Wella T18 Before and After Results with Instructions

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Wella T18 toner after picture when used on dark blonde hair with developer and no bleaching hair first

Wella T18 Instructions with Before and After Pictures

You can use Wella toner to change up your hair color easily at home. I recently wanted to get rid of the orange hues in my hair, so I used the Wella T18 toner to neutralize the brassiness.

Continue reading to learn how to use Wella T18 toner at home, and to see Wella T18 toner before and after pictures.

Here’s What Is Covered in This At-Home Hair Coloring Guide:

  • Wella T18 before and After
  • Wella T18 toner versus other toners
  • How to use Wella T18 toner + developer at home
  • Supplies needed to tone your hair at home
  • How to mix toner and developer
  • How to apply Wella T18 toner
  • Before and after pictures of Wella T18 toner
  • Frequently asked at-home hair coloring questions

P.S. If you have ANY questions about how to use toner or about bleaching your hair, please leave a comment below. I'll help you out!

Wella T18 Before and After Results

Want to see what your hair looks like after using Wella T18 toner plus 20 volume developer?

Below are the before and after pictures. 

The pictures below show how Wella T18 toner gets rid of brassiness and orange hair.

Before Pictures – Before Using Wella T18 Toner with 20 Developer

Note: These are the BEFORE pictures. This is when I had Wella T35 on my hair. Note: My hair had started to turn brassy and orange.

After Pictures – Hair after Using Wella T18 Toner (without Bleaching Hair First)

Below are the AFTER pictures. This shows what your hair may look like if you use Wella T18 toner on your hair. This is what my hair looked like using JUST 20 developer plus T18 toner.

I did not do the bleaching process this time around.

As you can see, my hair after using T18 with the developer is definitely lighter, but not super blonde.

After Pictures – Hair after Using Wella T18 Toner WITH Bleaching Hair First

If you bleach your hair first, Wella T18 toner will make your hair MUCH lighter.

It will be platinum blonde, like the picture below.

Wella T18 After Pic of using Wella T18 toner
Wella T18 After Pic

Wella T18 Toner vs. Other Wella Toners

Before getting started with Wella T18 toner, it’s important to note that Wella sells 8 permanent liquid toners.

I chose T18 this time because I wanted an ash tone to get rid of the orange hues in my brassy hair. Wella T18 toner is great to use on orange hair.

Wella Toner Chart

Wella T18 toner for covering orange and yellow hues compared to Wella T28, T10, T14, T18, T15, T11, T27, and T35 for silver, ash, and beige blondes
Wella T18 Toner vs. Wella Toners for Silver, Ash, and Beige Coloring

Wella T18 Versus Wella T35

I’ve also used Wella T27 and Wella T35 in the past. Wella T18 is for a light ash look and Wella T35 is for a warm, golden-colored look.

I may use Wella T14 or T11 next time I dye and tone my hair at home.

Supplies to Tone Your Hair at Home with Wella T18 

The supplies to tone your hair at home are simple.

You will need to bleach your hair blonde and then use a Wella T18 with the developer.

Below is what you need to tone your hair at home: 

1. Gloves

Any disposable gloves will do

2. Hair clips or hair ties

Any brand of hair clips will work

3. Wella toner

Wella T18 for this at-home hair coloring guide

4. 20 volume developer

I recommend Salon Care

5. Mixing bowl

You'll need a plastic mixing bowl or just a paper bowl to mix the bleach with the developer. 

6. Mixing container

You'll need a mixing container for the toner. Any mixing or plastic applicator bottle will work.

What to Buy on Amazon: Supplies to Bleach and Tone with Wella T18

  1. Gloves
  2. Hair Clips
  3. Wella T18 Toner
  4. Volume 20 Developer
  5. Mixing Bowl
  6. Mixing Container

Online Special from Amazon: Wella T18 Toner + 20 Volume Developer 

Wella T18 and developer
Wella T18 + Developer

View on Amazon

Wella T18 Instructions: How to Use Wella T18 Toner At Home

Wella T18 instructions are easy to follow. 

1. If Needed, Bleach Hair First

If your hair is dark, you need to bleach your hair first. You will need to mix bleach with a developer before using Wella T18 toner.

I recommend 20 volume developer.

Learn how to bleach your hair before using Wella T18 in the below YouTube video.

2. Mix Toner with Developer (1:1 Ratio)

The first step to using Wella T18 toner is to mix two parts developer with one part toner.

  • Pour the Wella T18 toner into the mixing bottle.
  • Fill up the empty toner bottle with volume 20 developer and pour it into the mixing bottle.
  • Fill up the empty toner bottle again with the developer and pour it into the mixing bottle.
  • Shake up the mixing bottle.

Wella T18 Toner Mixing Ratio: 2 parts developer with one part toner

3. Apply Wella T18 Toner and Wait 20-25 Min

The third step is to apply the Wella toner to your hair.

  • Make hair slightly wet. 
  • Put on gloves.
  • Apply the toner + developer solution from the mixing bottle onto your hair.
  • Wait 20-25 minutes (no more!).

What Wella T18 Toner Looks Like After 25 Minutes

Below is a picture of what the Wella T18 toner looks like after leaving it on for 25 minutes. It will turn purple. That’s okay!

Wella T18 toner on dark blonde hair for Wella T18 toner before and after on orange hair instructions
Wella T18 Toner After 25 Minutes

4. Rinse Out with Conditioner

  • Rinse out the toner with warm water in the shower.
  • Apply a sulfate-free conditioner.

5. Don't Wash Your Hair for 2-3 Days

Go easy on your hair for 3 days. (No shampoo, no pool, no blow drying or hair styling.)

How to Go Super Blonde with Wella T18 Toner

If you have darker hair and/or want to go platinum blonde, you need to bleach your hair before applying toner.

You’ll need to use a volume 20 developer (volume 30 if you have REALLY dark hair) and leave it on for about 20 minutes before using the Wella T18 toner plus developer mix on your hair.

Check out step 3 in this article to learn how to bleach your hair at home.

After you have bleached your hair, THEN you will apply the Wella T18 toner + developer solution to your hair.

Wella Toner YouTube Video Tutorials and Bleaching Hair Guides

Prefer to watch a video to learn how to use Wella T18 and Wella toners?

Check out these bleaching hair and blonde hair tutorials on YouTube. These YouTube videos show you Wella T18 toner before and after on orange hair too!

bleaching hair blonde instrcutions and Wella toner tutorials
How to Bleach Hair Blonde Tutorials

Watch YouTube Videos

What color Wella toner should I use?

It depends on what color you’d like.

Gold/Honey Colored Hair

If you want honey and warm/gold hair, go with T15, T11, T27, or T35. Wella T15 is the lightest color. Wella T35 is the darkest color.

Ash Blonde Hair

If you want ash blonde hair, go with Wella T28, T14, or T18. T18 is great if you are worried about having your hair look too yellow or orange.

Silver Blonde Hair

If you want silver or pale blonde hair, go with Wella T10.

Conclusion – Will I Use Wella T18 Again?

In conclusion, I’m happy with the results of using Wella T18 toner.

Wella T18 versus Wella T35

Even though I like the results of the Wella T18 toner, I might like the results of the before pictures with Wella T35 more! Wella T18 looks a bit washed out on me.

I think the Wella T35 color looks “richer” and more vibrant.

I have warm skin tones, so I’ll likely stick with Wella T15, T11, T27, or T35 moving forward. These are the best Wella toner colors for warm skin tones.

Wella T18 Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question that's not answered below? Leave a comment!

Do I need to bleach my hair before toning it with Wella T18?

If you only want to mildly change your hair color (like I did in this article), then you don’t need to bleach your hair before toning it at home.

However, if you truly want to go blonde, then YES – you need to bleach your hair first.

Will Wella T18 lift color?

Yes, if you mix Wella T18 with a developer, your hair will get lighter. The developer lightens hair.

What is the Wella T18 toner mixing ratio?

Mix 2 parts developer with one part Wella T18 toner.

What do I mix Wella T18 with?

You will need to mix Wella T18 toner with developer. I recommend the volume 20 developer by SalonCare.

Does Wella T18 toner need developer?

Yes! You need to mix Wella toner with a developer before applying it to your hair.

What does T18 Wella toner look like on brassy hair?

See the pictures above to see what Wella T18 toner looks like after applying it to brassy hair for 20 minutes. 😊

Will Wella T18 lighten my roots?

Yes! If you apply Wella T18 toner (mixed with the developer) to your hair, it will lighten all of your hair, including your roots.

How do I wash out Wella T18 toner?

After applying Wella T18 toner, wash it out in the shower with a normal conditioner.

How long should I keep Wella T18 toner on my hair?

You can keep your toner on your hair for up to 30 minutes. But I’d recommend much less than that!

If you are bleaching your hair first, I’d recommend leaving on the toner for 15-20 minutes.

If you are JUST using toner on your hair, I’d recommend leaving the toner for 25 minutes.

How much does it cost to tone my hair at home?

Toning your hair at home is pretty affordable.

Toner is usually $5-10 and the developer is $5-$15 depending on where you buy it.

After you’ve bought the basic supplies (mixing bottle, hair clips, and gloves), you can expect to spend about $10 to tone your hair at home. That’s much less than a salon visit!

Where can I buy Wella T18 toner?

You can buy Wella T18 toner from Sally's Beauty or Amazon. 

Can I mix Wella toners?

Yes! Many women like to mix Wella T18 with Wella T11.

What volume developer should I use with Wella T18?

I'd recommend you use 20 volume developer with Wella T18.

Less than 20 volume won’t lighten your hair enough, and 30 or 40 volume developer may damage your hair.

How can I go platinum blonde with T18?

For a more dramatic look (like the platinum blonde I had last summer!), you really need to bleach your hair first.

Then use Wella T18 toner.

More Wella Toner Guides: Wella T35 and Wella T27

Want to See More Wella Toner Before and After Results?

Wella T35 Before and After

Check out this Wella T35 toner guide if you want to see what Wella T35 toner looks like (no bleaching hair first).

Wella T27 Before and After

If you want to see what Wella T27 looks like, check out this Wella T27 toner guide. You'll see Wella T18 vs. Wella T27.

More Hair and Makeup Guides

Did you like this article? Give it 5 stars below and share it with friends on Facebook!

Here are more articles by Very Easy Makeup that you may love.

Hair Coloring Guides

How to Do Highlights on Hair

Medium Blonde Hair with Highlights: Before and After Pictures

Redken Irish Crème Toner: Before and After Pictures

Hair Care Guides for Damaged Hair

Olaplex 3 Review: The Best Conditioning Treatment for Damaged Hair

How to Fix Damaged Hair at Home

Hair Guides for Blondes

The Best Dry Shampoos for Blondes

How to Keep Blonde Hair Healthy and Growing

Hair Color Ideas

Black and Blonde Hair

I’d Love to Hear From You!

Please leave a comment below or message me on Facebook. I’d love to hear from you!

PS – Which color do you like more? The Wella T18 or the Wella T35, based on the before and after pictures above?

Lots of love!

Christina Marie from Very Easy Makeup (offering at-home hair coloring tips, very easy makeup tutorials, and beauty product reviews for women)

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30 Comments

  1. I used a hair color that made my hair go brassy. Can I wait a week then put a wella t-18. Toner on it?

    1. You do not need to wait a week, you just need to do it today and be sure to do it on freshly shampooed hair while it’s wet so that it spreads more evenly

    2. I did same thing dyed my hair that made it brassy. I used T18 and I feel my result is still too brassy. Can I do another toner, maybe another toner shade?

      1. Hi Andrea,

        I’m sorry to hear that T18 didn’t do the trick! T18 is the best toner at getting rid of brassiness, so the problem may be that you didn’t bleach your hair to be light enough first? I’d recommend giving your hair a break, and try putting a good purple shampoo on it for 15 minutes. I like the Oligo blacklight shampoo the most (https://amzn.to/3muzTDd), with the Fanola No Yellow as my second choice (https://amzn.to/2UJNLy6). Hope that helps!! <3

  2. I re bleached my roots level 4 to match up my ends which is level 11 . My hair is already damaged I used matrix ultimate bond no 3 in bleach 20vol didn’t get near the ends and my hair still snapped and didn’t budge from red orange re bleached still didn’t lift wat do I do y did my regrowth snap. It was 4 months of regrowth use salon products no colour in between please help

    1. I’m so sorry to hear that! I haven’t used the Matrix Bleach before. I’ve always used the SalonCare 20 volume developer (https://amzn.to/35nESeG) with the Prism Lites bleach (https://amzn.to/34hFcwf). If your hair didn’t get lighter, it’s possible you need to keep the bleach/developer combo on for longer (up to 30 min) or use a stronger developer (like 30). For now, I’d give your hair a break and use a deep conditioning treatment (https://amzn.to/2IO6KkB) and use the Olaplex No.7 bonding oil daily (https://amzn.to/35hOish). The good news is that it is now fall, so you can always go back to your natural-looking darker hair – which is probably beautiful and perfect for fall! My go-to for going darker (without damage!) is the John Frieda Deepening Treatment (https://amzn.to/3jhARxv). It only lasts 2-3 weeks, but it does darken your hair quickly and easily.

  3. Hi! These are great, thank you!
    Do you apply all over? I want it blended and nice, but I’m more yellow/brassy at my roots. If I apply all over will the bottom turn a different color?

    How much can it change the color if there aren’t brassy tones in it?

  4. I REALLY NEED YOUR HELP!! I mixed the toner and volume together then could not do it at the time so i put it all in a ziplock bag. I got home later that day and saw the toner turned purple inside of the bag before i used it on my hair. Can I still use it on my hair and will my hair still be blonde?

    1. Oh no!! Yeah…it turns purple after about 10 minutes. It’s probably safer to buy another bottle of toner and do it over again. I honestly don’t know though! I can’t imagine it being too bad if you just go ahead and put it on your hair. Just maybe leave it on for only 10 minutes vs. 20-30 minutes? If you are like me (and have no patience to wait to buy more toner tomorrow!), you could probably do it tonight with the purple toner concoction. Just don’t leave it on too long and know that it might not be as effective. Or know that your hair might be an interesting color afterward. That would be a fun way to say hello to 2021!!

      1. Hi! I don’t mean to be rude by barging in here, but I’m a chemistry nerd and a hair nerd, so I can answer Evelyn’s question definitively.:

        Evelyn, you can’t re-use the dye; you must use it immediately. The toner and developer are very strong chemicals, and the moment they are mixed together they begin oxidizing. It is supposed to oxidize on your hair. (The T18’s color change to purple is proof that the product is oxidizing.)

        As it oxidizes, it loses its strength, and more importantly, it becomes VERY unpredictable. Please, please just spend the 20 minutes and the $6 to get a new bottle of toner; I know it’s a pain. But if you don’t, your hair will come out blotchy at best, and fried, brittle, and broken at worst… (and probably some combination of the blotchy and fried)… and then you’ll be spending *a lot more* than $6 to have a professional fix it. Really. Save yourself the tears and frustration. Please trust me.

        Good luck!
        Jake the Chemist and Hair Nerd

        (PS: Christina, I love your site and you have terrific information in here. I couldn’t decide between T18, T11, or if I should mix them with some T35. You helped me make my decision– your photos are so helpful! I’m going to have my roommate subscribe to you since we share the house computer and she’s logged into YouTube all the time. Her name is Jill.)

  5. I am so happy I came across this article because I was told I couldn’t use toner on orange hair and you did. Your hair turned out nice and I am going to give it a try. I have read so many posts and all the ones I read said you should lighten/bleach hair until it is a pale blonde. Thanks for posting. I love this!

  6. Help I had pink hair did a color wash out that bleached my hair then I did a toner 18 and now have platinum I would like a darker ashy blonde any suggestions

    1. Hi Melanie! Thanks for the comment! I’m sorry to hear you don’t like the platinum color. =) It may look better than you think!! If the T18 is too platinum for you, you could try the Wella T14 Pale Ash Blonde or the T28 Natural Blonde. These shades are a bit darker. Sally’s should have these toners in stock!

    1. Hi Teri – Stay away from volume 40 developer! I’d throw it out if you own it. Volume 40 developer is really damaging and can burn your scalp. I’d recommend sticking with volume 20 developer, and leaving it on for 25-30 minutes vs. 20 minutes (which is what I do).

      1. Thanks so much for a quick reply. From reading online that was what I thought, but I wanted to check it out.

  7. Hello. Thx for the info. I have naturally dark brown hair and had balayage done recently. I feel My highlights are too brassy/orange now 🙁 What I want is more of a caramel color. Will using the T18 with 20 dev get me what I want? I’ve never used toner at home and I’m worried I may make my hair worse. Plz help

    1. Hi Toni! Thanks for the comment! I’m not sure T18 would be the best for a caramel color. It’s too pale. If your hair is light brown 5, choose Wella Color Charm T 35 so that your highlights get a caramel tone. If your hair is dark blonde 6, go for Wella T27 to give your highlights a medium caramel tone (source: https://botoxcapilar.org/toner-for-caramel-highlights/). Also, you could just using a good purple shampoo to get rid of the orange hues. Maybe give Fanola No Orange a try (https://amzn.to/2TC98R8)? Leave it on for 10 min.

  8. Hi. I love your post❤️ and would like to ask you a question. I dye my naturally light brown hair a dark blonde (Wella color charm – 6N/611) It always comes out brassy. What color would it come out if I use t18 toner?
    Thank you 🙂

    1. Hi Cindy Lee! From research online, it looks like women also use T18 to make it more silver. For an easy trick, I’d try a good purple shampoo for grey hair. Women with grey hair seem to love the Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Shampoo Blonde & Silver the most (https://amzn.to/3y9Uf78). It’s relatively inexpensive too! 😊

  9. Hi, I am surprised about your note to get the hair wet first. Everywhere else online it says that is a bad idea- and that toner like hair dye requires dry hair so that the follicle is able to absorb the toner. Also, if my hair is very damaged on the ends and not so damaged at my roots, is it safe to stagger the application and duration of leaving it in?

    1. Sorry sweetie, hate overstep on your article.
      @Marta. I’m curious as to how or if you proceeded with the toner. Wella toners actually give directions to apply on wet hair for even distribution, because it is a toner and not an actual dye. Toners are more for canceling out unwanted tones ie: yellow, orange, red.
      As hair dye deposits actual color so you want to do it dry, so that your hair follicle absorb better.
      but to answer your question. YES you can stager the toner, just keep watch on your roots when you see the color lifting I’d say after about 10-12mins to go ahead and add to the ends (re-dampen them if needed) for the last 10-11mins of processing..

  10. I’m going to bleach mine and my wife’s hair,we both have nearly black hair so I got 30 volume.Can someone please help me on this?Do I mix my toner with my bleach or do I bleach it first and mix my toner with my developer and tone after?

    1. Hi Kimberly – thanks for the question! First step is to bleach the hair by mixing the bleach with the 30 volume developer. Then, you’ll need to tone the hair by mixing the toner with the developer. I hope that helps!

  11. I am confused and really peeved off. I used a wella T 18 but it only worked on some of the brassy tones so I bought a T10 which is supposed to be blue based ( which is what I looked for) pale ash blonde, but it turned the yellowish tones a horrible ginger colour !!! Im like for feck sake! now I have very pale light blonde lengths with ginger roots. Not happy. No way is T 10 pale blonde.

    1. Hi Char. I’m so sorry to hear that you had a bad experience! Try a purple shampoo to get rid of the brassiness. I like Oligo Blacklight Shampoo the most (https://amzn.to/35BYVdD).

  12. what wella toners do I need to get ash gray color. I’m want to even out my gray

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