Ash toning could be the perfect solution for you if you want to update your hair color with a contemporary feel. Depending on how it’s applied, this cool-toned shade can create a sleek, sophisticated look that is either subtle or striking. But for whom is ash toning appropriate? Knowing this will enable you to take full advantage of this fashionable color.
Ash toning is most effective for people who want their hair to look less warm and more neutral or who have naturally cool undertones. For those with fair to medium skin tones who wish to stay away from extremely golden or brassy hues, this is ideal. Ash tones can be a great option if you’re trying to counteract too much warmth or just want a crisp, clean look.
There are a few essential steps to getting the ideal ash shade. It is usually best to start with a light base, such as blonde or light brown hair. It could be necessary to lighten your hair first if you’re starting from a darker shade. An ash toner will balance out any warmth in your hair once it’s light enough, giving you a stylish, cool-toned look. Seeking advice from an expert can guarantee that you achieve the precise shade you desire and preserve the condition of your hair during the procedure.
| Hair Type | How to Achieve |
| Light Blonde | Use a light ash toner to avoid yellow or brassy tones. Apply after bleaching to neutralize unwanted warmth. |
| Medium Blonde | Opt for a medium ash toner to balance any warm undertones. Ensure hair is pre-lightened to achieve the best results. |
| Brown Hair | Choose an ash toner designed for darker hair. Lighten the hair first if necessary to enhance the ash tone. |
| Gray Hair | Use an ash toner to give a cooler, more natural gray appearance. This helps avoid a dull or yellowish look. |
| Red Hair | First, neutralize the red tones with a violet-based toner before applying an ash toner for a cooler shade. |
- What is it
- Who is it suitable for
- Pros and cons
- Choosing a tonic
- For light
- For dark
- Tinting techniques
- The effect of coloring
- Video on the topic
- Answers to questions. Secrets of hair dyeing. How to get a cold shade? How to mix paints ?
- Ash hair color, Estel 116 and 9/16 paint. Highlighting with a comb, Lightening hair without yellowness
- Blonde toning in ash. Brand Kapus.
- Ash hair color: fashionable shades
What is it
Unstable compounds are used in the process. They stay and become momentarily fixed on the surface rather than entering the structure of the hair shafts. This means that the paint does not have time to damage the curls because it is quickly washed out.
Natural or previously colored hair can be tinted. It’s frequently used to change the color in the second scenario. Balms and shampoos with tints assist with this. Additionally, the procedure can temporarily change the hair’s color by a few tones or brighten its natural color.
Take note! Professionals in beauty salons occasionally use semi-permanent preparations toned with a tiny bit of oxidizer. Here, the hair scales part, letting the synthetic and natural pigments mix. You can purchase a tonic or select a comparable product to use at home.
Who is it suitable for
Contrary to what some fans of the latest fashion industry products may believe, ash-hued coloring is not always a universally preferred option. Style canons state that girls who look like they belong to the winter and summer color families can choose it without hesitation.
The primary indicators that you’ll fit in with the gray-silver range:
- your eyes are blue, gray, faded green;
- fair skin, not dark, not tanned;
- light brown or gray hair. This palette looks good on blondes.
Take note! These qualities must be combined at the same time for a remarkable outcome. Ash tone tones on a fair-skinned woman with brown eyes and chocolate curls are probably inappropriate.
Temporary gray coloring will result in a pronounced dissonance and a sense of absurdity if you have:
- dark skin, dark hair and eyebrows, brown eyes. Silver strands will visually make you look older;
- bright green or golden-brown eyes on a tanned face are another reason to refuse fashionable coloring;
- red, chestnut hair;
- there are freckles;
- facial skin defects are visible. Redness, pimples and even fine wrinkles – the ash color will inappropriately emphasize what is usually hidden.
Pros and cons
The following are the primary benefits of gray and silver tone hair toning:
- the ash shade looks noble, aristocratic, especially in combination with delicate facial features;
- this color, despite its popularity, still looks original;
- gray hair color can favorably emphasize the eyes, lips, highlight the cheekbones – if, of course, you choose the right tone;
- ash coloring is indispensable for blondes who are struggling with yellow hair;
- temporary dyes do not damage the structure of the curls, so you can use them more often than chemical compounds;
- there is a cumulative effect: if you regularly use the same product, the color will be more saturated;
- if the result is unsuccessful, you can wash off the dye;
- there is no sharp contrast between the roots and the main mass of strands;
- you can provide your hair with additional care, because many toning products contain vitamin supplements.
Drawbacks of transforming with ash tone assistance:
- short-term effect – after each hair wash, the new hair color becomes less noticeable;
- a wide range of restrictions;
- the need to specially care for your hair, otherwise the ash shade quickly loses its presentable appearance;
- poor compatibility of the new color with some details of the wardrobe and makeup to which you are accustomed. Owners of silver-gray strands will have to carefully choose clothes and cosmetics, avoiding warm tones (brown, yellow and others);
- brown-haired and brunette women require preliminary lightening.
Choosing a tonic
There are countless products available in modern cosmetics stores that can be used to color hair a cool gray. You can color your hair the color you want with the use of tonics, balms, tint shampoos, and even long-lasting permanent compositions.
However, it is still worthwhile to stop at temporary dyes for a gentle effect on the strands. Tonika, Color Lux from Belita Vitex, the Estel line (LOVE nuance, Solo Ton series), and other brands have a wide variety of them available.
Take note! The manufacturers of cosmetics themselves recommend using tint products on gray hair and hair that is a specific color.
If you attempt to dye chestnut strands without first bleaching them with mother-of-pearl or pearl ash, you will not achieve the desired color as shown in the packaging photo provided by the manufacturer.
For light
This kind of hair works best when using gray tones to create a fresh look. The following hues work well for experimentation:
- silver-ash blond, which helps to remove the yellow color of the strands and gives blondes with light eyes a special expressiveness;
- light gray, which has similar recommendations for use;
- gray-blond (aka mouse) looks very natural and is in trend;
- pink-gray – an option for young fashionistas. Gives the image softness and childish spontaneity;
- dark gray – Suitable for owners of brown strands.
Many manufacturers of tint cosmetics have lovely colors in their palettes that are ideal for girls with fair hair. These include platinum blonde, pearl ash, silver, cold vanilla, graphite, and ash.
Prominent cosmetic brands offer shades of balms like silver, silver-violet, amethyst, mother-of-pearl, smoky topaz, azure coast, and others to take away yellowness or make gray strands especially expressive. It is not advised for women with red hair to experiment with ash.
Take note! When using a gray toner, blondes who have been dyed or bleached run the risk of having green or yellow hair. A purple-pigmented shampoo or balm is appropriate in these situations.
For dark
- Brunettes and brown-haired women can tint their curls with different shades of gray and silver, if nature has awarded them with light eyes and white skin without flaws. In this case, it will be enough to lighten the hair, and then use the same colors of balms and tonics that are recommended for blondes.
- Regardless of the original hair color, violet-gray is considered universal. It goes well with eyes of any color and is ideal for those who like to stand out from the crowd.
- Chocolate-gray, ash-brown, ash-chestnut are good examples of combining warm and cold shades. They can be tried by fair-skinned girls with dark eyes and the same hair.
Tinting techniques
The technology involved in applying hair tonic is essentially the same as that involved in applying permanent dye. Beginning about a month prior to the anticipated procedure, prepare moisturizing and restorative masks.
Just before toning, give your hair a quick wash and light drying. However, some girls’ reviews claim that the tint frequently appears even on unclean curls.
Method for converting light hair to ash:
- Take an allergy test. Apply a little product to your wrist, elbow or behind the ear. Make sure there is no rash, redness, or burning sensation.
- Put on an old T-shirt or waterproof cape to protect your clothes.
- Comb your slightly damp hair well and divide it into 4 zones: the back of the head, the crown, and 2 temples.
- Fix each with a hair clip or hairdressing clip.
- Prepare a toner/balm and a brush (or a sponge). For convenience, squeeze the composition into a non-metal container.
- Put on gloves on your hands.
- Loosen the hair at the back of the head, divide into separate strands.
- Apply the ash-colored tint to them with quick movements, moving from the roots to the ends.
- Regain the already dyed locks under a hair clip. It should not be made of metal. You can leave your hair loose.
- Repeat similar actions with the strands on the temples and on the crown.
- Wait for the time specified by the product manufacturer.
- Rinse off the gray hair tonic thoroughly with plenty of warm water, then rinse with cool water (to close the hair scales and fix the new color).
The same technique is used to tint dark strands to an ash shade, but first the hair must be bleached. To carry out this:
- immediately before the procedure, do not wash your hair for 3-4 days. Sebum will serve as good protection against aggressive oxide;
- the lightening agent is diluted in a non-metallic container, following the instructions;
- the hairline is protected with a layer of greasy cream, clothes – with a robe or cape, hands – with gloves;
- the curls are divided into separate strands and the bleaching composition is applied to them. Short hair is treated from the roots, long hair – from the ends, gradually moving to the root zone;
- the head is not wrapped, and the product is kept on the head exactly as long as recommended by the manufacturer. Usually this is 15-20 minutes, maximum half an hour;
- the product is washed off with shampoo;
- apply a gray or ash-colored hair tonic to clean, slightly dried hair.
Suggestions. One stylish ash-silver ombre you can achieve is by bleaching only the tips. You shouldn’t lighten your hair too much all at once, in any case. Its structure will be harmed by this. After some time, it is preferable to repeat the process.
The effect of coloring
Toning has a lot of short-term effects, so you shouldn’t expect the new color to last for several months without needing to be corrected. Every manufacturer offers a different set of guarantees; some say the ash shade will go away after four to six hair washings, while others say it will go away after five.
The frequency of toning repetitions is not well-defined. It can be done once a month or once every two weeks. Depending on the effect you’re going for—keeping your hair color roughly the same, preventing the appearance of an ugly yellow pigment, or methodically enhancing the brightness and saturation of the resulting gray/ash shade.
Hair tonic should be used every ten days to correct gray hair.
Although ash is a beautiful, noble, stylish, and fashionable color, not everyone can wear it. If your appearance does not support such changes, do not attempt such toning to avoid the silver-gray range becoming a letdown. If you still want to try something new, make sure your outfit and makeup choices highlight the beauty of the new color.
Additionally, remember to take care of your curls, especially if you use hair tonic on a regular basis. Although the process is thought to be mild, it is not completely risk-free, so nourishment, hydration, and strand restoration are all beneficial.
Lovely methods and suggestions for ash-toned hair coloring:
Curls need special attention when dyeing, as it can be stressful for them. You can restore your hair after coloring it with our advice.
Selecting ash toning can be a game-changer for people who want to update their appearance with a chic, contemporary color. Fair to medium skin tones are best suited for this cool, muted shade because it accentuates their natural undertones and gives a polished appearance. See a stylist to make sure the ash tone goes well with your overall look if you have warmer or darker skin tones.
Starting with a well-maintained base is essential to getting the ideal ash shade. Before using the ash toner, your hair should be lightened to a pale blonde for optimal results. This setup guarantees that the toner will produce a true ash effect and be able to offset any undesirable yellow or orange tones. Your shade will stay vibrant and fresh with regular care, which includes using shampoos and conditioners that are safe for color.
You can elevate your style and make a refreshing change to your hair routine by adding ash toning. This understated yet eye-catching color can improve your appearance and give you more confidence if you prepare and handle it properly. Never be afraid to consult an expert to determine the ideal ash tone for you.
For those who want to achieve a sleek, contemporary look with their hair color, ash toning is a great option. Individuals with cool skin tones and light to medium brown natural hair tones are best suited for it. You must start with a light base and use a toner that neutralizes any unwanted warm or brassy tones in order to achieve the ideal ash shade. The key to getting and keeping the desired cool, ashy result is pre-lightening properly and using the appropriate toning products.
