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Question about hair dyeing/toning?

Published by Victor Sabino on Aug 15th 2023

Q:

I’m planning to dye my hair silvery/platinum blonde and then add some pink. My plan is to bleach, tone, and then apply the pink dye. My questions:

  1. Will the pink dye take over the toner, or do I need to dye the pink sections before toning the rest?

  2. What’s a good toner brand? I’ve never used one before.

  3. If it doesn’t turn out right, or I get tired of the color, can I just dye over it with a darker shade?

  4. How long should I wait between steps?

Thanks in advance!


Answer

If you’re not a professional colorist — or haven’t worked with high-lift tint before — be cautious. A lot depends on your current base color and whether your hair is virgin (untreated) or already colored.

  • If your hair already has permanent color, even 40-volume developer with high-lift tint won’t get you to a clean blonde; you’ll need a proper bleach process.

  • If your hair is virgin and a medium blonde (level 6 or lighter), you can achieve a light blonde using a high-lift tint with 40-volume developer and a neutral base with a green additive to counteract brassiness.


When Using Bleach

If you decide to bleach, it’s best to have a qualified stylist do it — not every stylist is comfortable with bleach.

  • Bleach lifts roots faster than ends, so apply carefully.

  • Once the roots reach a pale yellow (near platinum), gently finish the ends without overlapping previously lightened sections — this prevents breakage.

  • Never use 40-volume bleach on the ends repeatedly, or they’ll turn to mush.

After bleaching, dry your hair fully before applying any toner or pink dye.


For the Pink & Toner Steps

  • Section and foil the areas you want pink.

  • Between the foils, apply your toner to the remaining hair.

  • Use a low-volume (5-volume) developer with your toner, and always do a strand test first to preview the tone.

  • Aim for a level 9 neutral or slightly ash toner to achieve that cool platinum look.

  • Process for about 15 minutes, then carefully remove the foils one by one, rinsing as you go to avoid color bleeding.

If done carefully, this can look beautifully professional — but patience and precision are key.


If You Change Your Mind

Yes, you can dye over it later with a darker shade. Just know that once your hair is this light, it becomes porous and may grab color unevenly — so again, a stylist can help ensure an even result.


Aftercare

Bleaching and toning strip moisture from your hair, leaving it fragile and frizz-prone. Protect your investment with a moisture-sealing product.
We recommend Sabino Moisture Block, a waterproof, lightweight serum that locks in hydration and shields against humidity without buildup. It helps maintain shine, softness, and elasticity — especially important after bleaching.


In short:
If you want a platinum-and-pink result without breakage, go slowly, get professional help with the bleaching, and use products that protect your hair long-term — not just during color day.

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