Wet hair doesn’t exactly scream “toning”, does it? However, the secret to getting that coveted wet-look tan is all about toning your hair when it’s wet. Why? Because despite the name, toners aren’t so much about adding colors as they are about taking them away. Think of it like this — if you make your hair wet before applying toner, the water neutralizes some of the pigment and makes it more visible (and effective). On the other hand, if you apply toner on dry hair, it just sits there and doesn’t have much effect. So how do you tone wet hair? Let us explain.
Can You Tone Wet Hair?
Yes, you can! You may think that wet hair makes it difficult to create a perfect hairstyle, but that is not the case. In fact, wet hair can be easier to style because it’s more flexible and less likely to break. It may take a bit of practice to get your technique down, but it’s worth it in the end.
Which Toning Shampoos Should You Use?
1. Wella Color Charm Toning Shampoo
This toning shampoo is designed to add a subtle, natural-looking tone. It’s best for blondes who want to add a bit of depth and dimension without going too light or brunettes who want to make their color look more natural, not to mention it’s also great for redheads. It contains a blend of violet pigments that will help revitalize your color and make it look fresh again. This shampoo also contains strengthening keratin proteins that will help repair hair damage and prevent future breakage.
2. Joico Color Balance Purple Shampoo
This purple-toning shampoo is great for adding shine and enhancing the vibrancy of red hair. The purple pigments in this shampoo are derived from plants like a pansy, amaranth, and gardenia petals (no animals were harmed in the making of this product). If you have any doubts about whether or not you can use this product on your hair because it’s too dark or light for the color of your hair, don’t worry — this purple shampoo works on all shades of hair!
3. L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Violet Toning Shampoo
If you have blonde hair that has turned brassy or yellow over time, then you need to try L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Violet Toning Shampoo. This violet-based toning shampoo helps neutralize yellow tones. It’s great for blonde hair that has been colored with a permanent dye, and it’s also effective on natural hair that is experiencing brassy tones. The added benefit of this product is that it will leave your hair feeling silky smooth, which is great because dry hair is more prone to breakage.
4. L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Cool Toning Shampoo
This cool-toned blonde shampoo helps neutralize unwanted warm tones in light to medium blonde shades while adding shine and enhancing the vibrancy of your color. If you have hair that tends to get brassy or yellow over time, then this shampoo will help restore your color back to its original tone and luster.
5. L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Vibrant Violet Toning Shampoo
If you have dark brown or black hair, then you need to use the vibrant violet toning shampoo from the L’Oréal Paris EverPure line of shampoos. This violet-based shampoo helps neutralize unwanted warm tones in dark brown or black shades while adding shine and enhancing the vibrancy of your color. If you have any doubts about whether or not you can use this product on your hair because it’s too light for the color of your hair, don’t worry — this purple shampoo works on all shades of hair!
How Can Tone Wet Hair With Conditioner?
Double up with shampoo
If you’re on the go or in a hurry, the best way to use conditioner on wet hair is to double up with your shampoo. You can use regular shampoo for your body and an extra gentle conditioner for your hair. This will create a similar lather and suds as if you used both. If you’re using shampoo as a conditioner, use a dime-sized amount to avoid over-washing and stripping natural oils from your hair. If you have color-treated hair, use a conditioner that’s designed specifically for color-treated hair.
Mask while you shower
If you’re looking for a quick way to use conditioner on wet hair, try the “mask while you shower” method. After lathering up with your favorite shampoo, apply a leave-in conditioner to your full head of hair. One of the best ways to use conditioner on wet hair is to use a leave-in conditioner while you shower. This will allow the conditioner to penetrate and do its job while the rest of the shower water runs over your head. Leave-in conditioners are lightweight and designed to be left in while rinsing out the rest of your hair. Once you’ve rinsed out the rest of your hair, you can easily massage the conditioner through the rest of your hair and let it sit while you wash the rest of your body.
Conditioner only wash
Another quick and easy way to use conditioner on wet hair is to condition only wash your hair. If you have daily conditioning needs, the best way to use conditioner on wet hair is to only wash with conditioner. This way you can fully lock in the moisture from your conditioner and leave out the harsh stripping effects of shampoo. This method is great for people who have daily hair needs and are looking for an easy way to use conditioner on wet hair.
Use a leave-in conditioner
The best way to use conditioner on wet hair is to use a leave-in conditioner. Leave-in conditioners are lightweight, non-greasy conditioners that are best used on wet hair. They are applied to the hair before or immediately after showering and then rinsed out. Leave-in conditioners contain oils and natural emollients that can help to seal in moisture, repair, and protect your hair against future damage. Another way to use conditioner on wet hair is to use a leave-in conditioner. Leave-in conditioners are designed to be applied directly to wet hair. They typically don’t require the hair to be dried before application.
Mix in dry hair products
If you’re looking for a quick way to use conditioner on wet hair, try mixing in a dry hair product. Some products, like dry shampoos, are designed to be applied to dry hair. Others, like styling and finishing sprays, are also easy to apply to wet or dry hair and will provide a similar effect. Lightweight products, such as sprays, can easily be applied to wet hair, but they may not provide enough hydration for extra-damaged hair. If you have very dry hair, consider using a creamier product, such as a hair mask, to better nourish and hydrate your hair. Another way to use conditioner on wet hair is to mix in a dry hair product, such as a finishing spray, to help lock in your hair’s natural oils.
Why Is Toning So Important?
- Toning helps to eliminate the yellow cast of the hair. When you first start using color, it will have a yellow tint to it. This is basically un-toned color. As you continue to use the same color, it will become more and more toned and your hair will look healthier and less brassy.
- Toning is also important for lifting out brassiness from previously colored hair. If you have any unwanted brassy tones after coloring your hair, toning can help with that too!
- Toning will help to keep your hair looking shiny. Since toning helps to eliminate the yellow cast of previously colored hair, it will make your hair look smoother and shinier.
- Toning will help to eliminate unwanted brassy tones that may occur after coloring. If you have any unwanted brassy tones, you can use a toner to help with that too!
- Toning should be done at least once a week, if not every other week or so. This will help to keep your hair looking shiny and healthy!
The Bottom Line
If you want to extend the life of your hair color, or you want to cover up your regrowth, you should consider toning your hair. Toning your hair is easy, cheap, and can be done at home. The best way to tone your hair is to make it wet before applying the toner. This makes the pigments more visible, so they’ll be easier to remove. For best results, choose a toner that has a blue or purple hue, and make sure you apply it generously.