What toner is my hairdresser using?

Yeah I have to add, I was solely answering the question of how to work out what she uses (like just to satisfy your curiosity or whatever) you won't be able to get the same effect on yourself if she does woven foils! I agree that if you post a pic of what you want and what you have there will be people on here who will be able to advise good products and manage your expectations for what you will be able to achieve at home with a good quality bleach and some method of toning.

L'Oreal Quick Blue is not a great bleach. This could be your issue.

Thanks, I missed that. Yeah, Quick Blue is pretty rubbish, it doesn't lift well.

L'Oreal Quick Blue is not a great bleach. This could be your issue.

Thanks, I missed that. Yeah, Quick Blue is pretty rubbish, it doesn't lift well.

when I buy bleach at the beauty supply store, I pretty much buy what's available.  I've used various kinds over the years, and unless the bleach is old/stale, they all have seemed to lift about the same.  I've been told in the past that "bleach is bleach", (again, assuming it's not stale).  I always use 40 volume developer without any damage to my hair - I don't bleach a lot or often, and it's just for roots or highliting, and am careful to condition well.  So far, it hasn't been an issue for me, and I found that any lower volume, I get very little lift. My hair seems to be somewhat resistant to lifting.  That's disappointing to know that Quick Blue is not good.  It seems to have gotten very good reviews on amazon, although I know a lot of those could be fake reviews.  I agree that openness is a good thing between client and stylist.  But as I said, when I somewhat joked with her about the products she uses, sort of hinting around that i'd like to know, she politely said that even if I DID know, it wouldn't do me any good because i'd never be able to buy what she buys through professional sources. I don't know if that's true or not, but she seemed to gently discourage me from finding out too many specifics of what she uses.  I doubt she would ever tell me anything specific, other than general brand or line because according to her, "it wouldn't do me any good to know anyway", as I can't purchase what she purchases.  I like her, she's a really good colorist, so don't wish to push the issue with her.  For now, I'll probably continue to pursue the purple/blue (or whatever it is) in the bleach and see how that goes. If it works, I'll report back! 

When you say you use 40 Vol on your roots, do you go right up to the scalp with it? I've been led to believe that 40 vol is for off-scalp processes as you risk chemical burns to the scalp otherwise.

When you say you use 40 Vol on your roots, do you go right up to the scalp with it? I've been led to believe that 40 vol is for off-scalp processes as you risk chemical burns to the scalp otherwise.

Yes, I usually go up to or very near the scalp and have never experienced any burns or problems so far...that doesn't mean it couldn't happen, but if I were to feel any sort of burning, I'd stop and wash it out or keep it away from the scalp.  Maybe I've just been lucky so far, but I've personally hever had a problem using 40 vol

I think by the time you felt it burning the damage would be already done, but as long as you know the risks involved and are happy to keep using it, I just didn't want to not mention it as I'd have felt awful if I didn't and you did get a chemical burn!

The better the powder is, the more you can get away with a lower volume peroxide. Peroxide is peroxide, doesn't matter what you use, but a good quality powder is very important. I like Blondor or Blondme.