How To Get Toner Out of Hair: 5 Proven Methods

Many of us love to experiment with our hair color at home, but that doesn’t mean we always have a great experience and nail the desired nuance or look. You might end up in a situation where you used the wrong toner or didn’t do the bleaching correctly.

Or maybe you found a colorist that didn’t quite match your expectations? Either way, if you end up with a color that doesn’t suit you because of the toner, don’t panic.

We have a few aces up our sleeve that we’ll share to help you get toner out of your hair. 

But first of all, for those who opted for the hair salon experience, let’s break it down for you and find out what a toner is, when it’s used and how to get rid of it correctly.

What Is a Toner?

Hair toners aim to help you personalize your hair color or correct orange or yellow nuances. They are usually applied after you bleach your hair and administer hair dye. Think of it as an enhancement for your color.

When we’re talking about blonde nuances, the toners are used to make the hair look creamy and shiny or to add a subtle silver, ashy or pale-colored hue.

However, if you are not a blonde, that doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from a toner.

As a brunette, you can apply it after dyeing to get those metallic blue reflexes, for example. When considering using a toner, you can opt for this amazing hair coating in a salon or at home.

The market offers you plenty of products like silver or purple shampoos. These will also provide a beautiful tint, but they last less than a professional toner.

Moreover, you might discover that even colorists recommend them because they are a good aid in preserving hair salon dye. 

But, what do you do when you end up with a nuance that doesn’t suit you or you just simply don’t like it? You can wait for the toner to wear off (it lasts about 4 to 8 weeks) or search for methods that remove toner from hair.

So, if you find yourself in this uncomfortable situation, continue reading to discover the best ways to wash off this product. 

Things to Know About Getting Rid of Your Toner

Firstly, when buying and applying a toner at home, check the label to find out how long the products last. You might discover that some products last just one or two washes. There are some more things for you to consider.

• Toners naturally fade; they are not meant to last forever. That can be a blessing, especially for those who are disappointed with the final result. So, if you’re not fond of your new nuance, don’t jump directly to bleaching or permanent dyes to cover the toner. Choose one of the methods below or just let it fade off;
• Your mistake is only temporary and can be reversed. If you’re taking the matter into your hands and pursuing your goal of changing your hair color and toning it at home, make sure you know how colors work when combined. Otherwise, you might end up with a very bad experience.
• It is very important to consider timing. If you’re not content with the result, you should take action as soon as possible. You must act quickly if you are sure you want to remove the toner. Or it might be harder to take it off if the product deeply penetrates the threads.

How to Get Toner Out Of Hair

Here are 5 effective ways to get rid of toner from hair that experts swear by.

#1. Using Clarifying Shampoo

As mentioned before, the main difference between semi-permanent or permanent hair dyes and toner is that this tint fades in time.

Clarifying shampoo can be your best friend because it is specially formulated to remove dirt, any impurities, or buildup by making your hair look and feel squeaky clean.

It is generally ideal for those who want to remove all residues and show off their natural hair look.

We recommend you use clarifying shampoo no more than four times per month because it proves to be quite effective for toner removal.

In this case, if you don’t already have one at home, you can buy one online or from the nearest drugstore.

Because this shampoo is formulated for a deep clean, it is the best choice for those who want to remove toners. It contains multiple minerals and will help you strip off color and impurities.

What to Do:

1. To remove the toner, squeeze some product into your hands; 
2. Rub it to activate the shampoo and apply it to your hair. 
3. Make sure the product is equally distributed to all toned areas and strands. 
4. Use this method once, then wait at least 48 hours before repeating. Do not use clarifying shampoo more than 1–2 times per week because it can severely dry out your hair. 

#2. Dandruff Shampoo with Baking Soda

 Just like the clarifying shampoo, anti-dandruff shampoos are conceived and formulated to reduce impurities and provide a deep clean.

Consider mixing the shampoo with baking soda to create a dream combo that strips away the toner from your hair. The selenium sulfide from the shampoo will help you make your color fade, so when buying the shampoo, check the label and ensure it contains this ingredient.

Baking soda is also a cleansing agent because it’s abrasive and exfoliates the toner from each and every thread. To prepare this mixture, you will need:

-Two tablespoons of baking soda

-10 ml of dandruff shampoo

What to Do:

• Mix these two ingredients until you obtain a homogeneous paste.
• Apply the resulting product to your hair and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
• Use lukewarm water when rinsing.

#3. Lemon Juice with Conditioner and Shampoo

You can mix lemon juice with both conditioner and shampoo. It has great bleaching and oxidizing properties, so your toner won’t stand a chance in front of this incredible mix.

If you want the remover to be as effective as possible, it is recommended to use the resulting paste within 24 hours. 

What to Do:

• Take a bowl and pour in your favorite conditioner. 
• Add three times the quantity of lemon juice. Adapt the amount of mixture to your hair length. 
• After mixing the two ingredients, pour the result on the strands and tresses in areas where you applied the toner. 
• Rub the hair in your hands and use a wide tooth comb to make sure the liquid is evenly spread on the whole surface. 
• Let it rest for 15-20 minutes maximum, and use a shower cap or a towel to cover the head. 
• Rinse your hair with warm water. 

#4. Dishwashing Liquid

Dishwashing liquid can be used alone to get toner out of hair or combined with lemon juice or clarifying shampoo.

Dishwashing products aim to remove grease and most deposits from your cutlery, plates, and pots, but that also makes them very harsh on hair and scalp. If you try this, treat it as a last resort and do it only once.

What to Do:

• Mix the dishwashing liquid with conditioner, shampoo, or lemon juice and apply it to your hair.
• Select medium strands and rub them in your hands to produce foam.
• Repeat the process until your whole mane is deeply covered with this mix.
• Let it rest so that the foam works and removes the toner.
• When washing your hair, ensure there is no foam, and the water runs clear through your tresses.

It is ideal for applying the dishwashing liquid ASAP, so the toner won’t have enough time to penetrate the hair thread and cuticle deeply. 

#5. Vitamin C Tablets and Hot Water

Just like lemon juice, vitamin C tablets are quite effective in getting toner out. These tablets are OTC, so you can purchase them from any pharmacy without fuss.

Vitamin C is not only good for removing toner but also a great remedy for dandruff. It clears impurities, removes debris from hair follicles, and stimulates hair growth.

Moreover, you can use crushed vitamin C when your scalp is itchy and dry.

What to Do:

• Use a bowl and a kitchen tool to crush the tablets.
• Add warm water or shampoo, and mix until you get a paste. 
• Spray some water on your hair, so it becomes damp. Apply on dyed areas. 
• Let it rest for about an hour, and wash your hair with lukewarm water. 
• Dry the hair with a towel and apply a leave-in conditioner. Once the toner is removed, use a nourishing shampoo, conditioner, and hydrating hair products. 

Bonus: Hydrogen Peroxide (3% Only)

As mentioned before, most procedures for getting rid of toner work best if you apply them as soon as possible. After one day, the toner can penetrate the hair cuticle, and it will be harder to remove.

If that happens, hydrogen peroxide may help fade the toner. It is one of the most aggressive options, so use it carefully.

Use 3% hydrogen peroxide only. Do not use developer strengths. Before taking action, read the label properly and wear disposable gloves.

What to Do:

• Mix 3% hydrogen peroxide with water in a 1:1 ratio.
• Apply it to the toned strands only. Avoid spreading it on your scalp.
• Check your strands every minute. Do not leave it on longer than 5 to 10 minutes.
• Rinse well with lukewarm water, then shampoo once.
• Use a deep conditioner right away. This method can make hair feel rough and less soft, so add masks, conditioners, and hair oils to help restore softness.

Hair toners are a fabulous way to transform your hair into a statement, to obtain unique nuances, and boost your self-esteem. But what can you do when things don’t go according to plan, and you need to remove the toner ASAP?

The options presented above are tested and highly appreciated by women who had to deal with more than a bad hair day. Good luck with the process, and let us know which method worked for you in the comments.