Introduction

Brassy hair can be a frustrating issue for many, especially those with blonde or light brown hair. While Wella's Toner T18 has been a popular choice for neutralizing unwanted brassy tones, there are several other toners and products available that can effectively handle this concern. This article explores some of these alternatives, their effectiveness, and how to choose the right toner for your specific needs.

Popular Alternatives to Wella Toner T18

For those looking for options beyond Wella Toner T18, there are several products that can help neutralize brassy tones in hair. Here are some effective alternatives:

Wella Color Charm Toner N Series

One of the most popular alternatives is the Wella Color Charm Toner in the N series. This toner is specifically designed to counteract unwanted warm yellow or brassy tones, depositing a cool ashy tone. The N-18, for example, is a pale ash blonde toner that can be used to neutralize brassy warmth. However, it's important to note that these toners work best when applied on fresh bleach or after a color treatment has been completed.

Tressa Watercolors Toner

Another great option is the Tressa Watercolors Toner, which comes in a range of shades, including T-18, the lightest ash blonde. These toners deposit a subtle ash tone, making them excellent for gradually neutralizing brassiness. They work well for those who prefer a more natural look and want to maintain the health of their hair.

LOreal Paris Excellence Creme Hair Color

For those who prefer a more budget-friendly solution, the LOreal Paris Excellence Creme Hair Color offers toning shades like 9A, light ash blonde. This product can be used as a toner to reduce brassy warmth without significantly altering the hair color. It's a cost-effective choice for maintaining the color balance in your hair.

Clairol Shimmer Lights Shampoo

For a more budget-friendly and gentler solution, the Clairol Shimmer Lights Shampoo is a great choice. This purple shampoo can be used to gradually tone down brassiness over multiple washes, without causing damage to the hair. It's an excellent option for those who want a subtle, long-lasting effect rather than an immediate change in color.

My Recent Experience with Fanola and Revlon Toners

Recently, I have been experimenting with the Fanola 10.2F Platinum Blonde toner, which is a permanent color that quickly and deeply fades brassy tones. When applied on fresh bleach, it initially has a slight lilac tint but turns beautifully blonde after the first shampoo. This toner is applied alongside the tried and true Revlon Pro Nutri Color Cream for neutralizing pale golden pigments on level 9 bleached hair. There's no need for lift, and the results are stunning.

Other Bleaching and Toning Shampoos

For those who are not looking for a toner but need to neutralize brassiness, there are several other products available. For instance, the Fanola 10/81, 8/81, 10/81, and 10/6 shades offer a range of natural-looking grays. The Fanola 10/6 is specifically effective on pale yellow hair and requires careful application to avoid potential violets. These products can be found in different color lines such as colour fresh (semi permanent), colour touch (true semi permanent), and koleston perfect (demi permanent).

Silver and White Options

For a cooler effect, the Koleston 10/16 with pastel can be used to remove yellow tones, providing a more silver or white finish. Schwarzkopf also offers a variety of silver/white colors in the Igora Royal line, which can be a fantastic choice for achieving these effects.

Wella's Color Touch Line

Lastly, it's worth noting that Wella also has other toners in the Color Touch line, which can be a great choice depending on your specific needs. These products are formulated to offer a range of toning shades that can help neutralize brassy tones effectively.

Conclusion

The right toning product will depend on your starting hair color and the level of brassiness you are looking to counteract. It's always a good idea to do a strand test first to ensure the resulting tone is what you are aiming for. Experimenting with different toners can help you find the perfect solution for your brassy hair concerns.