Toner selector: find the perfect toner for your hair
Select the unwanted tone and blonde level. We'll recommend the exact toner family, developer, and professional brand examples.
What unwanted tone do you see?
Select the dominant tone in your client's pre-lightened hair.
What level is the hair at?
Select the current level of the pre-lightened hair.
Recommended toner
How to choose the right toner
Identify the unwanted tone
Look at the client's pre-lightened hair. The dominant tone (orange, yellow, brassy gold, or warm copper) determines which toner family is needed.
Confirm the blonde level
The hair level (7 to 10) refines the recommendation. A level 7 with orange needs a different toner than a level 9 with yellow.
Apply the recommended toner
Mix the toner with the indicated developer, apply, and monitor processing time. Check every 5 minutes for a perfect result.
What are toners and how do they work
Hair toners are semi-permanent or demi-permanent colors designed to neutralize unwanted tones after bleaching. They are the key tool for achieving perfect cool, ash, and platinum blondes.
The principle is simple: each unwanted tone has a complementary color that cancels it out. Orange is neutralized with blue (ash), yellow with violet (iridescent), and so on. To dive deeper into the theory, check out our neutralization wheel. Not sure what level the hair is at? Check our hair color level chart.
Toner families by unwanted tone
| Unwanted tone | Toner family | Reflect | Typical levels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orange | Ash (blue) | .1 / .01 | 7-8 |
| Yellow | Violet (iridescent) | .2 / .02 | 8-10 |
| Brassy gold | Blue-violet | .12 / .21 | 7-9 |
| Warm copper | Ash-matte | .13 / .1 | 7-8 |
Developer volumes for toners
Developer volume is critical with toners. Using too high a volume can lift color instead of depositing, ruining the result.
- 1.5% (5 vol): Deposit only. Ideal for very sensitized hair, express toners, and quick refreshes. Less durability.
- 3% (10 vol): The standard for toners. Deposits color with slight cuticle opening for better penetration and durability. Compatible with most demi-permanents.
- 6% (20 vol): Not recommended for pure toners. Only in very specific cases where you need to cover grays while toning at the same time.
Common toner mistakes
- Applying toner on a base that's too dark: If the hair hasn't reached the right level, the toner can't do its job. Lighten to the correct level first.
- Using developer that's too strong: 20 vol with a toner can produce unpredictable results. Stick to 5 or 10 vol.
- Leaving it on too long: An over-processed toner can give an overly dark or grayish result. Check every 5 minutes.
- Not equalizing porosity: More porous ends absorb faster. Apply to roots first, then bring through to ends.
Questions about hair toners
Everything you need to know about toners for blondes
Have more questions?
Email us at hello@blendsor.comTop toners recommended by professionals
These are the most popular toners and products used by color professionals for perfect blondes:
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