Hair toners are used to alter the undertones of colored hair. They help neutralize brassiness and yellow tones, giving hair a more vibrant, salon-worthy finish. But washing hair too soon after applying toner can diminish the results. So when is the optimal time to wash your hair after using toner?
This article provides tips on how long to wait before washing toner-treated hair. We’ll also discuss ways to maintain your toned tresses.
What Does Toner Do to Hair?
Hair toner deposits pigments onto bleached, highlighted or color-treated hair. This helps:
- Neutralize unwanted brassy, orange or yellow undertones
- Refresh faded color
- Even out patchy areas
- Deepen or brighten hair color
- Add shine and dimension
Toners come in different shades like blue, purple, silver to counteract specific undertones. They don’t permanenty alter hair color.
How Long Should I Wait to Wash Hair After Toner?
After applying toner, you need to give it time to fully set and develop in the hair for best results. Here are the recommended wait times:
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Minimum: Wait at least 24 hours before washing toner-treated hair. This allows the color to set properly.
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Ideal: Wait 48 hours if possible, to allow the toner to maximize its effect.
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General guidance: Follow the specific label instructions of your toner brand for wait times.
Washing hair too soon can cause the toner to fade quickly or unevenly. Patience pays off with longer-lasting, vibrant color.
Why Should You Wait Before Washing?
There are a few reasons why it’s advisable to wait 24-48 hours before washing your hair after applying toner:
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Allows toner pigments to fully penetrate and set in hair strands.
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Prevents uneven fading, splotchiness or color disappearing too quickly.
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Helps develop the intended toner results – be it removing brassiness or brightening color.
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Keeps hair looking vibrant for longer vs washing immediately after toning.
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Allows you to get your money’s worth from the toner product and application.
Is It Okay to Wash Hair Immediately After Toner?
Washing immediately after applying toner is not recommended. It can affect results in a few ways:
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Toner doesn’t get enough time to deposit pigment properly.
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Can lead to spotty, uneven color results.
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Color-correcting benefits may get washed away.
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Brassiness and discoloration can reappear sooner.
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Toner may fade much quicker than desired.
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A second application may be needed sooner to revive color.
So being patient and waiting at least 24 hours gives better toner results. However, shampooing right away once won’t permanently ruin your hair.
Tips for Washing Hair After Toner
Follow these tips when you finally wash your toner-treated tresses:
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Use lukewarm water, not hot water.
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Opt for a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo and conditioner.
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Gently massage shampoo into scalp and lengths.
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Rinse thoroughly – toner residue can irritate the scalp.
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Use a towel to blot-dry hair – avoid rubbing the strands.
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Let hair air-dry fully before heat styling.
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Apply a hair mask or leave-in conditioner for added nourishment.
How Often Should You Wash Toned Hair?
Don’t overdo the hair washing once toner is applied, as it can accelerate fading. Here are some wash frequency guidelines:
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For natural hair: Wash once a week after toning.
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For oily hair: Aim for maximum twice a week hair washing.
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For color-treated hair: Shampoo once every 5-7 days to maintain vibrancy.
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Adjust washing frequency based on your hair type and needs.
Also use dry shampoo or other hair refreshers between washes to preserve the toner.
Tips to Make Toner Last Longer
Follow these tips for longer-lasting, fade-resistant color results after toning:
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Use a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo and conditioner.
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Wash hair less frequently, and use dry shampoo to refresh between washes.
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Rinse hair with cool water and limit heat styling to preserve color.
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Apply a weekly nourishing hair mask.
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Protect hair from sun exposure with hats or scarves.
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Get a gloss or glaze treatment done every 4-6 weeks to revive color.
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Use color-depositing shampoos and conditioners.
What Shampoo Should You Use After Toner?
The best shampoos to use after toning include:
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Sulfate-free shampoos: Gentler cleansing for color-treated hair.
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Purple shampoo: Helps preserve tonality and fight brassiness.
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Color-depositing shampoos: Deposit pigments to refresh color.
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Moisturizing shampoos: Nourish hair and boost shine.
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Bond-building shampoos: Strengthen hair strands and minimize breakage.
Avoid clarifying or disinfecting shampoos as they can cause toner to fade very quickly.
When to Call the Salon About Toner Results
Consult your colorist if you notice significant fading, brassiness reappearing or uneven color a few weeks after your toner service. This may indicate the need for:
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An updated color formula to better suit your base shade.
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Switching to a longer-lasting toner brand or method.
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More frequent toning services.
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Changing up your at-home hair products.
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Troubleshooting an underlying scalp or hair health issue.
Things to Keep in Mind When Toning Hair
Here are a few extra tips that can help maximize your toner results:
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Avoid washing hair for 1-2 days before applying toner so natural oils help it absorb better.
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Always do a strand test when using at-home toners to check color result.
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Toner works best on lightened shades like blonde, platinum and grey hair.
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Cooler toner shades counteract warmth, while warmer tones add warmth.
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Toner results last 4-6 weeks typically before fading, depending on hair type.
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Overlapping permanent color with toner can lead to muddy or off-tone results.
The Takeaway
Allowing toner adequate time to work its magic before hair washing is crucial for vibrant, lasting color. While toner doesn’t permanently alter hair pigment, proper application and care can keep your tresses looking salon-fresh for weeks. Be patient, use color-safe products and protect those toned tresses!