What Toner Should I Use for Yellow Hair?

Yellow hair can be a beautiful and vibrant color, but it can also be prone to brassy tones and unwanted brassiness. To keep your yellow hair looking fresh and vibrant, using the right toner is essential. In this article, we will explore various toners that can help neutralize brassiness and enhance the natural yellow hue of your hair.

Understanding Toner

Before diving into the specific toners, it’s important to understand what a toner does. A toner is a hair product that is used to alter the color of your hair. It can neutralize brassiness, enhance your base color, or even add a new shade. Toner is different from a semi-permanent dye because it washes out over time, typically after 6-8 shampoos.

Types of Toner

There are two main types of toners: purple toner and blue toner. Each type serves a different purpose and is suitable for different hair colors.

Purple Toner: Purple toner is designed to neutralize brassiness in yellow, orange, or red hair. It works by depositing purple pigments into the hair shaft, which counteract the brassiness. Purple toner is suitable for those with warm tones in their hair color.

Blue Toner: Blue toner is used to neutralize brassiness in blonde or light-colored hair. It is less intense than purple toner and is suitable for those with cooler tones. Blue toner can also help to enhance the natural yellow hue in blonde hair.

Choosing the Right Toner

When choosing a toner, consider the following factors:

Base Color: Determine whether your hair is warm or cool-toned. If you have warm tones, opt for a purple toner. If you have cool tones, a blue toner would be more suitable.
Brassiness Level: If your hair is only slightly brassy, a lighter toner may be sufficient. However, if your brassiness is more intense, a stronger toner may be necessary.
Condition of Your Hair: Choose a toner that is gentle on your hair, especially if you have color-treated or damaged hair.

Top Toner Recommendations

Here are some top toner recommendations for yellow hair:

Brand	Toner Name	Color	Best For
Arctic Fox	Amber Toning Conditioner	Purple	Warm-toned yellow hair
Manic Panic	Amber Toning Conditioner	Purple	Warm-toned yellow hair
Splat	Blue Toning Conditioner	Blue	Cool-toned blonde hair
Joico	Color Endure Toning Conditioner	Blue	Cool-toned blonde hair

How to Apply Toner

Applying toner is a simple process:

Shampoo your hair and towel dry it.
Apply the toner to your hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends.
Leave the toner on for 5-10 minutes, depending on the intensity of the toner.
Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water.

Frequency of Toning

The frequency of toning depends on your hair’s brassiness and the toner’s intensity. For most people, applying toner every 2-3 weeks is sufficient to maintain a vibrant yellow hue. However, if your brassiness is more persistent, you may need to apply toner more frequently.