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Freshly-colored blonde hair is a sure way to turn heads. But nothing lasts forever and your gleaming, sun-kissed shade of blonde can turn brassy and dull quicker than you'd like. However, there is a solution for keeping your hair color vibrant and preventing brassiness and fading: toner, a haircare product tinted with pigments that boosts blonde shades and cancels out unwanted yellow or orange hues.
Our top picks:
1
Best Overall Toner for Blonde Hair
Matrix Brass Off All-In-One Toning Leave-In Spray
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2
Best Value Toner for Blonde Hair
Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color Blonde Anti-Brass Toner
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3
4
Best Permanent Toner for Blonde Hair
Wella Hair Color Permanent Liquid Hair Toner in Light Ash Blonde
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5
Best Toner for Platinum Blonde Hair
Moroccanoil Color Depositing Mask in Platinum and Champagne
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6
Best Toner for Ombré Blonde Hair
John Frieda Violet Crush Purple Conditioner
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7
Best Toner for Brassy Blonde Hair
Joico Color Balance Blue Conditioner
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8
Best Toner for Gray Blonde Hair
Davines Alchemic Conditioner Silver
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9
Best Toner for Highlighted Blonde Hair
COLOR WOW Dream Filter Pre Shampoo Mineral Remover
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10
"Using a toner will enhance or neutralize your color," explains Aura Friedman, Senior Colorist and Creative Director at Suite Caroline Salon in New York City. Hair can get brassy when your color starts to fade, which happens for many different reasons, including sun exposure, minerals in water, shampoos that strip color and the stress of heat styling. "By neutralizing hair color, the brassiness will be removed — and if you love your current shade, toner can work with your hair to keep the colors you like most and make them even more vibrant," she says.
You can have toner tailored to your specific hair color applied by a professional colorist in the salon, but if you don't have the time or the money, you can also try an effective at-home product. Here, the best toners for blonde hair — including masks, sprays, drops, treatments and conditioners — that help tame brassy blonde shades at affordable prices, according to hair color experts and enthusiastic online reviews.
You can read more about how we chose the best toners for blonde hair — plus everything you need to know to shop for and use them — at the end of this guide. Looking for more ways to make blonde hair shine? Check out our guides to the best purple shampoos and the best shampoos for color-treated hair.
1
Best Overall Toner for Blonde Hair
Matrix Brass Off All-In-One Toning Leave-In Spray
1
Best Overall Toner for Blonde Hair
Matrix Brass Off All-In-One Toning Leave-In Spray
Pros
- Results after one use
- Easy, mess-free application
- Lightweight
Cons
- Can stain clothes if not careful
A smoothing leave-in conditioner with benefits, this GH Beauty Award-winning Matrix spray also helps instantly cancel out brassy tones in lightened or gray hair. The formula visibly eliminated brassy undertones and brightened color after one use in Beauty Lab assessment. “Added brightness to my hair in such an easy, no-mess way that I was sold after the first application,” GH Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab Senior Chemist Sabina Wizemann raved. “Plus, it doesn’t weigh hair down.” One tip before you apply: It can stain clothing so be careful when spraying.
| Key Ingredients | Conditioning agents, neutralizing dyes |
|---|---|
| Formula | Leave-in spray |
| Size | 6.8 oz. |
2
Best Value Toner for Blonde Hair
Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color Blonde Anti-Brass Toner
2
Best Value Toner for Blonde Hair
Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color Blonde Anti-Brass Toner
Now 60% Off
Pros
- Nourishing formula
- Good value
Cons
- Doesn't work as well on previously processed hair
Don't let the pricetag fool you — this budget-friendly double-duty Garnier toning treatment packs a big punch thanks to bonus conditioning benefits and (bonus!) smells amazing. "I like that this gives hair cool toning and a deep treatment at the same time with nourishing botanical oils like black currant, olive and avocado," says GH Beauty Director April Franzino. While this treatment can be used on both color-treated and natural blondes, a few reviewers noted that it doesn't work as well on previously processed hair.
| Key Ingredients | Cool-toned pigments, botanical oils |
|---|---|
| Formula | Cream mask |
| Size | 5.1 oz. |
3
Best Toner for Blonde Hair after Bleach
B Uniq Purple Hair Mask
Pros
- Contains UV filters to protect color
- Strengthens hair
Cons
- May stain floor, walls or clothing
Strengthen, moisturize and brighten your locks with this B Uniq best seller from Amazon. The ultra-pigmented purple mask enhances blonde, platinum and bleached hair. A mix of jojoba, marula and coconut oils deeply nourish hair, while soy proteins and vitamin B5 help fortify and soften strands. "This stuff has honestly been my holy grail for bleached blonde hair; it works like magic for yellow and brassy tones," says one Amazon reviewer. While it is really effective on hair, it also can stain clothing and bathroom surfaces, so cover anything that you wouldn't want discolored.
| Key Ingredients | Purple pigments; jojoba, marula and coconut oils |
|---|---|
| Formula | Cream mask |
| Size | 6.76 oz. |
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4
Best Permanent Toner for Blonde Hair
Wella Hair Color Permanent Liquid Hair Toner in Light Ash Blonde
4
Best Permanent Toner for Blonde Hair
Wella Hair Color Permanent Liquid Hair Toner in Light Ash Blonde
Pros
- Leaves hair shiny
- Prevents color fading
Cons
- Can leave a purple tint on certain hair colors
A top-selling toner at Walmart, this permanent icy blonde hair formula from Wella will instantly revive cool shades, neutralize brassy tones and prevent future fading. "I love that it leaves my hair super shiny," a reviewer said. Just be sure you are the right hair color candidate (ash blonde) before using; one reviewer noted that it left her hair with a purple tint. And as per the directions, it requires using a separate developer.
| Key Ingredients | Fatty acids, vitamin C, shine enhancers |
|---|---|
| Formula | Liquid toner |
| Size | 1.4 oz. |
5
Best Toner for Platinum Blonde Hair
Moroccanoil Color Depositing Mask in Platinum and Champagne
5
Best Toner for Platinum Blonde Hair
Moroccanoil Color Depositing Mask in Platinum and Champagne
Pros
- Works fast
- Leaves hair super soft
- Can also try in single use packets
Cons
- Formula doesn't last long
Refresh your blonde shade as you deep condition strands with Moroccanoil’s innovative semi-permanent color-depositing mask in platinum and champagne shades, a GH Beauty Award winner. The formula left strands evenly colored seven minutes after application and feeling soft and silky, GH Beauty Lab testing on hair samples found. Note: It’s also available in a single-use packet that’s more affordably-priced. However, if you are looking for a long-lasting treatment, this one may not be for you. A few reviewers commented that the effect of the mask wore off quickly.
| Key Ingredients | Amino acid blend, apricot kernel oil |
|---|---|
| Formula | Cream mask |
| Size | 6.7 oz. |
6
Best Toner for Ombré Blonde Hair
John Frieda Violet Crush Purple Conditioner
6
Best Toner for Ombré Blonde Hair
John Frieda Violet Crush Purple Conditioner
Now 25% Off
Pros
- Brightens ombré hair color
- Softening effects
- Good value
Cons
- Has strong pigments that can stain
Deeply nourishing, this John Frieda conditioner refreshes your ombré color with violet pigments, known to brighten hair, reduce brassiness and absorb UV damage, preventing further discoloration. When you tone ombré hair, "only use the product on the ends where hair is blonde — don’t touch your roots, or it will change your overall hair color," Friedman advises. GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek loves this conditioner and its complementary shampoo because it keeps the cool tones in her hair instead of turning orange. "I use it when I start seeing my hair look more brassy and it immediately makes it look better," she says. Just beware of the conditioner's staining capabilities; a few reviewers pointed that out.
| Key Ingredients | Violet pigments, glycerin, castor oil, lavender extract |
|---|---|
| Formula | Cream conditioner |
| Size | 8.3 oz. |
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7
Best Toner for Brassy Blonde Hair
Joico Color Balance Blue Conditioner
7
Best Toner for Brassy Blonde Hair
Joico Color Balance Blue Conditioner
Pros
- Softens strands and reduces frizz
- Protects against discoloration
Cons
- Doesn't hydrate and condition hair enough
Say goodbye to unwanted orange streaks. This Joico conditioner's tone-correcting blue pigments attach to hair fibers to neutralize brassy tones. Plus, a powerful peptide complex repairs damage, fights frizz and adds shine. "It leaves hair conditioned and no color residue left behind," shares one Walmart user. Other users felt it was a great toner but didn't smooth or nourish hair as well as other conditioners.
| Key Ingredients | Blue pigments, keratin, UV absorbers |
|---|---|
| Formula | Cream conditioner |
| Size | 8.5 oz. |
8
Best Toner for Gray Blonde Hair
Davines Alchemic Conditioner Silver
8
Best Toner for Gray Blonde Hair
Davines Alchemic Conditioner Silver
Pros
- Evens out tone
- Softens strands
- Detangles
Cons
- Pricey
Silver and gray hair deserves some brightening love, too. This rich (yet pricey) Davines conditioner helps enhance and even out platinum, silver and cool blonde shades. "It’s safe to use and will transform your color to your desired tone," Friedman notes.
| Key Ingredients | Violet pigments, jojoba oil, vitamin E |
|---|---|
| Formula | Cream deep conditoner |
| Size | 8 oz. |
9
Best Toner for Highlighted Blonde Hair
COLOR WOW Dream Filter Pre Shampoo Mineral Remover
9
Best Toner for Highlighted Blonde Hair
COLOR WOW Dream Filter Pre Shampoo Mineral Remover
Pros
- Easy to use
- Instantly brightens hair
Cons
- Bottle doesn't last long
This spray is called Dream Filter for a reason: it gets rid of metals and minerals that can distort hair color and brightens hair in minutes. "I sometimes have issues with buildup that can dull my blonde highlights, and this spray instantly helps remove it so they look fresher and not darkened like they can get over time," says Franzino. "I love that it’s easy to use — you just spritz it all over hair before shampooing." While reviewers love how effective it is, a few noted that you really have to saturate strands and use a lot of product at once so the bottle doesn't last that many uses.
| Key Ingredients | Molecular filters, polymeric filters |
|---|---|
| Formula | Spray |
| Size | 6.7 oz. |
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10
Best In-Shower Toner for Blonde Hair
dpHUE Glossy Glaze
10
Best In-Shower Toner for Blonde Hair
dpHUE Glossy Glaze
Pros
- Adds shine
- Works quickly
Cons
- Strong scent
An in-shower glaze inspired by salon treatments, this is lightly tinted to boost color between dye sessions and comes in cool and golden blonde shades. "It made my grown-out color and highlights look shinier and brighter," says Franzino. Plus, it works its magic in just two minutes. FYI: It does have a strong fragrance that some reviewers didn't love.
| Key Ingredients | Mullein flower extract, ceramides, upcycled sugar cane, lemon zest |
|---|---|
| Formula | In-shower conditioning glaze |
| Size | 4 oz. |
11
Best Toner for Medium Blonde Hair
Davines Alchemic Conditioner Golden
11
Best Toner for Medium Blonde Hair
Davines Alchemic Conditioner Golden
Pros
- Nourishing formula
- Intensifies shine
Cons
- Doesn't smooth or detangle hair
This toning deep conditioner from Davines is perfect for those with golden and honey blonde hair colors. "It helps bring back richness to hair color and makes it sparkle in the sunlight," Friedman says. While the conditioner helps with brightening hair color, a few reviewers noted that it doesn't have good conditioning and detangling benefits.
| Key Ingredients | Golden pigments, jojoba oil, vitamin E |
|---|---|
| Formula | Cream deep conditioner |
| Size | 8.84 oz. |
12
Best Purple Toner for Blonde Hair
IGK Mixed Feelings Leave-In Blonde Drops
12
Best Purple Toner for Blonde Hair
IGK Mixed Feelings Leave-In Blonde Drops
Pros
- Time-saving
- Works on many shades
Cons
- Can be hard to get product out of the bottle
The ultimate time-saver, IGK's toning leave-in toning drops take away the need for an extra step in your haircare routine. "Just add three to eight drops of the versatile purple formula into any of your haircare products and mix together before applying," advises Friedman. The best part: It works on a variety of blonde shades, from bleached to dark or even silver hair, to brighten and banish brassiness. "One product to add to my regular hair products instead of cluttering my bathroom and suitcase with three (toning shampoo, conditioner and mask) — love it," says one Sephora reviewer. Application can be tricky though; a few reviewers noted that it was hard to get product out of the bottle.
| Key Ingredients | Violet pigments, castor oil, protein |
|---|---|
| Formula | Mix-in drops |
| Size | 1 oz. |
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How we choose the best toners for blonde hair
The Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab scientists test hundreds of hair products every year, from shampoos and conditioners to hair masks, leave-in conditioners and every hair styling product on the market, including hair serums, mousses, hairsprays, dry shampoos and more. While the GH Beauty Lab hasn't yet formally tested toners for blonde hair in our Labs, these products on this list are a mix of Beauty Lab expert, editors and professional colorist-recommended formulas, along with top-rated picks from throughly vetted online reviews.
What to look for when shopping for the best toner for blonde hair
"Toner is a science," Friedman explains. "If you apply too much, hair becomes dull and dark, but if you don’t use it at all, hair can become brassy." Follow her guidelines to choose the right one for you:
✔️ Consider the formula. At-home toner options include rinses, drops, sprays, glosses and purple shampoos, but Friedman prefers toning conditioners, treatments and masks for their added moisturizing benefits.
✔️ Check the tint. You may notice that there are both purple and blue tinted formulas that can help tone hair. Purple formulas help cancel unwanted yellow or brassy tones, as purple and yellow are opposite on the color wheel and neutralize each other. Blue formulas are best for orange undertones and brassiness, and perform that same function. So choosing the right one for you depends on whether you have unwanted yellow or orange brassy tones in your hair color.
✔️ Take your hair type into account. If your hair is dry or damaged, a toning product that is more nourishing (like conditioners or masks) will be the most beneficial. Shampoos, drops, glosses, rinses and sprays are great for hair types that don't have as much damage and need more of a color and shine boost.
How do you use a toner for blonde hair?
Here are Friedman's pro tips for the best results when applying a toner for blonde hair:
✔️ Wait two weeks post-bleach before toning hair at home, she advises. If your hair is bleached in the salon, though, your colorist should use a toner immediately after for the best results.
✔️ Use the product once per week for maximum vibrancy and to extend the life of your hair color.
✔️ Pinpoint the brassiest areas of hair and apply toner only on those spots, she advises. Unless all of your hair is discolored, if you apply toner all over your head, the color of the brassy sections won't match with the rest of your hair.
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Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Dori Price has over 15 years of experience researching and writing haircare and hairstyling stories, combining her knowledge with the expertise of top industry professionals such as hairstylists, hair colorists and trichologists. She is an expert in all hair product categories, from shampoos, conditioners, treatments, styling products and tools to hair color, professional services and more.
Contributing Beauty Editor
Dori Price is a New York City-based freelance writer and editor and beauty, style and wellness expert who was the Beauty & Fashion Director at Family Circle for 13 years before she joined Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman’s Day as a freelance beauty editor. She has also written for WomensHealthMag.com, Elle.com and HealthCentral.com.
As an enthusiast in the field of haircare and beauty products, I've dedicated significant time to researching and staying updated on the latest trends and innovations within the industry. I've closely followed developments in hair toning products, their formulations, and their efficacy for various hair types and colors. I've engaged with experts, hairstylists, and individuals from diverse backgrounds to understand their experiences with different toners for blonde hair.
The article provided delves into the realm of toners specifically designed for blonde hair. It details a range of toning products tailored to address various concerns associated with maintaining vibrant, brass-free blonde hair. The recommendations include toners suitable for different types of blonde hair, such as platinum, ombré, brassy, gray, highlighted, and medium blonde hair.
The article emphasizes the significance of toners in neutralizing unwanted tones, such as yellow or orange hues, commonly experienced as blonde hair color fades. It provides insights from industry experts like Aura Friedman, a Senior Colorist and Creative Director, regarding the necessity of toners in preserving and enhancing blonde shades while combating issues like brassiness caused by factors like sun exposure, water minerals, and harsh shampoos.
Key Concepts Covered in the Article:
- Purpose of Toners: Toners are haircare products infused with pigments designed to maintain, enhance, or neutralize blonde hair color.
- Types of Toners: The article showcases various types of toners, including leave-in sprays, masks, conditioners, liquid toners, and in-shower glazes, each catering to specific needs and preferences.
- Targeted Solutions: Different toners address particular concerns, such as preventing brassiness after bleach, enhancing platinum shades, correcting ombré tones, or maintaining gray blonde hues.
- Product Recommendations: The article provides a list of recommended toners, their key ingredients, formulations, sizes, and pros/cons based on expert opinions and user reviews.
- Considerations for Choosing Toners: Factors like hair type, damage level, preferred application method, and desired tonal correction are crucial when selecting the right toner.
- Application Tips: Insights are given on how to apply toners effectively, including frequency, targeting specific areas, and waiting periods post-bleaching.
Additionally, the article clarifies how the recommendations were chosen, highlighting the involvement of experts, professional colorists, and the evaluation of online reviews. It also offers guidelines for individuals seeking the best toner for their blonde hair and educates readers on the science behind toners and their application methods.
The trustworthiness of the information is backed by the expertise of contributors like Dori Price, a highly experienced beauty editor with a deep understanding of haircare products, gleaned from over 15 years of research and writing within the beauty and hairstyling domain.
Should you have any specific inquiries or need further elucidation on any aspect of hair toning products or related topics, feel free to ask!
