Toner is most commonly associated with blonde hair, but toner can be used on brown hair to add, neutralize, or alter undertones. To remove unwanted brassiness, add dimension, or create a cooler or warmer look, using a toner on brown hair can make a big difference in your desired look.
This guide covers all there is to know about applying toner to brown hair, such as how it works, the optimal toner colors for various results, and care for sustaining the outcome.
What is Toner and How Does It Work on Brown Hair?
Toner is a long-lasting hair color change that tones up or tones down your current color without significantly altering its lightness or darkness. Toner differs from dyes, which deposit color into hair, in that toners are used to correct undertones, introduce luminosity, and provide the ends with a finished look.
Brown hair naturally has warm undertones, and thus it will gradually acquire red, orange, or brassy color, especially due to sun exposure, heat styling, or coloring. Toner fixes these colors by depositing cool, warm, or neutral pigments depending on the effect desired.
Why Use Toner on Brown Hair?
Using toner on brown hair is very beneficial in the following ways:
- Fixes brassiness caused by oxidation, sun, or lightening of hair color.
- Adds richness and depth to make the brown color look more vibrant.
- Enhances warm or cool tones to achieve the desired shade.
- Blends highlights or balayage for a more natural transition.
- Increases shine and smoothness for a polished, healthy look.
Types of Toner for Brown Hair
There are different types of toners available, and the best one for your hair depends on your hair color, undertones, and desired results.
Purple Toner for Brown Hair
Purple toner is applied most frequently to blonde hair, but it will also fix light yellow undertones in lighter brown colors or highlighted brown hair. It doesn’t apply as well to dark brown hair with orange or red undertones.
Blue Toner for Brown Hair
Blue toner is best for removing orange hues in medium to dark brown hair. Since blue is the complementary color of orange on the color wheel, it neutralizes the unwanted warmth and yields a neutral or cool brown color.
Green Toner for Brown Hair
Green toner is a good choice for brown hair that contains red undertones. Green neutralizes red, so it tones down overly warm tones to make the brown color look balanced and natural.
Ash Toner on Brown Hair
Ash toners have cool, subdued tones that are used to create a cool brown color. They are great for individuals who want to rid their brown hair of warmth but don’t wish to darken their hair too much.
Warm Toner for Brown Hair
Warm toners add golden, caramel, or honey shades to brown hair, making it warmer and richer in color. Warm toners are ideal for individuals who desire a warm brunette shade.
How to Apply Toner on Brown Hair
Applying toner is simple and can be performed at home or in a salon. Follow the following steps for optimal results:
Choose the Right Toner
Select a toner based on the undertone you need to remove or enhance. If your brown hair has orange, apply a blue toner; if it has red, apply a green toner.
Prep the Hair
Toner works well on clean, wet hair. Wash your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo and towel-dry until damp but not soaked.
Mix the Toner
The majority of toners need to be combined with a developer (10 or 20 volume) at a ratio of 1:2 (one part toner, two parts developer). A toning shampoo or gloss will not need to be mixed.
Use the Toner
- Divide your hair and apply the toner evenly, starting at the brassiest part.
- Brush the toner into the hair, or work it in using your fingers.
- Leave it on for 10-30 minutes, depending on how much toning is needed. Check on it every few minutes to avoid over-toning.
Rinse and Condition
Rinse it out thoroughly with cold water when the toner has developed. Apply a deep conditioner to restore moisture and smoothness.
How Long Does Toner Last on Brown Hair?
Toner is a semi-permanent treatment, so it will fade over time. The results usually last 2-6 weeks, depending on:
- Hair porosity – Dry or damaged hair absorbs toner quicker but fades quicker.
- Washing frequency – Shampooing too often causes toner to fade sooner.
- Water temperature – Hot water is an opener, and toner fades sooner. Use lukewarm or cold water to get the toner to last longer.
To get the results to last, use a color-safe shampoo, wash no more than 2-3 times a week, and avoid too much heat styling.
Toner for Varying Tones of Brown Hair
Light Brown Hair
- To eliminate brassiness, employ a blue or purple toner.
- To add warmth, opt for a golden or caramel toner.
Medium Brown Hair
- A blue toner will banish orange tones.
- A neutral ash toner creates a cool, refined brunette color.
Dark Brown Hair
- Green toner is ideal to counteract red undertones.
- A deep brown toner or gloss adds depth and luster.
Brown Hair with Highlights or Balayage
- Use a purple toner to keep cool-toned blonde highlights looking fresh.
- Blue toner is effective for blending brown hair with highlights naturally.
Keeping Toner on Brown Hair
To keep brown hair looking new and vibrant, follow these tips:
- Shampoo with a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo to prevent fading.
- Wash hair with cool or lukewarm water to keep toner intact.
- Use heat styling less and use a heat protectant when hot tools are applied.
- Deep condition every week to have smooth and healthy hair.
- Update toner every 4-6 weeks to maintain the desired color.
FAQs
Can I use purple shampoo on brown hair?
Yes, but if your hair is brown with blonde highlights or light brown. Purple shampoo won’t work quite so well on dark brown hair.
What is the best toner to get rid of brassiness in brown hair?
Blue toners neutralize orange tones, and green toners remove red undertones from brown hair.
Can toner lighten brown hair?
No, toner won’t lighten hair. It only alters the tone of current color. If you want lighter brown hair, you’ll need a lightener product.
How often should you tone brown hair?
Toning every 4-6 weeks maintains color and stops unwanted brassiness.
Does toner damage brown hair?
Toner is much less damaging than permanent color or bleach. If used correctly, it will not damage hair and can even improve shine and texture.