Are you struggling with unwanted orange tones in your hair? Have you considered using T18, a popular toner from Wella, to neutralize the brassy hues? Before making the leap, it’s essential to understand what happens when you use T18 on orange hair. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of hair toning, exploring the effects of T18 on orange locks, and providing you with a comprehensive guide to achieve the desired results.
Understanding Hair Toning and T18
Hair toning is a chemical process that alters the tone of your hair without changing its underlying color. Toners can be used to enhance, neutralize, or change the existing color of your hair. T18, also known as Ash Blonde, is a popular toner from Wella’s Color Charm line. It’s designed to neutralize warm, brassy tones and achieve a cool, ashy blonde color.
How T18 Works
T18 contains a mixture of color-depositing agents and alkalizers that work together to neutralize warm tones and deposit cool, ashy pigments onto the hair shaft. The toner’s formula is designed to:
- Neutralize warm, brassy tones
- Deposit cool, ashy pigments
- Enhance and refine the existing color
The Effects of T18 on Orange Hair
When used on orange hair, T18 can produce varying results depending on the intensity of the orange tone, the porosity of the hair, and the desired outcome. Here are some possible effects of using T18 on orange hair:
Neutralizing Orange Tones
T18 can effectively neutralize mild to moderate orange tones, replacing them with a cool, ashy blonde color. However, if the orange tone is too intense, T18 might not completely eliminate it. In such cases, multiple applications or a different toner might be necessary.
Enhancing and Refining the Color
T18 can enhance and refine the existing color of your hair, adding depth and dimension to the locks. If you have orange hair with a warm, golden base, T18 can help to neutralize the warm tones and achieve a more balanced, ashy blonde color.
Potential Risks and Considerations
While T18 can be an effective toner for orange hair, there are some potential risks and considerations to keep in mind:
- Over-toning: Using T18 on already light or damaged hair can lead to over-toning, resulting in an unnatural, purple or blue-ish color.
- Under-toning: If the orange tone is too intense, T18 might not completely neutralize it, leading to under-toning and a less-than-desired result.
- Damage: T18, like any other chemical hair treatment, can cause damage to the hair, especially if used excessively or on already damaged locks.
How to Use T18 on Orange Hair
To achieve the best results when using T18 on orange hair, follow these steps:
Pre-Toning Preparation
Before applying T18, make sure to:
- Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup
- Towel-dry your hair, but not completely, as T18 works best on damp hair
- Wear gloves and apply a barrier cream to your skin to prevent staining
Applying T18
To apply T18, follow these steps:
- Mix the T18 toner with a 20 volume developer in a 1:2 ratio (one part toner to two parts developer)
- Apply the mixture to your hair, starting at the roots and working your way down to the ends
- Process the toner for 20-30 minutes, depending on the desired result and your hair’s porosity
Post-Toning Care
After applying T18, make sure to:
- Rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water
- Apply a moisturizing conditioner to help lock in the color and hydrate the hair
- Avoid using hot water or heat styling tools for the next 48 hours to prevent color fade
Alternatives to T18 for Orange Hair
If you’re not satisfied with the results of T18 or prefer to explore other options, here are some alternative toners for orange hair:
- Wella Color Charm T14: A more intense, ash-based toner that can help to neutralize strong orange tones
- L’Oréal Professionnel DiaLight 9V: A violet-based toner that can help to neutralize warm tones and achieve a cool, ashy blonde color
- Redken Color Extend Magnetic Purple Shampoo and Conditioner: A color-correcting shampoo and conditioner duo that can help to neutralize warm tones and maintain a cool, ashy blonde color
Conclusion
Using T18 on orange hair can be an effective way to neutralize warm tones and achieve a cool, ashy blonde color. However, it’s essential to understand the potential risks and considerations, as well as the importance of proper application and post-toning care. By following the steps outlined in this article and considering alternative toners, you can achieve the desired results and say goodbye to unwanted orange tones.
Remember, hair toning is a chemical process that requires patience, caution, and a clear understanding of the desired outcome. Always consult a professional stylist if you’re unsure about using T18 or any other toner on your hair.
What is T18 and how does it work on orange hair?
T18 is a popular toner from the Wella Color Charm line, specifically designed to neutralize unwanted warm tones in the hair. When applied to orange hair, T18 works by depositing purple pigments that counteract the brassy tones, resulting in a cooler, more ashy blonde color. The toner is usually mixed with a developer and applied to the hair for a specified period, depending on the desired outcome.
It’s essential to note that T18 is not a color corrector, but rather a toner that enhances and adjusts the existing color. If you have orange hair due to a previous coloring or bleaching process, T18 can help to refine the tone and achieve a more desirable shade. However, if you’re looking to completely eliminate the orange tone, you may need to consider a more comprehensive color correction process.
Will T18 completely eliminate orange tones from my hair?
T18 can significantly reduce orange tones in the hair, but it may not completely eliminate them, especially if the tones are severe. The effectiveness of T18 depends on the intensity of the orange tone, the porosity of the hair, and the desired outcome. If you have a mild orange tone, T18 may be able to neutralize it entirely, but if the tone is more pronounced, you may still notice some residual warmth after toning.
To achieve the best results, it’s crucial to follow the instructions carefully and perform a strand test before applying T18 to your entire head. This will help you determine the optimal processing time and developer strength to achieve the desired outcome. Additionally, you may need to repeat the toning process or use a different toner to achieve the desired level of color correction.
How long does it take for T18 to process on orange hair?
The processing time for T18 on orange hair can vary depending on the desired outcome, the porosity of the hair, and the developer strength used. Generally, T18 is left on the hair for 20-40 minutes, but this time can be adjusted based on the individual’s hair type and the level of color correction needed. It’s essential to monitor the processing time carefully, as over-processing can lead to unwanted results, such as purple or blue tones.
During the processing time, the toner will start to work on neutralizing the orange tones, and you may notice a change in the color of your hair. However, it’s crucial to wait for the recommended time to ensure that the toner has fully penetrated the hair shaft and achieved the desired result. After processing, the toner should be rinsed thoroughly, and a moisturizing conditioner applied to help lock in the color and hydrate the hair.
Can I use T18 on previously colored or chemically treated hair?
T18 can be used on previously colored or chemically treated hair, but it’s essential to exercise caution and consider the hair’s porosity and condition before applying the toner. If your hair has been previously colored or chemically treated, it may be more prone to dryness, damage, or over-processing. To minimize the risk of damage, it’s recommended to perform a strand test before applying T18 to your entire head.
Additionally, if you have previously colored or chemically treated hair, you may need to adjust the developer strength or processing time to achieve the desired outcome. It’s also crucial to use a pre-toning treatment to help open up the hair cuticle and allow the toner to penetrate more evenly. This will help to achieve a more uniform color result and minimize the risk of damage or over-processing.
Will T18 damage my hair or cause dryness?
T18 is a relatively gentle toner, but it can still cause dryness or damage to the hair, especially if used incorrectly or on previously damaged hair. The toner contains ammonia, which can help to open up the hair cuticle and allow the color to penetrate, but it can also cause dryness or irritation if used excessively.
To minimize the risk of damage or dryness, it’s essential to follow the instructions carefully and use a moisturizing conditioner after toning. You can also use a pre-toning treatment to help hydrate the hair and reduce the risk of damage. Additionally, it’s recommended to use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to help maintain the health and integrity of the hair.
How often can I use T18 on my orange hair?
T18 can be used as needed to maintain the desired color and tone, but it’s generally recommended to use it no more than once every 4-6 weeks. Over-toning can lead to dryness, damage, or unwanted color buildup, so it’s essential to use the toner judiciously and only when necessary.
Between toning sessions, you can use a color-depositing shampoo and conditioner to help maintain the color and tone of your hair. You can also use a color-correcting spray or gloss to help touch up the color and tone between toning sessions. This will help to maintain the health and integrity of the hair while keeping the color looking vibrant and fresh.
Can I mix T18 with other toners or color products?
T18 can be mixed with other toners or color products to achieve a customized color result, but it’s essential to use caution and follow the instructions carefully. Mixing T18 with other toners or color products can help to create a unique color result, but it can also increase the risk of damage or unwanted color buildup.
Before mixing T18 with other toners or color products, it’s recommended to perform a strand test to ensure that the desired result is achieved and that the hair is not damaged. Additionally, it’s essential to follow the instructions carefully and use the recommended developer strength to avoid over-processing or damage. It’s also recommended to consult with a professional stylist before attempting to mix T18 with other toners or color products.