Achieve Salon-Quality Hair: Toning Hair Extensions at Hom

When toning hair extensions at home, achieving salon-quality results isn't as hard as you might think. But today, you will learn how to tone hair extensions. In this article, we'll walk you through the essential preparation steps, like washing your hair extensions and testing the toner on a sample strand. Plus, you'll get a detailed, step-by-step guide to using toner on hair extensions at home, making it easy to keep your extensions looking vibrant and natural.

Before Toning Your Extensions

Before toning, washing the wig to remove buildup for even color application is essential. Testing on a sample strand is crucial to ensure the desired result, especially for ash-blonde extensions.

Wash the Extensions

When washing hair extensions, using a shampoo specifically designed for wigs, like Wig Renewal Shampoo, is best. Its gentle formula effectively cleans without damaging the hair fibers. Start by soaking the wig in cold water, careful not to rub too hard to avoid tangling. Apply a small shampoo, gently massaging it through the wig to create a lather and remove dirt or product buildup. Rinse thoroughly with cold water, gently pat away excess moisture, and let the wig air-dry in a well-ventilated area to maintain its softness and shine.

Test on a Sample Strand

Before learning how to tone hair, testing on a sample strand is crucial to ensure the final color result. This is especially recommended for ash blonde extensions, as lighter shades show color changes more clearly. Start by cutting a small section of hair and evenly apply the toner. Wait for the recommended time and observe the color change. You can confidently ton the entire wig if the result matches your expectations. This method helps avoid color inconsistencies and ensures the hair fibers remain undamaged.

Step-by-Step Guide to Toning Hair Extensions at Home

Step 0: Prepare your work area

Preparing the work area is very important when dyeing hair extensions at home. This will allow you to use toner on hair extensions without any hassles.

Protective tools:

• Protective cloth or old towel: To shield your workspace from dye stains.
• Disposable gloves: To keep your hands clean from the dye.
• Old clothes or an apron: To protect your clothing from getting stained.

Application tools:

• Dye brush: This is used to apply the dye evenly.
• Hair clips: To section the hair and ensure every part is adequately dyed.
• Mixing bowl and stirrer: This is used to blend the dye.

Preparation and timing tools:

• Detangling comb: To smooth out the hair extensions before dyeing, avoiding knots.
• Clock or timer: To accurately monitor the dyeing time for optimal results.

Step 1: Mix the Toner

Properly mixing the toner is crucial for achieving an even, long-lasting color when toning hair extensions. Follow the instructions and pour the toner into a mixing bowl, usually at a 1:2 ratio—one part toner to two parts developer. 

Then, use a stir stick or the back of your dye brush to gently mix the two until you get a smooth, consistent texture without any lumps or separation. Be sure to mix carefully and continuously to combine the toner and developer fully. Once mixed, apply immediately, as the toner will start to oxidize, which can affect the final result. These steps ensure the toner on hair extensions is fully activated for the best color outcome.

Step 2: Start toning

First, make sure your hair extensions are immaculate and fully dry. Next, section the hair into manageable parts and use clips to hold them in place. This will ensure the toner is evenly applied to each strand. 

Then, starting at the roots, use a dye brush to apply the toner evenly, ensuring every section is fully coated. You can gently massage the hair to help the toner penetrate each strand more effectively. Be gentle during this process to avoid pulling or tangling, especially with longer or finer hair extensions. 

Once applied, leave the toner on for the recommended time, as per the instructions. During this time, you can comb through the hair extensions   to ensure the toner is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Rinse

After toning your hair extensions, gently rinse them with warm water. Ensure the water runs clear to ensure the toner on hair extensions is fully washed out. While rinsing, use your fingertips to gently massage the strands, avoiding vigorous rubbing to prevent tangling or damage to the hair.

Step 4: Condition

This is the most important part of how to take care of hair extensions. It's recommended to use a conditioner specifically designed for wigs. Apply the conditioner evenly to your hair extensions, focusing especially on the ends to enhance moisture and smoothness. Avoid applying conditioner to the roots or where the hair extensions are attached, as this can affect their longevity. Gently massage the hair extensions to allow the conditioner to fully penetrate, leaving it on for a few minutes before rinsing with warm water. During rinsing, use warm water gently to avoid pulling or tangling the hair.

Step 5: Dry and style

Gently pat your hair extensions dry with a clean towel, avoiding vigorous rubbing to prevent tangling or damage. Let the hair extensions air-dry in a well-ventilated area, avoiding direct sunlight, as UV rays can cause color fading or dryness. 

If you're short on time, you can use a blow dryer but set it to a low heat setting to prevent heat damage. While drying, gently run your fingers through the hair extensions to keep them smooth. 

If styling is needed, wait until the hair extensions are completely dry before using curling irons or straighteners, keeping the heat setting low, and applying a heat protectant spray to ensure the hair extensions stay healthy and shiny.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this article has walked you through the detailed steps of toning hair extensions, from preparing the workspace and mixing the toner to applying and rinsing it. Properly using toner on hair extensions not only delivers a long-lasting, even color but also ensures the health and shine of your extensions. By following these simple steps, you can easily achieve salon-quality results from the comfort of your home. Now, give it a try! Follow these steps to get the most perfect and shining hair extensions.