How to tone when you have multiple levels present

THIS USED TO GIVE ME SO MUCH ANXIETY!

My answer might be a little bit controversial 😅 But I really base it on the specific situation that I’m dealing with.

👉🏼 What we’re taught is that if we want to cool off the warmth living in those level 7/8 pieces that we need to tone with a level 7 that can neutralize that warmth. BUT, if we do that on a canvas that also has bright level 9 pieces, we run the risk of darkening the level 9 pieces and making them look overly toned and way too cool.

👉🏼 In a case where my client wants to overall feel really bright, I usually compromise and tone with a lighter level, like a 9 that’s cool toned, knowing that this likely won’t have a huge effect on those warm level 7/8 pieces. Might it very slightly take the edge off of the warmth? Maybe. But I can’t really guarantee any neutralization of a level 7 piece when I’m using a level 9. BUT, it will keep my client feeling bright and more blonde. Will they have some pops of warmth? Yes. But will they overall feel brighter? Also yes.

👉🏼 So it really comes down to the individual client and having an in depth conversation with them about what’s important: absolutely NO WARMTH whatsoever, or feeling brighter and lighter with potentially some warm pieces throughout?

I talk about allll this stuff on my virtual education platform BCU. There are over 150 tutorials covering so many topics. And I always touch on the why behind my choices! Click HERE if you want to learn more!