If you're new to the Wella Color Charm Permanent Liquid Toners, this will guide you through the steps I take to get an even, brass-free result from home. My aim here is to keep it as real and simplified as possible. Mix, tone, enjoy. No overwhelm needed.
The essentials you need
Wella Color Charm Permanent Liquid Toner
20 Vol Developer
Applicator Bottle (or bowl, but I prefer a bottle for this formula)
Tint Brush
Processing Cap
Gloves
Before you start
This isn't where I'm going to tell you to do a strand test, because if you're like me I know you're not going to do one. Instead, I just want to make note here that it's important that your hair is clean and as healthy as it realistically can be before you tone. This formula is a strong one, so any TLC you can do before toning will be beneficial.
I won't go in to great detail about it here, but this is my personal pre-colouring routine:
2 days before - Overnight oil treatment
1 day before - Scalp scrub, shampoo, masque and then condition. Minimal styling products.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Prep your hair.
Start with clean, damp (towel dreid) hair.
Use a wet brush or wide tooth comb to ensure there's no tangles.
Step 2: Put on gloves.
Step 3: Mix the toner.
In the applicator bottle, combine 1 part toner with 2 parts developer.
Shake the bottle well to form a gel-like consistency.
For example: For a 42ml bottle of Wella Toner, use 84ml of developer.
Applicator bottles usually have measurements on the side. But, heres how I measure mine: empty full bottle of toner in to the applicator bottle. Then, fill the empty toner bottle up with developer. Empty in to the applicator bottle. Repeat with developer again.
Step 4: Apply the toner.
Because I find the front pieces of absorb toner faster, I start applying to the back sections first. Work from the back to the front. Use a tint brush to work the toner in to the hair.
Step 5: Process
Pop on a processing cap to avoid any drips.
Let the toner process for up to 30 minutes, checking every 5-10 minutes.
Step 6: Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, then wash, masque and/or condition.
How I know when to rinse
When it's processing, some of the shades will torn dark purple. This is totally normal. Ideally I want the toner to stay on for the full processing time, as it helps with longevity.
But some hair (particularly if it's damaged) can process really quickly. When this happens hair can sometimes be left with a blue, purple or grey result. Because of this, I check ever 5-10 minutes by scraping off some of the toner and looking at the hair underneath.
A quick final note
In my opinion, less is more when it comes to colouring. What I mean is.. if it doesn't need toning, don't tone it. I avoid putting toner all over if my roots don't need it, for example.
Avoiding natural/darker roots is a good idea with this formula as it can lighten them slightly, and this can result in brassy roots (opposite of what we're looking for).
I hope that's given you everything you need to know, but the comments are open if you have any questions!
