Generally, yes, toner is okay for hair and typically less damaging than permanent hair color.
Toner primarily deposits pigment on the surface of the hair shaft, rather than penetrating deeply like permanent hair color does. Because it works on the surface, it's less likely to cause significant damage. Permanent hair color, on the other hand, alters the hair's structure to deposit color, which can potentially lead to dryness and breakage.
Here's a breakdown to further illustrate the point:
- How Toner Works: Toner deposits color onto the hair shaft's surface.
- Potential Benefits:
- Corrects brassiness or unwanted tones.
- Adds shine.
- Enhances existing color.
- Less damaging than permanent color.
- Potential Drawbacks:
- Doesn't lighten hair.
- Results are temporary.
- May not cover gray hairs effectively.
| Feature | Toner | Permanent Hair Color |
|---|---|---|
| Color Deposition | Surface of hair shaft | Deep into hair cuticle |
| Damage Potential | Low | Higher |
| Color Change | Tones existing color, doesn't lighten | Can lighten or darken hair significantly |
| Permanence | Temporary | Permanent |
| Primary Use | Correcting tones, adding shine | Significant color changes, gray coverage |
Important Considerations:
While toner is generally considered safe, overusing it or applying it incorrectly could potentially lead to dryness. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and consider consulting a professional stylist for best results, especially if you have damaged or very porous hair.
In conclusion, toner is generally a safer option compared to permanent hair color for achieving subtle color changes and correcting unwanted tones, as it works primarily on the surface of the hair and causes less damage.
