Tackling unwanted orange tones in lightened hair proves challenging as they often appear stubbornly; consequently, selecting the best toner is crucial for neutralizing these warm hues. Toners use blue or violet pigments to counteract brassy orange, restoring balanced, vibrant color. This guide explores 5 top toners, helping you choose for pigment strength, application method, and conditioning benefits. Ultimately, a good toner ensures a cool, brass-free hair shade.
5 Best Toner for Brassy Orange Hair
1. Wella Color Charm T14 Pale Ash Blonde Toner
- Features a violet-blue base pigment, consequently effectively neutralizing stubborn orange and yellow-orange tones in pre-lightened hair.
- Designed as a liquid toner formula, actively allowing for professional-level results when mixed with a 20 volume developer.
- Provides deep penetration for lasting toning effects, consequently ensuring cool undertones persist for weeks.
- Ideal for hair levels 8-10, transforming brassy orange into a beautiful pale ash blonde or light beige.
- Offers permanent toning, consequently locking in cool tones that resist premature fading.
- Can be applied precisely using an applicator bottle or brush, allowing for targeted color correction.
- Known for creating natural-looking, cool blonde shades that effectively combat orange hues.
- Requires careful application and timing to achieve desired results without over-toning or unwanted tint.
- Provides robust color correction, helping achieve a salon-fresh look.
- Represents a professional-grade and highly effective choice for durable orange brass correction.
2. John Frieda Colour Refreshing Gloss – Cool Blonde
- Features a blue-violet pigment formula, consequently designed to counteract orange and yellow tones in blonde and highlighted hair.
- Designed as an in-shower gloss, actively providing easy, mess-free application for at-home toning maintenance.
- Provides conditioning benefits, actively leaving hair soft, shiny, and hydrated after use.
- Suitable for use between salon visits, consequently helping to refresh and maintain cool tones.
- Does not require mixing with developer, consequently simplifying its application process for regular users.
- Ideal for mild to moderate brassy orange tones, offering gradual and subtle correction.
- Enhances overall hair vibrancy and shine with continued use.
- Can be used weekly to keep unwanted warm hues at bay.
- Provides a convenient way to extend salon color life.
- Represents an accessible and user-friendly choice for gentle, ongoing orange brass correction.
3. Matrix Total Results Brass Off Shampoo (Blue)
- Features a highly concentrated blue pigment formula, consequently specifically designed to neutralize strong orange and red-orange brassy tones.
- Designed as a shampoo, actively allowing for easy integration into your regular hair washing routine.
- Provides effective cleansing while depositing color-correcting pigments.
- Includes Vitamin Oil to help protect and nourish hair, consequently preventing dryness often associated with toning.
- Ideal for lightened brunettes and darker blonde shades (levels 5-7) where orange brassiness is common.
- Suitable for use 1-3 times per week, consequently depending on the level of brassiness and desired result.
- Leaves hair feeling soft and refreshed after use.
- Known for its ability to effectively cool down warm orange undertones.
- Can be paired with Brass Off Conditioner for complete care.
- Represents a powerful and targeted choice for neutralizing stubborn orange brassiness.
4. Schwarzkopf Professional Goodbye Orange Neutralizing Bonding Wash
- Features a blue-green direct dye formula, consequently specifically engineered to counteract orange and red undertones in brown hair or dark blonde.
- Designed as a highly pigmented wash, actively providing efficient toning results without a developer.
- Provides integrated bonding technology, actively helping to strengthen hair structure and reduce breakage during toning.
- Ideal for brunettes with balayage, highlights, or lightened sections showing orange or red-orange brassiness.
- Offers sulfate-free cleansing, consequently ensuring gentle hair treatment and color preservation.
- Suitable for use 1-2 times per week depending on brassiness and desired cool tone.
- Leaves hair feeling nourished and looking vibrant.
- Known for its ability to effectively eliminate orange hues in darker lightened hair.
- Provides professional-grade results for at-home use.
- Represents a specialized choice for targeted orange correction with added hair health benefits.
5. Redken Color Extend Brownlights Blue Toning Shampoo
- Features a progressive blue pigment formula, consequently designed to neutralize brassy orange and red undertones in brown hair.
- Designed as a shampoo, actively allowing for easy integration into your regular hair care routine.
- Provides gentle cleansing while depositing blue pigments to counteract warmth.
- Includes an Exclusive RCT Protein Complex, actively conditioning hair from root to tip, consequently improving softness and manageability.
- Ideal for natural or color-treated brunettes who experience unwanted orange or red brassiness.
- Suitable for use 2-3 times per week for color correction and maintenance.
- Prevents brown hair from turning brassy, consequently keeping it cool and rich.
- Can be used with Color Extend Brownlights Conditioner for optimal results.
- Leaves hair feeling hydrated and looking vibrant.
- Represents a reliable choice for maintaining cool, rich brown tones and eliminating orange brassiness.
Buying Guide
Selecting the ideal toner for brassy orange hair genuinely requires thoughtful consideration of several crucial factors, consequently ensuring your chosen product effectively neutralizes unwanted warm tones, preserves hair health, and maintains your desired cool hair shade.
Pigment Color (Blue vs. Blue-Violet)
The pigment color is paramount for neutralizing orange brassiness. Blue toners (opposite orange on the color wheel) are specifically designed to counteract direct orange hues, often found in darker blondes or light brown hair. Blue-violet or violet-blue toners effectively neutralize yellow-orange shades, working on a broader spectrum of brassiness. Match the pigment to your specific orange tone for best results.
Application Method (Shampoo, Mask, Liquid)
Toners come in various forms. Toning shampoos are easy to integrate into your wash routine, offering gradual correction. Toning masks provide more intense pigment deposit and deep conditioning. Liquid toners (professional-grade, mixed with developer) offer strong, lasting results but require more expertise. Choose based on desired intensity, ease of use, and hair care needs, subsequently finding your preferred application style.
Pigment Strength and Frequency
Pigment strength varies. Highly concentrated formulas (often liquid toners or strong blue shampoos) deliver intense correction for severe orange brassiness but require careful timing to avoid over-toning. Gentler, less concentrated options are suitable for regular maintenance. Match the strength to your hair’s brassiness level and how often you plan to use the product, subsequently ensuring effective and safe application.
Conditioning Properties
Toning, especially strong blue pigments, can sometimes be drying for hair, particularly pre-lightened strands. Look for toners that include conditioning agents like oils, proteins, or hydrating extracts. Toning shampoos are often paired with a toning conditioner or mask to replenish moisture. Good conditioning properties ensure your hair remains soft, smooth, and healthy, subsequently preventing dryness and damage.
Hair Level and Type
Toners are most effective on hair that is already lightened. Blue toners typically work best on hair that is at a level 5-8 (light brown to medium blonde), where orange undertones are most prominent. Ensure the toner is suitable for your hair’s current lightness and type (e.g., color-treated, fine, coarse) for optimal results, subsequently providing targeted correction.
Sulfate-Free Formula
For color-treated hair, choosing a sulfate-free toner is highly recommended. Sulfates can strip hair color and natural oils, potentially causing brassiness to return faster and drying out hair. Sulfate-free formulas gently cleanse while preserving your hair color and moisture balance, subsequently extending the life of your tone and overall hair health.
Longevity (Temporary vs. Permanent)
Toning shampoos, conditioners, and masks offer temporary or semi-permanent results, depositing pigment on the hair’s surface that fades over washes. Professional liquid toners mixed with developer can provide more permanent toning, penetrating the hair cuticle for longer-lasting color correction. Consider the longevity you desire and your comfort with application methods.
Tips
Strand Test is Crucial
- Always perform a strand test on a small, hidden section of hair before full application, consequently assessing toning results and timing.
- This prevents over-toning (leaving blue or green tint) or unexpected color outcomes.
Use Gloves
- Wear gloves when applying highly pigmented toners (especially strong blue formulas), consequently preventing staining on your hands and bathroom surfaces.
- Rinse any splashes immediately from bathroom fixtures to avoid unwanted discoloration.
Apply to Clean, Damp Hair
- Apply toning shampoo/conditioner to clean, damp hair for best results, consequently ensuring uniform pigment distribution.
- Towel-dry hair lightly after shampooing to remove excess water, allowing the toner to adhere better.
Monitor Closely
- Pay close attention to the processing time recommended on the product. Leave the toner on only for the necessary duration, consequently avoiding over-toning or unwanted tints.
- Visually check your hair’s color every few minutes during processing until desired orange reduction is achieved.
Hydrate Your Hair
- Follow up toning with a deeply hydrating mask or conditioner, consequently replenishing moisture that might be lost during the toning process.
- Regularly use a good quality leave-in conditioner to maintain hair health between toning sessions.
Comparison Table
| Product Name | Pigment Color | Application Method | Pigment Strength | Sulfate-Free | Key Hair Benefit | Ideal For (Hair Level) |
| 1. Wella Color Charm T14 Pale Ash Blonde Toner | Violet-Blue | Liquid (Developer) | Professional | Yes | Lasting Toning | 8-10 |
| 2. John Frieda Colour Refreshing Gloss – Cool Blonde | Blue-Violet | In-Shower Gloss | Gentle | Yes | Gloss & Maintenance | Blonde/Highlighted |
| 3. Matrix Total Results Brass Off Shampoo | Blue | Shampoo | High | No | Targeted Orange Neutralizing | 5-7 (Lightened Brunettes) |
| 4. Schwarzkopf Goodbye Orange Neutralizing Wash | Blue-Green | Wash | High | Yes | Bonding Technology | Brunette/Dark Blonde |
| 5. Redken Color Extend Brownlights Blue Toning Shampoo | Blue | Shampoo | Progressive | Yes | Protein Complex | Natural/Color-Treated Brown |
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FAQ
Q: What is toner for brassy orange hair?
A: It is a product with blue or blue-violet pigments. These colors counteract unwanted orange hues in lightened hair.
Q: Why does my hair turn orange after coloring?
A: Hair turns orange when it’s not lightened enough. The underlying warm pigments become exposed, requiring toning.
Q: How do blue toners work on orange hair?
A: Blue toners use the opposite color principle. Blue directly neutralizes orange on the color wheel, canceling the unwanted warm tone.
Q: Can I use a purple toner on orange hair?
A: Purple toners work best for yellow. For orange, blue toners are more effective. Purple might slightly reduce orange, but blue offers stronger correction.
Q: How often should I use a blue toner?
A: Frequency depends on toner strength and brassiness. Use strong ones 1-2 times weekly. Gentler products can be used more often for upkeep.
Q: Will blue toner make my hair blue?
A: If left on too long or if hair is very porous, it might. Always follow instructions and do a strand test to prevent this.
Q: Do these toners work on natural brown hair?
A: They work best on lightened brown hair with orange tones. Natural brown hair without lightening won’t show significant color change from a toner.
Q: What’s the difference between a toning shampoo and a liquid toner?
A: Toning shampoos provide temporary color correction during washing. Liquid toners, often professional, offer more intense, longer-lasting results when mixed with a developer.
Q: Should I shampoo before using a blue toning shampoo?
A: Yes, wash your hair first with regular shampoo. This ensures clean hair, allowing the blue pigments to deposit evenly for best toning results.
Q: Can hard water affect my toned hair?
A: Yes, hard water minerals can cause brassiness to reappear. These deposits can dull your toned color and expose underlying warm tones over time.
Conclusion
Choosing the 5 best toner for brassy orange hair genuinely neutralizes unwanted warm tones, ensuring a beautifully balanced, cool hair shade. These specialized products offer crucial pigment strength, diverse application methods, and hair conditioning benefits. By prioritizing pigment color, formula, and strength, you select an ideal toner. Ultimately, a good toner ensures a cool, rich, and brass-free complexion for your lightened locks.