Getting a balayage, foilage or full-cover blonde is one thing but keeping it fresh and maintained is another. As regular salon visits are rather pricey, I figured out a way to do it at home.
Wash
- I like to wash my hair before the whole toning process, just so I won’t have to do it afterwards. Shampoo can strip the toner off your hair again, which is rather counterproductive.
- I like to use shampoos and conditioners that are silicone and sulfate free, as this helps maintain the color for longer.
- I really like the Olaplex shampoo and conditioner. I wrote a long review about them here.
Mixing the toner
- So this step highly depends on which color tone you are trying to achieve. I always go for a neutral blonde, so this is how I do it.
- No matter which tone you are aiming for, the ratio and mixing process remain the same basically.
- The toner I like to use is: Schwarzkopf BLOND ME Blonde Toning Sand 60 ml
. I use the 2% developer from the same Schwarzkopf range.
- I use a 1:2 ratio, meaning I use one part of the toner and double the amount of developer. I also add a tiny bit of the Olaplex No. 3.
- Then just mix it all well.
. I use the Toning Process
- Dry your hair with a soft towel after washing it. This prevents damage.
- Put on an old T-shirt – This will be a little messy!
- Then spread the toner using rubber gloves. You can also use a brush, but I think it is easier to spread using gloves only.
- Leave it in for 45 minutes.
- Rinse out using cold water only.
Condition
- After you are done rinsing out the toner, apply some hair oil or any other product you like to use to condition your hair.
- I love to use Schwarzkopf Hair Oil
- Ideally, let your hair air dry to avoid any heat damage.
Sooo that’s pretty much it! This procedure leaves me with silky, soft hair and a nice, even tone in my bleached parts.