Are you confused about what all the different hair products on the market are for? Because SAME. There are all kinds of dyes, masks, toners and sprays (the list goes on) to help you achieve the flowing hair you’ve always dreamed of. But, to be honest, before hours of research I had no bloody clue what they do and how they'll work on my hair - let alone yours...
Everything you need to know about hair toner
So, before I part with my cash, I want to know that I’m not just bagging a gimmick, that'll leave my hair looking greasy. TOP TIP ALERT: The first thing you need to know is that this is a product for anyone that dyes their hair. If this is you, then it'll correct any unwanted yellow undertones (if you’re gone blonde) or personalise your colour.
Related: The best pink hair dye
FYI, this is typically used if you’re trying to achieve a white/silver look. If you're a brunette, don't worry hun, you're not left out. Using a hair toner will add a warm copper effect, which is perfect for spring.
Why use a hair toner in the first place
This isn’t it though (OBVS)… Do you love your hair? Because you can't visit the salon every six weeks and you haven't yet resulted to attempting a box colour, use a hair toner to make the colour last longer.
You’ve probably heard of silver, purple or blue shampoo. Did you know that these are the most popular types of hair toner? Well, you do now. So whether you’re a brunette, blonde or redhead, use this every other wash to keep up with the maintenance on your new do.
Not sure what’s the best hair toner for you? I’ve pulled together a list of all the products you need according to your hair colour. You're welcome.
Just so you know, while we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections
The best hair toner for brunettes
Hair toner for brunettes
1 of 4L'Oreal Elvive Colour Protect Anti-Brassiness Purple Shampoo & Conditioner Set
Hold on, we know what you're thinking - purple shampoo is for blondes, not brunettes. Purple shampoo and conditioner also help to remove any brassy tones. If you're a brunette who highlights their hair, it's a match made in heaven – not Tinder.
2 of 4Fudge Professional Cool Brunette Shampoo
Have you got a slight red tone to your brunette locks? Invest in this shampoo and tone down any brassy colours you have in your hair. The price might seem steep, but it's a litre bottle so you'll have it by the bucket load.
3 of 4John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Shampoo
Another product you need in your bathroom cabinet is this incredible conditioner. It helps to bring out the multi-tones in your hair and will leave it feeling silky soft. Just be warned, you'll spend the next couple of days running your fingers through your new 'do.
4 of 4Aussie SOS Brunette Hair Hydration Vegan Blue Shampoo for Brunette Hair 290ml
Aussie SOS Brunette Shampoo works to neutralise orange or copper tones in your 'do in just one wash to create richer, deeper, shinier brunette locks that are gorgeously vibrant and hydrated. The perfect brunette pick-me-up. Oh and did we mention it smells INCREDIBLE and is Vegan and Cruelty Free, what more could you want?
The best hair toner for red heads
Hair toner for redheads
1 of 5John Frieda Radiant Red Boosting Shampoo
John Frieda is one of our go-tos for hair care, and this is no exception. Whether you want to make your red locks pop or prevent the colour from fading, this should be at the top of your list. Plus, you can use it if you're a natural redhead.
£5.89
- Rrp: £6.99
2 of 5Davines Alchemic System Red Conditioner
Ensure you always look on fleek and treat yourself to this miracle conditioner. It doesn't matter if you were born this way or had a little help from a dye, this specially formulated cream will intensify your hair.
3 of 5Color Infuse by Joico Red Shampoo
Has your red hair started to go patchy? No need to panic and DM your hairdresser after a glass of wine – or two. All you need to do is apply this to wet hair and you'll see the results.
4 of 5Crazy Color Vibrant Shampoo Red
Love to stand out from the crowd? Crazy Color has always been our favourite dye for a festival or when we fancied mixing up our hair. Not only can you continue to rock the red with this shampoo, but it'll also leave your hair smelling of strawberries.
5 of 5Maria Nila Colour Refresh - Cherry Red
Pop your hair toner cherry with the Maria Nila Colour Refresh. You won't be disappointed with this treatment masque that allows you to enjoy your fresh look for longer.
The best hair toner for blondes
Hair toner for blondes
1 of 7John Frieda Sheer Blonde
Are you feeling bored with your dark blonde hair or dull highlights? Then this controlled lightening spray will breathe new life into your crop. From just one use you're guaranteed to feel FABULOUS.
2 of 7Schwarzkopf Professional BlondMe
We've all heard the cliché blondes have more fun, but washing your hair isn't that exciting. Well, it wasn't, until now... You'll love how the enhancing shampoo takes out the brassy tones from your hair. New hair, who dis?
3 of 7Philip Kingsley Pure Silver Shampoo
Another one for the silver-blonde camp, this vegan-friendly shampoo has been formulated with optical brighteners and violet hues to reduce the appearance of discolouration. It provides reflective shine and a brighter appearance, while ethylhexylglycerin delivers moisture to the hair. It's salon quality, but at home.
£34.99
4 of 7Bleach London Rose Shampoo and Conditioner
Do you love experimenting with your hair? This fab shampoo and conditioner means that blondes can add a soft touch of pink to their locks. PSSST: If you've already gone pink, this will help you maintain the colour for longer.
5 of 7PRO:VOKE Touch of Silver Shampoo and Conditioner
Silver hair isn't just for OAPs. Blondes can achieve this ultra-glamorous look by using this shampoo and conditioner every other wash.
6 of 7Jerome Russell Bblonde Silver Toner
If you want to keep your silver locks looking luxurious, you can't go wrong with Jerome Russell's Bblonde range. It knocks out brassy yellows, leaves hair feeling soft and is seriously affordable.
7 of 7Aussie SOS blonde hydration
Give your blonde the treatment of a lifetime with Aussie's SOS 3 Minute Miracle Blonde Hydration Deep Treatment, that will work to eliminate brassy tones with NO stains to put the sunshine back in your shade. It also comes in Shampoo and Conditioner form.
Now that you've bagged the best hair toner for you, we've pulled together a handy guide to help answer any questions you might have about this product. Cue the Q&A...
Is hair toner damaging?
When choosing an at-home hair toner, there's a chance that this might damage your hair, if you don't use the product right. This will depend on how often you use it and what ingredients are in the hair toner. Our advice would be to stick to the recommended usage of your hair toner and monitor how your hair reacts to the toner.
How often should I use hair toner?
This depends on how often you wash your hair. You should use hair toner around every two to six weeks.
Will hair toner stain my hands?
Some hair toners will stain your hands temporarily so we'd always recommend wearing gloves.
Can hair toner darken hair?
OK, so it won't die your hair a different colour, but it can make it a shade or two lighter or darker depending on what hair toner you use.