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A toner for white or blonde hair helps eliminate brassy tones that might crop up a few weeks after hair coloring. The best toners for white hair can keep your hair color vibrant even after a few weeks and are readily available in the market. If you are wondering which would be the most suitable toner for white hair, you can have a look at our list of professional-grade toners with their brief descriptions. We also share some tips on selecting one that suits your hair tone and how to use it to maintain your color for a long duration.
Top Picks
15 Best Toners For White Hair
1. Best Cruelty-Free: Knight & Wilson Blonde Hair Toner
The Knight & Wilson blonde hair toner is a semi-permanent toning treatment that helps remove brassy and yellow tones with its color-correcting pigments. Enriched with the goodness of shea butter and argan oil, this toner nourishes, adds shine, protects, and elevates color penetration. The scientifically formulated product also has anti-yellow technology, effectively removing the yellow tones and leaving behind a gorgeous pure white-blonde base.
Pros
- Color-correcting toner
- No ammonia or peroxide
- Sulfate-free
- Environmentally-friendly
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan-friendly
- Adds gloss and softness
Cons
- Might not make a significant difference
- May dry up the hair
"This toner helps eliminate unwanted yellow and green tones, resulting in a soft and natural blonde that blends well with my highlights. However, it requires regular application since it's temporary, but it is worth it for special occasions. Overall, it is a decent solution for maintaining my hair color between salon visits."
2. Best With Polymers: Schwarzkopf Professional Blond Me Blonde Toning – Ice
This icy hair toner takes a few minutes to give you the shade that you want. It contains polymers that support great quality hair, making it smooth and healthy. You should ideally use the toner once in 15 to 21 days to see visible results, as your hair will not require many toning sessions per month.
Pros
- Professional-grade toner contains polymers
- Can be mixed it with hair dye to get an icy color
- Includes detailed instructions
Cons
- Some may get a very pale-yellow tone after application
Some may experience hair fall after application
Quick fact3. Best Water-Based: Brilliant Silver White Hair Blonde & Grey Hair Toner
This is a good toner for eliminating brassy yellow tones. Additionally, your silver hair will get the much-needed softness and shine. As it is a water-based product, your hair will get saved from the dryness and damage. The toner can easily last for a long duration. You may check out more about this product from this video.
Pros
- Suitable for all hair types.
- Vegan
- PETA certified
- Little goes a long way.
Cons
- May cause allergies in some, patch test recommended
- Instructions may be a bit complicated
"After embracing my natural silver hair, I've found this toner very useful for enhancing its brightness and reducing brassy tones. It is simple to use and blends well, especially in the shower, although care is needed with the quantity to avoid purple hues. Despite a few hiccups, such as temporary staining and potential dryness, its effects are notable. Overall, it's a decent choice for silver hair maintenance."
Knight & Wilson Blonde Hair Toner Best Cruelty-Free | Schwarzkopf Professional Blond Me Blonde Toning – Ice Best With Polymers | Brilliant Silver White Hair Blonde & Grey Hair Toner Best Water-Based | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Yellow,White,Grey | Yellow,White,Grey | - |
| Dimensions | 2.2 x 2.2 x 7.52 inches | 2.2 x 2.2 x 7.52 inches | - |
| Weight | 3.88 Ounces | 3.88 Ounces | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 120 | 2,624 | 43 |
| Price | $9.99 | $11.43 | $29.99 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
4. Best Ammonia-Free: L’Oreal Paris Feria Power Hair Toner
The L’Oreal Paris Feria Power Hair Toner is a demi-permanent toner that removes brass and lends cool tones to diminish unwanted warmth from hair. In addition, with built-in conditioning polymers, this toner for hair boosts lightened strands for a shinier, smoother, and softer blonde color. If you want quick and visible results, this can be the ideal fit for you — the high-speed technology in this hair product results in a cooling tone in under five minutes.
Pros
- Available in three shades
- Ammonia-free
- Suitable for all hair textures and types
- Requires only one application
Cons
- May result in a darker colored hair tone
- May not be long-lasting
5. Best Bleach-Free: Clairol Blonde It Up Permanent Hair Dye
Do you wish to color your hair but don’t like bleach and its adverse effects? Clairol Blonde It Up Permanent Hair Dye may be just the right fit. Its AminoLift Technology effectively lifts the pigment inside your hair, while the AminoGlycine Complex helps protect the natural hair keratin. The advanced blonding system in this product lightens up hair to five levels while making your tresses soft, conditioned, and glossy. This tried-and-tested hair color also helps tone down brassiness, making it a great bleach alternative for white hair.
Pros
- Available in two shades
- No side effects from bleaching
- Causes less damage to hair
- Keeps hair structure intact
Cons
- Might leave behind an orange tone
- Might be slightly runny
"I was looking for a gentle hair lightener, and this product offered me the right solution with its one-step alternative to bleach. It offers a pleasant blonde shade while maintaining hair health. However, the effectiveness may vary with the hair color, resulting in brassy tones for darker shades. This lightener is ideal for those seeking a subtle lift without causing excessive damage."
6. Best With Hair Repair Properties: Punky Platinum Blonde Toner Conditioning Hair Color
The product removes the gold and brass tones after bleaching, resulting in a vibrant platinum blonde color to the hair, from hair after bleaching. It assists in minimizing and repairing damaged hair during the coloring process. A single application of the hair toner can last more than 25 washes. This brassiness neutralizer ensures the hair does not become brittle and dry after coloring.
Pros
- Spreads evenly throughout the hair
- Adjustable level of toning
- High pigment load
- Conditioning and long-lasting formula
- Cruelty-free and vegan
Cons
- Some may not like the bubblegum fragrance
"The rich pigment of this hair color made my hair strands look shiny and vibrant. Its color even transitions gracefully–maintaining a pleasing hue even after multiple washes. Despite its tendency to stain the skin if left on for too long, the overall benefits make it a worthy purchase."
Quick tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Do not miss out on this product that has earned 7,118 positive reviews on Amazon.
7. Best Mild: Wella ColorCharm Permanent Liquid Hair Toner
If you are in search of a mild product formulation for your luscious tresses, it’s time to add the Wella ColorCharm Permanent Liquid Hair Toner to your cart. It features a liquid fuse technology that saturates, penetrates, and combines well with the hair. It works on naturally blonde and pre-lightened hair to create hard-to-achieve shades such as platinum and beige. Additionally, the budget hair toner also helps neutralize cool or warm tones in your hair for that perfect shade of blonde with reduced hair breakage.
Pros
- Eight color variants
- Fade-resistant
- Offers excellent gray coverage
- Long-lasting
- Gentle on the hair
- Helps remove brassy tones
Cons
- Might have a runny consistency
- May turn hair darker
"As per my experience, this hair product effectively reduces yellow tones and refreshes platinum hues in hair. However, the result may not be as expected when used between color treatments. Remember, it works best on pale yellow tones and is not a lightener in itself."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
About 65 reviewers on Amazon have given their seal of approval to the product.
8. Best Easy-To-Apply: Klorane Purple Hair Mask – Hair Toner For Silver or Gray Hair
The purple shampoo can eliminate intense tones of yellow or brass from your light blonde tresses. The easy-to-apply toner has to be spread on wet hair, let it lather and then rinse. It can help refresh hair color in one application. Check out this video to learn more about this hair toner mask from a tester’s experience.
Pros
- Vegan product
- Plant-based natural ingredients
- Fight hair yellowness effectively
- Maintains hair health
- No parabens or sulfates
Cons
- May tint the hair slightly blue for some
"I was looking for a product that caters to my silver hair, and this product effectively enhances my silver tones. It made my hair soft and shiny and soothed my scalp. I loved the fact that a little product goes a long way. However, additional conditioners may be needed to overcome the dryness."
Did you know?Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 1,180 positive customer reviews on Amazon are a testament to its quality and reliability.
9. Best Gloss: Glaze Super Color Conditioning Gloss Hair Colorant
Achieve glossy hair with mirror-like shine with the Glaze Super Color Conditioning Gloss Hair Colorant. The professional-grade hair color is easy to use as it requires no mixing and separate conditioners. It is powered by naturally-derived GlaziPlex Technology, which repairs and colors hair in just one use, and KINDColor technology, which is tested to condition the hair. The product helps add warm, gold tones to light or medium blonde hair, and as the name suggests, this hair glaze toner gives you a shiny finish.
Pros
- Sulfate-, paraben-, and ammonia-free
- Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free
- Available in nine natural shades
- Ultra lightweight
- Causes minimal damage to hair
Cons
- May not cover grays
- May be slightly darker than expected
"This hair glaze adds a noticeable shine to my tresses, leaving them softer. It's particularly effective for a temporary pop of color and blending highlights, though it doesn't cover grays. However, the packaging could be more user-friendly, as dispensing the product can be a hassle. It's a decent quick-fix for refreshing color but not a substitute for more permanent solutions."
10. Best Anti-Breakage: Smart Beauty Permanent Blonde Creamy Hair Dye
Smart Beauty blonde hair dye lightens blonde hair with a gorgeous creamy color tone. With a built-in plex anti-breakage technology, this is a great toner for hair nourishment that gradually rebuilds the micro-bond fiber structure of your hair. The scientifically formulated product also enriches and boosts the blonde tones to make the hair appear vibrant, healthy, glossy, and light.
Pros
- Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Restores hair structure
- Non-drip formulation
- Easy to use
- Covers grays effectively
Cons
- May make the hair dry
- Some may not like the smell
"I love the wide range of shades. It gave my hair good coverage, though it didn't completely mask my previous color. It maintained a luster that garnered compliments. On the whole, the color it offered was impressive."
What we recommend
Most hair toners do not cause any damage to your locks, and all you need is to follow the instructions by the manufacturer for safe use. Nevertheless, it could be good to remember a few of these points to be extra safe and protect your hair health.
- Before you set out to apply the hair toner, carry out a patch test for any possible allergic reactions
- Avoid mixing different hair dye products.
- Never leave the hair toners on your head for a long duration.
- Avoid applying toners on your eyebrows or eyelashes as it may cause irreparable harm to your eyes.
- Finish with a color-protecting conditioner to protect your hair and the new color.
11. Best Cruelty-Free: Manic Panic Virgin Snow Hair Toner – Blonde Toner
The blonde hair toner has been specifically designed to eradicate the yellow tones from your hair. While dyeing, it also deep conditions your hair, resulting in shiny, silky hair. The semi-permanent toning treatment lasts for four to six weeks. It does not pierce the cortex of your hair but rests on top of the hair shaft.
Pros
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- Free from ammonia, parabens, phthalates, resorcinol, and gluten
- Mixable colors and tones
- It is easy to use and lasts for a long duration.
- Long-lasting
Cons
- May give some a green hue
"This hair color offered me long-lasting and visible results. However, the application seemed messy, so remember to safeguard the surfaces and the skin to avoid staining. I liked the color payoff. Worth considering!"
12. Best Preconditioning Formula: ‘N Rage Bleach & Toner Kit, White Out Kit Pre-Color Hair Bleach Kit
The toner kit offers a two-step formula that takes bleaching to the next level. It helps you achieve long-lasting color outcomes with its 10-minute bleach formula and the 40-volume activator. It pre-lightens your dark locks with the help of an all-in-one kit.
Pros
- Pre-conditioning formula helps reduce dullness
- Suitable for hair frosting and highlighting
- Suitable for all hair colors and textures
- Easy to use
- Maximum lightening of hair
Cons
- May slightly dry the hair
"I was impressed with the results delivered by this bleach and toner duo. Though it is effective for those aiming for icy hues, its quantity can fall short for thicker and longer hair. A thorough application helps you avoid uneven spots. Overall, it's a decent at-home option, but for those seeking platinum blonde, additional sessions may offer the results."
13. Best Non-Sticky: Purple Leave-in Toner
The purple-based white hair toner helps in reversing hair damage and prevents undesired yellow tones in blonde hair. You will not find it oily and sticky. The toner also has a light and appealing scent. The presence of natural ingredients helps in boosting the shine of your hair, offering visible results.
Pros
- Neutralizing brassiness in blonde and dyed hair
- Prevents frizz and restores hair
- Contains Australian blue cypress oil for dullness
- Contains rosemary leaf extract with antioxidant properties
Cons
- May be a bit runny
"I use this toner regularly as it helps me subdue the brassiness of my blonde hair. However, it's a bit runny and didn't improve my hair quality. I also like the pleasant scent and the soothing effect it offers. On the whole, consistent application gave me the desired results."
14. Best For All Blonde Shades: L’Oreal Paris Feria Long-Lasting Anti Brass Power Hair Toner
The manufacturer promises smooth, shiny, and soft hair in five minutes. The effect of this toner lasts for up to three weeks, and is ideal for those times between salon visits. The tone is suitable for all shades of blondes.
Pros
- Ammonia-free
- Adds a cool-ash tone
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
- May not cover gray hair
"With repetitive use of this toner, I observed a considerable reduction in yellow tones, leaving my hair with a pleasing pearl blonde hue. However, I felt it was less effective on excessively brassy hair. Overall, I loved this product."
15. Best For Color-Treated Hair: Pantene Silver Expressions, Purple Shampoo and Hair Toner
Highlight grays in silver tones with this toner-infused shampoo. The Pantene white hair toner shampoo eliminates brassy tones, reduces dullness, and adds shine to the hair, making it one of the most favorite hair toners among colorists. It also adds a lustrous purple hue to neutralize the yellow tones.
Pros
- Radiates shine by brightening colored whites
- Can be used on color-treated or dyed hair
- Contains no parabens or silicones
Cons
- May have a strong fragrance
"After trying multiple products, I was satisfied with the result of this purple shampoo. It effectively reduced yellowness in my hair, adding shine without leaving any purple tint. However, I felt over-moisturized. The pleasant scent and pump model added convenience to using this product. On the whole, it is worth trying this hair product."
Uses Of A Hair Toner
Hair toners are used primarily to boost the shine and softness of hair and minimize the appearance of split ends. Toners help in infusing life into your brassy, brittle, lifeless and dull hair. They help in making the existing color appear vibrant and beautiful.
Hair toners are specifically designed for light-colored tresses that may include various tones of blonde, gray, or white. With toners, you also get the option of updating the color and altering the shades of existing hair color if you desire a little change in your appearance.
It is worth noting that a hair toner is not a permanent color. The non-permanent rinse may last for 15 to 20 days on your hair. It further depends on the type of hair you have and the color that you use.
How To Use A Hair Toner For Best Results?
After you have selected the most appropriate toner for your beautiful locks, you need to know how to use it for that desired outcome. Given below are some essential tips that will help you use the toner to perfection.
- Read all the instructions specified on the hair toner carefully and follow them precisely.
- You must always avoid over-toning your hair.
- Excess usage of hair toners may impact the health of your hair, so use them once a month.
- Make sure you wash your hair effectively after the application of toner.
Most importantly, avoid experimenting and use the white toner if you want white or blond colored hair.
Are There Any Side Effects Of Using Hair Toner?
A toner is basically a semi-permanent hair color, and it should not hurt your hair. Subtle hair toners help you get rid of the brassy yellow tone from your hair that may diminish the appearance of the locks. Spray toners can also relieve the look of already colored hair. It is worth noting that ammonia-free hair colors are less damaging and do not cause any side effects.
Since hair toner is a temporary hair dye, it has emerged as one of the best options for many, and it also minimizes the need for damaging treatments. The color remains only on the surface of your hair and fades away gradually with every wash.
How To Choose The Right Toner For White Hair?
Search for the shade that is opposite to your existing hair color, such as the purple ash toner. It will help you in removing the yellow blond hue from your locks. If you have reddish-brown hair, you must select a green-tinged toner to achieve the correct neutralization.
If you have dark hair, select ash blonde or beige blonde to soothe the dark shades. For bold hair color, a blue toner will be the right choice to neutralize the bold colors.
Besides color, check for other added features, such as the presence of added compounds, such as keratin, for extra hair protection. Some toners contain hair moisturizers and UV protectants. Consider these if you spend significant time outdoors under direct sunlight. Furthermore, you can also consider toners that tone without staining your scalp.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long should I keep the toner on my white hair before I rinse it?
You should ideally apply the toner for 15 to 30 minutes before rinsing it.
2. Can I use toner on my black hair?
Yes, a toner may bring subtle improvements to black hair and help target brassiness.
3. Can I use toner on natural white hair?
Yes, you can use a professional-grade toner on natural white hair for a vibrant, silky, smooth, and frizz-free look.
4. Can I use toner on gray hair?
Yes, it may make your brassy, lackluster gray hair look more vibrant, moisturized, and healthy. Just make sure you use a toner formulated for gray hair.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag is a seasoned product writer whose experience lies in fashion, skincare, and haircare. She is an avid researcher with an eye for detail. Her product reviews result from an evaluation of the quality of products and tester experiences. She has enlisted the best toners and hair brightening treatments for white hair in this post and included a detailed buying guide to help you choose the right product for your hair.
The Bottom Line
Using the best toner for white hair can counteract the yellow undertone and make it have a brighter white tone. You may come across various toners. While some products may give the desired color, others may mess up your hair. Some of our favorite picks from the list are the ammonia-free L’Oreal Paris Feria Power Hair Toner that offers quick results, and the Wella ColorCharm Permanent Liquid Hair Toner, which uses liquid fuse technology to reduce hair breakage. For color-treated hair, you may consider the Pantene Silver Expressions, Purple Shampoo and Hair Toner, as it highlights grays, eliminates brassy tones, and adds shine. Choose a hair toner that aids in nourishing and repairing hair while making it more glossy, and avoid products that could damage your hair in long-term use.
Infographic: How To Choose The Right Toner For White Hair?
If you wish to use a toner on your white hair, it is essential to do your research. The following infographic provides some valuable points to consider when choosing the right toner. Remember to do a patch test before using any new product, and consider seeking the advice of a stylist or colorist for professional guidance. By following these steps, you can find a toner that will help maintain and enhance the color of your white hair. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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