Struggling to find the perfect toner for your blonde hair? You’re not alone! When it comes to achieving flawless blonde tones, Wella toners are a favorite among DIY hair enthusiasts and professionals alike. Their two most popular toners, T14 and T18, are often compared and debated for their subtle yet distinct differences.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at these two toners, break down their unique characteristics, and help you make the best choice for your blonde hair goals.
What is a Hair Toner and What Does It Do?
Before we compare T14 and T18, it’s important to understand what hair toner is and why it’s essential in achieving your desired color.
Hair toners are semi-permanent hair color products that are typically used after bleaching. When you bleach your hair, the process removes natural pigments, often leaving behind warm or brassy undertones (like yellow or orange). Toners work by neutralizing these unwanted tones, using the color wheel as a guide to counteract colors (like purple to cancel out yellow), helping you fine-tune your color for a more polished, professional look.
For example:
- Yellow tones are neutralized with violet-based toners.
- Orange tones are neutralized with blue-based toners.
T14 and T18 are specifically designed to neutralize brassiness and deliver cool, ashy blonde tones. However, their effectiveness depends on your starting hair color and what you want your final look to be, especially if it involves targeting yellow tones.
What is Wella T14?
Wella T14 is a blue-based toner that neutralizes orange tones in bleached hair. The blue pigments effectively counteract the warmth of orange, creating a cooler, more subdued blonde shade. It delivers a pale ash-blonde finish with subtle greyish undertones, perfect for achieving a soft, cool blonde look.
T14 is especially effective at removing orange or brassy tones from bleached hair, which is common with darker natural hair colors.
For those aiming for a muted silver or blonde tone, T14 provides consistent, reliable results without leaving an overly warm finish. It can also be combined with other toners to enhance grey or silver tones, adding depth to your final shade.
What is Wella T18?
Wella T18 is another popular toner from the brand, known for its ability to produce an icy, platinum blonde shade. It contains a blue-violet base with violet pigments that help to neutralize yellow and orange tones in bleached hair. This toner is perfect for those looking to achieve a cool-toned blonde or silver result, as it delivers a bright, almost white finish.
Some people may find that Wella T18 can leave their hair with a slightly purple tint if left on too long. To avoid this, it's important to closely monitor the development time and rinse out the toner once you've reached your desired shade. Alternatively, you can mix T18 with a bit of T11 for a more subtle, ash blonde result.
Other Wella Toners for Blonde Hair
Other toners in the Wella range can help achieve various shades of blonde, such as T35 (beige), T14 (pale ash blonde), and T27 (medium beige blonde). It's important to note that each person's hair may react differently to these toners, so it's always best to do a strand test first before applying it all over your hair.
Key Differences Between Wella T14 and T18
While both toners are from Wella’s Color Charm line, there are significant differences in tone, base color, and results. Here's how they compare:
Tone
- T14 (Pale Ash Blonde): Has a more silver, ashy tone. Ideal for creating a smoky, platinum look.
- T18 (Lightest Ash Blonde): Offers a brighter, frostier finish with more of a violet undertone. Great for achieving that icy blonde look.
Base Color
- T14: Blue-based toner. The blue tones work especially well on orange undertones, neutralizing them effectively.
- T18: Violet-based toner. Often used on yellow undertones to achieve the pale, white-blonde look.
Results
- T14: Produces cooler, deeper ash blonde tones with a slightly grey or silver effect. Ideal for darker blonde shades or hair with more pronounced orange undertones.
- T18: Creates a much brighter and lighter result, designed for hair that has been lifted to a very light yellow base.
Key takeaway:
Choosing between T14 vs T18 largely depends on your current hair color. T14 is better suited for hair with orange tones, while T18 is perfect for light yellow hair that needs a frosty finish.
How to Choose the Right Toner for Your Hair
Selecting the right toner comes down to two things
Your Current Hair Level
- Wella toners work best on hair that has been lightened to at least level 9 (pale yellow) or level 10 (platinum blonde).
- If your hair is darker or excessively brassy, you may need to bleach again before toning.
Your Desired Result
- Go for T14 if you want a cool, smoky ash blonde or silver effect.
- Choose T18 for that bright white, platinum blonde finish.
Not sure what level your hair is? Use a hair level chart to help you identify your starting point before toning.
What Other Factors Should I Consider When Choosing a Toner?
Besides the current color of your hair and the desired result, there are a few other things to keep in mind when selecting a toner.
First, consider your hair’s porosity. This refers to how easily your hair absorbs and retains moisture. If you have high porosity hair (meaning it is more prone to damage and absorbs products quickly), you may want to opt for a toner with a lower developer volume, such as a 10 or 20. This will help prevent further damage and ensure the toner is not too harsh on your hair.
On the other hand, if you have low porosity hair (meaning it has difficulty absorbing moisture), you may need a higher developer volume, such as a 30 or 40, for the toner to effectively penetrate your hair strands.
Additionally, consider any previous chemical treatments or color processes you have done on your hair. If your hair is already damaged from bleaching or coloring, it’s best to choose a gentle toner formula and use caution when selecting the developer volume.
If you are unsure about which toner or developer volume to use, consult with a professional hairstylist who can assess your individual hair needs and provide personalized recommendations.
With proper application and maintenance, toner can be a game-changing addition to your hair care routine, helping to achieve that perfect shade of blonde without damaging your locks.
Application Tips and Tricks for Best Results
To get the most out of your Wella toner, follow these expert tips:
1. Mix It Properly:
Mix 1 part toner with 2 parts 20-volume developer. Always use a non-metallic bowl to avoid chemical reactions.
2. Apply to Damp Hair:
Toners work better on slightly damp, towel-dried hair. This ensures even application and helps the toner absorb more effectively.
3. Start at the Most Brassy Areas:
Begin applying the toner where brassiness is the worst, usually at the roots or crown.
4. Timing is Key:
Leave the toner on for 15-30 minutes, depending on your desired intensity. Check your hair frequently to avoid over-toning.
5. Rinse Thoroughly:
Once you’ve achieved the desired tone, shampoo and condition your hair using color-safe products.
Pro Tip: Use a purple shampoo between toning sessions to maintain cool tones and prevent brassiness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even seasoned hair colorists can run into issues if they’re not careful. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when using Wella T14 or T18:
- Skipping the Strand Test: Always test the toner on a small section of hair to see how it reacts before applying it to your whole head.
- Using the Wrong Developer Volume: Wella recommends a 20-volume developer for toners. Using a higher volume can damage your hair.
- Toning Hair That’s Too Dark: If your hair isn’t light enough, the toner won’t achieve the desired effect.
- Leaving the Toner on for Too Long: Over-toning can result in unwanted grey or purple hues.
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Not Using Proper Aftercare: Always use sulfate-free, color-safe products to preserve your toned hair. Avoid excessive heat styling, as it can fade the color.
FAQs
Can I mix T14 and T18 together?
Yes! Many people mix the two to create a custom shade of ash blonde. However, ensure your hair level suits both tones before combining.
How long does the toner last?
On average, Wella toner lasts around 3-4 weeks, depending on how often you wash your hair and the products you use.
Can I use Wella toner on unbleached hair?
Toner works best on pre-lightened (bleached) hair. Using it on unbleached hair may not produce noticeable results.
How often can I tone my hair?
It’s best to wait at least 4-6 weeks between toning sessions to avoid over-processing your hair.
What if my toner turns purple or grey?
This usually happens when the toner is left on for too long. Don’t worry! It typically fades after a few washes.
Should I use Wella T14 or T18 for orange hair?
If your hair is more brassy or orange, go for Wella T14. If it’s more yellow, opt for Wella T18.
What Toner Should You Use for Naturally Dark Hair?
For naturally dark hair, it’s best to consult with a professional colorist to find the best toner option, especially if you’re aiming for shades like pale blonde or silver blonde. They can recommend the right formula to achieve your desired look without damaging your hair. Keep in mind that darker hair may need multiple toning sessions to reach lighter shades, so patience is important.
Making the Final Choice
Choosing between Wella T14 and T18 doesn’t have to be intimidating, especially when you understand how to dye your hair correctly. By understanding the base colors and effects of each toner, you can achieve the perfect blonde for your hair goals. Whether you’re going for a cool, smokey ash (T14) or icy platinum (T18), the key is to start with the right hair level and prep correctly.
Take the plunge, get your toner and hair tools ready, and transform your locks into salon-worthy blonde at home!
