All about tinting: to whom, when, why?

A great way to update your appearance without making a permanent change is to tone your hair. Toning gives you flexibility and control over the outcome, whether your goal is to enhance your natural shade or add a subtle pop of color.

While toning hair is not necessary for everyone, it can be a great option for those who wish to try out various shades or neutralize undesirable tones, such as brassiness after bleaching. Achieving the look you want can be greatly impacted by understanding when and why to tone.

This post will discuss who can benefit from toning, when it’s best to do it, and why it might be the best option for you.

Aspect	Details
Who	People wanting a subtle color change without full commitment
When	Great for refreshing color between permanent dyes or trying a new shade temporarily
Why	Less damaging than permanent dye, enhances natural color, adds shine

Why tint your hair

House goal Giving the hair the desired shade is called toning. After staining in its original form, it is very difficult to maintain the color; in this case, tinting is the main helper. Natural hair can also be tinted, in addition to dyed hair. Additionally, this is done to give the hair the desired shade. Reducing brittleness and dryness in hair by "filling" it with a pigment comes in second on the list of priorities. We’ll talk about toning’s potential assistance below.

The principle of action of toning

The way that various toning compositions behave on hair varies.

• Tinting balms, masks and pigments of direct action do not penetrate the hair structure, but rather “stick” to its cuticle, thereby giving the hair color. This type of toning can be called not only the most gentle, but also caring. However, you should not expect phenomenal durability from such products.
• Dyes, whether ammonia or ammonia-free, due to the content of ammonia or its substitutes, alkanolamines, they loosen the hair cuticle and always penetrate inside. Due to this, the color comes out more durable. However, this is the harshest type of toning in relation to hair.
• Tinted shampoos work due to molecules of a certain color in the composition. The principle of operation of such shampoos is similar to the principle of operation of toning masks: color molecules do not penetrate deep into the hair, but only “stick” to the cuticle. However,, due to the washing base of shampoos and a small amount of caring components, such toning is more aggressive than toning with masks.

howwhy

Tinting is a flexible method of hair coloring that gives your hair a subtle, organic color, which makes it ideal for people who want to intensify their color without going too bold. It’s perfect for those who want to switch up their appearance without committing to a long-term look, cover up gray hair, or try out new shades. Tinting is a quick and simple solution that works for almost everyone, whether you want to add subtle tones, enhance your natural color, or give your hair a healthy shine.

Tinting with masks and balms

As previously established, the reason why toning masks and balms work is because color molecules "stick" to the hair cuticle. As a result, the toning effect is transient and can be removed in as little as two washings.

Pros and cons of using a mask or balm to tone hair.

• Not aggressive.
• Does not damage hair.
• Cares for hair.
• Helps hair to be stronger and break less.
• Unstable (for some a plus, for others a minus).

• Unstable.
• The result does not always match the expectation.
• Frequency of repetition of procedures.

This toning option, in my opinion, is the best for preserving hair quality and color. This kind of enveloping tinting prevents the hair from breaking to the point where it could break and hides the disheveled, post-dying hair. Yes, this needs to be done frequently. It’s not fast, that much is true. Yes, the right investments are needed. However, if you had to choose between the color resistance of consistently aggressive ammonia coloring on the one hand, and the quality of the hair with harmless tinting on the other, I would pick the former.

How to use a tinting balm/mask

You should always start by reading the product’s instructions. After washing the head, tinting balms are frequently applied to clean, damp hair. To maximize the pigment’s coverage and increase the result’s resistance, I advise washing the hair before applying the product.

Some funds from this category

Everyone can choose from a wide variety of toning balms and masks available on the Russian and international markets, depending on their preferences and financial situation. I’ve included a list of five popular toning products in Russia below.

Syoss Color Balm

A tint balm that comes in a good number of shades for a mass-market item. I’ve only tried rouge, and I’ll share my thoughts based on my personal experience.

The balm absorbs quickly, particularly if you don’t combine it in the same amount as your typical rinse-off product. It is simple to apply and spread, and once it dries, the color is uniform and free of bald spots. The hair is soft and nourished after using it, demonstrating its good caring qualities.

In particular, rouge gave my red-dyed hair a noticeable hint of reddish-brown hue when it was diluted 1:1 with a mask. But it literally came out of my hair after two washes. Verdict: Again, good.

An article that mentions the Syoss tint balm:

• Curls 2019: to be or not to be… that is the question! Author Yana_Mit

Concept Blond Explosion

A well-liked tint conditioner designed especially to preserve blonde tones. Since many of my friends use it, I’m speaking for them.

With so many shades available, any blonde can find something to suit her needs. Although the balm has a good volume, its shelf life is short.

The product’s caring qualities are mediocre, but what matters most is that the balm effectively and truly neutralizes yellowness. It is crucial to avoid overexposing it, especially on bleached hair, as this could result in a bright purple hue instead of a chilly arctic blonde. Thankfully, this can be washed out to the desired shade in a few washings. Conclusion: Not too bad. Though not the greatest product of its kind, I’ll say it again.

The following posts can help you learn more about the Concept tint conditioner:

• In pursuit of a cold blonde with Concept products Author Julea8
• My secret helpers in maintaining a beautiful blonde. Shampoo and conditioner Concept Blond Explosion Anti-Yellow Effect Author DaRi

Tonika

Yes, the same unfortunate Tonika, chased from all directions. And some of this is merited. Before toning with Tonika, I strongly advise giving it some serious thought and searching the Internet for reviews on the shade you need because some shades get stuck in your hair forever, no worse than anthocyanin. It is accurate if the majority of users state that the color does not wash out of the hair.

I really enjoyed using tonika in school, so much so that I repeated the experience this summer. Since one of my friends currently uses Tonika, our group’s viewpoint on the product is listed below.

Tonika is a toning balm legend. Most people have probably dyed their hair with Tonika at some point in their lives, albeit not always successfully. This balm is excellent if you understand a few subtleties. It makes sense why it has been available for purchase for so long.

Tonika comes in a large variety of shades, each with varying levels of brightness and durability. Tonika is generally very durable, so it’s best to avoid it if it’s not right for you. The balm has excellent moisturizing qualities; hair looks glossier and smoother after using it. It is applied evenly and spreads readily throughout the hair.

However, there are also a number of noteworthy drawbacks in addition to the benefits. For instance, the balm leaves a noticeable stain on the skin and pretty much anything it comes into contact with. You must wear gloves that you will eventually have to discard and items that you don’t mind getting dirty when using Tonika. Your bathtub will turn the same color as your head after you rinse it off. You will get along with Tonika if you enjoy strong colors, don’t intend to change your hair color anytime soon, and don’t mind getting your bathtub stained! Conclusion: Not entirely clear. Maybe I will do it again in the future.

Here are a few posts that discuss Tonic:

• Fairytale colors have become closer! Review of direct pigments #Colorevolution from Tonika and Creative Collection from Nexxt Author lana_lucifer
• Budget Tonika for dark hair: yes or no? Author Blanche-Neige

Estel Love ton

Estel is a well-known tinting balm that is equally classic as Tonika. It was something I used seven or eight years ago. It offers a broad color selection for redheads, blondes, brunettes, and colored people.

Provides a deep color that isn’t very long-lasting. In the hair, not a single shade gets stuck. Properties that provide care are mediocre. It doesn’t discolor the skin or the bathtub, smells good, and is simple to use. There is enough packaging for one or two uses.

The following posts contain information about the Estel tinting balm:

• Remember everything or last year"s adventures of my hair! Author miss.karina-music
• The impact of the leap year 2016 on my hairAuthor nastienalexis

Estel Newtonе

A legend of toning, and one that many blondes love, for good reason! A mask that is easy to apply without requiring tambourine dancing and has good caring properties while maintaining the necessary shade.

Start with Estel Newton if you want to tone your hair but are unsure about what to use. It is enjoyable to use, the outcome will satisfy you, and a broad color palette will allow you plenty of options. A need for fair-haired people! Seize it without hesitation! Conclusion: Accurate. I’ll accept it.

Several articles discussing the Estel toning mask include:

• What is dead cannot die Author Holy_Pumpkin
• That same Estel toning mask Author woodyket

Some other tint masks and balms that were not included in the selection and posts that mention them:

• Belita Color Lux tint balm with the properties of a care mask Author Angel
• Bielita Color lux: tint with a hint of care or care with a hint of a tint. Opinion after three dyeings. Author HellerOst
• My double toning. Tinted hair conditioner "COLOR LUX". Many photos + video from the shoot Author a.miroshnichenko
• Color update with Estel I AM A TONE Author Rastishka

Tinted shampoos

A product category that is very well-liked, especially by people who are dyed blonde. Shampoos function on the cuticular layer rather than the hair shaft, just like masks and conditioners do. You shouldn’t count on them to produce anything long-lasting. I only ever used colored shampoo once, back in my blonde days. This device did not add any color to my hair, so I was unable to fully appreciate its charm.

Pros and cons of using shampoos to tone hair.

• It is easy to maintain the desired hair shade due to the ease of use;
• Doesn"t get stuck in hair.
• Doesn"t stain hands when used.

• Due to the presence of detergent components in the composition, it dries hair (it"s a shampoo after all);
• Do not care for hair;
• Have an unstable result.

If you have to choose between a toning mask and a toning shampoo, go with the former. The shampoo dries, but the outcome is +- the same.

How to use a toning shampoo

Clean hair that has been shampooed with your regular shampoo and gently dried with a towel is treated with toning shampoo. Don’t be misled by the product’s label as "shampoo"; toning shampoo won’t clean anything. If you don’t wash your hair before bed, you run the risk of developing skin issues and a dirty scalp.

Some products from this category

I have very little personal experience with these kinds of shampoos, so I can’t really recommend anything. The Internet was used to compile the selection.

Matrix Total Results

Ollin Intense Profi Color

The shampoo can handle toning, but its shade selection is more than adequate. Consumers who have used the shampoo have reported that it tones hair gently without drying it out too much. However, the shampoo is not meant for this purpose and does not have any caring qualities. Like other brothers in this category, the outcome is unstable and needs ongoing care.

Post, discussing the shampoo:

• Well, why did I buy this? Author mary63

Iris

Not furious, but cheap. A great, low-cost toning agent for a variety of hair colors. After using Iris, girls observe a beautiful, natural color. When used properly, the product lays evenly and doesn’t turn a tiger’s eye color. But the shampoo tangles the hair and dries out the ends and length. It is essential to use a mask or balm after use.

• New hair = new life or a five-year dream come true!!)) Author thymoleptica

Kapous Life Color

Redken Color Extend Blondage

Other tint shampoos that are not in the list of options are:

Tinting with direct pigments

Hair dyes that incorporate pre-made color pigments are known as direct pigments, direct action pigments, or dyes. They are typically offered for sale as tinted shampoos, masks, balms, gels, mascara, and crayons.

Traditionally, both coloring shampoos and coloring masks with balms fall under the category of direct pigments. As a result, they operate on the same idea—sticking to the cuticle, in case you suddenly forgot. I will only discuss products that identify themselves as "direct pigments" in this section.

How to use direct pigments

Direct pigment application is exactly the same as that of tinting masks or balms: shampoo your hair (ideally thoroughly), then apply the product to your towel-dried hair.

Concept Fashion Look

Has a large variety of shades, ranging from brilliant creative to neutral; pick what suits your taste! The product has a thick consistency that can be diluted with balms or masks, and the color is vibrant and saturated.

"Copper" is the shade I used. I want to start by pointing out how awful the packaging is. It’s just terrible trying to get the product out of this horrible structure. You can create this awful dispenser by pressing back and forth, and it will beg to dispense a bigger amount of the product, but it will only spit out a portion that is the same as usual. The producer—well, this is just ridiculous!

The item is highly caustic. Wear comfortable clothing when dying because you will have to spend a lot of time cleaning off any pigment that gets on your clothing. It is also preferable to wear thick gloves because otherwise, your fingers will get stained. If you have rugs in your bathroom, pay close attention to them as the product may leave stains on them. Applying pure, undiluted PP is difficult, but when combined with a mask, everything goes smoothly.

Rich in color, the hair is glossy and incredibly soft to the touch. This leads us to believe that this product possesses both coloring and caring qualities. Conclusion: Well done! Both the product’s availability and the toning outcome are excellent.

Posts that discuss using Concept direct pigment for coloring:

• Bright spring with Concept Fashion Look pigments! Author lana_lucifer
• Bright Fashion Look from Concept Author Hyoscyamus
• Did you know that coloring with direct pigments does not spoil the hair? And direct pigments from Concept also care Author HellerOst

Estel XTRO

Vibrant direct pigments for the courageous. possess an easy-to-use, creamy consistency that is suitable for spreading throughout hair. I applied PP in the "Coniferous" shade.

The application is practical. It’s a very rich color. One piece is obviously insufficient if you use the tiny tube to dye your whole head. Very good, above average durability. I was so sick of the coniferous color that I had to cover it with another color, but it refused to go away. To the best of my knowledge, some of the line’s colors stick to hair, so exercise caution when using them.

• The story of the little mermaid. Estel XTRO direct action hair pigment Author hellyritsu
• The color of the mood is summer Author maxyn4ik
• Maintaining red and red shades, toning with Ollin and Estel pigments Author lana_lucifer

Ollin Matisse Color

A direct pigment line that only comes in bright shades, just like Estel XTRO. The gel-cream consistency of the dye makes it easy to apply, distribute, and slide over the hair. The end color is extremely vivid, but it is not long-lasting. It provides slight nourishment to the hair. Conclusion: Not too bad. However, its categories are easier to locate.

Several articles where writers discuss their personal experiences with Ollin pigment include:

• The subtleties of pink tinting with budget funds Author medusa
• Maintaining red and ginger shades, tinting with Ollin and Estel pigments Author lana_lucifer
• Hit parade-20: the twenty reddest direct-action pigments that have passed through my hair Author HellerOst

Nexxt Professional Creative Collection

A budget-friendly direct pigment that is suggested for those who enjoy vivid hues and frequent color shifts. It wears off quickly and has time to be washed out before the next audacious experiment. Removes stains and washes out evenly. Does not dry, and I appreciate that; it lacks excellent caring qualities. Take note—some shades are challenging to remove. Consequently, when bleaching, the pigment may become lodged in the hair. Apart from the aforementioned, another drawback of the packaging is that the narrow spout makes it difficult to squeeze out the product.

• Hit parade-20: the twenty most red direct-acting pigments that have passed through my hair Author HellerOst
• Fairytale colors have become closer! Review of direct pigments #Colorevolution from Tonika and Creative Collection from Nexxt Author lana_lucifer
• The color of the mood is blue or a girl with blue hair Author IrisKisKis

Bad Girl

Direct-action pigment that is reasonably priced and available even at general stores. Its small bottle and narrow spout should theoretically make it easier to use, but the actual result is a large consumption. Consequently, the color appears relatively vibrant but lacks durability. It is advised by frequent PP users not to dilute it because doing so will prevent the color from being as bright. After application, some users have even reported dry hair, but the pigment hardly seems to care. can become entangled in hair.

• Spring marathon-2021. Spring in dust. Dust on hair. Results Author HellerOst

Tinting with ammonia and ammonia-free paint

Ladies, toning does not heal hair, despite what your hairdresser may tell you. The "painful" process of toning your hair is identical to that of coloring it. Similar to dyeing, toning causes the hair’s structure to loosen and the "scales to slightly open."

The process of colorless toning is utterly absurd—this contradiction is evident even in the name. You essentially cause your hair extreme harm in order to achieve an amazing shine that will fade after just one wash. Toning without color is not helpful!

Ammonia dye

I’ll be as blunt as I can: using ammonia dye to tone hair causes hair to slowly deteriorate. With repeated application of ammonia and peroxide to loosen the cuticle, you gradually develop brittleness, dryness, and other signs of the apocalyptic hair loss. Experts will advise you to treat the spaces inside your hair by filling them in with toning (which is usually done with dye and requires them), but keep in mind that the more often and for a longer period of time you do this, the less likely it is that your hair will stay healthy (assuming hair that has been dyed can even be considered healthy).

Why are good intentions the paving stones of the road to hell? Because, to put it plainly, the hair scales never close after so many executions. Open scales are brittle and dry.

Actually, toning with ammonia paint is more like painting the canvas than it is toning at all.

You can envision what will happen to your hair if you paint the same spot on your hair once a month for several years. The hair appears lovely and healthy after toning, but not everything that glitters is gold.

With a high oxide

As previously discovered, ammonia dye toning invariably ruins hair. I’ll pretend to be Grigory Oster and give you some terrible advice: take an oxide, and a higher one, if you want to kill as much hair as possible!

When toning with ammonia dye, you must select low oxides to reduce damage. Recall the following: less damage occurs at lower oxide levels.

There is a caveat, though: low oxide equals poor durability. Furthermore, gray hair cannot be tolerated by low oxides. Since we only need to maintain the desired level of color in the hair, high oxides are not actually necessary for toning.

On a low oxide

Tinting on a low oxide (usually 1.5%) is done in most salons. Such a procedure is quite traumatic for the hair, but does not kill it completely. Tinting on a low oxide smooths out all the roughness on the surface of the hair and gives a beautiful shine to the hair, so, once you try it, it will be difficult to get off. Tinting is unstable, so it creates a vicious circle: we do toning – the toning is washed off. And this is only to the advantage of hairdressers.
Here everyone chooses for himself what is more important to him: color or hair health. Sometimes, with proper care, you can maintain both.

Ammonia-free paint

The general consensus is that ammonia-free dyes function similarly to tinting balms, meaning they "stick" to the hair cuticle rather than entering its interior (at least, that is what brand technologists claim). But I have serious doubts about this.

The truth is that an oxide is always included with paint, whether it contains ammonia or not. As is well known, oxide is hydrogen peroxide, which aids in the paint’s ability to enter and stay inside the hair shaft. It appears that oxide and peroxide are essentially different in a set containing ammonia-free dyes. Everything fits into place if the response to this question is in the affirmative. If not, does this mean that the technologists’ claims about how safe these paints are are just advertisements and that ammonia-free paint still stains hair the same way regular ammonia does?

Paint, whatever beautiful words they may use to describe it, is still paint in my opinion. It always ends up in the hair, deep down. Furthermore, it is a direct pigment rather than paint if it does not reach that point.

How to maintain the effect of toning

Experts advise applying special lines to colored hair to extend the color’s longevity, and I agree—this is the best course of action. These product lines aim to preserve as much pigment in (and on) the hair as possible through a balanced composition of their products.

In my opinion, in order to keep the color vibrant for an extended period of time, you should:

• In the first days after coloring, do not use powerful restorative and nourishing masks – due to the lipids and oils in the composition, they wash out the pigment as much as possible.
• If your scalp allows it, use a sulfate-free shampoo or a shampoo with mild surfactants. Such shampoo will wash out the color from your hair minimally.
• If possible, avoid oils in masks and conditioners. Oils are the enemy of coloring and toning.
• Use cool water when washing your hair. Hot water promotes pigment leaching.
• Do not apply pure oils to your hair and scalp, oils have a very active effect on the pigment in the hair.
• Do not use peels immediately after toning (this applies, in particular, toning the roots). The color flies off instantly.

With the flexibility of tinting, experimenting with hair color is possible without the long-term commitment of permanent dye. It’s a great option for people who want to cover grays, bring out their natural shade, or give a temporary makeover a try.

If you’re ready for a change but aren’t ready for something drastic, this technique can help. Because of how soft it is on hair, frequent use is acceptable without causing noticeable harm.

Video on the topic

Why tone your hair after bleaching?!

Why tone your hair?🤔

Long-term TINTING

Tinting "PROS" and "CONS"