7 Ways to Tone Down Highlights

Ways to Tone Down Highlights
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Highlights can be a great way to add some brightness and dimension to your hair, but there are times when you may want to tone them down. Whether you’re not happy with the color, or you just want a more natural look, there are a few ways to tone down highlights without having to completely redye your hair. One way to tone down highlights is to use a toner. Toner is a semi-permanent hair color that can be used to change the tone of your hair without damaging it. Toners come in a variety of shades, so you can find one that will match your desired look.

Another way to tone down highlights is to use a color-correcting shampoo. Color-correcting shampoos are designed to neutralize unwanted tones in your hair. If you have brassy highlights, you can use a blue or purple color-correcting shampoo to help tone them down. You can also use a green color-correcting shampoo to help tone down red highlights. Color-correcting shampoos can be used once or twice a week to help maintain your desired hair color.

If you’re not sure which method is right for you, you can always consult with a professional hairstylist. They can help you choose the best way to tone down your highlights and achieve your desired look. With a little bit of effort, you can easily tone down your highlights and get the hair color you’ve always wanted.

Assess the Current Hue

Before embarking on any corrective measures, it’s crucial to assess the current hue of your highlights and identify any underlying issues. This assessment will guide the appropriate course of action to achieve your desired result.

Determine the Level of Warmth or Coolness

Examine your highlights in natural light. Are they predominantly warm (golden, honey-toned) or cool (ashy, platinum)? Identifying the underlying warmth or coolness will help you determine the type of toner you need to neutralize any unwanted tones.

Identify Any Color Cast

Pay attention to any color cast that may be present in your highlights. Is there a greenish, orange, or brassy tinge? Color casting occurs when an incorrect toner has been used or when the highlighting process removes too much natural pigment. Identifying the specific color cast will allow you to select a toner that specifically targets and neutralizes it.

Consider the Intensity of the Highlights

Assess how intense the highlights are. Are they noticeably brighter than the rest of your hair, or do they blend in more subtly? The intensity of the highlights will influence the choice of toner and the amount of time it needs to sit on your hair to achieve the desired effect.

Highlight Level	Toner Considerations
Subtle Highlights	Use a toner with a lower pigmentation level to avoid overpowering the natural hair color.
Medium Highlights	Choose a toner with a medium pigmentation level to enhance the highlights without making them too dramatic.
Bold Highlights	Opt for a toner with a higher pigmentation level to tone down the highlights significantly.

Use a Toning Shampoo

Toning shampoos are a convenient and effective way to neutralize unwanted brassy or orange tones in highlighted hair. These shampoos contain blue or purple pigments that deposit on the hair, canceling out the warm tones. To use a toning shampoo, simply follow the instructions on the bottle. Typically, you will apply the shampoo to wet hair, massage it in, and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing. The longer you leave the shampoo in, the more intense the toning effect will be.

Hair Color	Toning Shampoo Color
Blonde	Blue or violet
Brunette	Green or blue-green
Red	Green or blue-green

Opt for a Gloss Treatment

Gloss treatments are semi-permanent hair color solutions that add a sheer layer of color to your hair, resulting in a subtle yet noticeable change. For toning down highlights, a gloss treatment can be a fantastic option as it can help blend them into your natural hair color. Without the use of harsh chemicals, gloss treatments enhance the shine and vibrancy of your hair. They gradually fade over a few washes, allowing for a low-maintenance touch-up process.

To determine the appropriate shade for your gloss treatment, consult a professional hairstylist. They can assess your natural hair color, highlight tones, and desired result to select a custom color formula. The gloss treatment application process typically takes around 30 minutes and doesn’t require any bleaching or lightening. Instead, it utilizes a toner mixed with a conditioning base to minimize damage to your hair.

Benefits of Gloss Treatments	Concerns
Adds shine and vibrancy Blends highlights into natural hair color Enhances hair texture Low-maintenance touch-ups	Not a permanent solution (lasts up to 6 weeks) Can be more expensive than other toning methods May not be suitable for all hair types

Try a Toner Remover

Toner removers are specifically designed to remove unwanted toner from your hair. They are available in both professional and at-home formulas. If you are not comfortable using a toner remover yourself, you can visit a professional hair salon to have it done.

How to Use a Toner Remover

Read the instructions carefully. Each toner remover will have its own set of instructions, so be sure to read them carefully before using it.
Apply the toner remover to your hair. You can apply the toner remover to your entire head of hair or just to the areas that you want to remove the toner from.
Let the toner remover sit on your hair for the recommended amount of time. The amount of time will vary depending on the toner remover that you are using.
Rinse your hair thoroughly. Once the toner remover has sat on your hair for the recommended amount of time, rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water.
Condition your hair. After you have rinsed your hair, condition it to help restore moisture and shine.

Benefits of Using a Toner Remover

Removes unwanted toner from your hair. Toner removers are specifically designed to remove unwanted toner from your hair.
Can be used at home or in a professional salon. Toner removers are available in both professional and at-home formulas, so you can choose the option that is best for you.
Relatively easy to use. Toner removers are relatively easy to use, even if you are not a professional hairstylist.

Risks of Using a Toner Remover

Can damage your hair if not used properly. Toner removers can damage your hair if they are not used properly. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and do not leave the toner remover on your hair for longer than the recommended amount of time.
Can cause skin irritation. Toner removers can cause skin irritation, so be sure to wear gloves when using them.

Toner Remover	Pros	Cons
Professional formula	More effective	More expensive
At-home formula	Less effective	Less expensive

Utilize a DIY Mask

Harnessing the power of natural ingredients, DIY masks can effectively tone down highlights.

Consider the following mask recipe:

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Quantity
Honey	1/2 cup
Plain Yogurt	1/4 cup
Lemon Juice	1 tablespoon

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly.
Apply the mask to damp hair, avoiding the roots.
Cover hair with a shower cap and leave on for 30 minutes.
Rinse hair thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Style hair as desired.

Benefits:

Honey: Nourishes hair and adds shine.
Yogurt: Contains lactic acid, a natural lightening agent.
Lemon Juice: Gradually fades highlights and adds golden tones.

Use Natural Ingredients

For those who prefer a more natural approach, there are several household ingredients that can help tone down highlights. These options are gentle on the hair and can be repeated as needed.

Honey

Honey’s natural enzymes and humectants can darken hair gradually. Apply pure honey to damp hair, cover with a shower cap, and leave on for at least 2 hours or overnight. Rinse thoroughly.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice contains citric acid, which can fade highlights by breaking down the pigment. Mix 1/2 cup of lemon juice with 1 cup of water and apply to hair. Leave on for 1-2 hours, then rinse.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar helps regulate the pH of hair, which can close the hair cuticle and reduce the appearance of highlights. Dilute 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of water and apply to hair. Leave on for 30-60 minutes, then rinse.

Ingredient	Application
Honey	Apply to damp hair and leave on for at least 2 hours.
Lemon Juice	Mix with water and apply to hair for 1-2 hours.
Apple Cider Vinegar	Dilute with water and apply to hair for 30-60 minutes.

Invest in a Color Corrector

Color correctors are a godsend for toning down unwanted shades in hair. They work by depositing pigments that neutralize the offending tones. For brassy or yellow highlights, reach for a violet- or blue-based color corrector. These will counteract the yellow and leave you with a more natural-looking blonde.

To use a color corrector, mix it with a developer in a 1:1 ratio. Apply the mixture to your highlights and leave it on for the time specified by the manufacturer. Rinse thoroughly and style as usual.

Tips for Choosing the Right Color Corrector:

Hair color	Color corrector
Blonde	Blue- or violet-based
Brunette	Green- or red-based
Red	Blue- or green-based
Black	Blue- or green-based

Always test the color corrector on a small strand of hair before applying it to your entire head. This will help you avoid any unwanted surprises.

Consult a Professional

Consulting a professional hairstylist is highly recommended if you’re looking to tone down your highlights. They have the experience and expertise to assess your hair condition, determine the best course of action, and execute the toning process effectively. Here are some specific benefits of consulting a professional:

Accurate Assessment: A hairstylist can examine your hair and determine the underlying tone and level of brassiness, ensuring that the toner used will neutralize the unwanted warmth effectively.
Personalized Treatment: Professionals can customize the toner formula to suit your specific hair type, color, and desired outcome, minimizing the risk of damage or unwanted results.
Controlled Application: Hairstylists have the skills and techniques to apply the toner evenly and precisely, preventing uneven or blotchy application that can compromise the overall look.
Time-Saving: Consulting a professional allows you to save time and effort compared to attempting to tone your hair at home, which can be challenging and often leads to unsatisfactory results.
Professional Equipment: Salons typically have access to professional-grade hair care products and specialized equipment, ensuring optimal results and minimizing the risk of damage.
Ongoing Support: After the toning treatment, a hairstylist can provide you with aftercare instructions and recommendations to maintain your desired hair color and prevent fading.
Peace of Mind: Entrusting the toning process to a professional gives you peace of mind that your hair is in safe hands and that you’ll achieve the desired outcome without any mishaps.
Avoid Damage: Professionals are trained to use the correct techniques and products to minimize hair damage during the toning process, ensuring the health and integrity of your hair are preserved.

While consulting a professional is generally the most effective and recommended approach to toning down highlights, it’s important to note that there are also DIY methods available if you prefer to try them at home. However, it’s crucial to proceed with caution and carefully follow the instructions to avoid any potential damage or unsatisfactory results.

Maintain Cool Temperatures

To tone down highlights, it is crucial to maintain cool temperatures throughout the process. Avoid using hot water, as heat can open up the hair cuticles and cause brassy tones to develop. Instead, opt for lukewarm or cold water to minimize color damage.

When shampooing, use a sulfate-free shampoo that is formulated for color-treated hair. Sulfates can strip away natural oils and pigments, leading to faded and brassy highlights. Follow up with a cool-toned conditioner to neutralize any warmth in the hair and restore moisture.

After washing, avoid using heat styling tools such as blow dryers or flat irons, as they can exacerbate brassiness. If heat styling is necessary, use a heat protectant spray and a low heat setting to minimize damage.

Toning Tips

Action	Result
Blue toner	Neutralizes orange and yellow tones
Green toner	Neutralizes red and brassy tones
Purple toner	Neutralizes yellow and golden tones
Ash toner	Adds a cool, gray hue to highlights

It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when using a toner. Leave the toner on for the recommended amount of time to achieve optimal results without over-toning. Rinse the toner thoroughly with cool water and follow up with a nourishing conditioner.

Prevent Overlapping Highlights

To avoid overlapping highlights, follow these tips:

Weave in new highlights: Instead of applying highlights directly on top of old ones, weave them in between to create a more natural blend.
Use a wider foiling pattern: Using wider foils helps isolate sections and prevents highlights from bleeding into each other.
Section hair carefully: Divide hair into small sections before highlighting to ensure even application and prevent overlapping.
Overlapping only at roots: If you want to create a more dramatic look, overlap highlights slightly at the roots, but avoid doing so throughout the hair.
Use a toning shampoo: Regular use of a toning shampoo can help blend highlights and reduce brassiness.

Deeper Dive on Overlapping Highlights

To prevent overlapping highlights effectively, consider these additional tips:

Assess client’s hair history: Understand the number of previous highlight applications and the client’s desired result to determine an appropriate foiling pattern.
Use a fine-tooth comb: Divide sections thoroughly with a fine-tooth comb to avoid uneven application and overlapping.
Check as you go: Regularly lift foils to monitor the development of highlights and adjust the timing accordingly.
Use a neutralizing shampoo: After highlighting, use a neutralizing shampoo to remove any unwanted tones and enhance the desired result.
Advocate for regular trims: Encourage clients to get regular trims to remove any damaged hair and keep highlights looking fresh.

How To Tone Down Highlights

Highlights can be a great way to add some brightness and dimension to your hair, but sometimes they can be too harsh or brassy. If you’re looking to tone down your highlights, there are a few things you can do.

One option is to use a toner. Toners are semi-permanent hair color that can be used to correct unwanted tones or add subtle color. If your highlights are too yellow or orange, you can use a blue or purple toner to neutralize them. If your highlights are too bright, you can use a darker toner to bring them down a few shades.

Another option is to use a color-correcting shampoo or conditioner. These products are designed to neutralize unwanted tones and add moisture to your hair. If your highlights are too brassy, you can use a blue or purple shampoo or conditioner. If your highlights are too bright, you can use a darker shampoo or conditioner.

If you’re not sure how to use a toner or color-correcting shampoo or conditioner, it’s best to consult with a professional hairstylist. They can help you choose the right products and give you instructions on how to use them.