This might just be the most overlooked part of the color process. There are many reasons a toner is a crucial addition to your color service.
First off, a toner is an actual service not a specific product. When asking for shades such as platinum, silver, rose gold, and ashy blonde for example these are not what your hair would lift to naturally. As you pre-lighten the hair you are removing color from the hair. The color that your hair lightens to may be orange or yellow to name a few. This is natural for the hair to lighten to these shades. We as color specialists, know what kind of toner to use to neutralize the underlying pigment in your hair.
If you are asking your stylist for platinum blonde hair, we will not lighten the hair to the point of platinum. This puts the condition of your hair in the worst shape it could be in. The cuticle would be so damaged from lightening the hair past a healthy point. The best way is for the stylist to do a thorough consultation and determine where they feel it is safest to lift your hair . After lightening the hair to the desired level we then determine which toner to apply.
Another misconception is that toners are just for blondes. There are many beautiful shades created with the use of a toner. A brunette wants to add pops of copper to her hair, we pre-lighten the hair to a desired level and apply the copper toner to the lightened pieces. A great way to add shine to the hair is with a toner as well.
Naturally a toner will fade out of the guests hair. Some factors that help the toner to last longer are the products used in your hair. There are shampoo and conditioners designed to help maintain the longevity of the looks created in the salon. Most of these shampoos will have a purple or blue pigment in them. How often you shampoo and condition your hair will also factor in how long the toner will last. You may just need to visit the salon to have your hair toned instead of the entire process. Always be sure to consult with the stylist and find out the best options for your hair.