What toner should I use on level 7 hair?
You can use either Pearl Blonde 10V, a violet based (purple based) toner. Or you can use Extra Light Cool Blonde 10.2, which is a very purple based ultra-white blonde color. Or you can use Blondify Natural Violet Blonde 010V, an ammonia-free, PDP free toner.
For example, when toning a very warm level 7 (think orange), using a strong ash based level 7 (7t or 7na) alone may neutralize the orange but may leave you without depth, balance or additional tone. So, in this case, mixing with a level 6 N, Nb or Nw would give you much more depth and richness in tone.
For Level 7/8, tone with IGORA VIBRANCE® 8-11 for an ashy silver finish.
In the case of orange hair, a touch of blue pigment will cool and calm too-warm locks, while a hint of violet is also helpful for yellow/orange strands on a level 7.
Understanding Hair Colour Charts
The level system is made up of 10 numbers which help determine the depth level of your natural hair. 1 is black, 5 is light brown, 6 is dark blonde, 7 is blonde and 10 is the lightest blonde.
Level 1 haircolor is black, level 2 haircolor is the second darkest black, 3 is brown/black, level 4 haircolor is dark brown, level 5 haircolor is light brown, level 6 haircolor is dark blond, level 7 haircolor is dark blond, level 8 haircolor is medium blond, 9 is light blond and 10 is white/platinum.
“I only recommend purple shampoo on Level 9 or higher,” says Gina. “Purple shampoo does not cancel out orange so if the hair has any orange or yellow orange tones in it, the purple shampoo would actually make them warmer depositing red into the hair.”
The purple shampoo will only work if the highlights are level 8 and up. However, it will not tone hair that has been lifted with color. So purple shampoo will only work on hair that has been highlighted with lightener, not hair color. The brighter the blonde, the better purple shampoo works.
If your hair is orange, you'll need a blue toner. Try a blue shampoo to tone the brassiness and get rid of the orange. This color toner is commonly needed for darker hair.
If your hair is too red, a green toner is used; if your hair is too orange, a blue toner is used; and if your hair is too yellow, a purple toner will neutralize the unwanted yellow tone. Usually, the toner will be purple, but it's best to know what you're trying to neutralize.
Should I use 10 or 20 volume toner?
10 volume will allow the toner to deposit more color, 20 volume will deposit less. Once you decide which toner shade and developer you will use, measure using a hair color measuring cup and mix 1 oz. toner to 1 oz.
Decide what you want your end color to be, and choose a toner that will work to neutralize unwanted pigments to get the cool, natural-looking blonde you want. If you're trying to cancel out orange tones to achieve a dark, ashy blonde or light brown, a blue toner is your best bet.
