Toner

What does a toner do for your hair?

A hair toner helps correct the colour of bleached hair and blonde shades by targeting yellow and orange tones that can make it look brassy. It’s a big part of blonde toning, especially if you’re after a cooler, more even result.

That brassiness appears because red and orange pigments in your hair don’t always lift completely during the lightening process. Achieving that bright blonde shade often takes more than one session, and doing it too often can lead to damage.

That's where a blonde hair toner comes in. It helps reduce those brassy tones, bringing you closer to the hair colour you want.

Toning shampoos and conditioners are also helpful. They’re gentle on bleached hair, making them a great option for keeping blonde hair looking fresh without needing to lighten it again.

Can toner lighten hair?

No, but toner helps you get the most out of your colour. It neutralises orange and yellow tones in your hair, helping it look more even and stay salon-fresh between appointments.

A blonde toner also helps your hair colour stay true and fade less over time. It can improve the condition of coloured hair by making it feel softer, look shinier and stay hydrated.

Toners aren’t just for coloured hair. They can also enhance natural hair if it’s light enough for the toner to make a visible difference. If your hair has subtle highlights, sun exposure or a naturally lighter base, toner can help even out the tone and restore vibrancy between salon visits.

Is toner better than hair dye?

Yes, if you want to fine-tune your colour rather than change it completely. Toner is ideal for adjusting the tone of your hair and adding shine without touching the base. It refreshes lightened hair and keeps shades like ash blonde, beige blonde or light blonde looking bright and even, especially after bleaching or getting balayage.

Use toner when your colour just needs a refresh. It helps soften yellow or orange tones, smooths the hair and brings a more even result across blonde, brown and grey shades.

Hair dye is a better option when you want a more noticeable shift. It’s used to lighten, darken or fully recolour your hair. If you're covering greys or starting with a new base, dye is the first step.

How to apply toner to hair

Hair toner removes unwanted yellow or brassy tones and can even add a subtle twist to your current hair colour. To use it, follow these simple steps:

1. Wait until your hair has lightened to the right shade after bleaching. Toner works best on hair that has been lightened to the correct level.
2. Choose the right time to apply toner, ideally when your hair is clean and freshly lightened.
3. Start with damp hair. This helps the toner spread more evenly.
4. Apply the toner evenly across your hair, focusing on areas with unwanted brassiness or uneven colour.
5. Leave the toner in your hair for the recommended time on the product instructions.
6. Rinse out the toner thoroughly and follow up with a conditioner to keep your hair hydrated.
7. Touch up your toner as needed, depending on how often you wash your hair and how long the toner lasts.

If you're new to toning, drop by your local Hairhouse for a consultation. Our stylists can help you choose the right toner and achieve the perfect tone.

How often should you use hair toner?

Use toner whenever your colour starts to look brassy or uneven. That might be every few weeks, depending on how often you wash your hair and its current condition. If you've just coloured your hair, wait at least 48 hours before applying toner to let the colour settle.

How long does toner last on bleached hair?

Most toners last between 2 and 6 weeks, depending on your hair type, how often you wash it, and the products you use. Heat styling, swimming or certain medications can also affect how long your toner stays in.

To prevent problems with dryness and breakage after hair bleaching, choose the right hydrating haircare products. Applying a moisturising hair mask within one week after bleaching can do wonders. You can also use hair oils and serums containing nourishing ingredients like keratin and argan oil to bring moisture back into dry hair.

Styling damaged hair needs a little extra care. Opt for gentle hair brushes that won't tug or pull at your hair, and turn the temperature down on your hair straightener or other hairstyling tools to allow your hair to repair itself.

If you're considering a new hair colour but are worried about the condition of your hair, a semi-permanent hair colour is a gentler alternative. It may not offer as drastic a change as bleaching, but any experienced hairstylist will tell you it will definitely be kinder to your hair.

How to choose the right hair toner

Choosing the right toner depends on your hair colour, the result you want and how light your hair is to start with. For blondes, a purple shampoo like Olaplex No. 4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo is a go-to. It turns yellow undertones into a cool, ashy blonde, thanks to its purple pigments that neutralise yellow tones.

If you have brunette hair, a blue toner works better. It helps deepen the tone and reduce red or orange warmth that can appear after bleaching.

Going darker after bleaching? You may need something stronger, such as an ammonia-based toner. Eslabondexx Hair Color Cream Toners are a good option. Just make sure the toner you choose complements the final colour you’re aiming for.

Silver shampoos like De Lorenzo Novafusion Silver Shampoo are great for grey or silver hair and can also help blondes eliminate brassy tones. Rose gold pairs well with a hint of warmth, so not every blonde shade requires toning.

For pastel hair colours, your blonde base needs to be light to avoid brassiness. DARE Temporary Hair Colour - To Pearl Toner & Pasteliser is excellent for soft pastel shades and keeps the colour vibrant.

Where to buy hair toner

You can buy hair toner online or in-store at Hairhouse. We stock a wide range of toners for all hair types, including options for blonde, brunette and grey hair. With stores across Australia and fast delivery, it’s easy to keep your colour routine sorted.

Find your favourite toners and colour care products right here. From leave-in hair treatments and Olaplex shampoo to colour shampoos, conditioners and root touch-up products, we've got everything to keep your hair looking fresh between appointments. We also stock colour protection essentials, so you can extend the life of your tone at home.

Stock up before your favourites go out of stock and give your hair the refresh it deserves!