September 7, 2014

DIY Hair Toner Adventures


I've been on a bit of a (overindulgent phrasing alert!) hair journey as of late, and en route from my trademark red mane to wherever I may land, I ended up somewhere I will kindly refer to as Orange Hair, USA. Okay, "orange" is sort of alarmist and panicky, but let's just say that where I was expecting to see golden sands, I instead got citrus groves.

Delicious, yes, but decidedly less appetizing growing out of your head.
In my years of hair dye adventures, I'd never allowed my hair to take the driver's seat, instead insisting on calling the shots and lead-footing all the way to burgundy, teal, purple, brown, blonde, clown red and every ill-advised stop at blue-black in between. This time, however, I'm suddenly carefree about where my hair may end up and have decided to just see how it reacts to processing. The only certainty is that it needs to no longer be red. I'm finally, after nearly a decade of on-again/off-again business, over red hair. (Mostly I just never want to clean up a bathroom that looks like a crime scene ever again.)

Maybe I'll see how close I can get to my childhood platinum, or maybe I'll go deep brown and look like I'm actually related to my family. My first step was simple: soap cap. A soap cap, or bleach bath, is a gentler way to lighten your hair than processing with just bleach. It involves mixing a batch of bleach and developer according to package instructions (I like Kaleidocolors in Violet and Salon Care 20 Volume Creme Developer), and adding an equal part, or more, of shampoo.

My preferred bleaching setup.
This mixture lightens hair without the harshness of normal bleach processing, but it also gives less effective results. I kept the soap cap on my hair for about 45 minutes (watching Blossom reruns, which is way darker/weirder than I remember, FYI), then waited another week to do the same (sans Blossom). I needed long process times because I'm lightening several shades and battling deep red box dye, which fades and bleeds right until you actually want it gone, and then decides to buy a 3-bedroom ranch style home and move in on your head. It won't budge! One more week and I did a third process, followed by Wella Color Charm T-18 Toner.


I figured by this point I'd be blinded by my flossy white locks, but was instead annoyed to see the aforementioned citrus groves, and planned to end it all with some ash brown dye. On a whim, I thought maybe I'd tint my brassy blonde with some DIY hair toner made from stuff I had around home. I know that sounds like the beginning of a horrifying anecdote (instead of the middle of a self involved hair essay!), but it actually worked out pretty well.

Purple tones neutralize yellow or brassy blonde because purple and yellow are complementary colors. I didn't want to chemically process my hair again just yet, and also didn't want to leave my apartment, so I whipped up a batch of what I hoped would be homemade purple hair toner.

The color wheel: not just for ninth grade art class!
In a perfect world this would've been more of a blue-ish purple since my hair was more orange than yellow (and blue and orange are complementary) but this is what I had on hand:


WHAT YOU NEED
+ Purple Hair Dye (ion Color Brilliance in Lavender)
+ White Conditioner (cheap is fine)    + Mixing Bowl    + Tint Brush

HOW TO DO IT

Dump a bunch of conditioner in a mixing bowl and add a random blob of purple dye, like so:




Mix it all up until it's a lilac shade (I ended up making twice this much for my hair length).



Put it all over your hair - make sure to get it everywhere! Let it sit until you like the shade and then rinse well. I left mine on for 2 hours. Since "fun" color hair dyes are not really damaging (tons of people sleep in them!), my hair was fine afterwards.

I sectioned my hair to make sure I got it everywhere except my white-ish bangs, which would've turned purple.


My original strand test: after on the left, before on the right.

This stuff isn't going to lighten your hair, but it'll adjust the warmth. It probably won't affect SUPER brassy hair, but it made my hair feel like a real shade of blonde rather than an obvious work in progress. Plus, a total stranger got out of line at the grocery store to tell me that my hair color is, and I quote, "super pretty!" Honestly, that helped me feel better about my hair so if nothing else I encourage you to compliment strangers whenever the mood strikes because you could be saving them from dropping $18 on hair dye later that day.

Have you ever played hair chemist in your bathroom? Do you cut and/or dye your own hair? Can you believe how much I have to say about my hair? Please, shut me up by talking about your hair in the comments!


BLOGLOVIN  | TWITTER  |  TUMBLR  |  PINTEREST  |  INSTAGRAM  |  ETSY

50 comments:

  1. This is funny because I was JUST thinking about writing a post like this. I dyed my hair bright red again a couple of weeks ago and it came out SUPER orange this time, so I ended up doing the DIY toner thing to avoid looking like an insane carrot-Ronald McDonald hybrid. Same exact process except I used purple Manic Panic because I already had some on hand.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Well done! Do you have a purple shampoo? Goldwell makes this really great brass-neutralizing creme mask. I LURVE. I don't use it though, because my hair is copper, which kind of needs to keep the brassiness in hahah. I love your after result, you did an awesome job. Can't wait to see more!! PS; if you're done on the hair dye journey, one way to keep the lilac toner from fading is to lock everything in with a clear demi!! It makes your hair feel and look super lovely and keeps everything locked in for a little longer ;) ;)

    Much Love,
    -Stephanie Eva

    ReplyDelete
  3. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Good post!

    the-renaissance-of-inner-fashion.blogspot.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  5. My hair is red ish right now and I want to get rid of it..do you think this process would work using ions mint color on red?

    ReplyDelete
  6. You'd need to use a green toner on the colour scale to remove the red and bring it to a brown. If I was you I'd a) either use a darker, cool tone hair colour, or b) bleach your hair to an 8-9 base and then use a blue toner. It really depends what your base is right now and whether you want to go darker or lighter.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi I was just wondering if you think adding a developer would make it more purple or help take out yellow tones?

    ReplyDelete
  8. i want the ends of my hair purple so can I use food coloring for the dye?? I have dark dark brown hair and I don't know if it will look like purple.



    ReplyDelete
  9. You look amazing - that colour is absolutely incredible! I went through a phase last year of having my hair a different colour every month. Check this Visit Website

    ReplyDelete
  10. A fashionable hairstyles is ought to have the option to find a position all the more effectively.

    ReplyDelete
  11. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Today's anti-bacterial and easy-cool fabrics are soft to the touch, light to wear, odour free and every bit as stylish as standard materials. 真空除毛

    ReplyDelete
  13. This is the most low cost way to do hair removal. All you need is a pair of tweezers and there you go plucking each hair from your body. 除毛

    ReplyDelete
  14. However, it isn't excessively basic. Various individuals endure balding because of maladies and sickness. Some lose their hair because of chemotherapy and different synthetic concoctions used to treat certain infections. balayage wig

    ReplyDelete
  15. My hair has a lot of split ends, and not that healthy though. Sakto lang ba yung 1 box sa length nong hair mo? Kasi mga 2 inch longer yung buhok ko and not so layered. So as black with brown highlights

    ReplyDelete
  16. However, it isn't excessively basic. Various individuals endure balding because of maladies and sickness. Some lose their hair because of chemotherapy and different synthetic concoctions used to treat certain infections.
    Henna Hair Dye

    ReplyDelete
  17. Before you buy a substitution toner cartridge, do a little schoolwork. You have to know "what type" of toner or toner cartridge you are purchasing.Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner with Aloe Vera Volume: 355ml

    ReplyDelete
  18. There is definately a great deal to know about this subject. I like all of the points you've made. Wilshire Wigs

    ReplyDelete
  19. I recently found many useful information in your website especially this blog page. Among the lots of comments on your articles. Thanks for sharing. wilshire wigs

    ReplyDelete
  20. While laser hair removal can be quite effective in getting rid of unwanted hair permanently, it also costs hundreds of dollars per session. Also it is time-consuming and may take up to three sessions or more before hair is removed permanently. 除毛

    ReplyDelete
  21. I have read your article; it is very informative and helpful for me. I admire the valuable information you offer in your articles. Thanks for posting it. raquel welch wigs 2020

    ReplyDelete
  22. Very informative, keep sharing with us. If you are seeking best skin care products pakistan so i can must recommend you to must visit this link.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Such an interesting article here.I was searching for something like that for quite a long time and at last I have found it here.
    vegeta green jacket

    ReplyDelete
  24. It banishes roughness, dullness, and frizz and leaves your hair much softer, shinier, and healthier. (BLACKWOOD)

    ReplyDelete
  25. cost than normal and afterward sent off and offered to Western nations for the utilization of hair augmentations. Biotin conditioner

    ReplyDelete
  26. Our the purpose is to share the reviews about the latest Jackets,Coats and Vests also shre the related Movies,Gaming, Casual,Faux Leather and Leather materials available Raiders Silver Jacket

    ReplyDelete
  27. Pretty good post. I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts Attack on Titan Garrison Regiment Jacket

    ReplyDelete
  28. Gangaur Realtech is a professionally managed organisation specializing in real estate services where integrated services are provided by professionals to its clients seeking increased value by owning, occupying or investing in real estate. https://www.launchora.com/story/11-best-oils-for-hair-growth-in-pakistan-uk-and-u

    ReplyDelete
  29. Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting?I have read a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style. Thanks a million and please keep up the effective work. stationary massage table salon equipment

    ReplyDelete
  30. Are natural home remedies for hair loss more effective than surgical hair restoration? What are the pros and cons, what other options are available? Compare natural hair remedy benefits versus others. 剪发

    ReplyDelete
  31. I was very impressed by this post, this site has always been pleasant news Thank you very much for such an interesting post, and I meet them more often then I visited this site. Fighter Pilot Jacket

    ReplyDelete
  32. I really enjoyed reading your articles. It looks like you’ve spent a lot of time and effort on your blog. Silent Bob Trench Coat

    ReplyDelete
  33. Im really impressed by your site. lakers jackets
    Hello there, You have done an excellent job. I will definitely digg it and personally recommend
    to my friends. I’m confident they will be benefited from this site.

    ReplyDelete
  34. As you can see, there are many things that need to be considered so that you can get the 'best hair system' possible for you. Men's Poly Hair Systems

    ReplyDelete
  35. Excellent knowledge, You are providing important knowledge. It is really helpful and factual information for us and everyone to increase knowledge. Continue sharing your data. Thank you. Read more info about hair salon downtown vancouver

    ReplyDelete
  36. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Thanks for sharing an amazing article on hair toner. Read multiple articles also sounds good! Write For us

    ReplyDelete
  38. Thanks for sharing an amazing article on hair
    Healthiness Pro

    ReplyDelete
  39. This is the most excellent blog post I've ever read. Continue your fantastic blogging. I'll show your blog to my cousin.
    Roof Cleaning Langley

    ReplyDelete
  40. This is a good post. This post gives truly quality information. Celebrity Leather Jackets

    ReplyDelete
  41. I really appreciate the kind of topics you post here. Thanks for sharing us a great information that is actually helpful. Yellowstone Outfits

    ReplyDelete
  42. Great information about wilderness for beginners giving the opportunity for new people. Beth Dutton Blue Jacket

    ReplyDelete
  43. This is the best post.when I read your article So I like it. Much obliged to you for providing this to us. Can I Divorce my wife for not sleeping with me

    ReplyDelete
  44. Really fantastic and amazing article that gives me exact information that I needed. Dangers Of AI

    ReplyDelete
  45. Thanks for sharing beautiful content. I got information from your blog. keep sharing. https://www.uniqueposting.com/when-should-you-invest-in-buying-new-equipment/

    ReplyDelete
  46. Thanks for sharing such valuable and interesting information with us.
    men's shearling leather vest

    ReplyDelete
  47. The history of the mens black suede jacket dates back to the early 20th century when it first gained popularity among aviators. Its soft and supple texture, paired with its ability to provide warmth at high altitudes, made it a practical choice for pilots.

    ReplyDelete
  48. You only fear when you do not have proper preparation for the Linux Foundation exam. The Linux Foundation CKAD November 2023 Release help you to prepare well for the Certified Kubernetes Application Developer exam in a short time. This helps in overcoming the fear associated with the exam. The Certified Kubernetes Application Developer CKAD exam is offered by Linux Foundation to get jobs in the IT industry. The CKAD exam dumps do not only help you prepare for the Linux Foundation exam but also sharpen your practical skills and knowledge.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Great DIY hair toner guide! For barbers looking to enhance their services, using specialized software for barbers can streamline appointments, manage client preferences, and track inventory. This technology not only boosts efficiency but also helps barbers deliver personalized experiences, ensuring every client leaves with the perfect look. Investing in software for barbers can transform your business operations and client satisfaction.

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...