How Do I Tone Down Highlights?
Highlighting can be a great way to draw attention to certain areas of your hair, but sometimes it can be a bit too intense. If you’re looking to tone down your highlights and achieve a more natural look, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll explore various methods and products that can help you achieve your desired outcome.
Understanding the Process
Before diving into the methods, it’s important to understand the process of highlighting. Highlights are achieved by lightening specific strands of hair, which are then colored to match your natural hair color or a desired shade. The process can be done at home with a kit or by a professional hair stylist.
When you’re looking to tone down your highlights, there are a few things to consider:
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How long ago were your highlights done?
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How intense are your highlights?
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What is your natural hair color?
1. Use a Toning Shampoo
One of the simplest ways to tone down your highlights is by using a toning shampoo. These shampoos are designed to neutralize brassiness and restore your hair’s natural color. Look for shampoos that contain ingredients like purple or blue pigments, which can help counteract brassy tones.
Here’s a table of some popular toning shampoos:
Brand | Product | Key Ingredients |
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Arctic Fox | Amber Toning Shampoo | Amber, hibiscus, and amla extracts |
Joico | Color Endure Toning Shampoo | Blue pigments, vitamin E, and silk amino acids |
Redken | Color Extend Magnetics Toning Shampoo | Blue pigments, vitamin E, and silk amino acids |
2. Apply a Temporary Toner
Temporary toners are another great option for toning down your highlights. These toners are designed to be left on for a short period of time and then rinsed out. They can help neutralize brassy tones and restore your hair’s natural color.
Here are some popular temporary toners:
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Splat Blue Toning Conditioner
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Arctic Fox Blue Toning Conditioner
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Joico Color Endure Temporary Toner
3. Use a Color Depositing Conditioner
Color depositing conditioners are a great alternative to traditional hair dyes. These conditioners contain pigments that deposit color onto your hair, helping to tone down brassy highlights. They are also a great way to maintain your hair color between salon visits.
Here are some popular color depositing conditioners:
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Arctic Fox Color Depositing Conditioner
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Joico Color Endure Color Depositing Conditioner
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Redken Color Extend Magnetics Color Depositing Conditioner
4. Visit a Professional Hair Stylist
If you’re not confident in doing it yourself, it’s always a good idea to visit a professional hair stylist. They can provide you with personalized advice and help you achieve the desired outcome. A professional can also use a color-depositing hair mask or a semi-permanent dye to tone down your highlights.
5. Maintain Your Toned Highlights
Once you’ve achieved your desired tone, it’s important to maintain it. Here are a few tips to help you keep your highlights looking great:
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Use a heat protectant when styling your hair with heat tools.