Ever since I discovered the magic of hair toners, my hair game has truly been transformed. It was all when my once-luscious locks lost their charm, missing the salon touch over time. This led me on a quest to find the best hair toner. Originally designed to correct the hues in photographs and films, hair toners have now become a crucial element in our hair care arsenal. 

Hair toners, in essence, are like the fairy godmothers of hair care – they refine and enhance our hair color, banish any brassiness, and bless us with that coveted lustrous shine. It's no wonder they're deemed essential for maintaining that vibrant, just-stepped-out-of-the-salon hair color.

Alex Monroe, a renowned hairstylist, perfectly captures their essence, saying, "Hair toners are the unsung heroes of the hair color world. They not only correct and customize color but also contribute to hair's overall health and vibrancy, making them a must-have in everyone's hair care routine."

As hands-on and intimate as I could get, I looked at their color-correcting prowess, their ability to add shine and softness, the quality of ingredients, how easy they were to apply, and, importantly, how long the results lasted. I experimented with each toner on various hair types and colors, immersing myself in the process to gauge their true effectiveness.

And now, here I am, excited to share my personal and carefully curated list of the top hair toners. I've tested and loved each one, and who knows? Maybe you'll discover the perfect match your hair has been craving.

As an expert, I'd describe hair toners as specialized treatments that adjust the tone of one’s hair color, enhancing its overall hue. They neutralize unwanted brassiness, enrich color vibrancy, and improve shine, acting as a critical post-coloring step to ensure the desired shade with added glossiness and a healthier appearance.

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  Best Hair Toners

  L'Oreal Paris Feria Power Toner

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For those with blonde locks yearning for that extra slice of perfection, the L'Oreal Paris Feria Power Toner is like the icing on your cake. Free from ammonia, this demi-permanent delight is the secret ingredient to banishing brassiness, enhancing cool tones, and reducing unwanted warmth, ensuring your blonde hair remains a multi-faceted, shimmering treasure. Infused with conditioning polymers, it lovingly wraps lightened strands in softness, smoothness, and an irresistible shine. Thanks to its cutting-edge high-speed technology, you're just 5 minutes away from achieving that dreamy cool blonde. 

Perfect for bridging the gap between salon visits, a single application keeps orange and yellow tones at bay for up to three weeks, catering to all blonde hair types and textures without altering the color or covering grays. While its inability to cover grays may be seen as a slight setback, the overall benefits and transformative results firmly place it as a top-tier choice, meriting a glowing 4.5 out of 5 rating.

Color: Ice Blonde

Vegan: Yes

Ammonia-free: Yes

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Best Ammonia-free Hair Toner

Wella ColorCharm Permanent Liquid Hair Toner

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Coming in a close second to my top pick is the Wella ColorCharm Permanent Liquid Hair Toner. With a standout shade like Pale Beige Blonde, it's ideal for light blonde to medium blonde hair, allowing you to neutralize brassiness with up to 90% less breakage. This claim holds true, as its formula is designed to create those hard-to-achieve blonde shades with ease. The liquid form facilitates quick and easy bottle applications, offering a spectrum of 8 toners across Ash, Beige, and Silver families, effectively adding depth and taming unwanted warmth. When I tested it, the results were impressive—vibrant, true-to-tone color with a significant reduction in brassiness. The ease of use and the quality of the outcome make it absolutely worth the buy for those chasing the perfect shade of blonde.

Color: Pale Beige Blonde

Vegan: Yes

Ammonia-free: Yes

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Best Hair Toner for Brassy Hair

Color X-Change Tonality Toner

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This little gem comes in a squeezy bottle that's as fun as it is functional - think no mess, no fuss, and no hair dye disasters. It's like the toner knows exactly where to go, with zero spillage drama. The ingredients give your hair moisture and shine booster shot, all while saying a big 'no thank you' to those pesky yellow tones or brassiness. The violet base works wonders, setting the stage for those eye-popping colors or achieving the whitest of whites on pre-bleached hair.

But here's the kicker: the experience is as pleasant as the results. Imagine toning your hair without the usual chemical scent warfare. That's right, this formula is fragrance-free, so you can breathe easily and enjoy the process. Plus, it's peroxide-free and ammonia-free, making it the best at-home hair toner in the world of hair color. 

Color: Tonality Toner (Violet-based)

Vegan: Yes

Ammonia-free: Yes

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Best Hair Toner for Grey Hair

Bold Uniq Purple Toning Spray

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Crafted for those between-salon-trip woes, this toning spray works wonders to extend that salon-fresh vibrancy. With just a weekly spritz, it rebalances your hair color, significantly reducing brassiness to maintain that radiant, eye-catching blonde.But it doesn't stop at just color correction; this powerhouse spray is infused with a potent concentration of purple pigments, ensuring immediate, visible results without weighing down your hair. 

It’s a lightweight champion that not only keeps your hair manageable but also imbues it with texture, strength, and a glossy sheen, thanks to the nourishing blend of coconut, jojoba, and marula oils. These multitasking ingredients also serve as a protective barrier against the typical breakage and damage associated with lightened hair, making this toning spray an indispensable ally in your hair care arsenal.

Color: Purple

Vegan: Yes

Ammonia-free: Yes

5

Best Drugstore Hair Toner

Delia Cameleo Hair Toner Rinse

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The Delia Cameleo Hair Toner Rinse is a hidden gem for those looking to add a subtle or vibrant pink hue to blond, grey, or bleached hair, all without breaking the bank. Its versatility shines through its unique application method: simply dilute the toner in water and dip your hair for an instant color refresh. This method not only ensures an even distribution of color but also allows for customization of the intensity of the pink, making it a flexible option for experimenting with your look. 

The latest iteration of this product boasts an improved formula enriched with lavender water hydrolate, a natural ingredient known for its color-protecting properties. This thoughtful addition ensures your hair color stays vibrant and fade-resistant, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain or enhance their hair's hue without breaking the bank.

Color: Pink

Vegan: No

Ammonia-free: Yes

Quick Tip

Though the packaging might be tricky to decipher, the instructions inside are to dilute in water and dip your hair in for best results.

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Best Toner for Dry Hai

Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Permanent Cream Toner

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The Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Permanent Cream Toner is a standout product for anyone chasing that perfect cool blonde look without the unwanted brassiness. Its silky consistency is a dream to apply, gliding through the hair effortlessly, ensuring every strand is coated for the most uniform color. 

Having tested this product myself, I can say the toner neutralized yellow tones effectively, leaving my hair with an incredible shine that felt salon-fresh. I experimented with the "Smoky Pearl" shade and was thrilled with the cool, vibrant blonde outcome. Whether you're touching up regrowth or looking to refresh your entire look, this toner provides even, blended results that truly elevate your blonde.

Color: Smokey Pearl

Vegan: No

Ammonia-free: No

Quick Tip

Don't skip the pre-lightening step if you're starting with a darker base, and use this cream toner to maintain or enhance your blonde for that fresh-from-the-salon vibrancy.

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Best Toner for Red Hair

Pureology Color Fanatic Top Coat + Tone

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For red-hair gals, this high-gloss color treatment works wonders in just 5 minutes and keeps your color popping for up to 6 washes. Its formula is enriched with vegan oat milk to smooth and soften, alongside camellia oil that conditions and nourishes every strand. The scent? A delightful blend of rose and floral ginger with a cozy touch of cedarwood, adding a fresh, floral aroma with a hint of warmth and spice to your hair care routine.

From my experience, this product truly lives up to its promises. The red tones looked as if they had just been freshly dyed, full of life and shine. Considered an ideal hair toner for curly hair, the toner extends the time between color treatments. It's a solid 4.5/5 for me, with the only wish being for even longer-lasting results.

Color: Ruby / Rouge

Vegan: Yes

Ammonia-free: Yes

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Best Toner for Yellow Hair

Clairol Blonde It Up Crystal Glow Toner

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Another gem by one of the best hair toner brands, Clairol, that made its way into my collection is the Blonde It Up Toner. Ideal for highlights and balayage, this product is a standout with its 0% ammonia formula. It softens brassy tones, injects a radiant shine, and veils my hair with a sheer color that lasts up to 3 weeks. The Crystal Finish Treatment is a true winner, leaving my hair not just looking, but feeling smooth and conditioned. This toner adds a cool, platinum finish that truly revives my blonde. For anyone with balayage seeking tone correction and shine, it’s absolutely worth the pick.

Color: Radiant Opal

Vegan: No

Ammonia-free: Yes

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Best Professional Hair Toner

Wella Color Tango Hair Toner

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Wella Color Tango Toner has become a staple in many hair styling gurus’ regimens, especially as the final flourish to pre-lightened locks. Its Even Tone Technology™ is a game changer, simultaneously lifting and toning for an impeccably even result that's hard to achieve with other products. After trying it myself, the difference in my hair was unmistakable: added shine and a smoothness that felt like silk. The toner not only refines the hair's color but enhances its overall texture and appearance, resulting in smooth, shiny, and perfectly blended tones. However, one drawback I've noticed is the limited range of shades, which might not cater to everyone's desired finish.

Color: Café au Lait
Vegan: No
Ammonia-free: Yes

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Best Hair Toner for Brown Hair

eSalon Tint Rinse Hair Toner & Enhancer

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Last but definitely not least on my coveted list is the eSalon Tint Rinse Hair Toner & Enhancer, a game-changer for light brunettes like myself. This color-enhancing treatment works wonders by using temporary pigments to either dial up the intensity of your shade, tone it down or amplify your natural color. I opted for the treatment and was thrilled with the vibrant pick-me-up it gave my hair. What sets it apart is its ability to wash out after a few shampoos, allowing for flexibility in color experimentation. 

The formula is a treat for the hair too, packed with collagen for moisture retention and wheat protein for smoothing and shine. After using it up to twice a week, I noticed my light brunette locks looked richer and more luminous than ever. It's an essential tool for anyone looking to enhance their brunette hues without the commitment.

Color: Light Brunette

Vegan: Yes

Ammonia-free: Yes

Below, you'll find a carefully curated buying guide designed to help you navigate your options and use hair toners to their fullest potential, ensuring optimal outcomes.

Selecting the appropriate hair toner for highlighted hair involves several considerations to ensure the best results and maintain the health and appearance of your hair. Here are key factors to guide you in making the right choice:

1. Understand Your Current Hair Color And Desired Outcome: Assess the current state of your highlighted hair, including its level (lightness or darkness) and undertones (e.g., yellow, orange, or ash). Determine what you want to achieve with the toner, such as neutralizing brassiness, enhancing the highlights, or adding a subtle hue. For those with color-treated hair, especially those venturing into the world of darker shades or platinum blonde, understanding the significance of blue pigments and demi-permanent toners is crucial. These products, including blonde toner and other toning products, are designed to counteract unwanted colors in dark hair, such as orange or brassy undertones, and yellow undertones in lighter locks. Hair glosses can be applied to wet hair to leave your hair shiny and enhance the vibrancy of your hair strands. Hair stylists often emphasize the importance of hair toning to achieve that perfect ashy shade or other beautiful shades, recommending toning conditioners and blonde highlights as part of your hair care routine. Demi-permanent colors and color correctors, including liquid toners, play a pivotal role in maintaining the desired hue, acting as a bridge between salon visits. A hair toner expert can guide you through the plethora of options to ensure your color looks fresh and your hair remains healthy.

2. Identify the Right Tone: To neutralize unwanted tones, use the color wheel concept. For instance, purple toners counteract yellow tones, and blue toners neutralize orange tones. If you want to enhance or slightly alter the color of your highlights, select a toner that aligns with the desired shade.

3. Choose the Type of Toner:

• Temporary Toners are gentle and wash out after a few shampoos, great for those wanting minimal commitment or testing out a new shade.
• Semi-permanent toners last longer (typically several weeks) and are ideal for more sustained tone adjustment without the permanence of a dye.
• Ammonia-free toners are generally less damaging and suitable for those with sensitive hair or scalp.

4. Consider Your Hair's Condition: If your hair is damaged or overly processed, opt for a toner with conditioning properties to avoid further stress on your hair.

5. Professional vs. At-Home Application: For those new to toning or with complex color correction needs, consulting a professional stylist is advisable to ensure the best outcome. If you opt for an at-home application, choose a product with clear instructions and conduct a strand test first to preview the results.

6. Maintenance And Aftercare: Consider how the toner will fit into your hair care routine. Some toners may require more frequent application or specific aftercare products to maintain the color and health of your hair.

By taking into account these factors, you can select a hair toner that complements your highlighted hair, achieves your desired look, and maintains the integrity of your hair.

Applying hair toner correctly is crucial for achieving the desired outcome and maintaining healthy hair. Whether you're using toner at home or getting it done professionally, understanding the process can help you achieve the best results. Here's a step-by-step guide for applying hair toner at home:

Preparation:

• Choose the Right Toner: Based on your hair color and desired outcome, select an appropriate toner. If in doubt, consult a professional.
• Perform a Patch Test: To avoid adverse reactions, do a patch test 48 hours before applying the toner.
• Gather Your Tools: You'll need the toner, developer (if required), gloves, a tint brush, a mixing bowl, a comb, clips for sectioning your hair, and a timer.
• Wash And Towel Dry Your Hair: A toner is most effective on clean, towel-dried hair. The hair should be damp but not dripping wet.

Application:

• Mix the Toner And Developer (if necessary): Follow the instructions on the toner package for mixing. Typically, toner is mixed with developer in a 1:2 ratio, but this can vary.
• Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into sections to ensure even application. Use clips to hold sections in place.
• Apply the Toner: Wearing gloves, use the tint brush to apply the toner mixture to your hair. Start from the roots and work your way down to the ends. If you're only toning certain parts, such as highlights or the ends, apply it only to those areas.
• Ensure Even Coverage: Combine your hair gently to evenly distribute the toner.
• Process: Leave the toner in your hair for the amount of time specified in the product instructions. This typically ranges from 5 to 30 minutes, depending on the desired intensity and the product used.
• Check the Color: After the minimum time, check the color by wiping a small section of hair with a damp paper towel. If you're satisfied with the color, proceed to rinse. If not, allow it to process for a few more minutes, but don’t exceed the maximum recommended time to avoid undesired results or damage.

Aftercare:

• Rinse Your Hair: Rinse the toner thoroughly with lukewarm water until the water runs clear.
• Condition Your Hair: After rinsing, apply a good quality, preferably sulfate-free, conditioner to help seal the hair cuticle and maintain the color.
• Dry And Style: Gently towel dry your hair and style as usual. Try to avoid high heat settings on hair dryers or styling tools immediately after toning.

Tips for Best Results:

• Always follow the toner and developer's instructions carefully to avoid damaging your hair.
• Using a toner that’s designed for your specific hair type and color can lead to better results.
• Maintain the color and health of your toned hair with color-safe shampoos and conditioners, and minimize heat styling to prevent fading and drying.

Toning can be a great way to enhance or correct your hair color. With the right preparation, application, and aftercare, you can achieve beautiful, salon-quality results at home.

Utilizing hair toner offers several significant advantages for enhancing the appearance and health of your hair. Here are some key benefits:

1. Neutralizes Brassy Tones: Hair toner helps eliminate unwanted warm tones, such as yellow and orange in blonde or bleached hair, achieving a cooler, more desirable shade.
2. Enhances Hair Color: It can intensify or soften your hair color, adding depth and dimension, or helping to blend natural and colored hair seamlessly.
3. Adds Shine And Vibrancy: Toners can improve your hair's shine, making it look healthier and more vibrant, by smoothing the hair cuticle.
4. Customizes Hair Color: It allows for personalized color adjustments, enabling you to tweak your hair color between salon visits or enhance the natural color without a drastic change.
5. Corrects Color And Improves Texture: Apart from adjusting the color, toners can also improve the texture of your hair, making it softer and easier to manage.
6. Temporary And Low Commitment: Most toners are semi-permanent, offering a way to experiment with color without the long-term commitment of permanent dyes.
7. Minimizes Damage: Compared to other color treatments, toners generally cause less damage to the hair, making them a safer choice for hair color maintenance.
8. Extends the Life of Color Treatments: By applying a toner, you can extend the life of your color treatment, keeping it looking fresher for longer and reducing the need for frequent coloring.
9. Balances pH Level: Toners can help balance the pH level of your hair after coloring, contributing to overall hair health.

By incorporating hair toner into your hair care routine, you can enjoy these advantages, maintaining and enhancing the beauty of your hair with minimal effort.