Achieving the perfect hair color is a journey, and for many, that journey involves bleach. If you’ve lightened your hair to a level 7, congratulations! You’ve created a fantastic base. Now it’s time to refine your color with toner. But with so many options available, choosing the right toner can feel overwhelming. This guide will break down everything you need to know to select the perfect toner for your level 7 hair.
Understanding Level 7 Hair
Before diving into toner options, it’s crucial to understand what level 7 hair actually means. Hair levels are a numerical system used to classify hair color depth, ranging from 1 (black) to 10 (lightest blonde). Level 7 hair is considered a medium blonde. It typically has warm undertones, often leaning towards golden or yellow. This is an important factor because toner works by neutralizing or enhancing these underlying tones.
Why is understanding your hair level so important? Because the wrong toner can result in unwanted shades. Using a toner designed for level 9 or 10 hair on level 7 hair, for instance, might not deposit enough pigment to achieve the desired result. Conversely, a toner intended for darker hair might be too strong, leaving your hair looking muddy or ashy.
Identifying Your Hair’s Undertones
Once you’ve established that your hair is indeed a level 7, the next step is to accurately identify its undertones. Examine your hair in natural light. Do you see more yellow, orange, or even reddish hues? These are your undertones. Common level 7 undertones include:
- Golden Yellow: A warm, sunshine-like hue.
- Yellow-Orange: A mix of warmth, often seen after bleaching.
- Orange: A more prominent warmth, possibly indicating the need for additional bleaching.
Identifying your undertones will dictate the color-correcting pigments needed in your toner. For example, if your hair has strong orange undertones, you’ll need a toner with blue pigments to neutralize them.
The Science of Toner
Toner isn’t a permanent hair dye. Instead, it’s a demi-permanent or semi-permanent hair color product designed to adjust the tone of bleached or pre-lightened hair. Toners work by depositing pigments onto the hair shaft, neutralizing unwanted undertones, adding shine, and creating a more polished, unified color.
Think of it like this: You’ve prepped a canvas (your bleached hair), and toner is the paint that adds the finishing touches.
How Toners Work
Toners typically contain a low volume developer (5-20 volume) that opens the hair cuticle slightly, allowing the toner pigments to penetrate. The developer also activates the toner’s color. Unlike permanent hair dye, toner doesn’t lift the hair’s natural color. It only deposits color, making it a gentler option for achieving your desired shade.
The specific pigments in the toner interact with the underlying tones in your hair. Purple toners neutralize yellow tones, blue toners neutralize orange tones, and green toners neutralize red tones. Understanding this color theory is fundamental to selecting the right toner.
Types of Toners
Toners come in various forms, each with its own application and longevity:
- Liquid Toners: These are the most common type and are typically mixed with a developer. They offer a wide range of shades and are ideal for achieving precise color correction.
- Cream Toners: Similar to liquid toners, but with a thicker consistency. This can make them easier to apply and control.
- Toning Shampoos and Conditioners: These are designed for maintaining toned hair or for subtle color correction. They deposit small amounts of pigment with each use.
- Hair Glosses: Offer subtle toning and enhance shine.
Choosing the Right Toner for Level 7 Hair
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s delve into selecting the best toner for your level 7 hair. The key is to consider your desired outcome and your hair’s undertones.
Neutralizing Yellow Undertones
If your level 7 hair has predominantly yellow undertones, a purple-based toner is your best bet. Purple and yellow are opposite each other on the color wheel, meaning they neutralize each other. Purple toners will cool down the yellow, creating a more neutral or ashy blonde.
Look for toners labeled “ash blonde,” “silver blonde,” or those containing violet pigments. Be careful not to over-tone, as this can result in a lavender or gray tint, especially on porous hair.
Neutralizing Orange Undertones
For level 7 hair with orange undertones, a blue-based toner is essential. Blue is the opposite of orange on the color wheel, making it the ideal color corrector. Blue toners will counteract the warmth, resulting in a cooler, more balanced blonde.
Search for toners described as “cool blonde,” “beige blonde,” or those explicitly designed to neutralize orange tones. Again, moderation is key. Over-toning with blue can leave your hair with a greenish hue.
Achieving a Specific Blonde Shade
Sometimes, you’re not just trying to neutralize undertones, but also want to achieve a specific blonde shade. Here are some popular options:
- Ash Blonde: Achieved by using a purple or blue-based toner to eliminate warmth and create a cool, smoky blonde.
- Beige Blonde: A balanced blonde with both warm and cool tones. This is often achieved by using a neutral toner with subtle hints of gold or ash.
- Golden Blonde: Enhance the natural warmth of your level 7 hair with a gold-toned toner. This will create a richer, more vibrant blonde.
- Strawberry Blonde: Add a touch of red or pink with a strawberry blonde toner. This will give your hair a warm, romantic hue.
Considering Hair Porosity
Hair porosity refers to your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. Highly porous hair absorbs toner quickly, which can lead to over-toning. Low porosity hair, on the other hand, resists absorption, potentially requiring a longer processing time.
To determine your hair’s porosity, try the strand test: Place a few strands of clean, dry hair in a glass of water. If the hair sinks quickly, it’s highly porous. If it floats on the surface, it’s low porosity. If it sinks slowly, it has normal porosity.
If your hair is highly porous, use a lower volume developer (5-10 volume) and check the toner’s progress frequently. If your hair is low porosity, you might need a slightly higher volume developer (20 volume) or a longer processing time.
Popular Toner Brands and Products
Many excellent toner brands and products are available, each with its own unique formula and color range. Some popular options include:
- Wella Color Charm: A classic and affordable toner with a wide range of shades.
- Redken Shades EQ: A demi-permanent gloss that adds shine and subtle toning.
- Matrix Color Sync: Another demi-permanent option known for its vibrant colors.
- Pravana ChromaSilk Express Tones: A fast-acting toner that delivers intense color.
Always read reviews and consider your hair type and desired outcome when choosing a specific product.
Toning at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toning your hair at home can be a cost-effective way to maintain your blonde. Here’s a comprehensive guide:
- Gather Your Supplies: You’ll need toner, developer, a mixing bowl, a tint brush, gloves, a towel (that you don’t mind staining), and a timer.
- Perform a Strand Test: Before applying toner to your entire head, test it on a small, hidden section of hair to ensure you achieve the desired result. This is crucial to avoid unwanted tones.
- Mix the Toner and Developer: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct ratio of toner to developer. Typically, it’s a 1:2 ratio (1 part toner to 2 parts developer).
- Apply the Toner: Starting at the roots and working your way down, apply the toner evenly to all of your hair. Ensure every strand is saturated.
- Process the Toner: Set a timer for the recommended processing time (usually 10-20 minutes). Check the color frequently to avoid over-toning.
- Rinse and Condition: Once the processing time is complete, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water. Follow with a moisturizing conditioner to replenish moisture.
- Style as Usual: Style your hair as desired and enjoy your freshly toned locks!
Tips for Successful Toning
Here are some additional tips to ensure a successful toning experience:
- Don’t Wash Your Hair Immediately Before Toning: Allow your natural oils to protect your scalp from the chemicals in the toner.
- Use a Color-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner: This will help prolong the life of your toner and prevent color fading.
- Avoid Heat Styling: Excessive heat can damage your hair and cause the toner to fade faster.
- Deep Condition Regularly: Toning can be drying, so it’s important to deep condition your hair at least once a week.
- Consult a Professional: If you’re unsure about which toner to use or how to apply it, seek the advice of a professional hair stylist.
Maintaining Your Toned Level 7 Hair
Once you’ve achieved your perfect toned blonde, the key is to maintain it. Toning is not a one-time event; it requires ongoing care and maintenance.
Use Toning Shampoo and Conditioner
Incorporate a purple or blue shampoo and conditioner into your hair care routine to help neutralize any yellow or orange tones that may reappear over time. Use these products once or twice a week, or as needed, to keep your blonde looking fresh and vibrant.
Protect Your Hair from the Sun
Sun exposure can cause your toner to fade and your blonde to become brassy. Wear a hat or use a UV protectant spray when spending time outdoors.
Avoid Chlorine
Chlorine can also strip your hair of its toner and cause it to turn green. If you swim regularly, wear a swimming cap or use a clarifying shampoo after swimming to remove chlorine buildup.
Schedule Regular Toning Appointments
Depending on how quickly your toner fades, you’ll need to re-tone your hair every 4-6 weeks. This will help maintain your desired blonde shade and prevent brassiness.
Choosing the right toner for level 7 hair requires understanding your hair’s level, undertones, and porosity. By following the tips and advice in this guide, you can confidently select the perfect toner and achieve a beautiful, long-lasting blonde. Remember to always perform a strand test and consult a professional if you have any doubts. Happy toning!
What is a Level 7 hair color?
A Level 7 hair color is generally considered a medium blonde. Think of it as the shade right before you enter very light blonde territory. It often has warm undertones, leaning towards golden or honey blonde, making it a popular choice for those wanting a natural-looking blonde without the high maintenance of lighter shades.
Achieving or maintaining a Level 7 involves careful color choices. If starting from darker hair, lightening is required, often using bleach or a high-lift color. It’s important to consider your hair’s existing undertones and condition to prevent unwanted brassiness or damage during the lightening process. A professional stylist can help you determine the best approach.
Why would I need to use toner on Level 7 hair?
Even if you achieve a beautiful Level 7 blonde, toner is often necessary to refine the color and neutralize unwanted tones. Particularly if you’ve lightened your hair from a darker shade, brassiness (orange or yellow undertones) can appear, even with careful processing. Toner helps to cancel out these unwanted tones, creating a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing blonde.
Toner isn’t just for fixing unwanted tones; it can also be used to enhance your blonde. You can use toner to add cool tones like ash or silver, creating a more modern and sophisticated look. Alternatively, you can use a toner to warm up your blonde, adding richness and depth. Toner is a versatile tool for achieving your desired blonde shade.
What types of toners are available for Level 7 hair?
Several types of toners cater to different needs for Level 7 hair. Demi-permanent toners are the most common and are designed to deposit color and neutralize unwanted tones without significantly lifting the base color. These are gentle and ideal for maintaining the color and refreshing the tone between salon visits.
Other options include semi-permanent toners, which are even less damaging but also less long-lasting, and permanent toners, which offer the most significant color change and coverage but can be harsher on the hair. The best choice depends on your desired outcome, hair health, and the level of brassiness you’re trying to correct. Consulting with a stylist is recommended to determine the most suitable type for your hair.
What toner shades are best for neutralizing brassiness in Level 7 hair?
To neutralize brassiness (orange or yellow tones) in Level 7 hair, toners with blue or violet pigments are most effective. Blue-based toners counteract orange tones, while violet-based toners neutralize yellow tones. Often, toners will contain a combination of these pigments to address both orange and yellow undertones.
When selecting a toner, look for labels like “ash blonde,” “cool blonde,” or “silver blonde,” as these typically contain the necessary neutralizing pigments. Consider the intensity of the brassiness; more stubborn brassiness may require a toner with a stronger concentration of blue or violet. Always strand test before applying the toner to your entire head to ensure you achieve the desired result.
How long does toner typically last on Level 7 hair?
The longevity of toner on Level 7 hair varies depending on the type of toner used and your hair care routine. Demi-permanent toners typically last between 4 to 6 weeks, gradually fading with each wash. Semi-permanent toners tend to fade more quickly, often lasting only a few washes.
To prolong the life of your toner, use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners formulated for color-treated hair. Avoid washing your hair too frequently, and use cool or lukewarm water instead of hot water when washing. Heat styling can also contribute to color fade, so use heat protectant products and minimize the use of hot tools.
Can I use purple shampoo instead of toner on Level 7 hair?
Purple shampoo is a great maintenance product for Level 7 blonde hair, but it’s not a direct replacement for toner. Purple shampoo contains violet pigments that help neutralize yellow tones, keeping your blonde brighter and less brassy between toner applications. It’s designed for ongoing maintenance rather than intense color correction.
While purple shampoo can help extend the life of your toner and prevent brassiness from returning, it won’t be as effective as a toner in correcting significant brassiness. Think of it as a supplementary tool, not a replacement. For more stubborn brassiness or a significant color change, toner is still the best option.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when using toner on Level 7 hair?
One common mistake is leaving the toner on for too long. Over-toning can result in overly ashy or even muddy-looking hair. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and monitor your hair’s color during processing. Strand testing is crucial to determine the appropriate processing time.
Another mistake is using the wrong toner shade or strength. If your hair is already quite ashy, using a strong ash toner can make it look dull or even green. Similarly, using a toner that’s too weak won’t effectively neutralize unwanted tones. Consulting with a professional stylist can help you choose the right toner for your specific hair needs and avoid unwanted results.