Toning 101 with Quif Educator Sara Simpson
Published date 23 April 2026
As every colourist knows, understanding why and when we tone is just as important as knowing how to tone. Toning has become one of the most important stages in achieving the tone clients are asking for, such as a hair trend they’ve seen on socials or a colour they want to recreate from their favourite celebrity. And if you're a colourist who’s felt unsure about when, why or how to tone, then you’re definitely not alone. Collaborating with Quif Educator and toning formulation expert, Sara Simpson, we’ll guide you through all the toning basics, as well as Sara’s toning kitbag must-haves.
The shift in toning over the years
Sara explains, “Over my 25+ years in the industry, toning is one of the biggest shifts I’ve seen. Back in the late 90’s and early 2000’s, toning wasn’t something we relied on. The mindset was much simpler, being that if you needed to tone, you hadn’t lifted the hair well enough. Fast forward to today, toning is no longer seen as a correction, but more of a refinement.”
Toning is the stage where you take your client's hair from lifted to being bespoke and polished, creating a personalised finish that truly makes a difference to your clients look.
Why do we tone?
At its core, toning will adjust or enhance the underlying pigment that has been exposed when lightening. Sara tells us, “When we lift the client's hair, we’re obviously making it lighter, but we also reveal an underlying pigment.”
Depending on the level, that could be:
- Yellow
- Gold
- Orange
- Red
Using a toner will allow you to take control of that, giving you the ability to:
- Neutralise unwanted warmth
- Enhance tones, such as creamy, beige, icy, or soft gold tones
- Add depth & dimension
- Create a more expensive, bespoke finish
Sara suggests, “Rather than seeing toning as a fixing tool, we should see it as the final creative step in the process.”
Why do so many stylists still feel unsure when toning?
This is something that Sara sees all the time, even with experienced stylists who still second-guess themselves when it comes to toning.
Sara explains, “If you were trained in a time where toning wasn’t standard practice, it can feel like an extra, unnecessary step or even like you’ve done something wrong. But the industry has evolved! The trends we see all over social media, such as the modern blondes and lived-in colour all require toning.”
So, when should you be toning?
Sara tells us, “A good way to think about it is, if the lift is right, but not quite there yet, then it’s your moment to tone.”
When to reach for your toner:
- You want to create a more personalised result
- You need to refine the brightness or softness
- You’re working on pre-lightened or naturally light hair
- The hair needs rebalancing for a more even finish
Sara suggests, “Instead of asking yourself, ‘Have I lifted enough to avoid toning?’ start asking yourself, ‘What tone do I want to create from this lift?’ This is a small shift that changes everything!”
How to choose the right toning approach
Once you’ve understood why you’re toning, you now need to choose the right toning product. Luckily, with the Quif Professional range, you’re not limited to one way of toning. Let’s dive into the many colour systems Quif has to offer.
Magi:colour & Quint:essential
This is your go-to for versatile, everyday toning. Sara tells us, “Because of its dual system, you can use Magi:colour & Quint:essential as a toner or a demi, depending on what the hair needs. It’s perfect for refreshing fading colour, toning pre-lightened hair and creating those soft, wearable tones.”
If you’re wanting to create those natural, expensive-looking results, Magi:colour and Quint:essential are the toners your salon needs.
Magi:gloss
Sara tells us, “You can think of Magi:gloss as your quick fix and high impact toner. Magi:gloss is a dream to work with when you need quick and effective tonal control. It’s ideal for refining blondes quickly, neutralising any unwanted tones, and for those express services.”
Plus, it adds that stunning high-shine, glossy finish! Magi:gloss is fast and efficient, and can completely transform your end result.
Blast
Wanting to get more creative with your toning? That’s where Blast comes in. Sara tells us, “As a mainly vivid colour range, Blast is perfect for adding bold or expressive tones to your client's look, as well as creating pastels or subtle overlays.”
Sara also mentions, “With Blast, it’s less about correcting the colour of your client's hair, and more about creative direction. This product can give you the freedom to push colour in a more personalised, bespoke way.”
Think you know how and when to tone?
Remember, you’re not applying the same toning formula to every client as you're selecting the right approach based on their hair condition, porosity, longevity and desired finish. Toning will give you the control to tailor every result, and you’ll only get more creative the more you understand it. If you’re a hair colourist who wants to push your colour artistry further, discover the Quif Creative Toning & Formulations course with Sara herself so that you can achieve the desired tonal result with every client.
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