Blonde hair can be a dream come true, but dealing with unwanted orange tones can quickly turn it into a nightmare. In the world of at-home hair coloring, Wella T14 and T18 are hailed as the go-to toners for banishing those pesky brassy hues and achieving the coveted icy blonde look. However, choosing between the two can be a daunting task for many. Understanding the differences and benefits of Wella T14 and T18 is essential for achieving the perfect blonde shade. In this article, we delve into the Battle of the Blondes: Decoding Wella T14 vs T18 to help you make an informed decision and confidently tackle orange hair woes.
Understanding Wella T14 And T18 Toner
Wella T14 and T18 toners are popular choices for neutralizing unwanted orange tones in bleached hair. T14 is known as the “Pale Ash Blonde” shade, ideal for light blondes with orange or brassy undertones. It helps to counteract the warm tones and create a cool-toned, ash blonde look. On the other hand, T18 is the “Lightest Ash Blonde” shade and is more suitable for pale yellow or light orange hues. It works to lift the hair color to a pale blonde while neutralizing any yellow tones.
Both toners are permanent liquid hair toners that contain ammonia and must be mixed with a developer before application. They are best used on pre-lightened hair to achieve the desired results. It’s essential to follow the instructions precisely and perform a strand test beforehand to determine the processing time needed for your hair. Understanding the differences between Wella T14 and T18 toners can help you choose the right one based on your current hair color and desired end result, ensuring a successful toning experience.
Identifying Orange Tones In Hair
Orange tones in hair can be a common challenge for those seeking to achieve a cool blonde shade. Identifying these unwanted tones is crucial in selecting the right toner to neutralize them effectively. Orange tones typically appear in hair that has been lightened from darker shades and contain residual warm pigments such as red and orange.
To identify orange tones in hair, look for strands that have a brassy, coppery hue rather than a desired ash or cool blonde tone. Lighting conditions play a significant role in spotting these tones, as direct sunlight or bright indoor lighting can make orange undertones more apparent. Additionally, if your hair appears more yellow than pale yellow or white, it is likely that underlying orange tones are present.
When identifying orange tones, consider the level of lightness of your hair as well. Lighter blonde shades are more prone to showing orange undertones due to the natural warmth present in the hair’s pigment. By recognizing and pinpointing these orange tones, you can make an informed decision on whether Wella T14 or T18 is the right toner to help you achieve your desired cool blonde look.
How Wella T14 Works To Neutralize Orange Hair
Wella T14 is a popular toner that works effectively to neutralize unwanted orange tones in bleached hair. Formulated with violet-blue undertones, Wella T14 is specifically designed to cancel out the brassy hues often left behind after lightening hair. When applied to orange-toned hair, the purple pigment in Wella T14 helps to counteract the warm tones by creating a more neutral, ashier blonde result.
The key to how Wella T14 works lies in the color wheel principle – purple is opposite yellow and orange on the color wheel, making it the ideal shade to combat brassiness. By depositing the violet pigment onto the hair strands, Wella T14 effectively cancels out the orange undertones, resulting in a cooler blonde shade. This toner is a go-to choice for those looking to achieve a more ashy, platinum blonde look by eliminating any traces of unwanted orange hues.
Overall, Wella T14 acts as a powerful tool in the battle against orange hair, providing a reliable solution for those seeking to achieve a more refined and balanced blonde tone. Its ability to neutralize brassiness and deliver a cooler, more even color makes it a favorite among DIY hair enthusiasts and salon professionals alike.
How Wella T18 Works To Neutralize Orange Hair
Wella T18 is a popular toner known for its ability to neutralize orange tones in bleached hair, providing a cool-toned, ash blonde result. This toner is specifically formulated to counteract unwanted warm tones, making it perfect for individuals looking to achieve a more balanced and natural-looking blonde hue. Wella T18 works by depositing violet-blue undertones onto the hair shaft, effectively canceling out any brassy or orange undertones present.
When applied to pre-lightened hair, Wella T18 lifts and tones the hair simultaneously, creating a seamless, even color result. The violet pigments in the toner work to neutralize the yellow and orange tones that can often develop as a result of the bleaching process, leaving the hair looking fresh, cool, and vibrant. With its gentle formulation, Wella T18 helps achieve a beautiful, ash blonde shade without causing any damage to the hair, making it a popular choice among those seeking to banish orange tones and achieve a more refined, salon-quality finish.
Choosing Between Wella T14 And T18 For Your Hair
When deciding between Wella T14 and T18 for toning your hair, it’s essential to consider your current hair color and the desired end result. Wella T14 is better suited for toning blonde hair to a pale ash blonde shade with a hint of silver, ideal for neutralizing brassy or yellow tones. On the other hand, Wella T18 is designed to create a light ash blonde result with a subtle violet tint, perfect for canceling out orange hues in light blonde hair.
If you are aiming for a cooler, ashier blonde tone, Wella T14 would be the preferred choice. It works effectively on hair that is already light blonde and helps achieve a platinum-like finish. Alternatively, if your hair has more orange or yellow undertones that you want to neutralize, opting for Wella T18 can help you achieve a light ash blonde look with a slightly cooler tone.
Ultimately, the decision between Wella T14 and T18 comes down to your hair’s current shade and the specific toning effect you desire. Understanding the nuances of these two products will help you achieve the blonde hair of your dreams while effectively combating any unwanted orange tones.
Application Process For Wella T14 Toner
To apply Wella T14 toner, start by washing your hair with a gentle shampoo to remove any dirt or residue. Towel-dry your hair until it is slightly damp. Put on gloves to protect your hands and section your hair into small sections. Using a tint brush or applicator bottle, apply the toner evenly from root to tip, making sure to saturate each strand completely.
Once the toner is applied, leave it on for about 20-30 minutes, checking periodically to see the progress. Keep in mind that the toner may develop differently depending on your hair’s starting color and texture. After the recommended processing time, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear. Follow up with a conditioner to keep your hair nourished and smooth. Lastly, style your hair as desired and enjoy your newly toned blonde locks!
Application Process For Wella T18 Toner
To apply Wella T18 toner effectively, start by shampooing your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any buildup and open the hair cuticles. Towel-dry your hair until it is damp but not dripping wet. Put on gloves to protect your hands and an old t-shirt to avoid staining your clothes.
Mix the Wella T18 toner with a 20 volume developer in a 1:2 ratio in a non-metallic bowl. Use a tint brush to apply the toner mixture evenly throughout your hair, starting from the roots and working your way down to the ends. Make sure all of your hair is fully saturated with the toner to achieve even results.
Once the toner is applied, leave it on for about 15-30 minutes, depending on the level of lightness you desire. Keep an eye on your hair during the processing time to monitor the toning progress. After the processing time is up, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear. Finish off by conditioning your hair to restore moisture and keep it smooth and shiny.
Tips For Maintaining Your Blonde Hair After Toning.
Maintaining your blonde hair after toning is essential for keeping your desired shade vibrant and long-lasting. Invest in a quality purple shampoo and conditioner to help neutralize any brassiness and maintain the cool tones achieved with Wella T14 or T18. Use these products regularly, alternating with your regular shampoo, to keep your blonde looking fresh and bright.
In addition to using purple toning products, consider reducing the frequency of washing your hair to prevent color fading. Opt for dry shampoo in between washes to absorb excess oil and refresh your style without stripping the toner from your hair. When washing your hair, use lukewarm water instead of hot water to help preserve the toner and prevent color fading.
Lastly, protect your blonde hair from heat styling tools by using a heat protectant spray before blow-drying, straightening, or curling. Limit the use of high heat settings on your styling tools to avoid damaging your hair and causing the color to fade. Regular trims and deep conditioning treatments can also help maintain the health and vibrancy of your blonde hair post-toning.
FAQs
What Is The Difference Between Wella T14 And T18 In Terms Of Toning Orange Hair?
Wella T14 and T18 are both toners used to eliminate orange tones from bleached hair. The key difference lies in the undertones they target. T14 is designed to cancel out pale yellow undertones, making it ideal for orange hair with more yellow tones. On the other hand, T18 is best for hair with more brassy orange undertones, as it is formulated to counteract those warmer tones effectively. It is essential to choose the right toner based on the underlying tones of the orange hair to achieve the desired cool, ash-blonde result.
Which Wella Toner Is More Suitable For Eliminating Brassiness In Blonde Hair – T14 Or T18?
For eliminating brassiness in blonde hair, Wella T18 is more suitable than T14. Wella T18 is known as the White Lady toner and is specifically formulated to eliminate yellow tones and brassiness in light blonde hair, providing a cool-toned result. On the other hand, Wella T14, known as the Pale Ash Blonde toner, is better for cancelling out more orange tones in light blonde hair. Therefore, if you are looking to neutralize brassiness in your blonde hair and achieve a cooler tone, Wella T18 would be the ideal choice.
How Do Wella T14 And T18 Differ In Their Undertones For Effective Hair Toning?
The main difference between Wella T14 and T18 hair toners lies in their undertones. Wella T14 has a pale green-blue undertone, ideal for toning down brassiness in light blonde hair. On the other hand, Wella T18 has a more violet-blue undertone, perfect for canceling out yellow tones in pale blonde hair. Choosing between the two will depend on the desired result and the current undertones in your hair. It is important to consider your hair color and the specific tones you want to neutralize to achieve the most effective hair toning results.
What Are The Recommended Application Techniques For Wella T14 And T18 To Achieve Desired Results In Banishing Orange Tones?
For Wella T14 and T18 toners, it is recommended to apply on pre-lightened hair for best results in neutralizing orange tones. To banish orange tones effectively, apply the toner generously to towel-dried hair and leave it on for about 20-30 minutes. For Wella T14, which has a pale ash tone, it is ideal for eliminating orange and yellow undertones. Whereas Wella T18, with a light ash blonde shade, helps to cancel out brassy hues and achieve a cooler blonde tone. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully and conduct a strand test before application to ensure desired results.
Can Wella T14 Or T18 Be Used With A Higher Developer To Combat Stubborn Orange Hues In Hair?
Yes, Wella T14 or T18 can be used with a higher volume developer like 20 or 30 to combat stubborn orange hues in hair. A higher volume developer will help lift the hair more effectively, allowing the toner to neutralize the orange tones and create a more ash or cool blonde result. It is important to monitor the processing time carefully to avoid over-processing the hair and causing damage.
Final Words
After exploring the battle between Wella T14 and T18, it is evident that both products offer effective solutions for banishing orange tones from hair. While T14 is ideal for achieving a cooler toned blonde with subtle ash undertones, T18 is better suited for a brighter, icy blonde look. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preferences and desired end results.
In the end, both Wella T14 and T18 are powerful tools in the battle against unwanted orange hues, providing users with the ability to achieve their desired shade of blonde. By understanding the nuances of each product and considering individual hair needs, one can confidently navigate the journey to flawless, salon-quality blonde hair.