My victories on the thorny path to the ideal blonde: hair toning, color bath, comparison of techniques. How to soothe a sensitive scalp

There are highs and lows on the path to being the ideal blonde. For many, maintaining healthy hair and a happy scalp is just as important as finding the perfect shade. You’re not alone if you’ve ever experienced brassiness, uneven tones, or irritation. Having traveled that path myself, I learned something new at every turn.

I’ve learned the differences between different techniques, experimented with color baths, and had countless toning sessions, so I know exactly what works and what doesn’t. Maintaining blonde hair can be challenging, but with the right technique, you can get the perfect look without harming your hair or causing irritation to your scalp.

During the process, I also learned how crucial it is to take good care of a sensitive scalp, particularly when dealing with chemicals. It’s important to make sure your scalp is protected and soothed in addition to choosing the right color. I’ll discuss the strategies and tactics that kept my hair and scalp healthy while assisting me in achieving success in this post.

My hair

• Damaged
• Repeatedly powder bleached
• Porous
• Straight
• Gray hair ~ 45%
• Regular blow-drying.

Unsuccessful coloring

I recently told you about how well my experiment with switching to a lighter shade worked. However, errors were made in the subsequent coloring, resulting in an uneven root zone lightening. The entire following day, I searched for errors and solutions.

I put the errors down to the following:

Applying the lightening mixture insufficiently

Incorrectly separating the stress area.

I applied Vaseline (10:1) to the stress zone using a mask, and it seems that I gripped the regrown roots while doing so. And as a result, some hairs remained unlit, and unevenness was produced in the FO (background light) due to insufficient lightening mixture. And it won’t work with natural hair if the uninhabited phrase is easily reached by 12%.

And after giving it some thought, I chose to only correct the commercial zone because I find it challenging to work with the occipital part on my own (the parietal zone was where the majority of the uncolored hair was located). I also made the decision to clean the root zone using the alkalinity theory after determining that nothing could possibly go bad.

After achieving the desired level of brightness in the lighting background, I considered using a toning method. The traditional approach may cause unintentional darkening. Adding density to the roots was still necessary despite the hair having undergone two bleachings, as toning in accordance with color mathematics will not cause compaction of the hair with pigment. Subsequently, I recalled an additional technique for toning that I had not yet attempted but was eager to try.

Toning

In the past, I used the traditional method of toning, which calls for a 1:1 paint to oxide ratio. Furthermore, I had not considered the possibility of toning in a more convenient and gentle manner. However, after reading the seminars, I discovered that there are three options!

Types of hair toning

Several technologies can be used for hair coloring, including:

• Classic toning
• Toning according to color mathematics
• Color bath

Here is where I discussed the first approach. I mentioned in the color mathematics post that it’s best to use less basic pigment when toning repeatedly to prevent darkening. And color bath (CB) can help us here. CB is the one who will use pigment to help the hair get thicker, but will prevent it from getting dark.

Color bath

Gentle toning with a smaller amount of the primary pigment. Equal amounts of dye, oxidizer, and post-color shampoo form the foundation of CB. Any oxide will do, but 6% is the best for bringing out the pigment.

The technical shampoo makes the tinting softer. Furthermore, the fact that CB doesn’t require shampoo washing is a huge plus for me as the owner of a sensitive scalp.

Types and methods of application

Three primary categories of CB:

• Classic color bath
• Foam bath
• On boiling water

I would recommend taking a closer look at the first two options. They will mix more quickly because they are more convenient to mix than a bath in boiling water (a bath in boiling water requires the CB to be cooled; the hot mixture is not applied to the hair!).

Equal parts of dye, oxidizer, and shampoo.

In this case, properly mixing the mixture is crucial:

1. Mix the paint with the oxidizer and beat well with a whisk or mixer for about 2-3 minutes.
2. Shampoo is added to the mixture of dye and oxidizer, and mixed well.
3. Let the mixture stand for 10 to 20 minutes until the pigment is fully developed.

It’s time for the color bath. In the sink, it is applied to damp, clean hair. applied manually right away. It’s necessary to have visual control! Hold for ten minutes at most.

Equal parts of dye, oxidizer, and shampoo.

Yes, the bath recipe remains the same. Here, though, the mixing algorithm itself is altered.

1. Whip the oxidizer to a thicker consistency with a mixer for about 3-5 minutes.
2. Add the dye to the oxidizer and stir until smooth.
3. Add shampoo to the mixture and whip with a mixer for 3-5 minutes.
4. Let the mixture stand for 10-20 until the pigment is fully developed.

It’s time for the foam bath. It is applied by hand to damp, clean hair and has a thicker consistency. Hold for ten minutes at most. It’s necessary to have visual control!

The consistency of the baths varies from one another. Applying a more liquid mixture is more convenient for some people than a thicker one, depending on personal preference.

You can use a color bath for more than just toning. It can be used in the following situations:

• Coloring
• Toning
• Correction shade
• Pre-pigmentation
• Neutralization

To tone, I use a color bath. This toning option is really practical for me. The primary guideline for toning is to select a color based on the hair’s darkest area. After that, the color will please and the toning will happen very quickly.

Pros and cons

A color bath has a lot of benefits. First and foremost, the mixture’s color will replicate the color of the hair. When you purchase a new dye and are unsure of its pigmentation or the brightness of the color nuance, this is incredibly helpful.

Speed is the second benefit. It’s not necessary to towel-dry your hair before toning; instead, work through each strand and give it 20 minutes. Instead of the customary 30 to 40 minutes, I completed the toning in 15.

The fact that the color bath must be removed with water is another perk in my opinion. not using shampoo. This means that you don’t need to soap and rinse off the shampoo twice, cutting down on the amount of time it takes to wash off the composition. Simply give it a water rinse!

The only drawback I can think of is that the CB is blended for a little longer than the traditional coloring mixture. Here, you can skip over this drawback and combine the ingredients while bleaching the roots. Then there are just advantages.

Comparison

To facilitate our comparison, let’s refer to the following table:

Classic toning	Color bath
Ability to apply the mixture yourself	Possible, but inconvenient	Possible
Holding time	Up to 20 min.	Up to 10 min.
Durability	Average	Average
Hitting the desired shade	Not always	Maximum
Ability to go dark	Yes	Minimal
Ability to add protection to the mixture	Yes	Yes
Dye consumption	Standard	Minimal
Working with gray hair	Yes	Yes

And a picture contrasting the two methods:

Although the hair colors are different, it is evident that the pigment was applied evenly in both instances—there are neither stripes nor spots. It is quite challenging to infer the toning technique from the photo visually. And I’m going to use CB more now. It saves time without compromising the outcome, which makes it more convenient in my opinion.

Scalp sensitivity

I thought I had no problems with my scalp for the most of my life. I had no idea what itching was, and I could use any shampoo without switching. However, I have been searching for "how to calm the scalp" for the past six months. And when using aggressive shampoos, the itching may be constant. And it appears that the solution is as simple as refusing to buy such products and brushing them out of your memory like a bad dream. But I can’t say no to technical shampoos because I color hair on a regular basis.

The final step in the bleaching process is to use deep cleansing shampoo (DCS). The coloring mixture is removed with Post Color technical shampoo.

As a result, I’m always searching for products that soothe and reduce skin irritation.

Products for removing sensitivity

I’ve experimented with a lot of products that soothe and lessen scalp irritation. I tried using La Roche-Posay lipikar ap+m cream, purchasing an Aravia Professional Mineral Clay mask, and hoping for Daeng Gi Meo tonic to help with the uncomfortable feelings, but I didn’t get the desired outcome.

Nevertheless, I managed to locate three products that completely fit my hair and also relieved my scalp.

Vichy Dercos Ultra soothing Dermatological Shampoo

Description of the manufacturer:

The shampoo calms sensitive scalps day in and day out. strengthens defenses against aggressive stimuli. restores comfort, gets rid of dryness, and fortifies hair fiber. Hair gets healthier and more robust.

Composition:

AQUA/WATER • AMODIMETHICONE • BENZOIC ACID • C12-13 PARETH-23 • C12-13 PARETH-3 • CARBOMER • CETRIMONIUM CHLORIDE • CITRIC ACID • COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE • COCO-BETAINE • DECYL GLUCOSIDE • DIVINYLDIMETHICONE/DIMETHICONE COPOLYMER • PANTHENOL • PEG-55 PROPYLENE GLYCOL OLEATE • PHENOXYETHANOL • PIROCTONE OLAMINE • PPG-5-CETETH-20; PROPYLENE GLYCOL; PRUNUS ARMENIACA KERNEL OIL / APRICOT KERNEL OIL; SALICYLIC ACID; SODIUM BENZOATE; SODIUM C HLORIDE; SODIUM HYDROXIDE; POLYQUATERNIUM-10; POLYQUATERNIUM-7; POLYSORBATE 21; TRIDECETH-6; FRAGRANCE/PERFUME; CODE F.I.L.: C236419/1

Creamy shampoo with a light shade. produces voluminous, pliable foam right from the start. Average amount used. After shampooing, hair retains its volume and does not become tangled. Additionally, my perception is that hair appears to be getting denser, more supple, and nourished.

This is truly a blessing. As with a good cream, there is no sensation of tightness, the scalp becomes more moisturized, and the itching goes away literally after the first use. The fact that the shampoo can be used continuously is also a big plus.

I should also mention the exquisite scent. It makes me think of the perfume Jo Malone Nashi Blossom Cologne. Citrus notes in a very light scent that doesn’t stay on the hair for very long. however, a pleasure to use.

Vieso Perilla Frutescens Herbal Relaxing Scalp Mask

Description of the manufacturer:

Scalp mask that promotes relaxation and balances sebaceous gland activity. While perilla and mint essences revitalize the skin, avocado oil nourishes it. restores the scalp’s water-fat equilibrium.

Composition:

Hyaluronic Acid, Ceteareth-10, and Water Leaf extract from Perilla ocymoides, Peg-4 sorbitan stearate, Oil of Persea Gratissima, leaves of Mentha arvensis extract, Glyceryl stearate, leaf oil of Cymbopogon citratus, Citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) peel oil, chloride of cetrimonium, Guar Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxypropyl

Its dense texture makes it simple to apply to the scalp and makes it obvious where a mask is needed and where one is not. The scalp is perfectly soothed by a pleasant cooling effect, and the itching stops.

From the very first use, I was enamored with this mask. It is very effective on the scalp as well as the full length of hair. The skin is noticeably more moisturized, and the hair is soft and silky without losing any of its root volume. One major benefit, in my opinion, is that the mask does not need to be applied for an extended period of time. It performs admirably for five and twenty minutes.

Tashe Lotion-activator home care

Manufacturer"s description:

Hair growth is stimulated and cellular metabolism is improved with lotion-activator home care. Natural ingredients in the mixture deeply nourish the hair follicles, fortify the hair root, and stop hair loss. In addition to moisturizing and conditioning the scalp, it aids in enhancing skin microcirculation.

Click to expand

Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Panthenol, Citric Acid, Parfum, Disodium EDTA, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Apigenin, Oleanolic Acid, Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Glycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil…

How to use:

After cleaning the scalp, apply the product. Evenly distribute while gently massaging. Don’t rinse. NOTE: Fit for regular use

I first purchased a hair growth spray, which I tried immediately after coloring, when my hair was at its most sensitive. I don’t usually use stimulating products after coloring, but on that particular day, I had just received the cherished new jar, so I thought I would give it a try. And the lotion was quickly absorbed by the scalp, though I did experience some discomfort following the Daeng Gi Meo tonic. I was so taken aback at the time that I was initially unable to comprehend why there was no typical itching.

However, upon examining the spray’s ingredients, I discovered that panthenol and glycerin are what moisturize dehydrated skin. And as a result, they calm it. And these days, when my scalp aches and I am unable to wash my hair, this spray has become my only hope.

However, there is one minor drawback: the packaging. I prefer the product in a bottle with a long spout, but maybe someone else will find the spray’s form convenient. This facilitates the product’s distribution along the partings and, in my opinion, reduces product consumption.

How and when I use them

I’ve created two algorithms for myself to help with scalp sensitivity. I can forget about tightness, itching, and discomfort until the next dyeing thanks to these easy steps.

I color using this scheme for the first wash. The skin becomes calmer and the most intense symptoms disappear.

1. Vichy shampoo – I wash my hair with it twice, the second time I try to hold the shampoo for about 1-2 minutes.
2. Vieso Perilla mask – I try to hold the mask for 5 to 10 minutes. Sometimes I warm it up under a thermal cap, if the mask for the length requires it.
3. Tashe Activator Lotion – I use it on clean, damp hair. I can also apply it in the evening before going to bed if the skin is itchy or tight.

I apply this plan to the subsequent wash. There is less discomfort, the skin is not visibly taut, and returning it to its normal state is simpler.

1. Vichy shampoo – I use it the same way as the first time. Two latherings and the second with a short exposure.
2. Tashe Activator Lotion – I also use the spray on clean, damp hair or I can apply it only at night. Depends on how I feel scalp.

I also made a rule for myself: after coloring, avoid using peels, scrubs, and warming masks for a week. It happens when the scalp is really acting up, so I wait a few more days to use these products.

Step	Experience
Hair Toning	Gave a bright, even blonde but felt a bit too strong on my scalp.
Color Bath	A gentler option, blended color beautifully but didn’t last as long.
Comparison	Toning was more vibrant, but the color bath was kinder to my sensitive scalp.
Scalp Care	Moisturizing masks and soothing oils helped calm irritation after treatments.

The road to flawless blonde hair is paved with ups and downs. It has become clear to me through my experiments with color baths, toning, and other methods that there isn’t a single, universally applicable solution. Every strategy has advantages, so it’s important to find the ideal balance for your hair type.

Along the way, finding the ideal shade of blonde became secondary to soothing my sensitive scalp. I was able to prevent discomfort and irritation by taking care of my scalp and using gentle products. Don’t skip this step in your routine; healthy hair begins at the roots.

In the end, being the ideal blonde involves more than simply keeping your hair and scalp healthy. You can get the desired look without compromising comfort or the health of your hair if you use the proper techniques and have a little patience.

It takes time and the correct methods to achieve the ideal blonde, especially when dealing with sensitive scalp issues. I’ll discuss my personal experience and compare what worked and didn’t work to get that perfect shade while taking care of my scalp, from color baths to hair toning.

Video on the topic

Hair toning foam. These are not foam baths, not color extraction, etc.

color bath. recipe

How to quickly grow hair | Oxygen coloring Foam Bath I do the color extraction myself

Simple and clear about color baths

COLOR BATH for hair | How to do a color bath (video tutorial)

Color Bath | Hair coloring | Hair toning | Eva Lorman