5 Best Toners For Blonde Hair And How To Use Them

April 22, 2025

Achieving the perfect blonde hair requires more than just a great dye job – it’s all about maintaining that vibrant, fresh color. One of the key tools in any blonde hair care routine is a toner. Whether you’re aiming to eliminate brassiness, add a cooler tone, or simply refresh your locks, the 5 Best Toners For Blonde Hair And How To Use Them can work wonders. In this blog, we’ll explore these top toners and share how to use them effectively to keep your blonde looking stunning and healthy. Let’s dive into the world of toning and find the perfect match for your blonde hair needs!

What Is a Toner and Why Do You Need It?

Toner is a semi-permanent hair product designed to adjust the tone of your blonde hair by neutralizing unwanted warm or brassy hues. Blonde hair, especially when lightened through bleaching, tends to develop yellow or orange undertones over time due to sun exposure, heat styling, and mineral deposits from water. Using a toner regularly helps maintain a clean, fresh, and salon-worthy blonde look between coloring sessions.

Toners often come in cream, gloss, or shampoo forms and contain purple or blue pigments. Purple pigments counteract yellow tones, while blue pigments combat orange or brassy shades. Choosing the right toner depends on the specific brassiness you want to eliminate.

5 Best Toners For Blonde Hair And How To Use Them

  1. Wella Color Charm T18

    This cult-favorite toner is widely known for its ability to neutralize yellow and brassy tones effectively. Wella’s T18 formula delivers a beautiful, cool ash-blonde finish, perfect for those who want icy, platinum hues without yellow undertones.

    How to use: Mix the toner with a developer (usually 20 volume) and apply it to damp hair after bleaching. Leave it on for about 15-20 minutes, checking frequently to avoid over-toning. Rinse thoroughly and condition.

  2. .Joico Color Balance Purple Shampoo

    For those looking for a more gentle and convenient option, Joico’s Color Balance Purple Shampoo is a great choice. This shampoo works gradually to tone blonde hair while cleansing, neutralizing brassiness with every wash.

    How to use: Replace your regular shampoo with this purple shampoo once or twice a week. Leave it on for 2-5 minutes before rinsing. Use more frequently if your hair tends to get brassy quickly.

  1. Redken Shades EQ Gloss 09V

    This violet-based gloss not only tones but also adds shine and smoothness to blonde hair. It’s a semi-permanent treatment that doesn’t lift hair color but enhances and refreshes existing tones without flattening the hair.

    How to use: Mix with Redken’s Shades EQ Developer and apply to clean, towel-dried hair. Leave on for 20 minutes before rinsing. Great for maintaining vibrant blonde color between salon visits.

  1. Schwarzkopf Professional BlondMe Premium Lift 9

    This professional-grade toner is designed to lift and tone in one step. It brightens blonde hair and effectively removes unwanted warmth for a fresh, natural look.

    How to use: Usually used during the coloring process, it can also be applied post-bleach for toning. Follow the product instructions carefully or consult a colorist for best results.

  1. Matrix Total Results So Silver Shampoo

    This is a highly pigmented purple shampoo that cools down brassy blonde tones and brightens highlights. It’s excellent for maintaining icy or silver blonde colors.

    How to use: Use 1-2 times a week. Leave on hair for 3-5 minutes before rinsing, depending on how intense you want the toning effect to be.

How to Use Toners Effectively

  • Preparation: Always start with clean, damp, towel-dried hair before applying toner. This ensures even absorption.

  • Timing: Leave the toner on your hair for the recommended time, usually between 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the product and your desired results. Check your hair frequently to avoid over-toning.

  • Rinse and Condition: Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, then follow with a nourishing conditioner to restore moisture and softness.

  • Frequency: Use toners regularly as part of your hair care routine — about once every 1-2 weeks or as needed to maintain your desired tone.

  • Protect Your Hair: After toning, use color-safe shampoos and conditioners, and avoid excessive heat styling to prolong the life of your toner and keep your blonde looking vibrant.

Blonde hair is stunning but requires extra care to maintain its brightness and prevent brassiness. Incorporating the 5 Best Toners For Blonde Hair And How To Use Them into your routine is essential for keeping your locks looking fresh, cool-toned, and salon-perfect. Whether you prefer a quick toner shampoo or a professional cream toner, choosing the right product and using it properly will ensure your blonde hair stays beautiful all year long.

Ready to say goodbye to unwanted brassiness and hello to flawless blonde? Start experimenting with these toners and discover which one works best for your unique hair type and color goals!