How to Tone Your Hair at Home with Safe and Effective Methods

Toning your hair at home is a great way to maintain or refresh your hair color between salon visits. Below are some trusted DIY hair toner recipes using natural and safe ingredients that can help neutralize unwanted tones, such as brassiness, or enhance your hair’s overall look.

DIY Hair Toner Recipes

1. Baking Soda Toner

This toner is particularly effective for managing brassy or orange tones in blonde or light-colored hair.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons sulfate-free shampoo
• 2 drops purple food coloring
• 2 drops blue food coloring
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions:

1. Mix the shampoo and food coloring in a small bowl until the color is even.
2. Add the baking soda and stir to combine.
3. Apply the mixture to damp hair, making sure it’s distributed evenly.
4. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
5. Follow with a moisturizing conditioner.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is slightly acidic and works well to reduce brassiness while closing the hair cuticle for a smoother look.

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup water

Instructions:

1. Mix the ACV and water in a spray bottle.
2. Spray the solution generously onto damp hair, ensuring all strands are covered.
3. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
4. Rinse thoroughly with cool water.

3. Lemon Juice Toner

Lemon juice is a natural lightening agent that can help remove unwanted tones in lighter shades of hair.

Ingredients:

• Juice of 3 lemons
• ¼ cup natural conditioner

Instructions:

1. Combine the lemon juice and conditioner in a small bowl.
2. Apply the mixture evenly to damp hair, using a comb to distribute it.
3. Leave it on for 20 minutes to an hour, depending on your desired result.
4. Rinse your hair thoroughly and condition again for added moisture.

4. Green Tea Rinse

Green tea enhances warm tones and adds a boost of antioxidants to nourish your hair.

Ingredients:

• 3 bags of green tea
• 2 cups boiling water

Instructions:

1. Steep the tea bags in boiling water for 30 minutes, then allow the tea to cool.
2. Transfer the tea into a spray bottle for easy application.
3. Spray the tea onto your hair, ensuring it’s fully saturated.
4. Leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.

5. Indigo Powder Treatment

Indigo powder is ideal for toning darker shades of hair, especially for brunettes, as it can enhance depth and richness.

Instructions:

1. Mix indigo powder with your conditioner. The quantity of indigo powder depends on how intense you want the tone to be.
2. Apply the mixture to damp hair, working it through evenly.
3. Leave it on for 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the depth of color you desire.
4. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.

Tips for Successful Hair Toning

• Patch Test: Always do a patch test to check for any allergic reactions before applying these mixtures to your hair.
• Frequency: Use these DIY toners every 2–4 weeks, depending on your hair care routine and the intensity of the unwanted tones.
• Moisturize: After toning, follow up with a deep conditioning treatment to restore hydration and maintain healthy, glossy hair.
• Avoid Overuse: Overuse of certain ingredients, such as baking soda or lemon juice, may dry out your hair, so moderation is key.
• Sun Protection: For recipes involving lemon juice or ACV, avoid direct sunlight on your hair immediately after use to prevent unintentional lightening.

By using these simple, natural methods, you can easily tone your hair at home while keeping it healthy and vibrant. Whether you want to neutralize brassiness or enhance your natural color, these solutions are effective and easy to incorporate into your hair care routine.