The author of this article, Leah Marie Priest has a degree in Cosmetology with years of experience in dealing with hair care, scalp care, and hairstyling. As someone who extensively deals with all kinds of hair textures, products, styling methods and more, hair Leah Marie knows what kind of products and procedures suit each hair type and person. We have also tested these hair products and processes ourselves to provide you an unbiased review about every product. Each of our articles are also reviewed by a team of medical professionals so that you get the most accurate and expert-reviewed information.

Conclusion

Toner is a semi-permanent hair color that is used to neutralize or enhance the undertones in your hair. It is typically used after bleaching or lightening hair to achieve a certain shade or to remove unwanted brassiness. Toner works by depositing color onto the hair shaft, but it does not lift or lighten the hair like bleach or permanent hair dye.

When it comes to using toner on black hair, the results can vary depending on the type of toner and the level of lightness in your hair. Some toners may not show up at all on black hair, while others may create a subtle tint or change the undertones. However, it’s important to note that toner is not a substitute for bleach or permanent hair dye if you want to significantly lighten or change your hair color.