In the world of hair care and color treatment, terminology can often be confusing. One common question that arises frequently is whether toner and developer are the same thing. If you’ve ever stood in a beauty aisle contemplating which product to use for achieving the perfect color, or if you’ve spoken to a stylist about customizing your hair color, this is a question you’ve likely encountered.
Both toner and developer play significant roles in hair coloring, particularly in the process of achieving and maintaining desired hair hues. This article aims to clarify the distinctions between these two essential products, explore their purposes, and provide guidance on how to use them effectively, particularly for those new to the realm of hair dyeing.
What is Toner?
Toner is a specialized product used in hair coloring, often applied after the initial dyeing process to enhance, correct, or neutralize the color of the hair. Its main purpose is to refine the undertones present in the hair. Toners are usually applied to lighten hair, particularly for those who wish to achieve cool hues like ash blonde or to eliminate specific unwanted tones.
The Composition of Toner
Toners typically contain a combination of pigments that target specific color undertones in the hair. While many people might equate toner with a standalone product, it is actually a type of hair dye that is generally less concentrated in ammonia and hydrogen peroxide than standard hair dyes.
Toners can be sold in various formulas—ranging from semi-permanent to permanent options—and come in cream, liquid, or gel forms. The consistency can affect how easily the toner adheres to the hair, ultimately influencing the resulting color.
Types of Toners
There are several types of toners that cater to different hair care needs:
- Blue Toners: Best for neutralizing brassy orange tones in blonde and brunette hair.
- Purple Toners: Most effective at mitigating yellow hues, making them ideal for blonde shades.
What is Developer?
Developer, also known as the oxidizing agent or activator, is a necessary component in the hair coloring process. It is specifically designed to open the hair cuticle, allowing the hair color or toner to penetrate effectively. Primarily made of hydrogen peroxide, developer is a crucial ingredient when it comes to achieving the desired color, whether it’s lifting existing color or depositing new pigment.
The Role of Developer in Hair Coloring
When mixed with hair color or toner, developer activates the dyeing process by:
- Opening the Hair Cuticle: The developer swells the hair shaft, making it easier for the color to enter.
- Oxidizing Color Molecules: It reacts with the color molecules in both dye and toner to produce the final color outcome.
As is the case with toners, developers come in different volumes, which indicate their strength and the lifting potential they provide.
Developer Volumes Explained
Developer is available in multiple volumes, each serving different purposes with hair dye and toner:
| Volume | Usage |
|---|---|
| 10 Volume | Used for deposit-only coloring or when minimal lift is required. |
| 20 Volume | Provides standard lift and is the most commonly used developer with permanent color. |
| 30 Volume | Offers more lift and is suitable for one or two levels of color lifting. |
| 40 Volume | Used for maximum lift, typically in extreme bleaching situations but can be damaging. |
Are Toner and Developer the Same?
Despite their critical roles in the hair coloring process, toners and developers serve very different functions, making them fundamentally distinct products. Here are some critical points to consider:
Key Differences Between Toner and Developer
- Functionality:
- Toner: Primarily used to adjust or enhance hair color after bleaching or dyeing.
Developer: Acts as an oxidizer that activates color and aids in lifting the hair’s natural pigment.
Chemical Composition:
- Toner: Contains color pigments that work to neutralize unwanted tones.
Developer: Composed mainly of hydrogen peroxide and varies in strength based on volume.
Application:
- Toner: Typically used after the dyeing process.
- Developer: Mixed with toner or hair color before application.
When to Use Each Product
To achieve the best results with either toner or developer, understanding when to use each is essential. Here are common scenarios:
Using Toner: Toner is best used after bleaching or dyeing when you want to achieve a specific tone or finish. For instance, if your blonde turns out more golden than desired after bleaching, applying a purple toner can neutralize those warm undertones.
Using Developer: Developer is used at the beginning of the color process. If you’re applying a permanent hair dye, you will mix it with the dye before application. Similarly, if your goal is to lift your hair color by a few shades, you would combine the dye with an appropriate volume of developer.
Best Practices for Using Toner and Developer Together
Using toner and developer in conjunction can be very beneficial, especially for achieving a desired hair color. Below are some best practices to follow:
Step-by-Step Guide
Choose the Right Products: Select a toner that suits your color needs and a developer with an appropriate volume for your hair type.
Prepare Your Hair: Ensure your hair is clean and dry. It’s often best not to wash your hair just before applying these products, as natural oils can protect your scalp.
Mix According to Instructions: Follow the mixing ratios specified on product labels for the toner and developer. This ensures you achieve the desired result without damaging your hair.
Apply Evenly: Use an applicator brush to distribute the mixture evenly throughout your hair. Pay special attention to the ends and areas that require the most correction.
Monitor Processing Time: Don’t exceed the recommended processing time. Over-processing can lead to unwanted results and hair damage.
Rinse and Condition: After the processing time, thoroughly rinse your hair, then follow up with a conditioner to restore moisture.
Conclusion
In summary, toner and developer are essential components of the hair coloring process but serve markedly different purposes. Toner focuses on perfecting the color by neutralizing unwanted undertones, while developer activates the coloring process by lifting the hair’s cuticle. Understanding when and how to use each product can significantly enhance the outcome of your coloring endeavors.
By combining the knowledge of how to use both toner and developer, your hair coloring results can go from good to extraordinary. Armed with this information, you are now better equipped to make informed choices in your next salon visit or hair coloring project at home. Remember, achieving that perfect hue is a journey, and understanding the tools of your trade is the first step in ensuring stunning results.
What is toner?
Toner is a hair product primarily used to neutralize unwanted warm tones in the hair after bleaching or dyeing. It typically contains color pigments that can enhance the overall shade of the hair, bringing out cooler undertones or refreshing faded color. Toners can help achieve a more polished look and prolong the vibrancy of colored hair.
Unlike permanent hair color, toners do not lift the natural hair color; instead, they deposit color onto the hair shaft. This process can be particularly useful for those looking to achieve a specific shade, such as ash blonde or silver, and is often applied after the bleaching process to counteract any brassy tones.
What is developer?
Developer, also known as oxidizing agent, is a crucial component in the hair dyeing process. It activates the color molecules in dye and helps the color penetrate the hair shaft. Developer comes in various volumes, which indicate the strength of the peroxide it contains. Common volumes are 10, 20, 30, and 40, with higher volumes providing more lifting power.
When mixed with hair dye, developer plays a vital role in determining the final color outcome. For example, a lower volume developer is often used for deposit-only color applications, while a higher volume is used for lifting natural hair color and achieving lighter shades. Therefore, understanding the appropriate developer strength is essential for a successful hair coloring process.
Can toner and developer be used interchangeably?
No, toner and developer serve different purposes in hair coloring processes and cannot be used interchangeably. Toner is designed to alter or enhance the tone of the hair, while developer is used to activate hair color and lift the natural color. Each product is formulated for specific tasks in achieving the desired results in hair color treatment.
Using toner without developer would not effectively deposit the color onto the hair, and using developer without toner would not address unwanted tones after bleaching. It’s essential to use both products correctly within their intended function to achieve the desired hair color outcome.
Is toner used with developer?
Yes, toner is often used in conjunction with developer during the hair coloring process. When applying toner, it is typically mixed with a low-volume developer to help the color molecules better penetrate the hair cuticle and achieve a more vibrant finish. This combination allows the toner to effectively neutralize unwanted undertones while also depositing the desired tone.
The volume of developer used with toner is usually lower, often 10 or 20 volume, to prevent further lifting of the hair color. This ensures that the focus remains on adjusting the tone rather than altering the base color significantly, leading to a more controlled and desired result.
What happens if you skip developer while using toner?
If you skip developer while applying toner, the toner may not be as effective in depositing color onto the hair. Toners require the activation process that developer provides; without it, the toner may simply wash out or lay on top of the hair without properly interacting with it. This could lead to dullness or ineffective color neutralization.
Additionally, skipping developer could also lead to uneven results. The toner might not adhere well to the hair, especially in cases where the hair has been bleached and is porous. To achieve a successful outcome, it’s essential to include developer in the toner application to allow for proper absorption and longevity of the desired tone.
Can I use toner without bleaching my hair first?
Yes, you can use toner without bleaching your hair first, but the results may vary significantly depending on your natural hair color. Toners are often used to refresh or change the tone of previously colored or lightened hair. If your hair is dark or has not been bleached, a toner may not have the desired effect, as it requires a lighter base to effectively alter the tone.
Using toner on unbleached hair may only result in minimal change—not enough to notice significant tonal improvements. This is why it’s usually recommended to use toner post-bleaching or on pre-lightened hair to achieve the best results and desired color correction.
How long does toner last in the hair?
The longevity of toner in the hair can vary based on several factors, including the type of toner used, the individual’s hair porosity, and how often the person washes their hair. Typically, a toner can last anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks. Over time, as the hair is washed and exposed to environmental elements, the toner may fade, leading to a return of unwanted warm tones.
To extend the life of the toner, using sulfate-free shampoos and cool water for washing can help minimize color fading. Additionally, regular conditioning and using color-safe products can maintain the vibrancy and overall health of the hair, allowing the toner to remain effective for a more extended period.
Can you use toner and developer on natural hair?
Yes, you can use toner and developer on natural hair, but it is essential to understand the caveats. Toner is typically designed for color-treated hair, especially bleached or highlighted hair, to correct brassy tones. If you have never colored your hair before and still wish to use toner, you might not see the same results as those with previously processed hair.
However, if your natural hair is light enough, you may use a gentle toner with a developer to enhance your tone subtly. It’s crucial to choose the right product and developer volume to avoid over-processing your hair. Always perform a strand test to assess results before applying toner to your entire head to ensure the outcome aligns with your expectations.