Blonde Ambition
Being blonde ain't easy. Even if you're a natural blonde, there's still a bit of maintenance. After I had my hair dyed ombre, my stylist recommended a toning shampoo to keep the brassy tones to a minimum. I didn't use it that often, maybe once a month. Now that I've gone more blonde and have the "sun kissed" look from balayage, I use a toning shampoo at least once a week. I can definitely see a difference in the blonde: it's brighter and less yellowy.
Scientifically speaking, purple is used because it's the color opposite of yellow on the color wheel, and the more purple, the better. You want a toning shampoo that's a dark purple (almost navy). There are lots of brands that sell toning shampoo, but of course I have my favorites!
AG Hair Cosmetics Sterling Silver Toning Shampoo is super purple. It can be a little weird at first, applying something so dark to your hair, but the results are awesome.
John Frieda Color Renew Tone Correcting Shampoo & Conditioner
A budget-friendly option is John Frieda Color Renew Tone Correcting Shampoo & Conditioner. While these aren't as dark as the AG, they're still not bad and smell awesome.
Oh boy, I can't wait to get my hands on these! I'm obsessed with Oribe products, so when I found out about their recently-launched Bright Blonde line, I was ecstatic! I'll publish a full review on these after I give them a try.
Since toning shampoos aren't known for their cleansing properties, it's best to first shampoo with your regular shampoo to cleanse your hair. Then apply the toning shampoo and let it soak in for a couple of minutes. The longer you leave it on, the better the results. I usually shampoo normally first, then use the toning shampoo and leave it in while I bathe and shave. I then rinse really well and use a lot of conditioner because toning shampoos are also quite drying. It's a good idea to use a deep conditioner once a week too.
Make sure your final rinse is with cool water. It helps seal the cuticle and helps your hair reflect light and be shiny. Dullness is another problem blondes (real and fake) face.
Have any of you tried toning shampoos? What did you think? Any brands I should try? Share below in the comments!
