Maintining Blonde Hair | How I Tone My Hair

DISCLAIMER: I AM NO EXPERT or PROFESSIONAL.  Everything you see or will see in this blog about my #hairventure is based solely on personal experience.

When I started bleaching my hair years ago, I always end up so frustrated because I couldn't get to the platinum blonde state (Level 9-10) I always wanted.  I would always end up with a corn-rust blonde that I sometimes love, but hate most of the time.

Instead of aiming for that platinum blonde hair, I'd just end up choosing a darker color (again) to cover up the brassiness.  And I would always envy those that could get it done at the salon because I never had that kind of budget.

BUT, given today's hair technology evolution, platinum blonde (and silver, gray, ash hair) is easier to achieve not only in salons, but also in the comfort of your own home! DIY!

HOW? TONING PEOPLE! TONING!

Turns out, it's not only our face that needs toning.  Hair needs it too! If you want to achieve that light blonde hair.  Toning is the way to getting rid of all tacky muddy yellow tones, post bleaching.

So, what is toning? According to bellatory.com,

Toner is a sweet little product that neutralizes brassy yellow and orange tones on bleached hair. It is usually purple-blue tinted. When applied to bleached hair, it takes it to more of an ashy, dusty, or platinum color. That means a much more natural-looking hair tone! It can also make your hair look shiner and healthier. 

There are a lot of toners now in the market, but I'll discuss the few ones I've already tried and what I love and hate about them.

1) Wella Colar Charm Toner

Before using this, you may want to do research first which variant should be used for your current blonde shade.  If what you are using is a bit darker than its requirement, it may not work.

When mixed right and applied on the correct shade, it works wonders and works fast.  Although, I am not a fan of the stingy feel it gives, like when you're bleaching or using a really high volume developer.

REMEMBER: Do your research! Don't just dive in because it's a really strong concoction.

2) Purple Shampoo & Conditioner

These two are a match made in heaven! It is a perfect combination made for every chemically treated blonde head.  As I shared earlier, purple tones are used to neutralize the brassiness of the hair, so that in itself is self explanatory why Purple Shampoos and Conditioners are the best way to maintain blondes and grays.

There are imported purple shampoos like this from Generic Value Products (GVP), but I personally prefer using local ones like the ones from Beach Born and other local brands from Shopee.

www.beachborn.ph

I love everything about this combo, except for the part where Purple Shampoos tend to dry your hair a bit so it should be used moderately.  Using it 2-3x a week should be okay and should keep the brassy tones away.

2) FAVORITE: Purple Keratin

This is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE and my current holy grail! My toiletry basket simply isn't complete without this.  Everybody has been asking if i kept bleaching my hair to get the white its come to, but no. It's just this pretty thing right here.  The power of purple shampoo, but with the conditioning powers of keratin!  And everybody who does DIY hair coloring knows that keratin is your bestfriend!

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Brought Mom to her new home today. 🌻 Also, Mudra would've been proud of how well coordinated our outfits are. ❤

A post shared by Judi Alexis Carpio (@lexidoodledoo) on Oct 6, 2018 at 11:18pm PDT

I found this gem on one of my usual "let's find the cheapest option on Shopee" days.  This kawaii themed shop (https://shopee.ph/melanchelly) sells this 500ml bottle for P288!  And this lasted me 3 months!  

I love everything about this product only sometimes, it's so potent that it stains your hair violet.  However, you need not worry! You just need to mix it with a little bit of white conditioner and voila! You're all set!

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That's  it! Care to share any of your toning routine? Comment below!