4 Natural Ash Toning Formulas + Tips For Mastering The Service

Toning is equivalent to icing a cake or applying top coat after a nail service. It’s the final step that can neutralize brassy tones and add a serious wow factor to your end result. To help you master that, we are breaking down four toning formulas + tips for achieving the perfect hue from some of the best painters on Instagram (@paintedhair, @prettylittleombre, @danielmbeauty and @rochellegoldenhairstylist). Plus, with the new Redken Shades EQ Natural Ash series, creating icier finishes has never been easier! Scroll down for the deets. 

Products Used

Demi-Permanent Color

Shades EQ

Redken

Color Protecting

Color Extend Magnetics Sulfate-Free Shampoo

Redken

Painted Ash By @paintedhair

Toning formula:

• Apply Redken Shades EQ 6A + Processing Solution and melt down into Shades EQ 9NA + Processing Solution.

Quick toning tip for balancing warmth and achieving brightness:

• Always tone on tone! Often times, colorists formulate for a level that is lighter than what the client’s hair is actually lifted to. Instead, tone to their actual level to avoid any unbalanced warmth.
• For example, to take a Level 5 client to pale Level 9 highlights, you must lift first to Level 9/10. If the hair only lifts to Level 8, the primary visible pigments are yellow and orange. Toner can CANCEL these pigments but cannot add brightness for a Level 9 result.

Total Toning Transformation by @danielmbeauty

Toning formula:

• Apply Shades EQ 09A + 09V + 09P and Processing Solution at the root, then blend down into Shades EQ 04NA + 06T + 05G and Processing Solution. 

Quick toning tip for avoiding unwanted tones:

• If blonde hair is pulling unwanted tones (like hints of green, purple or blue), try using a porosity equalizer spray before toning. This will ensure an even canvas and even end results.

Soft And Bright by @rochellegoldenhairstylist

Toning formula:

• Apply Shades EQ 7N + 6NA + capful of 6G and Processing Solution, then gloss with 9B + 9NW + Clear and Processing Solution. 

Quick toning tip for achieving the best end result:

• Turn toning into a technique clients can see. Towel-dry the hair and comb it out at the bowl, then take the guest back to the chair where there is good lighting.
• Continue to dry the hair until it’s 70 percent dry. This way, you can read the color better and create softer, more precise formulas.

Brunette Balayage Top Coat by @prettylittleombre

Toning formula:

• Shades EQ 8N + 8NA + 9V + Processing Solution 

Quick toning tips for maintaining color: 

• Use products that balance pH levels, or the hair will be too high in alkaline.
• Avoid using high alkaline styling products like hairspray to keep the haircolor from fading.
• Recommend toning shampoos and conditioners (like the Redken Color Extend Magnetics Sulfate-Free Shampoo or Color Extend Blondage Shampoo/Conditioner) to clients for longevity in between appointments.