We know that achieving greys, purples and pastels in your hair can sometimes be difficult or unpredictable. However, with some of our DIY tricks, we will show you how to tone your hair quickly and easily at home – giving you an awesome look without breaking the bank. So let’s dive into how to give yourself a salon-quality hairdo from the comfort of your own home. Read on for some top tips on achieving beautiful tresses minus toners!

If you’re not thrilled with your hair color and are looking for a way to give it that perfect hue without the use of harmful toners, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll show you how easy it is to tone your locks at home using natural ingredients that won’t damage or strip the strands. So if ‘stay-at-home’ coloring has been on your mind lately, then read on! We’ll let you in on exactly how to tone hair without toner without spending hours in the salon chair.
Why May You Want to Tone Hair Without Toner?
1 . To Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Toning hair often involves using toner, which is a chemical product that helps to neutralize brassy tones in blonde or lightened hair. While it can be effective in achieving the desired color, toner also contains harsh chemicals such as ammonia and peroxide, which can cause damage to the hair and scalp. By learning how to tone hair without toner, you can avoid exposing your hair to these chemicals and potentially damaging it.
2. To Save Time and Money
Toning hair with toner can be a time-consuming and costly process. Not only do you need to purchase the toner itself, but you also have to spend extra time at the salon or doing it yourself at home. By learning alternative methods to tone hair without toner, you can save both time and money.
3. To Embrace Natural Hair Tones
Some people prefer a more natural look for their hair and may not want to alter the color with toner. By learning how to tone hair without toner, you can embrace your natural tones and enhance them without the use of chemicals.
4. To Experiment with Different Techniques
There are multiple ways to tone hair without using toner, such as using lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. By trying out different techniques, you can find what works best for your hair and experiment with various shades and tones.

5. To Avoid Damage
As mentioned before, toner contains harsh chemicals that can damage the hair and scalp. By avoiding toner and using alternative methods to tone hair, you can prevent any potential damage and keep your hair healthy.
6. To Try Temporary Solutions
Toner typically lasts for a few weeks before needing to be touched up or redone. By learning to tone hair without toner, you can try temporary solutions that will wash out over time, giving you the flexibility to change your hair color more frequently.
7. To Save Your Color-Treated Hair
If you have recently dyed or bleached your hair, using toner can strip away some of the color and result in an undesired shade. Opting for toner-free methods can help preserve the color and keep your hair looking vibrant for longer. So, if you want to maintain the color of your treated hair without using toner, learning alternative methods is a great option.
13 Ideas on How to Tone Hair Without Toner
1 . Use a Purple Shampoo and Conditioner
One of the most common ways to tone hair without toner is by using a purple shampoo and conditioner. Purple products contain pigments that help neutralize brassy or yellow tones in blonde hair. Using a purple shampoo and hair conditioner regularly can gradually tone your hair, giving it a cooler, more ashy appearance. This method is great for maintaining your hair’s tone between salon visits.
2. Try a DIY Vinegar Rinse
Vinegar has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various beauty and health concerns, including toning hair without toner. Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spritz it onto damp hair after shampooing. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it out. The acidity in vinegar helps remove build-up and can also help tone down brassy tones.
3. Apply Purple Hair Dye
If your hair is already light blonde, you can use a purple hair dye to tone it without using toner. Mix the hair dye with the developer according to the instructions, and leave it on your hair for the recommended amount of time. Be sure to do a strand test first to determine how long you should leave the dye on for the best results.

4. Use Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is known for its anti-inflammatory and calming properties, but it can also help tone blonde hair without using toner. Brew a strong cup of chamomile tea, let it cool down, and use it as a final rinse after shampooing your hair. Chamomile can enhance blonde tones and give your hair a natural golden hue.
5. Apply Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is another natural ingredient that can help tone blonde hair without using toner. The acidity in lemon juice can help remove brassy tones and give your hair a brighter, more vibrant appearance. Mix equal parts of lemon juice and water in a spray bottle and apply it to damp hair. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing it out.
6. Use Purple Toning Drops
Another option for toning hair without toner is using purple toning drops. These drops are highly concentrated, so a little goes a long way. You can mix them with your conditioner or hair mask for a quick toning treatment at home. Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully and adjust the amount of drops depending on your hair’s level of brassiness.
7. Try a Purple Hair Mask
Purple hair masks are another great option for toning hair without using toner. These masks often contain a combination of purple pigments and nourishing ingredients to help tone and revitalize blonde hair. You can use them as a weekly treatment or leave them on longer for a more intense toning effect.
8. Use a Color-Depositing Conditioner
Color-depositing conditioners are specifically designed to help maintain hair color between salon visits. You can find purple versions for toning blonde hair without using toner. These conditioners deposit a small amount of pigment every time you use them, gradually helping tone and refresh your hair’s color.
9. Apply Purple Hair Mousse
Purple hair mousse is another great product for toning blonde hair without using toner. It offers a more temporary solution compared to hair dye or color-depositing products. Apply it to damp hair and style as usual for a quick and easy toning effect. Just be sure to wash your hands immediately after applying, as the pigment can stain.

10. Use Heat-Activated Toning Spray
Similar to purple hair mousse, heat-activated toning sprays offer a temporary solution for toning hair without using toner. These sprays are often activated by heat styling tools and can help neutralize brassy tones while also providing heat protection for your hair.
11. Apply Purple Root Touch-Up Spray
If you’re looking to tone your roots without using toner, a purple root touch-up spray can be a great option. These sprays come in a range of shades and can help blend outgrown roots with the rest of your hair, while also toning them to match the rest of your color.
12. Try a Purple Hair Glaze
Hair glazes are often used as a final step in coloring hair to add shine and refresh the color. Purple hair glazes can also help tone blonde hair without using toner. They often contain a combination of purple pigments and conditioning agents to give your hair a subtle, natural-looking tone.
13. Visit a Professional Colorist
Finally, if you’re struggling with toning your hair at home, it’s always best to seek the help of a professional colorist. They have the knowledge and expertise to assess your hair’s current tone and recommend the best toning techniques for achieving your desired look without causing damage or over-toning. They can also help correct any mistakes or brassy tones from at-home toning attempts. So, don’t hesitate to book a salon visit if you’re unsure about toning your hair without toner on your own.
With these ideas, you can effectively tone your hair without using toner and maintain a beautiful, cool-toned blonde look! Always remember to do patch tests and follow instructions carefully for the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Tone My Hair Without Using Toner?
Yes, you can! Toning your hair without toner is not only possible but also a great way to save some money and time. There are various natural ingredients that can act as toners for your hair, giving them the desired color and shine.

How Does It Work?
Toning your hair without toner works by using natural ingredients that have acidic or alkaline properties. These properties help to balance the pH level of your hair, which is essential for maintaining its color and health.
Conclusion
Overall, toning hair without toner is possible by using alternative products to create the desired shade. What’s so great about this approach is that because you don’t need to worry about damage associated with toners, you can easily adjust your color until it is just right. However, if you want long-term or dramatic results, it is best to visit a professional salon-albeit a pricey option compared to DIY products.
Now you know how to tone hair without toner! Whatever route you take, always remember to patch test prior and adhere to the instructions for optimal safety and effectiveness. It may take some experimentation on your end, but once mastered, toning without toner becomes an easy and enjoyable task. So why wait? Get creative and express yourself through a spectrum of unique colors. With these tips in hand, you’re well on your way towards achieving beautiful hair at home!
About the Author
Jane Hubbard is a passionate beauty expert with a wealth of experience in makeup, hair, and overall beauty techniques. After years of working as a hairdresser specialist, she followed her entrepreneurial spirit and started her own consultancy business.
Jane has always been driven by her desire to help others feel confident in their own skin, and she does this by sharing her knowledge, experiences, and practical beauty tips. Through her consultancy, she empowers individuals to embrace their unique beauty, offering tailored guidance that boosts both self-esteem and personal style.
Professional Focus
- Specializes in makeup, hairstyling, and beauty consulting.
- Provides personalized beauty advice, tips, and techniques to help individuals feel confident in their appearance.
- Dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends and developments.
- Passionate about creating a comfortable and empowering experience for every client.
Education History
- University of Craft and Design – Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Woodworking and Furniture Design
- Woodworking Apprenticeships – Extensive hands-on training with skilled craftsmen to refine carpentry and furniture making techniques
- Online Courses & Masterclasses – Continued education in advanced woodworking techniques, design principles, and specialized tools
Expertise:
- Makeup artistry, hairstyling, and beauty consulting.
- Personalized beauty techniques to enhance confidence and self-expression.
- Educating clients on how to maintain their beauty routines at home.